Happy Holidays

I had such fun writing Josephine's Journals. My favorite part was Mrs. Emily and Sabine preparing for a hoiday open house. They decorated and made food for the gathering. Sabine scoured the attic for mirrors, silver, crystal and taxidermy for the decorations. I could put whatever I wanted in the attic and move the tree all over the house without asking for anyone's help, or listening to them complain about helping with the decorating.

Mrs. Emily worked to prepare food ahead of time. These are handy things to have on hand when guests stop by:

Green Grape Cheese Bites

1 bunch of seedless green grapes

4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Wash grapes and allow to dry completely.

Cream together blue cheese and cream cheese.

Separate grapes and carefully press cheese mixture around each individual grape. Roll each grape in chopped nuts. Refrigerate in a covered container until time to serve. Great with cocktails or wine served with crackers.

Scarlet Spoonbill Punch

2 cups chilled Rose wine

2 cups chilled ginger ale

1 cup chilled cranberry juice cocktail

Pour over ice block in punch bowl and enjoy a delicious treat.

Alternative serving idea. Freeze ½ bag of fresh cranberries and pour into the bottom of large crystal pitcher. Pour punch mixture over frozen cranberries.