Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food

Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

20 December 2010

72 Posts Roundup at Dennys Blogs - 20 Dec 2010

Check out news analysis, political humor, funny quotes, funny videos, cartoons, recipes, science news, music and poetry.




From Denny: This is about three week's worth of posts. Be sure to check out this post over at the science blog, The Soul Calendar, for the rare 500 year total lunar eclipse coinciding with the Winter Solstice tonight.  I like to write my science with a bit of wit.  It's so much easier to absorb facts when the writing is funny.

Also, lots of funny videos, comedy, jokes from the late night comedians lampooning the news and our crazy Congress. Their idea of "logic" is questionable sometimes. :)

For the Christmas and holiday season there are plenty of music videos to soothe the stress after rushing around shopping and visiting.

I've also started developing the arts blog, Dennys Art Sanctuary. It has been languishing far too long. The plan is to feature various artists along with the arts news.

What's also new is that I've started gathering all my poetry onto one blog, Poems From A Spiritual Heart. There are even poems there that have not posted on The Social Poets first.

So, take a look around, decompress, and enjoy yourself! Thank You for all your support this year. It's been a delight to write for you! What a wild ride! :)




The Social Poets: news and political humor

Crazy Week of American Politics Cartoons - 18 Dec 2010 - What a political week. Now check out how the cartoonists lampooned it all.

What Is The Truth About Unemployment In America? - Check out the status of unemployment across America and how high the figure is for the long term unemployed.

17 Christmas Music and Fun Videos - Enjoy some popular and traditional sacred music for the Christmas season, along with some funny holiday flash mob videos.

Gordon Brown Book: 9 Big Banks Manipulating World Economy - Check out the crooked world of global banking.

The International Spy poem - Libations Monday 13 Dec 2010 - Step into the world of the spy and witness the effect they have upon the people they meet - until one day they meet someone who poignantly affects them. A true story from my travels - and childhood.

WikiLeaks, Obama Tax Cuts, Political Humor - 11 Dec 2010 - More Santa and WikiLeaks cartoons for fun.

Sellout Obama and Bush Tax Cuts Firestorm Angers America - Obama continues to bully a bad tax plan down the throats of America.

Funny Lite: Roundup of Late Night Jokes and Videos - 8 Dec 2010 - Check out how the comedians view WikiLeaks and Santa.

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes - Explore a bonanza of Christmas offerings from music to humor to quotes to food and lots of good stories - and poems, both original and traditions from the past.

Funny WikiLeaks Cartoons - WikiLeaks never fails to entertain and outrage the world. Check out the cartoonists lampooning with glee.

American and World Politics Cartoons This Week 4 Dec 2010 - Lots of tax cuts cartoons to make you laugh - or cry.

A Thought poem - Libations Friday 3 Dec 2010 - Have you ever thought about the hidden words behind the words spoken out loud?

Obama Presidency: Dead On Arrival in 2012? - Obama faces a hostile Democratic Party for 2012 reelection.

Funny Situational Hunh?! Cartoons - 29 Nov 2010 - Enjoy some simple humor courtesy of our national cartoonists owning some seriously cracked minds.

North Korea Throws Dangerous Temper Tantrum: Why? - North Korea bombs its neighbor to get the attention of a weary, and increasingly indifferent, world.

American and World Politics Cartoons - 27 Nov 2010 - Lots to lampoon this week for cartoonists as they poke fun at crazy North Korea, the buffoon of the world.

Friday Lite: Best Of Funny TSA Cartoons - 26 Nov 2010 - Check out what America is thinking about those TSA Pat Downs supposedly guarding us against terrorism.

Funny Thanksgiving Presidential Pardon 4 Turkeys Apple and Cider - Check out some funny trivia about presidential turkey pardons.

Funny Thanksgiving Quotes, Video, Cartoons and Food Posts - Enjoy some Thanksgiving humor along with more delectable recipes to make your mouth water waiting for the next holiday.

Monday Lite: Late Night Jokes, Thanksgiving and TSA Cartoons - 22 Nov 2010 - Check out the late night sarcasm about the TSA Pat Downs, Thanksgiving turkeys of the political kind like the Palin pride and Bush Who?

American and World Politics Humor - 20 Nov 2010 - Check out the national mind and the national conversation about politics and American culture this week from our favorite cartoonists.

