DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

     Golden Week (Gōruden Wīku ), often abbreviated to simply GW and also known as  Ōgon shūkan  ( "Golden Week") or  Ōgata renkyū  ( "Large consecutive holiday") is a Japanese term applied to the period containing the following public holidays: April 29    Emperor's Birthday  (Tennō tanjōbi), until 1988    Greenery Day  (Midori no hi), from 1989 until 2006    Shōwa Day  (Shōwa no hi), from 2007 Perhaps a little kite flying during this holiday May 3    Constitution Memorial Day  ( Kenpō kinenbi) May 4     Holiday  (Kokumin no kyūjitsu), from 1985 until 2006     Greenery Day  (Midori no hi), from 2007 May 5     Children's D ay (Kodomo no hi), also customarily known as  Boys' Day  (Tango no sekku) Heading out to a movie or dinner for Golden Week History     The National Holiday Laws, promulgated in July 1948, declared nine official holidays. Since many were concentrated in a week spanning the end of Apri

Chocolate Peppermint Truffles     One of my favorite things about this time of year is making goodies to share with family and friends. These chocolate peppermint truffles are amazing. Truly. And, they are so incredibly easy. Please note that my chocolate peppermint truffles are not healthy…in any sense of the word. Sometimes you just have to let go and splurge on a little junky deliciousness. Drool. I need to make these in several batches over the next few weeks…as well as other holiday treats to share! Print This Recipe Chocolate Peppermint Truffles 1 8 ounce cream cheese, softened 1 15-16 ounce package mint filled chocolate sandwich cookies 8-10 ounces white almond bark {for dipping} 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 cup chocolate chips, melted {for drizzling} Crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts In a food processor, pulse until sandwich cookies are a fine powder. Add cream cheese by spoonfuls to the sandwich cookie mixture and