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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas Candy + A Polish Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

I am dropping in to share a delicious Christmas candy recipe. Then I will be taking the next few days off from my computer to soak in this wonderful time of year!

I have so many sweet Christmas memories from growing up. One of which involves Christmas candy. My granny makes the most delicious candy each year...think lots of chocolate and lots of yumminess. I have plenty of memories of eating this great stuff, but also of baking and making in the kitchen during Christmas with my mama...following in my Granny's footsteps. This is a tradition that I love (I mean who wouldn't?!) and one I will happily continue.

Being away from home, I will not be able to enjoy my Granny or my mama's candy this year. So I got to work in the kitchen and made one of my favorites (thanks to my aunt Julie's recipe!)...Peanut Butter Balls.

And now it officially feels like Christmas!
 

*This recipe makes a ton. I was only making enough for Roberto and I and some friends, so I halved this (and it was still a lot!). But if you are wanting to make enough to pass out or take to an event make the whole recipe!*

Ingredients
1 lb. powder sugar
18 oz peanut butter
1/4 lb. butter
3 lbs. Chocolate Almond Bark

Directions
Mix peanut butter, powder sugar and butter together. Roll peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. If the balls do not feel firm enough place on baking sheet in fridge for 20 minutes to firm up, which makes dipping in chocolate easier. Either with a toothpick or spoon dip the balls into chocolate and place on wax paper or foil to dry. You can either dry at room temperature, which takes a bit longer, or in the fridge {I prefer fridge}. Once dry- ENJOY!

And now moving on! A little life update- Christmas style!

Last night we went to the team's Christmas dinner and had the best time. I at some point wanted to get the traditional Polish Christmas experience- and last night I got it! Here in Poland, they officially celebrate Christmas on the 24th. They do so by waiting for the appearance of the first star. Once it appears, well wishes are said and a meatless meal is served. {I know there are plenty more little details/traditions but this is the main gist I got from a friend last night!}


For last night's dinner, we received a traditional Polish Christmas meal of beet soup with dumplings, lots of fish "appetizers" {which are actually enjoyed after dinner} and a delicious fish entree.


We are so grateful for experiences like this. We definitely have to put ourselves out there and get out of our comfort zones at times- but it is such a lovely experince! And we are so appreciative to learn about and be welcomed into a new culture.

Merry Christmas, friends! I hope your days are filled with overflowing love, abounding joy and too many laughs. I am so grateful our Savior came into this world as a little baby, giving us the greatest gift we have ever known and showing us a love like no other. There is so much to be thankful for and so much to celebrate!

Have a beautiful Christmas!! And enjoy some Peanut Butter Balls!
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11 comments:

  1. It's so great that you have something to remind you of being home for the holidays--they look delicious!
    I think it's so awesome that you guys got to experience another country/culture's way of celebrating the holidays. Experiences like that don't come around often, so they are extra special!
    Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

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  2. Those chocolates look amazing! I love that they don't have a ton of ingredients.

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  3. So cool that you're celebrating the holidays in another country!! Enjoy Christmas girl!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  4. Mmmm I will definitely be giving those peanut butter balls a try! YUM! Have a very merry Christmas, friend! :)

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  5. We totally make those every year but I add some rice crispies in for a little extra crunch :)

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  6. That is so neat that you get to experience their culture. These pb balls are my husbands and mine favorite Christmas treat each year for sure. So good! Merry Christmas!

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  7. That is so great you are getting to experience the traditions in Poland! And of course keep your own traditions such as baking :)

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  8. Waiting for the first star in the sky? What a beautiful tradition! Merry Christmas! Hope you guys enjoy your holiday together! =)

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  9. Polish Christmas sounds really interesting. So cool that you got the exprience it! Peanut butter balls are soooooooooooooo amazing!

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  10. Oh my goodness, just look at that chocolate. I am so loving this post. Happy Holidays

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