Inhaling Snow

Yeah for Christmas break! 😀

What does one do on her official first day of break?

Why, of course, go for a run and try not to scare too many people!

The reason I had my neck warmer pulled over my mouth was because snow kept flying into my mouth and practically made me gag a few times!

We have several inches of fresh powder which made the road conditions a little slippery and made me feel like I was running on the beach. . . errr, minus the sand, ocean, and heat!

I covered 7 miles in 63 minutes. Nine-minute miles have become my average pace in the winter now. 🙁

Since I didn’t get started until after 11:00 a.m. with my run (and I had had breakfast at 7:30 a.m.), I had a packet of energy gel before heading out.

This had a decent flavor, but I am still bi-partial to my Gu gels!

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The reason I got such a late start was because I was a busy little bee around our place this morning:

-making breakfast for Craig and myself

– washing dishes

– doing 5 loads of laundry

– picking up around our apartment (It is crazy how much time I spend just putting things back into place all the time!)

– mailing Christmas cards and a package

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As soon as I got back from my run, I made myself some lunch because I was starving!

– sandwich with: turkey, cheese, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, mayo, and mustard

– a small handful of organic blue chips

– carrot sticks (locally grown!)

– hot cocoa

I got this packet of hot cocoa as a gift. It, of course, was really sweet, but I wanted something hot to drink after running, and I needed a break from tea.

I also had a small ice cream cone filled with ice cream. ~~~~~~

Last night we headed over to a friend’s place who was back in town for the holidays. Our friend is studying towards a master’s degree in Sweden, so it only seemed fitting that he hosted a Swedish-themed meal.

Complete with Swedish meatballs, of course, and “brown sauce” (a.k.a. gravy).

The cooked vegetables are not a typical food eaten in Sweden but mashed potatoes are.

Listening to stories from the world traveler.

To go along with the Swedish theme, I made a Swedish Tea Ring.

This Swedish Tea Ring is a tradition at my family’s Christmas. I’m not sure how this tradition got started seeing we are Norwegian and not Swedish. But, I guess we’re all Scandinavians, right?!?!

Anyway, I have been wanting to make this for a long time now, so last night was the perfect opportunity!

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Swedish Tea Ring

(from Aunt Shirley)

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup warm water

1 package active dry yeast

2 Tablespoons butter

1/6 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon butter, melted

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup raisins

6 oz. maraschino cherries

1/4 cup sliced almonds

cream cheese frosting

almond extract

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast in water.

2. Meanwhile, heat sour cream to lukewarm, and add 2 Tablespoons butter to sour cream in order to melt.

3. Add sugar, salt, and egg to a mixing bowl. Then add yeast and sour cream. Mix to combine, adding one cup of flour at a time.

4. Put dough on floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Add flour if sticky.

5. Put dough in greased bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

6. Punch down and let rise again for about 20-30 minutes.

7. Roll dough out to the size of a jelly pan. (I should have rolled mine out more.)

8. Spread 1 tablespoon melted butter over dough and top with sugar and cinnamon mixed together.

9. Sprinkle raisins, sliced almonds, and maraschino cherries on top.

10. Roll up (like you would for cinnamon rolls) and shape into a circle. Place on greased cookie sheet.

11. Slice part-way through to resemble a pin-wheel.12. Let rise again for 20-30 minutes.

13. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

14. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting with a splash of almond extract added.

Question

What food item is an essential at your family’s Christmas meal?

Actually, Christmas in my family would not be complete without lutefisk and lefse!! Oh how I will miss it this year!!