Biscotti Blitz

One of the chores I didn't have to worry about at Christmas last year was teacher gifts.  Homeschooling is nice that way. Since our oldest was attending high school, I did make seven-inch cinnamon rolls for him to take in to his teachers.

This year, however, we've got three boys at three different schools. That's seven high school teachers, six junior high teachers, and two 6th grade teachers. (Oh, lest I forget -- two bus drivers & one bus monitor...) Love them for what they're teaching my sons & all; but don't have it in the budget to buy them all $15 St.Arbucks cards.

I love me some biscotti! I'm not a "dunker" like my husband, I'm more of a "nibble & sip-er". Give me a cup of black coffee & a biscotti for breakfast, an.ee.day!

This year I only made six different flavors. (I was a little pressed for time, as I had some cranberry scones to prepare for my online bake sale.) I mixed up some Chocolate Chocolate Chip, 

Cranberry Orange,

Apricot Walnut, 

Frosted Pumpkin, 

 Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, 

and Gingerbread Almond. 

This was about 20 dozen.

Each bag holds two of each flavor 

to make a dozen biscotti to tempt the teacher to taste. 

(I also stuck in one of these in case he or she might be in dire need...)

(source)

Fitz can attest to how delish these cookies were, because I caught him on a chair next to the table attempting to filch a second Gingerbread Almond. (I found evidence of the first under the coffee table...)

singed flowers

Stop me now -- I think I'm addicted!

I started making a couple in school colors for Zach's girlfriend & me to wear to his football games.

(I put a pin on the back so it can be taken off the headband & be worn on a hat or blouse.)

Then I had to make some for Cita's girlies 'cause they were here for the championship game.

Adorable, or what?

Then I had to create a couple for the other nieces because, well, they're girlies, too!

love LOVE loving

Kristy across the water at Paisley Jade reminds us every week:   I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something that you can be thankful for... no matter how simple it is.

So, for this busy week I'm thankful for Christmas angels heralding the Good News of the Season of the Savior:

(Can you see the little battery-operated tea light inside?)

. . . a doggie tug-o-war photographed by my middle son:

(They're actually growling over a squeaky stuffed puppy.)

. . . the same son who quipped, "If it Fitz, it ships."

(My football-loving boys have named him Fitz-Warner after their favorite Cardinals.)

. . . tree captured through the window of an antique shop downtown:

(Don't you ♥ the glass ribbons?)

. . . fleece stocking cap for a nephew turning 18:

(Yes, those are skull letters.)

. . . and being finished with teacher gifts for the year:

(Stay tuned for what's filling those bags...)

Eggnog Cranberry Scones

Are you looking to impress your mother-in-law at the family's Christmas breakfast?  Are you searching for the perfect tasty morsel to bring to that Christmas tea party? Breathe a sigh of relief. You've stumbled upon the answer here!

Frugal Antic's Improv Challenge gives me the opportunity to share this scone recipe I've been developing for a couple months. Inspiration came from various cookbooks and scone recipes found at King Arthur Flour.

Start by letting those dry ingredients get all happy together:

Don't forget the beautiful cranberries!

Whisk up the 'nog & egg:

 give them some Christmas "cheer"

Stir just enough to moisten all the dry ingredients: 

Form dough into two rounds & cut in wedges: 

Place pieces onto baking parchment at least 1/2" apart: 

Brush with additional eggnog & sprinkle with cinnamon sugar:

Chill them while you preheat the oven:

Whip some cream while baking those bad boys:

Devour!

So -- if you're drooling for them, here is the recipe card:

I've prepared these for my guys ("Best ever, Mom!") a ladies' luncheon (rave reviews) & many batches for my online bake sale. Yes, this scone is guaranteed to please!

"NOM - NOM - NOM!"

Things I'm Loving...