Woke up to snow!

They said it was going to happen, and it did. We woke up to snow. Not a lot, about 1 1/2 inches blanket the ground.

Here is a recap of the weekend so far: Honey bless his heart helped get the corner computer desk into the room and everything put back together. I do mean everything! In the process the globe on the ceiling light fixture broke and glass had to be cleaned up. And the the bed frame broke (don't ask, I didn't!) and we had to reset the mattress and box frame, remake the bed and give a good shake (outside) of the top quilt to make sure there was not glass left behind. We were fairly tired when it was time to go to bed.

The tomato soup is done, I will puree it and warm it whisking in some greek style yogurt before serving.

The chilled mint squares are done. In all the commotion of the broken glass and broken bed frame I was not able to get many photos, but I will share the recipe anyway. These are tasty and offer a different use for those leftover candy canes from Christmas. Actually these are so good, it is worth purchasing extra canes on clearance! This is definitely not a Christmas dessert.

The pork and ham stew is done, it will only need a rewarm before serving. I have never had a dish made with herbs de Provence, it sure smelled good cooking. I must pass on Honey's comments " what is that smell?" I replied your dinner tomorrow. "Oohhh, what smells so pingy?". I countered with, don't worry I am also making a meatloaf. He was relieved!

Now lets be honest here, there are several ways that could be "heard" based upon the inflection in one's voice. As an example: "what is that smell (as in I cannot wait to taste it)?" and then there is the "what is that smell (as in I sure hope I don't have to eat it)?" and I do believe that the last one perfectly reflects his personal opinon.

For me that is the fun of Sunday Cafe, make things that are different and enjoy the day.

The double mushroom soup is next. I will put the dried mushrooms to soak while I throw the bread together for the first rise.

I have the green beans to oven roast, but I just realized that Kalyn used fresh beans and I bought frozen, so I may need to blanch these before starting.

The also have the bread to make, and I ammended my task to make only one loaf of dough at this time. I am looking forward to trying the bread. The new bread baking craze is wonderful. Good food does not have to be fussy or stuffy. Sometimes the simplies of foods are the best. The "new" breads are proof of that.

The meatloaf with carmelized onions and sundried tomatoes. This is being made from thought. I have no recipe persay, but everyone knows how to make a meatloaf, this will simply be made jelly roll style with the onions.

Lemon meriengue pies. I am looking forward to a big slice of this for dessert. I love lemon, in any form.

The mashed potatoes and buttered peas are the last to be done. Both simple and can be done while the kids arrive and Honey comes home from work.

It sounds like a lot, but food tasks break down into smaller tasks really well. The day is early and I will have a wonderful meal ready for my family!

Chilled mint squares - must be made the day before.

1 pint of whipping cream
1 c mini marahmallows
1/2 c finly crush candy canes (8-10 canes depending upon the size)
1 sleeve of graham crackers, crushed

Crush the candy canes until you have 1/2 c of candy cane "sugar", there may be some small pieces but you really are going for finly crushed here.

While the graham crackers are still in the sleeve, break them into pieces by pressing the unopened package against the edge of the counter top. That way when you process them in the food processor the broken pieces will crush up much easier and faster than big crackers fighting against the blade.

Empty 3/4 of the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of a 9X13 pan. Reserve the remaining crumbs to sprinkle over the top.

Whip the cream, peaks should form when you lift the beaters.

Fold the crushed candy into the whipped cream, then the mini marshmallows.

Spoon the cream mixture into the pan, even out the thickness. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the top.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate ovenight.

Enjoy!

M