We are home again and delighted to be here. There is only about a foot of snow and everything is so peaceful and quiet, it is beautiful.

We arrived home yesterday to find our driveway and parking areas all cleared out, thanks to 2 wonderful neighbours. We are blessed with great folks living around us and it is one of the wonderful benefits of country living that everyone looks out for their neighbours.

We are having problems with our Internet and that is frustrating to both of us. I am typing this at the Libary in town so will keep this post short. We will be looking to see what our options are regarding getting another ISP for us. We Need the Internet at home. Right now all I can say is Xplornet….You SUCK.

So, if I can’t get back online before the holidays, the Gman, da Wolf, Ginger and I wish all of you a Wonderful Christmas, full of happiness, magic and peace.

For those of you who bought our 2012 Calendar this year, a Thank You to each and every one of you.

Hope to be in touch soon,

Annie

Here’s a smashingly simple recipe for Boeterkoek a Dutch tradition in my family. My sons have been enjoying this Cake for as long as they can remember.

This Almond Butter Cake is a recipe that my Mom made for us when I was growing up – and boy, does it taste good! If you like the flavour of Almonds, you will love this one.

The recipe:

Boeterkoek (makes 2 pies)

• 1 cup butter (NOT Margarine, how dare you!)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups white flour
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp almond extract

Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the egg. Mix well and then add the rest of the ingredients.

Grease your pie pans (I use the foil ones) and divide the mixture into the 2 pans.

Then, using a clean butterknife, or the back of a spoon, start patting down the mixture. The next step takes some time – don’t rush it.

Use the back of the spoon to “smoothen” out the mixture. Make it look nice! Then, take a bit (and I mean Just a Bit) of a beaten egg and brush that (ever so lightly) on the tops of the cakes.

Then take a few slivered almonds or almond slices and drop them on the top. Push them in slightly with your finger.

Pop them into a 350 degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes, till they are nice and golden brown on top.

While they are baking, lick the bowl…and the spoon!  I always use the “disposable” pie plates for this cake as I give most of them away as Christmas Hostess goodies. When we go for a drink at the homes of our friends, I like to bring one of these along. I just cover with Saran and put a nice bow on top.

I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like this Christmas treat! I hope you will try it, Enjoy!