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The Missing Leprechaun

Sure am missing this particular not so “little person.” Feeling rather lucky to have him in our lives.  :]

I’ve been asked by several people about the Crocheted Leprechaun Hat and Beard–from last year— so I thought I’d give you a close-up.

I’m working on the pattern–which is an profound struggle for me–but it’s coming along.

Thanks for your patience my friends.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. Go eat some Lucky Charms…or corned beef…or green eggs and ham. Whatever…

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Chocolate Chunk Cocoa Mix

Seriously now–who, on your list couldn’t use a lovely jar of homemade cocoa mix–hmmmm?

Luckily, it very simple to toss together and makes positively a ton…or about 10-11 cups of cocoa mix.  Just perfect for funneling  into a few pretty jars and tying with ribbon.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups Hershey’s Cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

5 cups Carnation powdered milk

1 cup  Borden’s Non-Dairy Creamer

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you’re ready to package it and pass it around to the neighbors. Unless, of course, you intend to save it all for…ummm…

food storage.

Hey–not a bad idea!

Be sure to add a tag to the jar that says,

“Spoon about 1/4 cup of mix into a large mug. Stir in very hot water. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream. Sip ever so slowly in front of a nice, warm, crackling fire.”

For a little variety, try crushing candy canes and adding 1/2 to 2/3 cup to the mix.

Chocolate Chunk Cocoa Mix
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 cups Hershey’s Cocoa
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 cups Carnation powdered milk
  • 1 cup Borden’s Non-Dairy Creamer
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.
  2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you’re ready to package it and pass it around to the neighbors.
Notes
Be sure to add a tag to the jar that says, “Spoon about ¼ cup of mix into a large mug. Stir in very hot water. Top with mini marshmallows or whipped cream. Sip ever so slowly in front of a nice, warm, crackling fire.” For a little variety, try crushing candy canes and adding ½ to ⅔ cup to the mix.

 

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Gracious Rain has been Hijacked!

Hi faithful readers of my mom’s blog!

I (April) have hijacked Gracious Rain for a day or so, so that we can do something fun for my mom. Her birthday is tomorrow, and so, naturally, I decided to make her think her blog is broken.

For a good cause.

I’ve blocked her from seeing this, so that we can pull off a super fun plan.

If you have ever read a post here and loved it, or it made you smile, or you’ve made a yummy treat or dinner because of something here—would you please, please, please make a comment on tomorrow’s post wishing my mom a happy birthday? It would really, REALLY, REALLY make her day.

I thought about asking people who want to to email me with stories about my mom, or pictures of her growing up, or whatever, and certainly you still can (april 7 marie at hotmail dot com) and I will post them throughout the day Monday…but if you only have a little time, just make a comment. If you have more time, but no stories or pictures, make comments on other posts you’ve enjoyed, share this blog with your friends, tweet about it, facebook about it, whatever. Those cute buttons at the bottom of the post make it really easy.

My mom works so hard on this blog, and I just want her to know how much we all look forward to hearing from her every morning, and I want her to be successful. To be able to share her blog with anyone who would love it. It takes a crazy amount of dedication to post on a daily blog. A LOT! So, my friends, just a little favor, if you don’t mind. I’d appreciate it.

Here’s to birthday surprises, and many more Gracious Rain-y birthdays for the lovely Launi.

Mwa!

April