It’s Only Tuesday, But What a Week It’s Been!

Hello my darlings,

Oh, what a week it’s been, and would you believe it’s only Tuesday! The holiday season may not be upon us quite yet, but here at the North Pole, it always feels like Christmas is just around the corner—especially when I have a busy week like this one. But truth be told, I love a busy week. There’s something special about the hustle and bustle, the warmth it brings to the home, and the satisfaction of ticking off that ever-growing to-do list (providing I keep track of that list I made..a common problem I have with list).

The Blessing of Hosting Bible Study at Our Home

Tomorrow, we’re hosting our Bible study here at home, and oh, how I look forward to it. There’s just something so enriching about sharing the Word of God with others. The knowledge we gain, the fellowship we have, and the blessing it brings to our home—it all fills me with such joy.

And then there’s the food, my darlings! Oh, the food we share after our study! It’s a delight, and I must admit, I’ve been cooking up a storm in preparation.

Baking Chewy Chocolate Brownies for Bible Study Fellowship

Bible study days are always special for me, and I love having everyone gather here in our cozy kitchen. The warmth from the wood stove, the twinkling garlands draped over the shelves, and the laughter that fills the room—it’s all such a blessing. Of course, Jingles and Bell, our beloved St. Bernards, have been my faithful helpers all day. Well, by helpers, I mean they’ve been lying right in the middle of the kitchen, making sure I trip over them at least twice. They’re such rascals, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, as you might have guessed—I have been cooking up a storm for tomorrow’s gathering. Most often, we keep it simple with dessert and coffee after Bible study. Once in a while, we’ll gather for dinner, but usually, everyone grabs a bite beforehand, and we all look forward to the treats afterward.

And what treat could be better than my all-time favorite, chewy chocolate brownies? Oh, these brownies are something special, I tell you. They’re Santa’s favorite too, and they’re made with good old butter, just the way they should be. This time of year, I top them off with some festive Christmas-colored sprinkles to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Jingles, Bell, and a Mishap with the Christmas Tree

Let me tell you, my darlings, today has not been without its mishaps. You see, I had everything planned out perfectly. I woke up early, had my list ready, and was all set to bake those delicious brownies. I even managed to make it through my morning coffee without a single interruption—a small miracle in this house.

But just as I was about to start melting the butter, I heard a loud thud from the living room. Jingles and Bell had knocked over the tree—yes, the tree that Santa and I had just put up for our early holiday decorating. Somehow, in their excitement, they had managed to bump it, and down it went, garlands, lights, and all.

Oh, my darlings, you can imagine the scene. There were ornaments rolling everywhere, Jingles trying to catch one as it spun across the floor, and Bell just looking at me with that innocent “I didn’t do it” face. I had to laugh. It’s times like these that remind me why I love this chaotic, wonderful life so much. So, instead of baking my brownies right away, I spent the next hour setting the tree back up, untangling lights, and giving those silly dogs a good talking-to—not that they listened, of course.

The Joy Found in Simple Moments of Baking and Fellowship

But after all the excitement, I finally made my way back to the kitchen. I took a deep breath, put on my apron, and got to work. There’s something almost therapeutic about baking, isn’t there? The way the ingredients come together, the smell of chocolate filling the kitchen, and the warmth from the oven—it’s like magic.

I used my favorite old-fashioned recipe for chewy brownies. It’s simple, really, but oh-so-good. Butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, a touch of vanilla, and just enough flour to bring it all together. I mixed everything up, poured it into the pan, and before long, the house was filled with the most heavenly aroma.

A Time for Learning, Fellowship, and Brownies

As the brownies were baking, I couldn’t help but think about how much joy these simple moments bring. The brownies are a small thing, really, but they’re a part of what makes our Bible study gatherings so special. It’s not just about the food, of course, but about the love that goes into making it, the laughter we share as we eat, and the warmth that fills the room as we gather together. It’s in these moments that I feel truly blessed.

Of course, Jingles and Bell were right there by my side the entire time. I think they were hoping for a taste of the batter, but I told them they’d have to wait until tomorrow like everyone else. They’re such characters, those two.

After all the baking was done, I sat down with a cup of tea, the brownies cooling on the counter, and just watched the snow falling outside the window. It was one of those moments where everything felt just right, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Until Next Time, My Darlings

So, tomorrow, we’ll gather here, friends old and new, for a time of learning, sharing, and fellowship. We’ll open our Bibles, discuss the Word, and grow together in faith. And afterward, we’ll enjoy those chewy chocolate brownies—Santa’s favorite, and mine too—topped with festive sprinkles to remind us that Christmas is never far away here at the North Pole. I hope they bring a little bit of joy to everyone who comes through our door.

