Category: Recipes

Falling (Pine) Needles Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is a national day created to remind families to recycle their Christmas trees rather than burning them or tossing them on the curb. One way is to search Earth911’s recycling solution to see where you can recycle a tree near you. You can also be sure to make use of each part of the tree. Strip the pine needles to use the wood after allowing it to thoroughly dry out; you can use the wood for fires, carving, and more crafts. Even the pine needles themselves can be utilized! Collect the needles, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water, and gently rub the needles to wash off dust and other debris. You can then use the needles to make sprite-flavored natural soda or tea! Visit Ms Shi & Mr He’s pine needle recipe page here for details, warnings, and recipes! 

Peppermint Bark Recipe

Debbie Roney Smith on

Looking for a kid-friendly Christmas treat to make this holiday? Try Peppermint Bark! It contains only three ingredients and is fun to prepare for little hands.

Ingredients include:

  • 16 oz. white OR dark chocolate, chopped
  • 4 drops of food-grade peppermint oil
  • 3/4 c. crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan with a few inches of simmering water over low heat (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Gently melt the chocolate: stir occasionally, only a few lumps should remain by the end, about 3 minutes.
  3. Remove from the heat and stir until completely smooth. Slowly stir in the peppermint oil. 
  4. Pour the chocolate mix onto the lined baking sheet. Smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. 
  5. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. You can buy pre-crushed peppermint OR allow your kids to crush handfuls to their hearts’ content. 
  6. Let the baking sheet set at room temperature or in the refrigerator (1-2 hours). 
  7. Once the bark is completely hardened, break it into pieces and serve or pack.