Sunday, December 22, 2019

Sunday Food and Pets Post - Yule Feast!


Hi Everyone!

How are you doing today? I'm trying to catch up with how quickly December is flying by! I have Alex's gift all wrapped and I made our Christmas Eve bags, filled with goodies! I have some stocking stuffers to make and I have to organize myself for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day eating and drinking! So much fun!

Yesterday we celebrated Yule, the Winter Solstice. I made these really neat Ice Lanterns to symbolize the return of the Sun! Click on the link for my tutorial!


For dinner I made a really nice Apple and Pumpkin Soup. This symbolizes my continual gratitude for the fall harvest season. It was a nice soup, a little on the sweet side!

Okay...that thing in the back on the bread board? It was supposed to be a glorious melty Brie bread. I am not including the recipe because it simply did NOT turn out as planned. I made some bread, brushed some herbed olive oil all over the inside and filled it with a Brie wheel. After 45 minutes in the oven it hadn't melted yet, but we ate it anyway because we were starving! It was supposed to represent the Sun bursting out of the darkness! No bursting happened (except my foodie-ego) lol! 😏 It tasted good though! 


Every Winter Solstice I make a Yule Log Cake with Meringue Mushrooms. It takes a lot of preparation and time to make a cake like this, but it's so worth it. We had some for breakfast this morning!! The raspberry jam filling MUST count as a fruit right?


I made some North Pole Cocktails to go with dessert. These are "adult" chocolate milk basically, and go great with cake!


In cheesy news, the Fontinas were a great success! Alex and I opened them up and they tasted amazing!!! I made a video on Rainy Day Cheese Making for anyone interested!


Slowly but surely, the pets start to sneak into the kitchen when I pull out the egg beaters!


Couch potatoes: I love looking over to my right and seeing the dogs all cuddled up together! The cats were very wiley the past week so I have no good photos of them!




I wish all of my friends a happy and cozy Christmas filled with love, warmth and gratitude! Eat drink and be merry! And if you're up to it, see you on Thursday for our art date, the theme is Merry Christmas! 
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49 comments:

  1. LeannaDecember 22, 2019 at 2:41 PM

    The ice lanterns are so pretty and everything looks yummy! The puppies are all snuggled for a long winter's nap. They look happy.

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  2. Rain December 22, 2019 at 2:47 PM

    Thanks Leanna :) Those ice lanterns are so pretty! I'm glad I tried something new this year! I wish I could just nap all winter! What a life our pets have huh? :)

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  3. LeighDecember 22, 2019 at 2:48 PM

    Cake for breakfast! That's my kind of holiday, lol. I've always wanted to try my hand at one of those rolled cakes, but haven't gotten up the nerve. Looks like you've got it perfected.

    The ice lanterns are absolutely beautiful. Very festive. And congrats on the fontinas! A cheese success is always a relief. :)

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  4. Rain December 22, 2019 at 3:02 PM

    Thanks Leigh :) If I'm honest, I stress EVERY time I make the rolled cakes... I even said to Alex yesterday "I hope it doesn't break apart!!!"...I'm always thankful when I see it come together! :) I agree about the cheese success!

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  5. Elephant's ChildDecember 22, 2019 at 3:23 PM

    I LOVE the ice lanterns. I suspect if I tried them here at the moment they would melt very, very quickly but I will keep them in mind for when our cooler weather comes round.
    Your treats look incredible too. I could feel my waist expand as I looked.
    A very happy Christmas to you all (including of course) the fur babies.

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  6. Rain December 22, 2019 at 3:33 PM

    Thanks Elephant's Child :)) A very Merry Christmas to you too! I used to make those ice lanterns with balloons, filled them up with water and froze them. I'm so happy I tried something new this year because they are gorgeous! It's supposed to rain tomorrow so they may melt away! I'll make new ones all winter though, they look so pretty at night next to the walkway! :)

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  7. Lowcarb team memberDecember 22, 2019 at 4:52 PM

    I do like your ice lanterns, they look great.
    Food looks delicious.

    Enjoy your Christmas, my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  8. ChristineDecember 22, 2019 at 5:03 PM

    Pretty lanterns and yummy food! Yay for winter solstice looking forward to longer days

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  9. Toirdhealbheach BeucailDecember 22, 2019 at 6:10 PM

    It looks great as always - the ice lanterns look amazing and the cheese great. Merry Christmas Rain!