TSA Pat Downs: PC Sexual Assault? - Furor over invasive sexual airport security measures has thousands across the country furious at the groping.

Posts Roundup at Dennys Blogs - 17 Nov 2010 - Check out news, opinion, silly political humor and funny cartoons, jokes, recipes, poetry, photography, science, spiritual thoughts and great quotes.

American and World Politics Humor - 20 Nov 2010 - Check out the national mind and the national conversation about politics and American culture this week from our favorite cartoonists.





Signe Wilkinson






Dennys Funny Quotes: funny videos, jokes, all silly


Funny Video: WikiLeaks Reveals Santa Naughty List - View a cute problem-solving session on the school playground.

Funny Video: Jimmy Kimmel Pokes Fun At WikiLeaks Assange - Comedians rip silly WikiLeaks founder Assange.

Music Video: Christmas Carol Flash Mob Sarcastic British Style - Hear The 12 Days of Christmas like you never heard it before.

Funny Video: NYC Folate Carolers Flash Mob Sings Christmas - Funny and clever singing and dancing takes New Yorkers by happy surprise during Christmas season.

Funny Video: Jon Stewart Mocks FOX on War on Christmas - Check out glib Stewart as he blasts crazy Fox News for the imaginary War on Christmas brigade marching into their studio.

Funny Video: Jon Stewart On Prez National Displeasure - Stewart pokes fun at the wrong Obama attitude toward Democrats by mocking him.

Funny Video: Jon Stewart Mocks Confederate Commemoration - Enjoy a little North-South humor from Jon Stewart lampooning the Confederate reenacting

Funny Christmas Cartoons - Check out the irreverent cartoonist offerings for the holiday season.

Funny Life Cartoons - 30 Nov 2010 - Enjoy some funny observations about our lives from cartoonists. The names have been changed to protect those who think themselves to be innocent.

Lampooning Crazy North Korea - See what fun cartoonists have had with world politics and that crazy uncle running North Korea.

Funny Life and Pet Cartoons - 27 Nov 2010 - Do you know what your dog is really thinking about you? The cartoonists know. Read on.

Funny Thanksgiving Cartoons - Get a grin at the best turkey cartoons sure to make you laugh.

Funny Holiday Fashion: Gluttony Pants - Get the latest holiday clothing to ensure comfortable holiday feasting.

Funny Life Cartoons - 19 Nov 2010 - Enjoy a grin from the cracked minds of some of our favorite cartoonists.







Beautiful Illustrated Quotations:  soothing music, inspirational thoughts, spiritual

Soothing Piano Music: First Love by Utada Hikaru - A great way to wind down after a busy day, listening to this selection.

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes - Explore a bonanza of Christmas offerings from music to humor to quotes to food and lots of good stories - and poems, both original and traditions from the past.

Music Video: Wheres The Line To See Jesus? by Becky Kelley - Check out the newest addition to Christmas music this season born out of a true story - and a YouTube viral hit.

Music Video: Mary, Did You Know? By Clay Aiken - When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

Music Video: Pie Jesu by Celtic Woman - Learn the meaning and history of this traditional song, Pie Jesu, which hails from ancient Christianity, rearranged by composers throughout the centuries.

Music Video: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Music Video: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

Music Video: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban

Music Video: O Holy Night by Celine Dion

Music Video: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

Music Video: The Christmas Shoes

Music Video: Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill







Visual Insights:  music, arts, photography, humor

Funny Flash Mob Video: Dancing Elf Horde Invades New York City - Get into the holiday spirit with a dance flash mob horde of Santa Christmas elves making mischief in NYC.

Music Video: Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga

Music Video: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole

Music Video: Michael Buble, Jennifer Hudson Christmas Duet - Christmas music for everyone to enjoy.

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes

Fun Break Dance Battle Video: Milky vs. Lil Demon - Check out this fun competition between a little kid and an adult who can barely keep up.





The Soul Calendar:  science news and tech humor

Rare 500 Year Lunar Eclipse Gets Viewed By 1.5 Billion - Check out this incredible and rare cosmic show.

Funny Christmas Tech Cartoons - 18 Dec 2010 - Cartoonists have fun with how our social lives are so intertwined with technology.

