Desperately Seeking Gina

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…What December tastes like

I haven’t gone completely crazy like I did back in October with The Month of Pumpkin extravaganza. I just might make this ice cream over and over to get my December peppermint fix.

The chocolate bowl was a sweet added extra.

To make: inflate a small balloon. The smaller the better {I washed the balloon thoroughly just to make sure that powdery substance was gone before I blew it up}. Lightly rub softened shortening over the bottom of balloon, covering only the area you want as your mold-this will help the balloon release later.
Melt a good quality chocolate in the microwave checking constantly. Don’t heat too much or it may pop your balloon! Heat til just melted, you may have to stir to finish melting it.

Using a spoon, drop some of the melted chocolate {about the size of a 50cent peice} onto a parchment/waxed paper lined baking sheet. This will serve as a base for the bowl. Dip the greased end of the balloon into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat. You may have to use a spoon to spread the chocolate. When you have the desired sized bowl, set the balloon upside down in a coffee cup, chocolate side up, and refrigerate until almost set. When the chocolate mold gets to the point where it won’t drip anymore, you can turn the chocolate mold onto your chocolate base to finish setting up {this took only a couple of minutes for mine}. Return the molds to refrigerator to completely set up. I left mine in for about 30 minutes.

To release the balloon: pull up the top of the balloon where the knot is. Slowly prick the balloon with a needle or the point of a sharp knife. You want the air to release fairly slowly so as to not pop the balloon and possibly shatter the chocolate bowl. The shortening should make it easier to pull the balloon away from the chocolate revealing a perfectly shaped chocolate bowl {I tried one with the shortening, and one without. It was much easier to separate with the shortening}.

Fill with ice cream, pudding, mousse, or anything, really.

Print the Peppermint Crunch Ice Cream recipe here.

Print the Chocolate Bowl instructions here.

…Fun Finds

Yes, working at the Maxx is definitely not condusive to saving money. I can generally go for long periods of time without making a purchase, but sometimes, things end up being put away in the wrong places and I run across them. So, it must be fate then, that we were meant to be together forever.
I love these silicone baking cups from Tovolo. They’re cute to look at {isn’t the gingerbread guy so adorable?} and they’re easy to use. I think they’d make a cute hostess gift: bake a cupcake, slide it into a clear cellephane baggie, and tie with festive ribbon. Easy Peesy.

**disclaimer** This is a private blog that has not received any free products in return for review. Products blogged about have been purchased for personal use at an off-price retailer.

…Tofurky Day Recap

I know you’ve all been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for a peak at our Thanksgiving Tofurky. Luckily, I took pictures. I present to you…..tofu turkey {insert appropriate drumroll}.

We splurged and purchased “The Feast.” It came with dumplings, gravy, and even a Tofurky Jurky Wishstix! The dumplings were yucky. Actually, they might have been okay, but I set the plastic wrapped dumplings on the hot stove surface and they all stuck together and turned into a mushy mess that wouldn’t separate; even when we put them in the boiling water to cook. The mushroom gravy was yucky as well. The wishstix was more hilarious than tasty. Too smoky tasting for me.

So, how was the Tofurky, you’re surely asking? It was quite tasty. We both liked it a lot. It came out of the package looking much like a large, round mushroom. We roasted it with some veggies and basted with a sauce of soy sauce, olive oil, and sage. The roasted veggies were delish.

The center of the Tofurky was stuffed with a wild rice stuffing….good stuff.

Here’s my plate. I ate most of it.


I made an awesome Pecan Pie….my first attempt. {okay…actually I think it’s a second attempt…made one for Dad years ago but I don’t think he liked it…this one will blow his mind}. Thom fell in love with me all over again. You can print the recipe here.

I decided to go with good, ole Pumpkin Pie for myself.

I’d tell you what I wished for but then it might not come true!

We had a quiet, enjoyable Thanksgiving day down here in Ark. I spent that evening baking goodies for the potluck at work. Mom called and we booked my plane ticket home for Christmas. Work was crazy busy for Black Friday.

It’s Sunday morning now. I’m having toast and strawberry jam. The house is quiet. And I am content. Hope y’all are as well!

…Happy, Happy!!

Lisa shared this poem on her blog and I love it. So cute!!
‘TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN’T SLEEP
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.
THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED – THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE.
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.
TOSSING AND TURNING IN ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR.
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
‘TILL ALL OF A SUDDEN I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING FLOATING INTO THE SKY
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES
HAPPY EATING TO ALL, PASS THE CRANBERRIES PLEASE.
MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP,
MAY YOUR POTATOES AND GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Wishing y’all a great holiday season and I’m so grateful for your friendship and love!! See you guys in December…cuz…{singing} I’ll be home for Christmas 🙂