Our Tree!

Boy, has this year flown by. I can’t believe tomorrow is Christmas. I’m almost sad to see it go… Each year, my family (all 25+ of us) gets together over my aunt’s house for Christmas Eve dinner. We laugh, play games, and exchange gifts. It’s something I look forward to each year. We’ll be heading over there in the early afternoon and we’ll probably won’t leave until about midnight.

Afterward, my siblings, their kids and I all head toward my grandmother’s house to exchange gifts there. This can normally take hours because we each take turns opening our gifts. It’s fun to see everyone’s expressions when opening their presents! I think it bothers my grandmother that I insist everyone take turns. She’ll rather have us all open the gifts at once and get it over with. Hehe, but I like to enjoy it while it lasts. :)

On Christmas morning, Chris and I will cook a yummy breakfast together and then swap our gifts to one another. I always look forward to this! I am always so eager when he opens his gifts because I normally spend so much time picking out what to get him — it’s always something I know he’ll love. Plus, he always picks the greatest gifts for me! :D

Cute little snow man ornament! These we're my moms. <3

When lunch time arrives, the entire family will head towards my grandmother’s house for Christmas lunch/dinner. We normally spend countless hours over there enjoying each other’s company. Very good times! If you can’t tell, Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year. So, I’m curious. What are your Holidays normally like this time of year? Do you stay home or do travel to visit family? Do you celebrate it on two days like me or just Christmas morning? Is there another holiday you celebrate than Christmas? Please share! I love holiday stories.

So, the Red Velvet Brownies were a hit. I’ve decided I’m going to make them instead of my normal chocolate chunk brownies for the holidays. I can’t wait for the family to try them! I’ve had a lot of requests for the recipe so I’m going to include it here in my blog. I hope this will be the start of me blogging more recipes. I have a ton as I love to cook. :)

ZOMG. Red Velvet Brownies!? DELISH.

Now, I must warn you. This recipe was made up on the spot so I pray the ingredients are correct as I am going by memory here. It’s basically the same as a normal red velvet cake recipe minus the eggs & adding more liquid.

INGREDIENTS:
1 box of Red Velvet Cake mix
1 medium egg
1/2 cup of water
3/4 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of white chocolate chips
1 store bought container of Cream Cheese frosting

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Grease bottom & sides of a 9×9 metal baking pan.
3. Mix egg, water, and oil in a large bowl.
4. Pour cake mix in bowl and stir until all lumps are gone.
5. Mix chocolate chips in the brownie batter.
6. Pour the mixture into the greased pan.
7. Bake for 35 minutes. Time may vary depending on your oven & pan type. Keep checking the brownies every 5 minutes with a tooth pick.
8. Let cool on the counter for 15 minutes.
9. Remove from the pan and let cool in the fridge for 30 minutes.
10. Remove from the fridge and frost with Cream Cheese frosting.
11. Let cool in the fridge for at least an hour.
12. Cut however desired and share with friends!

For those who try this, let me know how yours turn out! I’d love to see pictures as well. :) Oh, and sometimes the crust can get a little hard. I normally cut mine off & munch on those while I wait for the brownies to chill, hehe. Happy Holidays, all!