Snowed in Mexican Fiesta ~ Monkfruit Sweetener ~ Organic Vodka

We had snow emergency levels on Saturday, so as I said Saturday morning, our "Mexican" themed meal get together was canceled.  Well, not canceled, but those who could make it there safely did.   We didn't want to drive back home on icy roads with all the slush re-freezing.

Our dinner Saturday night was a Mexican themed dinner.

Mexican chicken (using quinoa based tortilla chips), Mexican street corn with our corn off the cob from the freezer, and of course, Hot bean taco dip.  Oh, and Sangria.  I had purchased it to take to the gathering, so we got that out and enjoyed it too.  I will try and get photos of leftovers. 

It's always nice to be "snowed in" but that means nothing on the list gets done, other than housecleaning.  I did mention one job in the utility room for Hubby, but his response was more like, "I need a siesta day."

Today we awoke to "feels like" -1° outside.

I just cleaned out my inbox.  Whew.  I had over 4,000 emails hanging around.  I have not been good and hitting the delete button.  I will be much better about that this year.  Goodness.

I picked this up to use in place of regular brown sugar in recipes.  It's expensive, and you don't get much, so my baking will be a lot less this year.  Has anyone baked with this?  It states it does not affect glucose levels.

Being snowed in, I decided to try it in our Einkorn peanut butter cookies.  

The results?  It made the cookies taste different.  Not bad, but not as good as good 'ol real brown sugar.  I'll stick with the real stuff, and just not bake them as often.

Organic Vodka has returned to the liquor store.  The brand "Rain" stopped making their's organic.  It's not cheap either.  That small bottle is $27.21!  It's made from sugar cane vs. grain/potato.  It will work for homemade vanilla extract, but not sure about using it for a tincture.  Unless I am wrong on that note.  I believe tinctures must be made with a grain alcohol.

Update on the low carb homemade bread.  It does not toast well.  We have breakfast sandwiches and toasted the bread.  It falls apart on you.

Metaphors and Similes ~ Winter Storm

Flipping the three switches  (heat lamp and fan) on in for my morning shower, is like flipping jetliner engine switches.

My chicken coop is a pigsty this winter.  Can't wait for a warm/dry day to clean it for them.

Seeing a low supply of cut/split wood is like a baby about to have a crying fit.

Putting on aloe infused snowman slipper socks is like being given the ticket to pretend you are snowed in, curl up with a book, blanket and candles lit (which oddly my even happen today).

Receiving a hand written letter in the mail is like receiving a surprise gift.

Waking up to a clean kitchen is like sunshine on my face.  There is no sunshine in my face this morning.  Daughter got a bored and baked cupcakes (not that we need them), and promised to clean her dishes.  Didn't happen.  I hope her boyfriend's family likes cupcakes.  She made a lot.

Applying nail polish in winter is like buying a new purse - fun, exciting, relaxing, something for me, which doesn't happen often.

I just got this order and oddly I love the color.  It's chemical free, and not cheap, but guess what?  Youngest loves it too!  Painting my nails is a very, very rare occasion.

Taking my cozy slippers off to go to town is pain-staking.  Our weather is ba-zerk!  Snow started in last night and into today, woke up to sleet, and it is said to be followed by rain, followed by freezing rain.  Gotta love this state we live in.

Our family meal gathering was canceled, so we will be throwing together what we had planned to take, along with a casserole for dinner.  Updates to follow.

I think we have gotten about 3 inches, but north of us got more and at the MI border they were to get 7-8 inches.  Right now I do not hear any vehicles on the country highway we live on.  Not even a snow plow.  It should be an interesting day for sure.