Big Show Geminid Meteor Shower In Winter Sky Tonite and Tomorrow - Check out the spectacular show of Geminid meteor showers this week.






Dennys Art Sanctuary:  arts news (finally developing this blog and plan to feature various artists)

Antiwar Street Artist Censored By LA Musuem - Is it censorship of artists or was the director correct?

17 Christmas Music and Fun Videos - Enjoy some popular and traditional sacred music for the Christmas season, along with some funny holiday flash mob videos.

5 Jerkin Dance Tutorial Videos - Learn the how to of the latest dance trend around the world: Jerkin'





Poems From A Spiritual Heart:  all my "little word gifts" in one easy place to view :)

Louisiana Summer Sigh

Eyeing Think Time

Life Of Words

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes - Explore a bonanza of Christmas offerings from music to humor to quotes to food and lots of good stories - and poems, both original and traditions from the past.

Conversations - How much it is to watch people in the act of talking.

People Words - Ever thought about how the air feels when we talk?

Gifts From The Heart, A Christmas Poem - Waging war in our society: the warm simplicity of gifts from the heart vs. the insecurity of goliath consumerism.

Rock, My Children - A poem written during the 911 anniversary that talks about dealing with profound loss, the death of a child.

Rain Blessings - Native Americans divide rain into the two categories of nurturing Mother Rain and destructive Father Rain.

Walk The World - A poem story about sharing our life with others - when we are both in need - to receive the greatest gift.  Though it was written in the summer this is really a timeless story and especially poignant during the holiday season.



*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

The Social Poets - news, politics
The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology
Visual Insights - photos, art, music
Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy
Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints
Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry
The Healing Waters - health news
Dennys People Watching - people in the news
Dennys Food and Recipes
Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

16 December 2010

17 Christmas Music and Fun Videos

Enjoy some popular and traditional sacred music for the Christmas season, along with some funny holiday flash mob videos.




From Denny: A person could spend a lifetime sifting through all the offerings over at YouTube and be happy. What fun to explore, looking for interesting Christmas music to fit a wide variety of reader interests.

Here are the offerings I've gleaned for this year. The first song, YouTube sudden viral hit, is from a newcomer, Becky Kelley, whose father wrote the song after Becky related a conversation from her nephew while they were standing in line to see Santa at the mall.  It's their first published song, a real shock to the music industry who came asking for more of their work.  I guess they had better get busy. :)

And now you have plenty here to help you stress down from  the holiday rush, make you laugh, and even get you pumped back up feeling inspired.


Music Video: Wheres The Line To See Jesus? by Becky Kelley - Check out the newest addition to Christmas music this season born out of a true story - and a YouTube viral hit.

Music Video: Mary, Did You Know? By Clay Aiken - When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

Music Video: Pie Jesu by Celtic Woman - Learn the meaning and history of this traditional song, Pie Jesu, which hails from ancient Christianity, rearranged by composers throughout the centuries.

Music Video: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Music Video: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

Music Video: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban






Music Video: O Holy Night by Celine Dion

Music Video: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

Music Video: The Christmas Shoes

Music Video: Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill

Music Video: Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga

Music Video: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole

Music Video: Michael Buble, Jennifer Hudson Christmas Duet - Christmas music for everyone to enjoy.

Funny Flash Mob Video: Dancing Elf Horde Invades New York City - Get into the holiday spirit with a dance flash mob horde of Santa Christmas elves making mischief in NYC.

Music Video: Christmas Carol Flash Mob Sarcastic British Style - Hear The 12 Days of Christmas like you never heard it before.

Funny Video: NYC Folate Carolers Flash Mob Sings Christmas - Funny and clever singing and dancing takes New Yorkers by happy surprise during Christmas season.

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes - Explore a bonanza of Christmas offerings from music to humor to quotes to food and lots of good stories - and poems, both original and traditions from the past.



*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

The Social Poets - news, politics
The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology
Visual Insights - photos, art, music
Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy
Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints
Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry
The Healing Waters - health news
Dennys People Watching - people in the news
Dennys Food and Recipes
Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

08 December 2010

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes

Explore a bonanza of Christmas offerings from music to humor to quotes to food and lots of good stories - and poems, both original and traditions from the past.