Well, my darlings, that’s it for now. I have a few more things to tidy up before tomorrow, and I’m sure Jingles and Bell are just waiting for another opportunity to get into mischief. Thank you for spending a bit of your day with me.

Remember, it’s the simple things—like a good brownie, a warm kitchen, and the love of those around us—that make life so beautiful.

Until next time, take care of yourselves, and may your days be filled with laughter and love.

With all my love,

Mrs. Claus

Mrs. Claus’s Old-Fashioned Chewy Butter Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs (or 6 medium)
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Festive sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Optional Add-Ins:
If you like, stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts for some extra texture and flavor.

5. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—chewy brownies are best when slightly underdone in the center.

7. Add Festive Sprinkles (Optional):
If you’d like to give the brownies a holiday flair, sprinkle red, green, and white festive sprinkles over the brownies while they’re still warm.

8. Cool and Slice:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help them set and make for clean slices.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy these rich, chewy brownies with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Perfect for sharing during Bible study or any festive gathering!

PS YOU CAN MAKE A CHOCOLATE FROSTING TO PUT ON THE BROWNIES ONCE COOLED, BEFORE SPRINKLES BUT NOT NEEDED. IF YOU ARE JUST USING SPRINKLES THEY ARE BEST APPLIED WHEN BROWNIE ARE PULLED FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN.

Well, my dear, you wouldn’t believe it, but Santa is absolutely mad for taco salad. Yes, you heard that right—taco salad! It’s not just a summer treat around here; it’s one of those meals we enjoy all year round. In fact, it’s become something of a go-to recipe, especially when I’m feeling like I need a break from our more festive, hearty dishes.

A Simple and Easy Taco Salad Keeps Santa Happy

Let me tell you, Taco Salad Night is a lifesaver. I can wash up all the veggies at the start of the week—lettuce (we usually go with a spring mix), sweet peppers, and tomatoes. Then I brown up some ground beef and add my homemade taco seasoning (and don’t worry, I’ll give you that recipe before you go!). Sometimes, we’ll throw in refried beans or whole black beans, just depending on what we have handy.

Santa’s Secret Ingredient For His Taco Salad: Salsa Verde

But the real kicker? It’s Santa’s absolute favorite salsa—salsa verde! He swears by it. We top everything off with crunchy corn chips, a spoonful of that salsa, and a nice dapple of sour cream. It’s simple, fresh, and oh-so-delicious.

Taco Salad for Busy Weeks: How to Stretch It for Multiple Meals

Now, if I’m clever about it (and I usually am), I can stretch Taco Salad Night across two or even three meals in the same week. You know how busy things get up here in the North Pole this time of year, so having something ready to go makes my life a whole lot easier. Plus, Santa doesn’t mind one bit—it keeps him full and happy, and it means I have more time to bake treats for the elves.

Taco Salad Nights Frees Time For Other Cooking

The elves, bless their little hearts, they’re working harder than ever now that we’re heading right toward Christmas. I always feel a bit sorry for them with all that gift making and organizing, so I try to send some treats in with Santa to the workshop two or three times a week.  The weeks I plan on a taco night, reaping the benefit of a few additional meals from it, frees me to make more goodies to send with Santa to the work shoppe.

Mrs. Claus’s Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix

But enough about that. Let me give you my taco seasoning recipe. Now, this one’s for the spice lovers! If you prefer your taco meat a little milder, you can always cut back on the crushed red pepper. But if you like it hot—well, this one’s for you.

Mrs. Claus’s Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix:

Mrs. Claus’s Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix:

• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper (the kind you sprinkle on pizza)
• 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch (optional but helps the seasoning cling to the meat)
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Oregano

Now, mix all that together in a little bowl. If you’re not using it right away, pop it into an airtight container, and it’ll keep just fine. For Santa and me, this mix is perfect for 1 pound of browned ground beef. But let me tell you, we do like our taco salad spicy! If you’re not sure how much heat you can handle, start by adding half of the spice mix, then adjust to your liking.

Simmering Taco Meat for Maximum Flavor

When you’re ready to add the seasoning to the browned meat, pour in about 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer on low heat for a good 10 to 30 minutes—whatever works for you. If it simmers longer, you might want to add a bit more water as needed.

And there you have it—a simple, flavorful meal that’ll keep you and yours happy for days. Trust me, once you’ve tried this taco salad, you’ll see why it’s Santa’s favorite. Now, I must dash—those cookies won’t bake themselves, you know. But do try this recipe, and don’t be shy about tweaking it to your taste.

Until next time, my dear, and remember, the little things—like taco salad nights—are what keep the magic alive. With much love,
Mrs. Claus

Just had to share this selfie of Santa. He was playing with my phone and playfully posed imitating so many today…what a goof!