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  10. Elkes LebensglückDecember 22, 2019 at 6:31 PM

    the ice is fantastic with the light!!!
    the goodies * cool * the food looks great!
    The cute dog looks that look at me, so cute !!!
    Another nice posting from you.
    Happy Merry Christmas
    Elke

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  11. BeckiDecember 22, 2019 at 7:41 PM

    Your Yule Log and Mushrooms surrounding it looks beautiful and yummy. Wowza, that looks amazing! And your ice lanterns are so beautiful, too! You amaze me, Rain. Merry Christmas to you and Alex!!!

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  12. DVArtistDecember 22, 2019 at 9:28 PM

    Rain everything looks just beautiful. Ice lanterns, food and pets lounging around. Couldn't get much better. Have a happy Christmas.

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  13. MarthaDecember 22, 2019 at 10:22 PM

    What a beautiful way to celebrate. Those ice lanterns are amazing!!!

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  14. Valerie-JaelDecember 23, 2019 at 3:01 AM

    Beautiful post Rain. Your food looks wonderful, and I can imagine how good it tasted. Love the ice lanterns. And your furry friends always make me smile, they have a great home at your place. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

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  15. gigi-hawaiiDecember 23, 2019 at 10:52 AM

    You really have the knack of presenting food so beautifully. You are truly talented. I would love to have a bite of that yule log. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Aloha from Hawaii.

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  16. Jenn JilksDecember 23, 2019 at 11:10 AM

    A yummy post! I love it all. That poor brie!

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  17. sandyDecember 23, 2019 at 5:05 PM

    wow everything looks delicious and those adult cocktails - yes I'll have one or two - ... i always enjoy the photos of your babies ...and one thing i found out with a cat is you can never count on them when you need them around... only when they need warmth on you. silly felines.

    merangue mushrooms - who would have thought - wow. I get enjoyment out of seeing someone like you enjoy Christmas and holidays so much - it is so cool how you get into it to make it special. If I could have gotten away with it when the kids were young i would have just thrown paper plates around, ordered a pizza and be done with it, lol.

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  18. wyomingheartDecember 24, 2019 at 8:51 AM

    Very festive, Rain! Merry christmas from Florida, and love your precious furry baby pics! Hope you and Alex and your babies have a fabulous holiday!

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  19. Debra She Who SeeksDecember 24, 2019 at 12:16 PM

    Your ice lanterns are awesome (the nicest I've ever seen!) and so is that yummy-looking Yule Log cake! Wishing you and Alex a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2020!

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  20. peggy gattoDecember 24, 2019 at 1:39 PM

    A feast for the eyes!!! All warm and cozy!! Merry to you!!!

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  21. Tracey@HotchpotchcreationsDecember 24, 2019 at 11:41 PM

    Merry Christmas Rain, don't all your beloved animals look so cozy all snuggled together such a sweet vision. Their eyes tell just how loved they are.
    Melted or not the Brie bread sounds divine as does your yule log, I know how much hard work they can be but worth every mouth full.
    Enjoy your festivities & Happy Holidays Hugs Tracey xx

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  22. Beatrice P. BoydDecember 24, 2019 at 11:53 PM

    Rain, I so enjoyed seeing all the wonderful foods you prepared for your celebration for two. You always plan the coziest and delicious-looking foods and those desserts made me wish I was there as well. Thanks for all your wonderful posts and for always including all the pets as well. I am happy to have "found" your blog recently and look forward to reading more in the coming New Year. Merry 🎄 Christmas to you and Alex and all the pets.

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  23. Sam I Am......December 26, 2019 at 8:25 AM

    Beautiful ice lanterns! I bought some brie but haven't baked it yet. I love fontina cheese...good job on yours! My Mother made the yule log one year....she also made petit fours several times...she made them for guests when they entertained but I never even got a birthday cake...ever nor did they celebrate my birthday. To this day I have never had a birthday cake except the ones I make myself. It's funny though as I have made many cakes and thrown many parties for others birthdays. Sorry, I digress! LOL! That yule log brought back some not so pleasant memories.
    Love the fur babies pictures. That Jack just melts your heart with those eyes! Merry Christmas!

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  24. Nancy In BoiseDecember 28, 2019 at 10:01 AM

    Looks great! We went to a solstice service, lovely. I've made a yule cake like that before with whipped cream filling, yummy! Dogs are funny, food then rest...

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  25. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks so much Jan :) The ice lanterns are really easy to make too!

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  26. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM

    I agree Christine! I've had enough with cold and dark nights! :)

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  27. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks TB :) I hope your Christmas was wonderful!

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  28. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks Elke :) I still light the lanterns every night!

