Oh Momma . . .

I think it is safe to say that for me food and the holidays are intrinsically connected. So many of my happy memories at this time to year are tied to a smell, like cinnamon and cloves, or a texture, like the crunch of a cookie.  What does it mean? It means that during the holidays, I eat.  And I cook. And I share. And I eat some more.  It’s pretty much fantastic.

Remember when I said candy making is tricky stuff? Imagine how I felt when a friend showed up on my doorstep this week with a box of chocolates. All handmade. By. HER.  She had just told me a week ago about her mother who was desperately in need of a job years ago and had walked into a chocolate factory and lied to the manager about her knowledge of chocolate making.  She knew nothing but told him she knew how to do it all. Then she went home and prayed to God to help her figure it out so she could keep the job so she could support her family. WOW. What a brave woman.

In time, mother passed her knowledge to daughter and both were able to claim the title of chocolatier. Then one day that daughter passed the fruits of her labor on to me.  And I could not be more grateful, not just because I got the box of beautiful {and help me momma, so delicious} chocolate, but also because I got to hear the amazing story.

Need a closer look? Here ya go:

My favorite was the almond pecan toffee {middle, far left}.

Hubby’s favorite was the turtle {right above the blue wrapper}.

But really, it was all so, so good.  Yes, I said was. Because all of the chocolates have been eaten. In two days. The holidays rock.

Thanks Angie.

PS. Don’t forget to enter the December giveaway before Friday at 5 PM EST!

PPS. Holy Cow. My first born became a teenager today. I am speechless.