by Marianne M.
Member since:
February 15, 2006

PHOTO ESSAY - These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Holiday) Things ...

December 10, 2008 01:09 PM EST (Updated: December 11, 2008 06:44 PM EST)
views: 131 | rating: 9.4/10 (15 votes) | comments: 29

PHOTO ESSAY - These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Holiday) Things ...

I finally got serious about Christmas yesterday and brought the boxes of decorations down from the attic and up from the basement. It's so much fun to unwrap my favorite holiday treasures after they've been stored away since last year ... Christmas decorations are mainly red and green at our house, with a few other colors thrown in for good measure!

We have a great collection of nutcrackers and smokers. I got my first nutcracker about 35 years ago. I lined them up on the built-in buffet in the dining room, then strung some colorful Christmas cards above them.

We have a vintage Tom & Jerry set that belonged to my dear mother-in-law. She was a true Southern belle, but that's another story. We don't serve Tom & Jerry's but I love the way the bowl looks filled with old glass ornaments. I also set up a pair of decorated table trees on my serving cart, flanking the Tom & Jerry set.

TOM & JERRY RECIPE - from allrecipes.com
Warm & creamy .... warms you right up!

Serves 24

INGREDIENTS
•    12 eggs
•    1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
•    20 fluid ounces brandy
•    24 cups milk
•    1 pinch ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
1.    Separate the eggs. In a large bowl beat the egg whites until frothy. Whisk in 3/4 cup of the confectioners' sugar and beat until stiff peaks are formed.
2.    Beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar and about 4 to 5 tablespoons of the brandy until light and lemon colored. Fold the egg whites into the egg yolks and refrigerate.
3.    In a large stock pot heat the milk until hot but do not boil. Reduce heat and keep milk hot.
4.    To each mug add 2 tablespoons brandy (or more to taste) and 1 large heaping tablespoon of egg mixture. Stir and fill mug with hot milk. Place another tablespoon of egg mixture on top and sprinkle with nutmeg.

And now, the dining room is ready for Christmas Eve dinner ...
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Comments: 29

Rob Appell Dec 10, 2008, 1:27pm EST
What? No cookies as part of your favorite things? You're lucky I don't know where you live. I collect wooden soldier nutcrackers, too. I'd have to sneak in and take yours. I leave mine on display all year long. Currently, I have 55 of them all lined up along my living room floor.
Denise E. Dec 10, 2008, 1:38pm EST
These are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your collections with us.
Trish A. Dec 10, 2008, 1:41pm EST
Your house looks lovely. We're not decorating this year since we'll be away. This makes me want to drag all of the Christmas decorations out anyway.
Alison H. Dec 10, 2008, 1:51pm EST
I enjoyed seeing your special Christmas things, Marianne. You really know how to create a festive atmosphere in your home. Thanks for sharing it with us!
☀ Aunt Shanny Dec 10, 2008, 2:09pm EST
Back to comment, shortly. Dulce is whining at me...
Awesome!

I'd never heard of Tom & Jerry's before. I wish I was having a party so I could try them out! I don't think 20 oz. of brandy is enough, though. ;o)
~♥~ Kim ~♥~ Dec 10, 2008, 7:33pm EST
I looked through your photos. You have a beautiful home with lovely decorations! :)
Digital Diva S. Dec 10, 2008, 8:36pm EST
Cool photos! And Thanks for the recipe.
Crystal R. Dec 10, 2008, 8:39pm EST
My mom made us a drink last year. I don't think it was Tom and Jerry's but was close. It was an old old recipe from my grandmother. It was so nice to have that small reminder of her to share with the family. I think my mom was very excited to share it with us and pass it down.
~♥~ Kim ~♥~ Dec 10, 2008, 9:33pm EST
Thank you for posting at ~Holiday Trimmings~! ~Holiday Trimmings~
Sherrie H. Dec 10, 2008, 11:38pm EST
I've had Tom and Jerry's - many years ago, and they were wonderful. Great memories.
mary bryant Dec 11, 2008, 8:02am EST
very nice
Thanks for posting to christmasmemory.gather.com
☀ Aunt Shanny Dec 11, 2008, 11:27am EST
I'm back! Sorry 'bout that. I had another back injection yesterday and it HURT. I ended up curled on the couch with a heating pad and movies.

Still hurts.
☀ Aunt Shanny Dec 11, 2008, 11:28am EST
Now that I am done whining, I can fully appreciate your post :)

I am not sure if I would like this or not. Could you make and send me some for a proper sampling?
Marianne M. Dec 11, 2008, 11:34am EST
Shan .... I'm so sorry for you! And whining is definitely allowed over here!
Victoria H. Dec 11, 2008, 11:35am EST
Recipe sounds good. I'm heading to the photos to view and comment now.
Lucky Stars Dec 11, 2008, 4:26pm EST
Your home looks so full of holdiday cheer!
The recipe sounds interesting. Maybe I'll try it out on my Christmas party guests.
Jenna is around here somewhere s. Dec 11, 2008, 5:17pm EST
The name of this drink brings back memories,I always remembered by the cartoon,but had forgotten,I remember my parents ordering them when we went out to eat,and I was way underage.... and they looked and smelled awesome served in a coffee mug,So these have been around a long time....

Will have to try this one..
Jenna is around here somewhere s. Dec 11, 2008, 5:17pm EST
Loved the photo's
William Dotani Dec 13, 2008, 11:41am EST
Just make sure Santa has room to walk. You understand that all the eggnog and cookies has made the chimney a tighter fit.
Curt L. Dec 14, 2008, 1:42pm EST
Love this post, Marianne! Thank you!
Ellie !. Dec 14, 2008, 6:30pm EST
Looks like fun.
Phyllis R. Dec 14, 2008, 10:50pm EST
Love all your pictures...........LOVE those old glass ornaments too, -- they are always my fav from childhood!
Carol B Dec 19, 2008, 10:03am EST
I will have to try this Tom and Jerry stuff, sounds good. Your decorations and home are lovely.
William Dotani Dec 20, 2008, 5:16am EST
Merry Christmas. I hope it is a time of good cheer.
Natalie Neal Whitefield Dec 24, 2008, 3:09pm EST
Warm and welcoming. What a lovely way to celebrate! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

David C. Dec 26, 2008, 9:46am EST
nice photos, Merry Christmas!
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Feb 17, 2009, 11:04am EST
OH, its a drink! I thought it was in honor of the cartoon characters!

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