Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Santa Drives a Series of Tubes


My friend, Dr. Monkey von Monkerstein, did NOT originate the internet Secret Santa scheme.  However, he did make it sound enticing enough to encourage me to play along.  The recipient of my virtual gift is
Odile, a blogger in Mexico.  Fun!  I've never been to Mexico, but my mother went, once.  She told a story on herself about her trip to California that included a detour into Mexico for a short gad.  She was enjoying herself and the dry desert air when she realized her left arm was significantly more tanned than her right - from resting it on the car door as she drove.  "I'm not worried", she said to herself.  "I'll get the other one tanned on the way home."

That was my mom.

It's quite likely Odile has more sense than that (at least sense enough not to tell on herself, I'll warrant), and she probably has sense enough to buy her own gifts and get exactly what she wants.  Still, a secret Santa has certain obligations.  I took said obligation on freely, just as my mother freely (and frequently) took on the obligation of telling the world she was a goof.

And so, without further adieu, I present my gift to Odile.  ¡Appetit del bon y Feliz Navidad, mi Amiga!


Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Christmas Cheer to All!

There's nothing like a hot toddy to beat the cold when it settles into the bones. So, I thought I would share my own version of Hot Buttered Rum. Most recipes are so sweet they would throw a whole room into a diabetic coma. This one is light and clean, with just a little sweetness for balance. It gets rave reviews whenever it is served!

Put the kettle on, dear.
Put a little honey in a mug. It's up to you, but I put in a good heaping teaspoon of good, local honey.
Drop a pea-sized bit of creamy unsalted butter in.
Pour in a jigger of quality, golden rum. I've never tried it, but I'll bet a spiced rum would taste just dandy!
Grate a little nutmeg over it.

There's the kettle now! Pour in the steaming hot water and stir! Heaven.

And here's a virtual Buche De Noel I made. Have a slice. You know you want to.