Blessed Solstice and Happy Yule!

Blessed Solstice and Happy Yule! 

While many of my friends and family are prepping for and celebrating Christmas this time of year, I celebrate a little differently.  Celebrating the turning of the wheel of the year, I am getting ready for the winter Solstice, which this year will fall on Dec 21^st.   Often called Yule, this holiday is very similar to Christmas in that we are celebrating the rebirth of the god to the goddess.  While there are many variations of Yule or solstices celebrations, I wanted to just wish everyone a blessed Yule and a happy holiday season, however you celebrate this time of year. 

I have provided a few great links to give you more info about Yule in case you are interested.

Yule at Wicca.com 

Yule by the White Goddess

Yule by About.com

Just like all the holidays this time of years, the best part is getting to spend time with family and friends.  Decorating the tree, gorging on great food, and baking all the yummiest treats you can.  Chocolate, nuts, and delicious cookies abound in my home as in so many others.  In the spirit of giving I am sharing a favorite Yule time snack that my mom has always made for me.  And I can guarantee you’ll love it too.

Rocky Road Brownies

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup  Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 1 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup Good Quality Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.
2. 2 Stir together chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts; set aside. Place butter in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until melted. Add sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat with spoon until well blended. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; stir until well blended. Spread batter in prepared pan.
3. 3 Bake 22 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chip mixture over top. Continue baking 5 minutes or until marshmallows have softened and puffed slightly. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Using wet knife, cut into squares. About 20 brownies.

Happy holidays and blessings from my family to yours!