Handblessings

Years ago when my children were little, we used to make ornaments for the tree in the weeks before Christmas. At first it was just something to keep the children busy with, but soon it became a beloved tradition. At the time there were wooden paint-by-number kits. The kids did a really good job of staying in the lines, but with the brushes, it was hard. I used to “finish” the projects by going over the black lines with a fine-tip marker. Other times we would make beaded ornament kits. The kids would have sore fingers from pushing the pins in the plastic foam balls, but they were so proud of their creations. I think these were their favorites. To this day, when time permits, they will still make ornaments the week before Christmas.

My daughter Ellen brought these Avocado Bacon Strips this year for Christmas. They were the biggest hit!

Avocado Bacon Strips

1 avocado 4 strips bacon Brown sugar to taste

Cut an avocado into eight strips. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Wrap one-half strip of bacon around each avocado strip. Sprinkle with more brown sugar. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until the bacon is cooked.