Snow Day!!

I adore snow. There's nothing about it that I don't like. It blankets the world in a layer of pure, white, innocence. When it snows, everything becomes clean and new. Everything gets a second chance.

Waking up to a winter wonderland this morning, there was only one thing to do...Snow Cream!! This is definitely one of snow's greater attributes, the ability to gather it up, mix it with some sweetened condensed milk, milk, and vanilla, and there you go! So if it's snowing in your area today, put out a bowl to catch some, or wait until enough has accumulated to safely scoop up the top layer, and enjoy snow cream this afternoon.

Next item on my short list today: Dutch Ovens (not the kind that husbands so lovingly expose us to in bed). I received a Le Creuset dutch oven for Christmas in 2008. A few days later, Doug deployed for the year, so I never used it until yesterday. I know, I know, it generally takes me awhile to discover great kitchen tools that I already own. Ha! Anyway, I used it for the first time to make a Chicken and Noodles recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. It was amazing! I think this was the first time that I've ever cooked anything over the stove for an extended period without the bottom burning or noodles sticking to the pan. Incredible! If you don't own one, I definitely suggest putting it at the top of your Christmas list for next year, or just run over to TJ Maxx. They always have them at a discount.

Okay, sweet husband is rushing me to get ready to go driving around in the snow in the Jeep. What are 4wd's for, right?

My last little happy is a recommendation for the best salsa in the universe! I found it at Kroger (okay, a friend recommended it to me last summer, so now I'm passing it on to you!). It's called Garden Fresh Gourmet. They have tons of flavors, but the best is Artichoke Garlic. I wouldn't lead you astray. Go buy some immediately and enjoy.

I will do my best to get back on here and add pictures of these things later on. Until then, have a great day!