From Denny:  The adventure of blogging began two years ago and I've never looked back. Talk about fun! Christmas will always remain my favorite time of the year. Yes, I'm one of those people who holds in their heart the mantra of "I Believe!" Santa represents the goodwill spirit that humanity needs to cultivate and spread in abundance from generation to generation.  Goodwill is the fuel we all need on the Path of Hope as each generation struggles to learn and grow.

These posts represent two year's worth of posts. If I keep at it, just think, in a couple of more years I might make it to 100 Christmas posts! :) Take a look and take your pick to nourish your Christmas Spirit and help soothe your stress that always seems to visit during the holiday season.

Thank you for all your support on all my blogs this year! And may you and yours enjoy a wonderful New Year as well!



Lots of Christmas season humor to make you laugh during the stressful holiday rush:


Funny Christmas Conversations Story - Do you remember the funny and downright lame excuses your parents used to give you when talking about Santa coming to visit on Christmas Eve? 3 videos, Cajun Night Before Christmas video poem.

Funny Christmas Cartoons - Check out the irreverent cartoonist offerings for the holiday season.

Funny Holiday Fashion: Gluttony Pants - Get the latest holiday clothing to ensure comfortable holiday feasting.

Funny Life Cartoons This Week - 6 Dec 2010 - Enjoy some laughs while you shop til you drop this holiday season.

The Funny Side of Christmas - Cheeky Quote Day! 16 Dec 2009

Cheeky Quote Day! 23 Dec 2009

Funny Christmas Quotes and More Holiday Fun

Funny Story: Lovable Inflatable Christmas Louise - Don't you just love it when your friends send you these hilarious emails by anonymous authors?

Santas Curmudgeon Version of The Christmas Story

Funny Essay on Why Santa Must Really Be A Woman - Check out the funny reasons why someone thinks Santa might really be female (warning: slightly risque Photoshop photo)

Roundup of Late Night Funnies 28 Dec 2009

Lampooning Late Night Funnies Roundup 21 Dec 2009

Roundup of Late Night Funnies 7 Dec 2009

Editorial Cartoons 5 Dec 2009

Fun Christmas Blog Post Dividers and Animations



Holiday Food:

Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes






Serious Christmas posts, poetry and music:

Gifts From The Heart, A Christmas Poem

A Man In Love - A true story of just how far a man will go to survive when he is in love during war time - a holiday poem story about the struggle for love reunited.

Christmas Poem: Some Children See Him

Christmas Love Story: The Burglars Christmas

Christmas Story: The Gift of the Magi

Christmas PEACE Poem by Longfellow: Christmas Bells

Original Christmas Poem Story: The Night Before Christmas

The Nativity Christmas Story Retold Thru Unusual Questions

Christmas Story: Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

Christmas Story: Christmas Day in the Morning

Lanugages of the World: How to Say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Original Story by Dickens: A Christmas Carol






Music videos:

Music Video: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Music Video: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

Music Video: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban

Music Video: O Holy Night by Celine Dion

Music Video: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

Music Video: The Christmas Shoes

Music Video: Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill

Music Video: Mary, Did You Know? By Clay Aiken




*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:

The Social Poets - news, politics
The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology
Visual Insights - photos, art, music
Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy
Best Spiritual Posts
Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry
The Healing Waters - health news
Dennys People Watching - people in the news
Dennys Food and Recipes
Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

21 November 2010

Chef Paul Deen: Easy Holiday Cola-Basted Ham, Cranberry Sauce

Check out a simple recipe that is always a bit hit with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ham!


From Denny:  Chef Paul Deen always laughs and has fun whenever she cooks. In this video her husband is helping on The Today Show kitchen set, preparing the cola basted ham. It's a traditional ham that Paul makes at her restaurant every year at Thanksgiving as it is a Southern favorite.

Basically, all you have to do is get a cooked ham, pour cola on it, stud it with whole cloves and pineapple slices (anchor with toothpicks), then place brown sugar on top and bake. Make sure to use your baster brush while it's baking to mop up the cola and brown sugar as it mixes with the ham fat and re-baste the ham. Talk about both simple to make and very delicious. It's no wonder this simple recipe has survived the test of time! :)

Paula's recipe for a cranberry and cream cheese sauce is a beautiful presentation as it is a layered look of red and white for the holidays. Adding the cream cheese also tones down the tartness of the cranberry taste.


