I Like Thursday: It's 2020

Happy New Year!

I am getting a head start on my winter weight.  I usually gain several pounds by the end of February... I'm just about there already.  Just take one look at this week's likes and you'll see why.

I made these Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars last week.  I have been experimenting in making caramel because I never remember to buy some to have on hand.  This batch turned out to be more of an adventure than I expected, but overall these turned out nicely.  I still have more pretzels - so I think I'll make them again.

I also made these chocolate figs.  They're stuffed with ganache, then dipped.  Oh, my!  The recipe came from a chocolate cookbook my ex gifted to me years ago.  It was a delightful surprise.  I've not tried many of the recipes, but it's my tempering bible.  The book automatically flops open on how to temper chocolate. 

I have now ordered a new pastry bag after the mess I made trying to pipe the ganache into each fig.  I've made notes so next time should be easier.  Because there will be a next time - these were a hit at Game Day.   




I've had some time to play (not just cook and eat).  My poor Scupley name tag is once again broken beyond repair.  I decided on a smaller version with a pin on the back instead of magnets.  I really like the magnetic ones, but this shouldn't get bumped off when dancing.  I'll make another fabric one that can be magnetic; it won't shatter if it falls on the floor.

Our family cookie party was last Saturday.  Several of us swapped cookies; a few built gingerbread houses.  Look at all the candy for decoration!  There was lots of food and chatter, too.  It was an entertaining afternoon with extended family.  My sister joined me for the long drive to my cousin's house, which made the day fly by.  It's been lovely to spend a large chunk of time with her this last week.

A dancing friend I haven't seen in a few years dropped in on Sunday.  She noticed I had some old store-bought placemats on the table.  I said I hadn't gotten around to making a set of my own.  I never needed them where we lived before.  Well, she happened to have brought a tote stuffed with quilting projects, which included these wonderful place mats.  Love the colors!  I will enjoy using these.

We had a quiet New Year's Eve, but spent the next day playing games.  Learned how to play Azul.  Watched another card game called Anomia that looked really interesting.  I hope to get a chance to play that at some point.  I've missed having regular game days and this was such a treat.  It was wonderful to catch up with some people I haven't seen all year.

I hope you enjoyed your start to the new year.  I'm sure there are more New Year festivities over at Not Afraid of Color's I Like Thursday.