Chex Mix

Chex Mix is a Mehaffey family favorite as far as Christmas goodies go. Since we are away, I tried my hand at it this year. Sooo good! There is a reason we only make it one time a year! It is a great and easy gift to give to others (or keep for yourself) and it is a nice break from all the sweet goodies.

Gingerbread Cookies!

Gingerbread cookie decorating was a tradition for my brother and I growing up. My aunt would have us over to decorate them and then she would use them for a Christmas party she had. I always loved the tradition and find myself wanting to do it every year. Seeing that I could not convince Bob to do it with just the two of us (nor would it have been as fun), we had my friend and her kids over fo a decorating extravaganza. It was their first time decorating gingerbread men, so it was extra fun!

Masterpieces

Work friend fun

Since most of our UTQ work is done alone this year (BOO!), my work buddies decided it would be a good idea to do something fun for the holidays. It was so nice to get together and see everyone again. I love it when you can just pick up with people where you left off. I don't know why it is surprising that even when you haven't seen someone for months, they are still the same. We had so much fun laughing and talking and complaining and I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was nice to be part of a "work" community again even if we weren't really working and instead were eating a delicious Thai meal. They are the first people that I met here and I hold them dear to me. Thanks work friends!

Asparagus Goat Cheese Pasta

When I was getting married, my sisters had everyone bring their favorite recipe to the bridal shower, so I ended up with a book of all kinds of things. I still sift and sort through it often and it has some of my favorite ones in it. She actually put it in a picture album so I can pull the recipes out and I have added many of my own. My sister-in law gave me one for Asparagus Goat Chees Pasta that I have eyed over and over and finally decided to make tonight. It was so easy and so delicious (thanks Lisa!) but yet very impressive. I decided to post it because I think it is THAT good!

Asparagus Goat Cheese Pasta

1 lb asparagus

1/2 lb thin spaghetti

1 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

1 14 1/2 oz can chicken broth

4-5 oz goat cheese (chevre)

2 cloves crushed garlic

1/2 c grated parmesan cheese

2 Roma tomatoes cut into small pieces (optional)

1. Heat a lage pot of lightly salted water to boiling over high heat.

2. Snap asparagus stalks and cut asparagus into 2 inch pieces (I used frozen asparagus and it was fine). Blanch in boiling water 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the asparagus to a bowl.

3. Add the spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to label directions. Drain.

4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over med. high heat, melt the butter. Saute garlic and blend in flour with a whisk. Add the broth and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Blend in the goat cheese. Toss the spaghetti with asparagus, sauce, parmesan cheese, and tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4-6