*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes


If video fails to load properly, go here.





Cola-Basted Ham

From: Paula Deen

Makes: 20 to 30 servings

Ingredients:

1 18-pound cured ham
2 (12-ounce) cans cola
Canned pineapple rings
Brown sugar
Maraschino cherries
Cloves

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Place ham in a shallow roasting pan. Baste the ham with cola. Using toothpicks, stick some pineapple rings on the ham, about 4 or 5 rings.

Sprinkle some brown sugar on the rings. With toothpicks, place a cherry in each pineapple ring hole and then stick some cloves in the rings. Cover the ham with foil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes per pound of ham, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. Baste with cola about every 30 minutes during cooking.





Mrs. Hoggle's stuffed cranberry sauce

From: Chef Paula Deen

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 16-ounce can jellied cranberry sauce, chilled
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise until creamy — it needs to be spreadable.

Add pecans and mix well. Slice cranberry sauce in 1/4-inch rounds and spread cream cheese mixture on one round and place another round on top, sandwich style. Keep in fridge until time to serve.


*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes



*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

The Social Poets - news, politics
The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology
Visual Insights - photos, art, music
Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy
Best Spiritual Posts
Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry
The Healing Waters - health news
Dennys People Watching - people in the news
Dennys Food and Recipes
Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

08 December 2009

Edible Christmas Decorations and Chocolate Cookies From Nigella

From Denny: Nigella Lawson is such a joyful spirit and I always enjoy watching her. Her recipes are easy too. These cookies are so easy she says that they can't be ruined when children are involved in the merry making. Now there's nothing better than that endorsement! You don't have to stress about perfection and the kids don't have to stress about getting criticized for making a mistake. This cookie dough is very forgiving - as we all should be this holiday season. :)



For some reason this video is not available for embedding so here's the link if you wish to view it:



Video: Nigella's Tasty Christmas Treats







Edible Christmas Tree Decoration



From:
Nigella Lawson



Makes: approx. 35-40



Nigella: I couldn’t have Christmas without these, or at least, not happily. Rituals are essential to give us meaning, a sense of ceremony, and making these peppery gingerbready edible decorations is how I have always marked with my children that Christmas had begun.



INGREDIENTS



For the cookies



• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• Pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1-2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) soft butter

• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, beaten with 1/4 cup runny honey



For the icing and trimming



• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 2 tablespoons meringue powder

• Edible gold or silver sprinkles

• Florists’ ribbon for hanging



DIRECTIONS



Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and pepper in a food processor and, with the motor on, add the butter and sugar, then, slowly, the beaten eggs and honey, through the feed tube, though don’t use all of this liquid if the pastry has come together before it’s used up.



Form two fat discs and put one, covered in plastic wrap or in a resealable bag, in the refrigerator while you get started on the other.



Preheat the oven to 350 F and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Then dust a work surface with flour, roll out the disc, also floured, to about ¼ inch, and cut out your Christmas decoration with cutters of your choice, which could include fir-tree shapes, angels, stars, snowflakes, and so on.



Re-roll and cut out some more, setting aside the dough scraps from this first disc, well covered, while you get on with rolling out the second. When you’ve got both sets of leftover clumps of dough, roll out and cut out again, and keep doing so till all the dough’s used up.



Now take a small piping nozzle and use the pointy end to cut out a hole just below the top of each cookie (through which ribbon can later be threaded).



Arrange the pastry shapes on the lined cookie sheets and bake for about 20 minutes: it’s hard to see when they’re baked, but you can feel; if the underside is no longer doughy, they’re ready. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.



Mix together the confectioners’ sugar with the meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water, beating it until it’s thick enough to be able to cover the cookies with a just-dripping blanket of white. Carefully ice the cold decorations, using a teaspoon (the tip for dripping, the back for smoothing), and scatter sparkles or sprinkles as you like. When the icing is set, thread ribbon through the holes and hang on you tree.







Christmas Chocolate Cookies



From:
Nigella Lawson



Makes: approx. 24



Nigella: I love these dark, fat patties of chocolate shortbread exuberantly topped with festive sprinkles. There’s something so cheering about the sight of them, but they have more in their favor than looks: They are a doddle to make, and meltingly gorgeous to eat.