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  29. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks so much Becki! :) Belated Merry Christmas to you too! The ice lanterns really look so beautiful and it's been so cold that they aren't melting at all. I light them almost every night!

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  30. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks so much Nicole :)

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  31. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks Martha :) I'm so happy I tried the ice lanterns! I used to make them with balloons and they never really turned out well!


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  32. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks Valerie :) Our pets make our home extra cozy! Oh the food, too much eating this time of year, but it's so good! :)

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  33. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks Gigi :) The Yule log is really delicious, it's light too, so you can eat a lot of it!!! :)

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  34. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks Jenn :) I know. that Brie...we still ate it though! :)

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  35. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks Sandy :) The adult cocktails go down easy! :) Yes! The felines are very finicky...we are there to serve them that's for sure lol! Your idea of paper plates and pizza sounds very appealing to me right now lol!

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  36. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks Laurie! I hope your Christmas was magical! :)

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  37. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks Dino :) Wishing you a belated Merry Christmas!!!

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  38. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks so much Debra :) The ice lanterns are so magical and pretty! I'm still keeping them lit!

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  39. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks Peggy! :)

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  40. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks Tracey :) The Yule log was definitely the star of the show! I love that cake so much! The mushrooms too, melt in your mouth! :) Isn't it nice to have fur babies at Christmas? I bet your new furball had a wonderful first Christmas with you!!! :)

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  41. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks Dorothy! :) What a wonderful comment from you! :) I'm so happy we found each other too! I'm so glad you enjoy the food and pets posts!! :) We had a lovely Christmas and I hope you both did too! :)

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  42. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks Sam :) Oh petit fours, I need to try to make those one of these years! I remember them when I was a kid and loved them! That's sad about your birthdays! But now you spoil yourself so that's wonderful!! :) Sometimes the food I make brings back horrid memories of my childhood too, I can relate, sorry about that. xx

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  43. Rain December 28, 2019 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks Nancy :) Yes, food then rest for ALL of us!!!

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  44. bailiJanuary 1, 2020 at 3:32 AM

    never seen such gorgeous lantern dear Rain !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    truly wonderful job :)))

    right now it is windy here and in my veranda it is shaky cold day lol
    my fingers are bit shivering so ,sorry if i am not writing perfectly correct way :(

    for got to mention that i liked your pjs so much ,you did beautiful work here too once again :)))
    your crescent and tea near laptop looks so cozy .i think we have seen home alone 1 and two few times ,each time we loved it

    food is amazing and compelling my friend
    and your pet reflect the peace in your house so nicely :)

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  45. Rain January 1, 2020 at 11:12 AM

    Thanks Baili :) Now those lanterns are buried under a few feet of snow! I want to find them and light them again, but it may be a challenge! Shaky cold days are not fun! I spend a lot of time indoors in the winter, I don't like to feel cold either!

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  46. Fundy BlueJanuary 8, 2020 at 7:29 PM

    OMG, your dog photos are darling! I never get enough of them! The ice lanterns are gorgeous! They're much prettier than regular candles. My mother used to make Yule logs, but without the meringue mushrooms. Maybe next year! Alex is a lucky guy! You treat him so well; but then, I have a feeling that goes both ways.

    I'm sorry I got so behind, Rain! The latter half of December was tough for me. I developed a bad limp, and it gave me a lot of trouble and pain at a time I was very busy. We had to delay our trip up to the mountains by one day because I was having trouble walking, and I didn't want Terry's family to know. I'm walking normally now, but the experience rocked my world. I've always been able to count on my velociraptor legs ~ LOL! I hate getting behind!!!

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  47. StefanieJanuary 8, 2020 at 7:41 PM

    Man, you know how to celebrate! Those frozen, light lanterns are cool. Your Yule log looks really good; I had bought a Buche de Noel from Costco last month; it was very good.

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  48. Rain January 11, 2020 at 11:35 AM

    Hi Louise :)) Don't worry, I think all of us are a little behind after the holidays! I am, especially now that I'm busy with the art classes!! I'm glad your leg is better, I rely on my velociraptor legs too, oh that made me giggle! Those ice lanterns are now buried under another foot of snow and will likely not make an appearance ever again lol!

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  49. Rain January 11, 2020 at 11:35 AM

    Thanks Stefanie :) I love those Yule Logs! We used to get the store bought kind too, with ice cream as the filling, they were so good!!

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❤ Thanks for your comment, I love hearing from everyone! ❤ Why not join me and my fellow artists every Thursday for TADD? That's Thursday Art and Dinner Date! It's a lot of fun!
Love,
Rain

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