Jessica's Cookies

Our niece Jessica has been spending the weekend with us while her parents are away. It has been nice having her with us. When we woke up Saturday morning, it was no cartoons for this girl... she wanted to watch Food Network. When they made Vanilla Cherry Chocolate Cookies her face lit up and we quickly made some together. Real yummy dough and I found myself sneaking cookies throughout the day.
-Brenda

Vanilla Cherry Chocolate Cookies

2 sticks butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown
1 1/2 tbs vanilla (I think almond extract would be good too)
2 large eggs, room temperature

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

8-12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup coursely chopped dried sweet or maraschino cherries
chopped nuts optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and cherries by hand. Bake for 14 minutes, leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then remove and start eating.

Snowy Service

Yesterday, I was inside when I heard the scrapings of service outside. Ashlee was outside shoveling the sidewalks of heavy snow to surprise us. Ashlee always looks for ways to serve and jumps in with both feet never looking back. She is a doer and I know it brings her much joy in life... we are blessed to be her Mom & Dad.

It snowed for most of the day and night and this morning it is still lightly falling down. I love it! There is nothing more magical then a blanket of white... generally kills business at Pebbles though which is a big downsize. Last night we went to Brick Oven with Larry's family for his Dad's Bday. Two huge tables...one for the adults and one for the kids. With a big family, it's one of our favorite places to go because everyone can find find their favorite something to eat. Yum!
And then Larry and I braved the stores and went Christmas shopping.