Christmas 2020

Past Christmases involved gathering as family Christmas Eve at my parent’s place. Dad would read the Christmas story; we’d sing several songs. A gift exchange would follow.  A delicious spread of appetizers and desserts would complete our evening together. Christmas Day we would have a formal festive meal.

Like the rest of the world this Christmas had elements of change. Our little family spent Christmas Day working at our new home. (We’ve been building this past year and need to be moved by the end of January.) Meals were leftovers or whatever we could scrounge quickly!

My kind, generous mother offered to make ham and turkey for everyone’s Christmas meal the day after Christmas. (My amazing sister is an RN and worked Christmas Day thus the late celebration.) What is better than curbside pickup from your mom’s kitchen? I made sides to accompany the delicious entrees provided.

My sister, fondly known as Petunia, gave me this beautiful beeswax candle made locally. It was perfect for our centerpiece.

Our favorite Christmas drink: Wassel

Deliciousness…

Spiraled ham, deviled turkey, roasted sweet potato rounds, sautéed green beans, low carb stuffing and cheddar biscuits was our main course.  Dessert was epic! I was on a quest to recreate past favorite holiday flavors. I made my current favorite chocolate cake (replaced the eggs with chia eggs) that is free of all the things.  I made a decadent filling with cream cheese, whipped cream, vanilla, a few drops of LORANN peppermint oil, a pinch of xanthan gum and sweetened with stevia. A ganache made with Lily’s white chocolate chips was drizzled over the filling. I garnished the top with crushed SF peppermint candies. This cake was dreamy and perfect with a cup of coffee. 

Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Sharing simple everyday joys together matters to me. I’m grateful I get to call these peeps my family! Though Christmas held elements of disappointment I’m grateful we’re together, well and safe.

Braised White Beans for Zoe’s Fans

We are always on the lookout for restaurants that are suitable for dietary restrictions. While eating out is not our norm, it is a treat. Those of you with food restrictions understand the joy of eating something you did not have to create and knowing it is safe. Continue reading “Braised White Beans for Zoe’s Fans”

Hold Those You Love, Close

There are some stories that almost take your breath away. They make you stop and think about the things in life that really matter.

Last Sunday evening Eric received a phone call from a friend of ours, Darrell Yoder. He was passing through the area heading for home and wondered about spending some time together.  Continue reading “Hold Those You Love, Close”

Perfect Pickles the Easy Way

It’s been a long while since I’ve taken the time to sit down and blog. Life in the Hershberger household is still much the same as where I left off this time last year. A few more recent happenings include: building a new house, (I hope to post some pictures soon.) and learning to eat the THM way (Trim Healthy Mamma). I know I was supposed to list three things but I couldn’t think of a third option that you’d find interesting and this isn’t English 112. Continue reading “Perfect Pickles the Easy Way”

Summer Chicken Avocado Salad

Here is one of my favorite summer salads. Simply layer the following ingredients on a dinner plate:

  • green or red leaf lettuce, or Romaine lettuce and a handful of spinach
  • *chopped cooked chicken
  • almonds
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • Craisins
  • tomato wedges
  • Avocado dressing – see below

Continue reading “Summer Chicken Avocado Salad”

Finding the Happy Places

I was homeward bound the other evening when a thought crossed my mind. The resulting blur of tears made it difficult to focus on the road ahead.

The thought was, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this!”

I’m sure there have been times in your life when you’ve had similar thoughts. Perhaps it stung way down deep in your soul. Continue reading “Finding the Happy Places”

Struggling to Walk

You’ve heard the phrase often, “Don’t judge another man till you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”

It would be ideal if we could all understand, empathize with people regarding their particular challenges. It would mean so much if we could extend grace, mercy to others instead of scrutinizing their situation. It would be like Jesus if we could learn to get down in life’s messy situations and sit with our brother or sister in need. For if we were all completely honest we’d acknowledge that it’s those who reach out in tangible ways to demonstrate care that touch our hearts when we are broken. Continue reading “Struggling to Walk”

Delectable Coffee Cake Dairy and Egg Free

Often scrumptious baked items call for eggs and dairy. I recently found this recipe and glanced over the list of ingredients. I thought with some tweaking it might be suitable! I gave it a try and both hubby and I were pleased with the results.

This cake is best complimented with a steaming cup of coffee. I’d highly recommend Archer Farms Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. 🙂  Continue reading “Delectable Coffee Cake Dairy and Egg Free”