Happy Saint Nicholas Day

In honour of my husband's Romanian roots, I wish you a Happy St. Nicholas Day!  I found this web site which shared a little insight on this special custom; "on the night of December 5th, boots are cleaned and carefully polished to be put by the door or on the windowsill to wait for St. Nicholas' (Sfantul Nicolae) visit. He is generous to adults as well as children, putting a little present in each boot. In some areas branches or thin twigs covered with silver or bronze are left as a warning that behavior needs to improve. On the sixth of December, gifts are given to friends, children, and those in need. It is one of the most important Romanian holidays.

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).

When my husband and I visited his parents, last February, his mom made an Apple Cake to welcome us.  Here is a recipe for Apple Cake to help you celebrate the holidays:

Ingredients
5 apples, peeled and cored
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Cut the apples into 1 inch wedges. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until blended. Mix in the baking soda, oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir in the flour, just until incorporated. Fold in the apples and walnuts.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly. May be served warm or at room temperature.

You may frost with your favorite frosting recipe.  I like cream cheese frosting : )

Happy Monday and Happy Holidays,

The Kitchen Witch

Christmas time is here

The Christmas bug has officially bitten my butt.  Today I hauled out decorations, listened to holiday music, and looked through old photos of happy memories.  I stumbled across this photo of a little girl on her sled.  This was taken at a park in Craiova, Romania; it doesn't snow like that in South Texas ; )

Claymation Christmas Carol of the Bells

 Eighties memories

Jambalaya, Oh Me Oh My Oh

I made Jambalaya the other night and it sure was good...and spicy!  I thought I'd share the recipe-I found it in the children's recipe book I bought my daughter.

I found this book at a store named, of all things, "The Kitchen Witch!"  It's a store of nothing but cookbooks and

was the inspiration for the name of this blog.  If you are ever in the "Quarter", please stop by this fun shop.  I don't think you will regret it. ; ) 

Here's a pic of my second bowl.  I think we all went back for seconds.

Jambalaya
2 lbs. sausage ( any kind-I used Andouille)
1/2 lb. cubed ham
1 tbsp. cooking oil
2 med. onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large can diced tomatoes or 4 fresh, chopped
3 cups beef or chicken stock
4 cloves garlic, chopped
salt, black pepper, and cayenne to taste
1/2 bunch shallots, minced
2 cups raw rice

Heat oil in large pot. Fry sausage and ham.  Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery.  Saute 'til limp.  Add the tomatoes and stock.  Add garlic.  Add rice and seasonings.  Stir, bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or so.  Stir to fluff rice.  You may need to add water or a little more stock if on the dry side.  Sprinkle in shallots and cook for 15 minutes longer.  (Watch this last 15 minutes.  I've found it doesn't need to cook as long as that).

Enjoy

Junking Heaven





Over the Thanksgiving break, my mom and I took time to go thru some of our favorite antique stores.  Too, we made a stop at the mall in Brownwood, TX and of all things, it had a "Peddlers" type store inside.  If you've ever been to a "Country Peddler's Show" you may know what I'm talking about.  We have one come thru town about once a season.  I went to my first...ever...back in October in search of baby's stocking, but couldn't find a one.  Peddler shows consist of various vendors selling their wares.  What I noticed was a lot of the same things from booth to booth, really blingy, chunky, jewelry, dip & soup mixes, home decor (mainly consisting of crosses & animal prints-maybe this is a TX thing), and kids decor (mainly little girls stuff in hot pink with black and white zebra prints and peace signs-go figure).  There were some nicely crafted things, just not what I was in search of.  The Peddler in the Brownwood mall, however, was more my speed.  There were vendors with antiques, old quilts and linens, vintage aprons & dishtowels, and yes, even my sought after Christmas Stockings!  Here are some images of things I found @ the Peddler...



This purse is for my friend's daughter who has a birthday just around the corner. It's in honor of the families' weenie dog!

 

Stockings only $8! Front and back views shown

 

and the makings for mon petit bebe's stocking

 



Here's a lovely pair of sparrow toothpick holders.  I found them at a shop in Rising Star, TX





Here's a quilted pillow that I fell in love with...only $4!







and sweet little quilt squares...I'm thinking I may frame them.  What do you think?

one of the cutest aprons I've ever seen...only $2!

I found so many wonderful things and at such good prices.  I couldn't imagine a better way to do my Black Friday shopping than lolling thru antique stores and shops finding such lovely buys.  Waiting in long lines and fighting for gadgets, that's for the birds ; )

Back to Blogland

Hello, all!  I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We went to my mom's and had a lovely visit.  Leaves had actually changed colors, there, unlike the leaves on our trees.  In fact, if you drive around Corpus, it still looks much like it did back in August.  We are, seemingly, in a perma-state of summer in S. Texas

Anywho, back to lovely, cool weather, and fall leaves of every shade, and freshly picked pumpkins and gourds...It was a lovely Thanksgiving.  Here are a few pics and I'll follow up with some pictures of my latest antiquing buys in a day or so.  Stay tuned!

Help in the KItchen

My grandma had this little red booklet in her recipe box for as long as I remember and it remains there 'til this day.  The pages are browning...it was printed in 1980.  As it's name says, it provides "kitchen hints".  I thought I'd share a few from time to time..


Today's hint:
                  Recipes at the ready...To keep recipe books or cards clean while cooking, place under an upside-down glass pie plate.  The curved bottom also magnifies the print and helps keep the cookbook open (and clean).

Happy Sunday, y'all~