It’s the end of the world as we know it….and I feel fine.

It’s Friday, December 21st, which can only mean one thing.
CHRISTMAS IS IN 4 DAYS! WA-HOOO!!!!
Nah, I’m kidding.
What it really means is that it’s Friday Favorites day.
Oh, and also, the world’s gonna end.

I know I’m not the only one scoffing at the Mayans and making jokes about doomsday and the apocalypse.  Yesterday, Thing 1 had us in stitches reading tumblr updates from Australia about the kangaroos taking over and cows roaming the streets.

But I’m looking out my office window as I type this and see only a beautiful sunrise over white snow (and no, it’s not 5:30 a.m. – up here in the frozen nort even the sun doesn’t want to get out of bed until after 7); I see no evidence of the planet Niberiu hurtling toward earth or zombies coming from the woods.  I think we’re clear, folks.

*Update*- it is now 2:39 p.m. and Minnesota is still here. I repeat – Minnesota is still here.
Although, I’m thinking Minnesota might be one of the last states to succumb to fire and brimstone what with all the lakes and snow so we may very well still be in imminent peril.  So maybe I’ll go mix a little afternoon Appletini just in case…..

But apocalypse or no apocalypse, I’ve got a few Friday Favorites to get out of the way here and cookies to bake and presents to wrap. So let’s get crackin’.

1. Homemade toffee –
My sister in law is a fantastic baker. With 5 kids (now mostly all grown up), it’s been a skill that has served her well.  Every Christmas she makes homemade toffee and the little baggie full of buttery and nutty goodness is something I look forward to getting in the box she sends even more than the presents (but because I know she is reading this, let me assure you I like the presents just fine!).
This year (meaning 2 hours ago) I decided to make some to give out as gifts to the people that I like (because I certainly don’t want to give something so delicious to the people I do not – like the garbage man. He’s a grump and never waves back at me. Could be the sight of me in my parka over my pj pants and bathrobe frightens him, but still).  Anyway, she’s given me permission to share the recipe.  So speaking for her – you are welcome.

*note – you should have a candy thermometer before you attempt this. And unlike myself, you should have one that actually clips to the side of your saucepan. My hand got mighty toasty.

The BEST toffee you’ll ever eat
chopped pecans (most of a bag)
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 – 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)
Decorative sprinkles (optional)

Step 1:
Spread chopped nuts in the bottom of a 9×13, ungreased, baking dish. I used pecans.

Step 2:
In a saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 cup butter (not margarine) and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar to 280° or 290°.  This is where the candy thermometer comes in handy.  And an oven mitt if the clip does not work.

When you first start cooking, it is really runny.  As it heats it bubbles up and becomes thicker.  Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick!

Step 3:
Pour and spread over nuts.

Step 4:
Sprinkle a cup or so of semi-sweet chocolate chips on top.  Eat the rest of the bag one at a time so you do not feel so guilty.

Step 5:
Wait about 5 minutes for the chocolate chips to melt and spread them like frosting.
Top with festive sprinkles if you wish (I wished).

Step 6:
Break up into pieces with a knife when chocolate is set — which can take several hours. Don’t be tempted to put in fridge, your chocolate will get white spots.

2.  Sugar cookies –
It’s a long standing family tradition to make cut-out sugar cookies a few days before Christmas and disappear after a few minutes of decorating leaving mama to finish frosting and the entire kitchen mess to clean up.
So you might be wondering why it made the favorites list.

….yeah, I’m still wondering about that, too.

But I guess it’s because it’s a tradition. And family traditions are awesome, even the ones that can irritate us yet ultimately make us chuckle and feel thankful to be irritated – year after year after year.

Here’s the recipe we use now – thanks to my good and longtime friend who makes the most spectacular tasting and beautifully decorated sugar cookies I’ve ever seen.  Here’s a photo of the ones she brought all the way from Seattle to me a couple of weeks ago when her family was in town.

Told ya.

Sugar cookies

I just made a double batch of dough.
Tonight, we decorate.

*fast forward 4 hours. Here’s a sampling of our finished products ~

The reindeer head is just a small gingerbread boy upside down. Thanks, pinterest.

3.  Elf –
I know, I know. UNORIGINAL favorite, Michelle.
And I know it’s probably on your list as well.  Really, has anyone ever met a person who does not like this movie?  I’d be highly suspicious of them, I have to say.
But tonight, after the cookies are iced and the kitchen is cleaned up we’ll all gather in the basement for our annual family viewing.  And it’s one of my very favorite nights of the year.

So I’m gonna leave you with 3 more of my favorite Buddy moments –

And look at that – it’s now 5:00 p.m. and we’re still here.

Stupid Mayans.