INGREDIENTS



• 2 1/4 sticks (18 tablespoons) soft butter

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder



For the festive topping



• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1/4 cup boiling water, from a kettle

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Christmas sprinkles



DIRECTIONS



Preheat the oven to 325 F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.



Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl and, when you have a light, soft whipped mixture, beat in the 1/3 cup cocoa powder (sifting if it is lumpy) and, when that’s mixed in, beat in the flour with the baking soda and baking powder. Or just put everything in the processor and blitz, if you prefer.



This mixture is very soft and sticky and I find it easiest to form the cookies wearing my disposable vinyl gloves, so pinch off pieces about 1 tablespoon in size, roll them into balls, then slightly flatten into fat discs as you place them, well spaced, on your cookies sheet; you should get about 12 on at a time.



Bake each batch for 15 minutes; even though the cookies won’t feel as if they’ve had enough time, they will continue to cook as they cool. They will look slightly cracked on top, and it’s this cosy, homespun look I love.



Remove the cookies sheet to a cold surface and let it sit for 15 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack, with a sheet of newspaper under it (to catch drips while topping them).



To make the topping, put the cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, water and vanilla extract into a small saucepan and whisk over a low heat until everything’s smoothly combined. Take off the heat for 10 minutes.



When the cookies are cool, drizzle each one with a tablespoonful of chocolate glaze — to glue the sprinkles on in a minute — using the back of the spoon to help spread the mixture, though an uneven dribbly look is part of their charm. After you’ve iced 6 cookies, scatter with some of the Christmas sprinkles, and continue thus until all the cookies are topped. If you ice them all before sprinkling, you will find the cocoa “glue” has dried and the sprinkles won’t stick on.



*** Thanks for visiting! All these Christmas clip art and animations are FREE for use on your blog or site, enjoy!



*** For more recipes check out Comfort Food From Louisiana!



05 December 2009

The Usual Suspects - Editorial Cartoons 5 Dec 2009

From Denny: The Secret Service took a beating this week as well they should have, how lame can you get? Tiger Woods took another beating, this one from his irate wife fed up with his sleeping around. You go, girl! Send her to Afghanistan to win the war suggests one cartoonist. :) Obama announces his controversial plans to escalate in Afghanistan while the rest of us are war weary. And plenty of Santa cartoons to get you in the mood for the holiday season...

Secret Service and their lame excuses as to why they did not protect the President or the Prime Minister of India adequately... It might as well have been Bart Simpson in charge of security.







Health care:



Iran dilemma of thumbing their nose at world and going ahead and building now 10 times the number of nukes:



Obama's Afghan War controversial strategy that's just wearing out the public patience after eight years of expensive wars burdening the taxpayers and costing jobs:









Tiger Woods getting beat up by his irate wife for having an idiot affair. It's bad enough the guy is known for being a bad tipper, emotionally stingy and cheap on philanthropy. "Do ya think?" Karma is on his case...?









And to get you in the mood for Christmas...
















*** Thanks for visiting and keep laughing!

Funny Editorial Cartoons 5 Dec 2009

From Denny: The Secret Service took a beating this week as well they should have, how lame can you get? Tiger Woods took another beating, this one from his irate wife fed up with his sleeping around. You go, girl! Send her to Afghanistan to win the war suggests one cartoonist. :) Obama announces his controversial plans to escalate in Afghanistan while the rest of us are war weary. And plenty of Santa cartoons to get you in the mood for the holiday season...

Secret Service and their lame excuses as to why they did not protect the President or the Prime Minister of India adequately... It might as well have been Bart Simpson in charge of security.







Health care:



Iran dilemma of thumbing their nose at world and going ahead and building now 10 times the number of nukes:



Obama's Afghan War controversial strategy that's just wearing out the public patience after eight years of expensive wars burdening the taxpayers and costing jobs:









Tiger Woods getting beat up by his irate wife for having an idiot affair. It's bad enough the guy is known for being a bad tipper, emotionally stingy and cheap on philanthropy. "Do ya think?" Karma is on his case...?









And to get you in the mood for Christmas...
















*** Thanks for visiting and keep laughing!
Related Posts with Thumbnails

Ratings and Recommendations by outbrain