Fruitcake and Fudge

Nothing says 'Holidays' like spending time with family and friends. It doesn't matter whether you celebrate Christmas or a holiday specific to yourself, all around us are the sights and sounds of holiday preparations and festivities. GypsyPlaid memories are triggered by the sweet and spicy aroma of gingerbread, 'melt in your mouth' shortbread and so many flavours of fudge. I loved going up to the Maple Sugar House north of us every fall to walk through their store. They had row upon row of chutneys, jams, jellies and pickles. The display of unique 'trading post' crafts was always inspirational but the best part was watching them cut the big chunk of raspberry chocolate swirl fudge that I would sample on my way home!

At this time of year the talents of local bakers and food crafters shines! You don't have to look far to find a selection of nibbles, desserts and holiday treats.

On Monday Dec. 15 there is a Wellness and Beauty Exhibit at the Huntsville Public Library from 10 am - 5 pm. This is a group of local small businesses that get together to share their products. For the 4th year in a row, Jennifer White of "Smiley's Cottage Country Sweets" will have a table of her fresh and tasty baking. Smiley's will have a sampler tray so that you can taste anything that catches your eye before you order from her. Jennifer has been baking tirelessly day and night for the past few days in preparation and I advise you to get there early so you don't miss out on your favourite treat.

Next, I have to introduce you to "Happy Tummy" . This is the web site to check out for those that have issues with gluten. Over the past few years my sensitivity to gluten seems to have increased and even though I trained as a pastry chef in my younger days, I truly appreciate those that can create delicate treats that are also gluten free. Martina started this business when her children were diagnosed with celiac disease.

Aside from the few items pictured here, Happy Tummy has a selection on their website at www.happytummy.ca and they will arrange to have it delivered right to you. They also have a selection of "Hot Mamas" sauces and spices. Click on any of Happy Tummy's treat photos to go to the website.

With our lives so busy with work, school, travel, sports and trying to spend quality time with our families, we thank these bakers for the love they put into the food we eat <3.

Stay inspired, Tracy

A Handcrafted Holiday

I am sitting here this morning, the world is quiet and the snow is gently falling. Winter surprised us early this year with a heavy snowfall for 3 days, leaving us with massive amounts of the white stuff to move but it does look so pretty. I look around my living space and see the clutter of Christmas decorations and tangled lights. Decorating the tree has changed for me. I found myself thinking that it was time to look at new ornaments and maybe make a change. As I lift the ornaments from their boxes and tissue wrapping I keep saying "But I have to put this one up! The kids have had this every year." Twenty minutes later, the tree is starting to look full with all of the "must haves" and I chuckle to myself. Most of our decorations for the tree and for the house have been handcrafted through the years. They remind me of my boys at various ages. They have me thinking of home out West and the family I have there that I rarely see. It would break my heart to not hang these ornaments and I look forward to the conversations over hot chocolate with my boys as we talk about when we made them. Those conversations always lead to pleasant memories and funny stories.

Handcrafted items always have a warm feeling to me. You can feel the love, care and thoughtfulness that goes into each precious piece. When I am creating, I get wrapped up in the idea that it has to be perfect because someone is gifting a memory to someone they love. I can only hope that someone wakes up and looks at a gift handcrafted by GypsyPlaid and it brings a smile to their face.

There are so many talented and gifted people out there; hidden gems right in our own neighbourhood! This is the best time of year to head out and savour the talents of those that are willing to share their skills and creativity with the world. I am sharing a poster today for 3 ladies that get together year after year to host a 3 day open house showcasing their wares (December 12, 13, 14, 2014). These ladies are so passionate about what they do and they love to share stories with their visitors. I will be heading there to visit and take a few photos of their event. Watch for a follow up piece on my interview with them! In the meantime: Remember to shop local and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Try not to get caught up in the stress and chaos of the season.

Best, Tracy