Snow-Topped Chocolate Mint Cookies

Our family volunteered for several summers, taking in Japanese students from a student exchange program. Our older daughters were taking Japanese language classes at college during this time.

This is a family favorite cookie recipe from 2008 translated from Japanese.

Kris Krinkles (or Snow-Topped Chocolate Mint Cookies)
2 C. mint semi sweet chocolate chips, divided
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1 ½ C. flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
confectioner’s sugar

1. In microwave, melt 1 c. chocolate chips: set aside to cool.
2. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in melted chocolate chips and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Stir remaining chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.
3. Roll into 1-inch balls, then roll in confectioners sugar. Place 2 inches apart on non-stick cookie sheet. Bake 350 degrees for 10-12 min. or until edges are set.

Cool for 10 min. before moving.

Chilly Morning Tea Time

I have bee playing with tea the last couple of months. My current favorite is the above!

One tea bag of each, seep in my favorite cup, add some milk. It was prefect this morning.

Lazy Weekends Are the Best

So nice to have everyone where they ought to be. So enjoyable to sit and just hangout this weekend.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

I cried and sniffed through most of this movie. They even had geneology in it for pete’s sake.

I laughed a great deal too, but it was so relatable. Aging parents, surley children, working on your marriage while being pulled in all directions.

My husband was sweet and watched it with me. He enjoyed it – he is so old school. He love traditions and our own big family.

Last week we watched his movie pick – London has Fallen.

There is a scene where  Toula is looking at a photo of her daughter Paris before she was a teen. How many times have I done that myself.

20 + Years

For over 20 years (5 children) at this time of the year I would be making lessons plans, gathering unit study supplies and making books lists in preparation for the new school year.
Not this year. This year I am under the shady tree with a cold drink and a stack of my favorite magazines.
#myjobisdone #lastchildgraduated

Birthday Month

July is the birthday month for us. It used to be April, but as our little family has grown via weddings, July is it.

First birthday of the month is our son-in-law. He turned 25 this year. He did not want a fuss. Our daughter/his new wife decorated the chocolate cake I made.

Here is a photo of Juan (on the left), it is his birthday and Josh (AnaMarie -daughter number 3’s beau).