Joy to the World

There are some perks to working at a catholic institution. Christmas is a time to celebrate and you don't have to be afraid to say "Merry Christmas"! Although, I do find myself saying "Happy Holidays" more so than "Merry Christmas".

Another perk... the university displays gorgeous Christmas trees around campus. This tree is displayed inside the Student Center (the building I work in): 

{ a partridge in a pear tree themed tree... notice the bird at the top and pear ornaments }

Every time I walk by this tree I can't help but smile! On another happy note, I only have 2 more days of work and then I don't come back until January 3! The university is officially closed from December 23 - January 2. I get 7 days off of work without having to use any vacation time. Yay, education!

Dinner Party

Growing up, I always wanted to host fancy dinner parties for my family and friends. Living in a cozy (read: small) one bedroom condo doesn't really afford me the space to host such occasions. However, we are friends with a couple who love to host get-togethers. Our friend Liz owns a gorgeous 2 bedroom condo in Lakeview and is quite the hostess. 

Last week she and her BF Matt hosted a small group of close friends for a holiday dinner. Liz is the kind of person to pay attention to the little details. As a person who thrives on details, I appreciated all the little things that  made the occasion special. 

{ gold chargers with olive napkins and gem napkin rings }

{ the main course: surf and turf with home made twice baked potatoes } 

I can't wait until I can host more than 1 other couple without feeling totally cramped! Until then, I'm enjoying my cozy city home with the hubby. 

Song and Word

Last week Scott and I went to a fun holiday event called Christmas at DePaul.  It was the perfect event to get us in the holiday spirit! Over 200 people comprised an orchestra and chorus that retold the birth of jesus through song and word. 

Words cannot really do it justice. It was simply fabulous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the night: 

{ quick view of the chorus }

Happy holidays!! 

Holiday Delight

Watching the Food Network on Saturday mornings is one of my favorite things to do (especially when it's chilly outside). Last Saturday I caught an episode of 5 Ingredient Fix  that highlighted recipes for a "Posh Potluck". I watched the host make chocolate truffles and I was determined to try the recipe. 5 ingredients? Sounds simple (and it was). 

Official Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1/3 cup cream
• 14 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups coconut, toasted and finely ground

Directions 
Put the white chocolate in a large bowl.

Add the heavy cream to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and warm it over very low heat. Put the white chocolate into a bowl and pour in the hot cream. Whisk until all of the chocolate has melted. Add the butter and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate the ganache for about 1 to 2 hours, just enough to be able to form it into balls.

Use a tablespoon or small scoop to measure even amounts of ganache into small balls. Put the balls on a parchment or silicone mat lined sheet tray. Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up before the next step.

Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler (or a microwave). Dip each ball in the melted chocolate (2 forks make it easier to fish out dipped chocolate balls). Put the coconut into a medium bowl and add the ganache balls. Toss to cover them in the coconut, then put them on a wire rack over a parchment lined tray to dry. Allow the truffles to set for about 10 minutes before devouring.

PHOTO STEPS! 

** I forgot to take a picture of the first 2 steps (boiling the cream and melting the white chocolate...oops!) 

{ 1 inch white chocolate balls } 

{ use a spoon to coat the white chocolate balls with melted dark chocolate } 

{ allow the coated truffles to dry on a rack } 

{ melt white chocolate for an extra decor element } 

{ use a fork to drizzle white chocolate on the truffles } 

{ enjoy! } 

This was my first time making truffles at home and I thought they turned out great! They were quite delicious and I already have a few ideas for my next batch. I may add a little flavor extract or use coconut/hazelnut flakes. 

I plan to make a larger batch and give them away to family, friends and co-workers for a holiday surprise!