Friday, December 31, 2010

Treacle Tarts and Thoughts

Yes, what you see is my version of Treacle Tarts.  When I knew my 11 year-old grandson, Josiah, would be here for Christmas, and that the family  would be going to see Harry Potter at Universal Studios, I told him that I had found a recipe for Treacle Tarts, Harry's favorite treat, and we would make them together. 

I could not find the English golden syrup and the recipe said to substitute a combination of Karo white syrup and molasses.  Josiah's reaction when he smelled the molasses told me this would be a bumpy ride.  We did work together to put the tarts together.  Yes, he ate a couple, but even I was not fond of them.  The filling also included lemon juice, ginger, and bread crumbs.  I am not posting the recipe.  If you really want to try this, you can find it on the Internet.  Personally, I think a nice pecan pie would be so much better.  Sorry, Harry.  We also passed on the Butter beer.  Josiah, maybe you can talk your mom into trying that.  (wink)

2010 was again a busy year for a couple of retired folks.  Our dear old friends became grandparents for the first time, we went to a wedding, we went to a funeral and sadly, we had to say good-bye to our dear friend, our little dog, Kippy, in October.  Today, December 31, she would have been 15 years old.  We still miss her every day, but realize we have too much traveling to do and it just would not be fair to another pet.

We had a wonderful trip to France in May and once again, spent our summer in beautiful Montana.  We put many, many miles on our automobile, The Trout caught over 700 trout and I started sewing American Girl doll clothes.  There is one special dress, almost finished, and after my granddaughter has it, I will publish a picture.  It actually is rather special, if I say so myself. 

I have befriended so many people on Face book; we have always been friends, but now are reconnected.  And blogger friends....my goodness!!  I will not even tell you how much time I spend on the computer reading each and every blog that I follow.  In fact, I have been reading more blogs and writing less.  I hope to correct that in 2011.  Still reading lots of blogs, but writing more also.

I don't like saying it, but my year is ending with a splat on the driveway!  I have the worst cold I have had in over 5 years.  Our plans for this evening, eating at a very special restaurant in Tampa, will be cancelled.  But, there are birthdays coming up, so we can get to that restaurant soon.

So, 2011, what will you hold?  Another birthday...they are coming faster, aren't they?  A trip to Provence in May-June, and back to Montana on July 1.  I hope to see some old friends this year as they are traveling around Florida.  I am also hoping to go back home, to the Amana Colonies, and do some genealogy work in the museum where the records are kept. 

I wish for good health, and the same for all of you.  And then, one more wish.  I have so many people reading my blog, but they do not comment.  I am hoping that will change this year, because those that do are becoming such good blogger friends.   God Bless you all.  Let it be a very safe 2011.

14 comments:

  1. Nick and I wish you both a VERY Happy New Year! I do hope your cold gets better (Nick recommends a Hot Toddy). Thanks for all your posts this year - I have loved reading about your travels, Dale's fishing and those lovely recipes!

    Love Sue and Nick

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  2. Chicken soup and brandy with honey! One will make you feel better. The other will make you not care = )!!

    Best wishes for the new year.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. Meakin and I wish you and the Trout a very happy new year.
    Sam

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  4. I wish you a very Happy New Year!
    Have you ever made Butter Tarts? They are a Canadian version of treacle tarts, and much tastier! If you like, I'll send you a recipe.

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  5. Love reading your blog every day, Susan! I wish you all the best for 2011, and look forward to many new posts. Happy New Year!

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  6. Harry must have very odd taste buds which is probably normal for a witch :)

    I'm so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well and had to cancel your NYE plans! The same thing happened to me last year and we had to cancel our invitation to a good friend's dinner and party.

    It sounds like you have a wonderful 2011 planned and I can't wait to see the American Girl dress you are making!

    All the best to you in 2011 and I hope you feel better soon!

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  7. I'm having more than my share of blonde moments today. I'm back again because I forgot to say I hope you are feeling better soon Susan.
    Sam

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  8. Susan, here's wishing you and the Trout a Happy New Year. Hope it's the best and that you're feeling well soon!

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  9. I hope you feel better soon, Susan! How nice of you to make Harry's favorite with your grandson. Those are good memories. Sounds like you and the Trout will be busy in 2011. I hope it's a happy and healthy one for you both!

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  10. You did make me smile :-). I am an unembarrassed romantic. I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I hope you are on an ups;ope and the cold will soon be over. I hope you and Dale have a lovely New Year's Eve. Hugs and blessings to you both. With great affection....Mary

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  11. Happy New Year to you Susan! :)

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  12. Linda P.7:22 PM

    Happy New Year from a lurker on the blog. I'll try to sign in every now and then and let you know how I enjoy the blog. Although I'm a vegetarian--actually, almost a vegan--I love the way you enjoy and share the food you make. It just seems to me that your life has a nice balance of the things that are important.

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  13. Happy New Year to you as well Susan and your handsome fisherman husband as well. I check your blog daily but seldom comment...I'll try and do better =o) Hope you are feeling better soon. Happy 2011

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  14. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

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