DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   This recipe comes form www.studiodiy.com .  These looked very nice and festive! Ingredients 200g almond flour 200g powdered sugar 80g egg whites 80g egg whites 200g regular sugar 80 ml water 1 vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped out 2-3 drops of peppermint extract Red food coloring (optional) Crushed Candy Canes (optional, for finishing) Directions Heat oven to 355F Separate egg whites ensuring there is absolutely no egg yolk. You may set the egg whites aside for 2-3 days in a refrigerator to “age”. Measure out egg whites into two small containers with 80g in each. Measure out almond flour and powdered sugar; add to food processer or spice grinder and pulse. Once the sugar and almond flour is a fine texture, sift 2 times; add the vanilla seed scrapings, peppermint extract, and 80g of egg white, set aside. Cook sugar with water in a pot over medium heat with candy thermometer. Gently swirl the water and sugar a few times so it cooks evenly

   This was found at www.craftzine.com .  This would make a nice centerpiece at your next party or get together. How-To: Chocolate Bowl

Killorglin     For communities like Killorglin to survive against the often overpowering commercial pressures imposed by their larger, urbanised neighbours it takes an inherent, deep seated tenacity. To say that the industrial and economic success of the town came about as a result of being ably represented politically, at the right time - is true - but only part of the overall picture. This train of thought displays an ignorance of how these market towns, strategically set down at cross-roads, not only survive against fierce odds but indeed thrive. A cursory glance at the history of any such town will reveal the growing pains and battle scars endured by generations to get us to where we are today.     Rivers played a huge role in the establishment of trade centres and in Killorglin's case the Laune with its link and proximity to the well sheltered Castlemaine Harbour must have presented a very attractive location to the first travellers - commercial or otherwise. Politi