Merry Christmas

The holidays are here and Lisa and I are blessed to have a few days off. Together. Which means there is quite a bit going on like the kids coming home, eating, getting together with the Johnson's on Christmas Eve, eating, family games, eating, movies, eating, meals, snacks. And of course preparing for The Big Year.

I know what you are all thinking...."But Dan where is the exercise and running time?" With everything else going on something had to go and we all have our priorities. Looking at my schedule of events above you can see mine. With the temperature  this morning at -14F outside running is not happening, and a drive to Sioux Falls to go to the gym ain't happening either. But this gave me a chance to review my training journal and running log and make goals for next year. As I sat down the first thing I realized is that I don't have a training journal or running log. So there's my goal for next year. Whew that was quick.

I'm sure some of you (misguided as you may be) may be wondering if there is too much time in our schedule for eating. I ask you, what does the evil magician from Frosty the Snowman, the Winter Warlock from Santa Claus is Coming To Town, and Scrooge all have in common? They are all skinny. OK the Winter Warlock is wearing a robe, but just look at his face and hands and you can tell he's skinny. That's the real reason for all the holiday treats, to weed out the evil guests. Anyone who isn't willing to gain a couple of pounds over Christmas.........well let's just say that I wouldn't trust them with my old felt hat. I plan on being jolly this Christmas. Real jolly. This way I don't have to think too hard to come up with a New Year resolution. Another example of "wise".

This makes me "jolly"

Oh Fudge!

I have to say I have very good memories of growing up. Like watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights, popcorn and malts which we still have for supper way too often, and Dad making fudge, which Lisa put on her Christmas baking menu. Of the six items on the baking menu we have two completed. And two other treats baked that are not on the list but that's how we roll, spur of the moment-devil may care attitude. Riiight. But fudge was on the initial list. So that was my mission. Make fudge.

The recipe is fairly straight forward, as far as Mom's recipes in the family cookbook go anyway -sometimes they can be a little vague with terms such as "a little" "some" and "around". But luckily the fudge recipe has definite amounts like "pinch" and "dash." I got this.

FIRST TRY: it says to cook to soft ball stage, so I did. I made it a softball, well it felt closer to a baseball but at least it was the size of a softball.
Lisa asked "Are you going to try it again?"
"I don't know"
she smiles "Yes you are"
I smile, "I know. I can't let this beat me."
After chipping it out of the pan and letting the pot soak for a couple of hours I was ready for round two.
SECOND TRY: I used a candy thermometer on the first batch, but obviously it didn't work so batch two was going to be by feel. And a glass of cold water to test the so-called soft ball stage. It was a nice try. This batch can at least be used as ice cream topping so it wasn't a total loss. And the pan was easier to clean.
THIRD TRY: So if the first batch boiled too long, and the second didn't boil long enough,  that means  it would have been a good idea to time the first two batches. Maybe I'll add this line to my recipe: "Time the first two tries so the third try has a better chance of turning out." Of course that's in hindsight. Yea more ice cream topping......

I wish I could report that Dad's fudge turned out perfect and delicious. I also would like to report that we won the lottery this week-end. It didn't and we didn't. Lisa in her gentle wisdom knows when I am beat. She took pity on me and offered to help, and she needed the pot I was using, and we were running out of ingredients, and I was in her way, and I was becoming a little obsessive. Whatever, I'll take the help. Lisa had a different recipe that did turn out. Finally.

So after 5 lbs of sugar, a container of cocoa, half gallon of milk, a pound of butter and six hours I can cross fudge off the list. And add ice cream topping.