Author: Gail

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Peanut Butter Fudge!

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Peanut Butter Fudge! Once a year, my mother would send me a batch of her homemade peanut butter fudge. And, truthfully, I seldom shared it. Not because I was selfish, because it was THAT good! Now that she is no longer able to give me that glorious care package, I have assumed her role for others. The baton has been passed so the family tradition continues. Every peanut butter-lover should try some for yourself. One bite of this melt-in-your-mouth creamy fudge may lead you start a tradition to “Pay it Forward”.
PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE
Ingredients:

3 cups sugar 

3/4 cup butter

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 cup natural peanut butter, creamy

1 teaspoon vanilla

7-ounce jar marshmallow creme
Instructions:

Combine butter, sugar, and milk in a 2-quart pan. Bring to full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling over medium heat for four minutes. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. Be sure to scrape sides as well. Remove from heat. Work quickly stirring in peanut butter until completely melted. Add marshmallow creme and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into greased 9″x13″ pan. Cool at room temperature; cut into squares. 

Saskatchewan Crossing is Oasis in the Wilderness 

Saskatchewan Crossing is Oasis in the Wilderness! At the end of the day when the gas tank is getting low, and you need to stretch your legs, “The Crossing” is a welcome sight. That’s what fur traders and weary travelers must’ve thought, too. The Saskatchewan River is a “swift flowing river” that divides wide-open prairie and majestic mountains. Imagine horse drawn wagons loaded down with rich animal furs. Unsteady crossing points where the river was narrow enough for makeshift rafts hindered safety. Horses were forced to swim in icy cold waters and wagons were guided against strong downstream currents. But survival demanded it. The trading post could make or break a man. This was life in western Canada where dreams were born. 

Dining Outside the Home: Glacier Saloon in the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: Glacier Saloon in the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada! On the lower level of the exquisite Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can relax over dinner with a majestic view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains at your doorstep. Unwinding over cocktails, brings reflections of the day’s wondrous adventure whether it be strenuous hiking, scenic canoeing, exploration of glaciers, or wildlife sightings. The pub and sports bar atmosphere serves up a hearty meal complete with Yorkshire pudding. Talk about comfort food at its best. Well done!

Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise is Canadian Wonderland 

Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise is Canadian Wonderland! Deep into the Canadian Rockies, up a narrow winding road, is a prestigious hotel known as the Fairmont Chateau. This world-class mountain resort, in Alberta, Canada, is nestled along the banks of the emerald green waters of Lake Louise. Not only is it a romantic backdrop for a destination wedding, but the view from a sloping back Adirondack chair, planted among the manicured gardens, is unrivaled. Imagine walking trails, canoe paddling, downhill skiing, or horseback riding on a carefree vacation for rest and relaxation. Don’t forget to pack your camera. 

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Festive Breakfast Pizza! 

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Festive Breakfast Pizza! Whether you prepare a holiday brunch for invited guests or gather ’round the table in your pajamas, this recipe is a winner. Simply because, everyone loves pizza! You now have an excuse to eat it for breakfast, even if you’re “Home Alone”. It has baked eggs, it has shredded potatoes, it has crumbled sausage, and gooey cheese all together over a golden deep dish crust. So there you have it. Bring out the holiday movies, set up the TV tray, and eat pizza for breakfast. Permission granted. 
FESTIVE BREAKFAST PIZZA
Ingredients:

1 pound pork sausage, ground

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/8 teaspoon white pepper 

1/4 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning*

1 green pepper, chopped 

2 ounces pimentos, diced

1 cup hash brown potatoes, shredded 

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 

1 tube prepared pizza crust

5 eggs, beaten 

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage until cooked and crumbly. Drain well. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, white pepper, and Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning. Microwave chopped green pepper on HIGH for two minutes. Combine diced pimentos, green peppers, and sausage. Mix well. For a deep dish pizza, roll out pizza crust and press into an iron skillet bringing dough up the sides of the pan. Layer with sausage mixture, hash browns, and cheddar cheese. Whisk eggs and milk together. Pour over the pizza. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake 30-35 minutes or until eggs are set and crust is golden. 
*I receive no recompense for recommending Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning. 

Walk on Glass at the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park

Walk on glass at the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park. Defy gravity when you take a stroll on a curved glass platform 900 feet above the Sunwapta Valley in Alberta, Canada. The stunning panoramic view of the rugged terrain that sweeps from glacier valley to mountainous peaks is enough to make your stomach turn flip flops like a seasoned gymnast. But don’t let that stop you. This is an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies. 

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Bourbon Balls!

Eating My Way Through the Holidays! Special Edition: Bourbon Balls! Remember the scene from “The Grinch Stole Christmas” where the adults in Whoville are throwing a key party? Well, I’m convinced they may have been nibbling on holiday Bourbon Balls based on the way they were flirting and having a crazy-fun time. Be forewarned. This recipe does contain chocolate and alcohol. You may want to mention it. 
BOURBON BALLS
Ingredients:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

3 tablespoons corn syrup

1/2 cup bourbon

2 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup pecans, finely chopped 

Granulated sugar
Instructions:

Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor to make crumbs. Set aside. Over hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate morsels; remove from heat. Blend in corn syrup and bourbon. In a large bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, and nuts. Add chocolate mixture. Blend well. Chill 30 minutes. Using a melon ball utensil, scoop dough into 1″ balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Store in covered container for several days to season flavor.