Christmas is a time for family, joy, and peace. A season of love and giving. However, is it possible to give too much? When I was a younger mother, my holiday season started by decorating the entire house.  As the season progressed, endless hours were spent shopping, days were gobbled up by the cooking of multi-course feasts, and late nights were spent wrapping piles of Christmas presents.  My life and calendar was full. However, the holiday season was also filled with stress, plagued by  sore feet, and an inexplicable  feeling that something was missing. Please ask yourself. Would you enjoy the season more by limiting your events or having fewer decorations?  Perhaps, it is better to serve a few favorite dishes instead of a full feast. That way you can spend the holiday with family instead of in the kitchen.  Would you give more by limiting the gifts you give?  How about giving something needed, something wanted, and a sentimental gift that will ...

  The beauty of the sky. The sweetness of the quiet. A moment to pray. A lovely smile of memory. A beautiful light fades away. --- Sugie Bee

Amaretti is an Italian name for macaroons. These traditional almond-flavored cookies were first made during the Middle Ages and are naturally gluten and dairy-free. Made with almond flour, egg whites, and super-fine sugar, they have an almost marzipan quality to them. Crisp and crunchy on the outside and soft inside, these small dome-shaped cookies are delicious. GATHER YOUR GROCERIES; 2 1/2 cups of almond flour 1 1/4 cup of baker's sugar (superfine sugar) Three egg whites 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon of almond extract Extra sugar for pressing the dough THE WAY TO DO IT: Preheat oven to 300°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, blend the almond flour and sugar. Add the vanilla and almond extract to the egg whites in a mixing cup and blend for a few seconds. Add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is smooth. Roll into large marble size balls of the dough.  Place on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and pres...