Unwrap peppermint candies, place in a heavy duty plastic zip bag and beat the heck out of them with a frying pan (great for getting your aggressions out). Melt two bags of white chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute, stir and then go another 30 seconds if they are still not melted. Once the chocolate is melted, add the crushed peppermints to the chocolate and stir well. Pour the mixture onto parchment paper and allow to harden. Break apart into two bite pieces.
Gluten Free Sausage Balls!
I have found local sausage here and it's not loaded with tons of crap or have wheat/MSG in it! Huge score for Tony since I made a double batch for a get together with friends on Saturday and they were devoured!
Sunday was a complete lazy day with my three guys. We literally watched tv and hung out the entire day (there may have been a nap or two too). It was amazing! I know the next few weeks are going to be crazy for us, so it was nice to just hang out together with no agenda.
For me, this weekend was filled with friends and family. I felt soooo in the holiday spirit and really loved every second of everyday! I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people! On that note, I want to also say that, unfortunately, the holidays don't always have a happy meaning to everyone. We all go through ups and downs in life and we all have our way of handling these feelings. Goodness knows I've had my fare share. You may not even know the person you're speaking to is going through something. Please make a point to tell those you love and care about that you are there for them and that you do care. Random acts of kindness mean more than you think they do when times are tough.
(side note, just so everyone knows -including Granny- I am good, we have a friend that is going through an extraordinarily hard time and I do think this is important not just during the holidays, but all the time)
To that end, thank you all for being there for me. So many of you have been such an incredible support system for the changes I've been going through. I promise I will be around more soon. I'm almost ready for my final in my nutrition studies and then I will see what the next turn in the road has for me...
Have a great Monday!
So glad you guys had that kind of super relaxed day. You totally deserve that. And you are so right about the ups and downs. They can make you so much more aware of what you have and what you should be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteWow - the nutrition final already??? That's awesome!
The holidays are a stressful time- that is for certain. However, it's great that you guys got a low key weekend before all the Christmas Crazy! :)
ReplyDeleteAh, a relaxed day -- so soothing to the soul during the holidays. Glad you got to take it easy! That peppermint bark looks lovely, too!
ReplyDeleteYour weekend sounded fantasric! I especially love the filled with family and friends part. Also, where do you find dairy free white chocolate because that candy sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you had a good weekend, Sarena! Its so important to keep your family and friends close. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally stealing your white chocolate peppermint bark recipe. We're having a "themed" Christmas this year so I'm trying to make only white desserts and this is perfect!
I also want to know where you find dairy-free white chocolate. I've never found any - kinda figured it was a myth!
ReplyDeleteAww..... so jealous of your relaxing day with your boys (and your naps). I can't wait to have one of those. Yes, we need to remember that the holidays are different for everyone. Thank YOU for being such an inspiration Sarena. Oh I bet 2012 has some pretty amazing things in store for you! :)
ReplyDeleteSo great that you had relaxing family time and also a dose of holiday spirit with people you care about!
ReplyDeleteSounds delightful! Glad you had such a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great weekend!! I've been absent from my blog too...but life is for living, right?!
ReplyDeletePeppermint bark! How awesome! But doesn't white chocolate chips have milk ingredients?
ReplyDeleteI had no idea making peppermint bark was that easy! This is bad news for my jeans ;)
ReplyDeleteFor all that asked, dairy free white chocolate chips are real and can be purchased here, here and here. I get mine from all of those places depending on when I order something.
ReplyDeleteSarena, your links for the dairy-free white chocolate aren't there in your comment. :(
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