DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   This diy comes from www.mykitchenaddiction.com .  Sometimes we all could use a little more knowledge.  You can never learn enough, especially when it comes to baking.  The more you know the better your next batch of cookies, or that 3 layer cake will be.  Learning is a nonstop cycle if we want to get better in our techniques.  Good luck! Freezing Cookie Dough       Since the holiday baking season is officially in full swing, I thought I’d share a holiday baking tip with you this Wednesday!    With Christmas over a week away, it’s still a bit early for me to start doing all of my holiday cookie baking. I don’t want my cookies to taste stales when my friends and family bite into them. But, I also want to get a head start on my baking. I bake a lot of cookies for Christmas, so I don’t have time to do everything in the last few days. In the past, I have tried baking ahead of time and freezing the baked cookies until I’m ready for them. It seemed good in theory, but

   This recipe was found at www.marthastewart.com .  Good luck! Enjoy this cake on its own or with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Expand                           Prep Time 15 minutes Total Time 2 hours, 15 minutes Yield Serves 9   Ingredients 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan 6 ounces blackberries (1 1/3 cups) 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature

    Carnival in Cologne  is almost as old as the history of the city itself.  But the organized carnival celebrated today only dates back 178 years.    The Greeks and Romans celebrated cheerful spring festivals in honor of  Dionysos  and  Saturn  with wine, women and song.  The ancient Germans celebrated the winter solstice as a homage to the Gods and expulsion of the evil winter demons.  Later the Christians adopted the heathen customs.  The period of fasting (Lent) prior to Easter was heralded in by " Fastnacht"  or  "Karnival"...carne vale = Farewell to meat!    In the Middle Ages, the celebration of Carnival, the masquerade, often took on drastic forms, very much to the displeasure of the city council and the church.  Bans and ordinances did little to help, the celebration was wild and spirited.    The boisterous street carnival was extended in the 18th century to include the so called  "Redouten",  elegant masked and fanc