DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

Chocolate Peanut Butter Tartlets I crave more of the tender quick breads and galettes, and J. craves desserts that are richer, such as these tarts. While desserts at home change throughout the year, the age old peanut butter and chocolate combination is an ever present theme. I find that this recipe, as simple as it is, to be straight to the point, no fancy spun sugar, no voluptuous ribbons of butter cream or expensive boutique ingredients. There is nothing to distract you but  pure joy . It takes a favorite treat to feel a little special these days here at home. J. is always excited when I make desserts especially ones with peanut butter and chocolate. As I whirlwind about baking with whatever comes to mind, I take a pause at times to consider a simpler approach to give comfort where I can, with our busy schedules and much to do’s, these are perfect. If you are not going gluten free, try this pâte sucrée  recipe  or perhaps a chocolate o...

    The holidays are filled with joyful emotions and honored traditions, including the playing of songs about snowmen, St. Nick, evergreen trees, and presents wrapped up with big bows. No matter how you celebrate the season, you'll hear these songs on the radio, T.V., at the mall, in the office, and just about anywhere music is played.     If you think the same songs are played over and over, you're right, but if this bothers you, consider the alternative: Christmas carols were banned in England between 1649 and 1660. Oliver Cromwell, serving as Lord Protector of Britain, believed Christmas should be solemn and also banned parties, limiting celebration to sermons and prayer services.     Lots of holiday songs are festive, many have spiritual overtones, and all are played so often that they are familiar no matter what your faith. But what do you know about how these songs were created and the people who wrote them?    ...

Dragon Boat Racing History     On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year, Chinese communities worldwide celebrate the  Duanwu Jie festival , which commemorates the death of the Chinese patriot/poet  Qu Yuan .     As a rival state conquered his home kingdom, Qu Yuan committed suicide, drowning himself in the Miluo river on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.     His countrymen paddled swiftly out to the middle of the river to retrieve his body, while others threw packets of rice in the water to distract the fish from eating the poet's body.     These two acts, it is said, are the origin of the festival's two main preoccupations - the glutinous rice dumplings known as zongzi, and the dragon boat races. Dragon Boat Racing in Modern Times     Dragon boat racing, despite its roots in ancient tradition, are as exciting a sport as they come. Two or more boats c...