Snowmen and Hot Chocolate Cookies

Christmas decorations and holiday cheer don't need to be expensive. . .It can be something as humble as dollar snowmen mugs. . .and a simple cookie and pudding recipe that adds up to WINTER FUN that brings smiles to the faces of young and old. . .I know because it sure brought a smile and a laugh from John. . .and he is well past his childhood. . .(grin)

It was because of these cute snowman mugs that I began noticing more SNOWMEN for decorating purposes this year. . .collecting a few at antique malls and thrift stores. . .They are easily found for a little pocket change these days. . .

Then I happened upon this SNOWMAN painted on a big pieces of corrugated rusty tin from someone's old barn roof at WHITE HOUSE CREATIONS. . .Now what could be more appropriate for our COUNTRY FARM HOME. . .especially since he favored those favorite mugs of ours. . .

I knew exactly where he would go, too. . .on the whitewashed barn wood door that hides our modern refrigerator from view. . .and I was right! . . .It fit perfectly. . .

I added the handmade broom, purchased years ago, thinking every snowman needed one. . .(For you DIYers, he would be easy to paint.)

Seeing him proudly displayed in our kitchen, my thoughts returned to earlier years, when I absolutely loved playing in the snow. . .including snowball fights with the next door cousins. . .Building several snowmen in our yards usually started the fight. . .It was all in fun. . .

I might be freezing. . .and unable to feel my toes or stop my teeth from chattering. . .but I never gave up and only went inside when Mom insisted. . .She often bribed me with the promise of HOT CHOCOLATE and COOKIES once I got all the cold wet clothes off and changed into something warm. . .Sitting in the big living room window, sipping the chocolate, I admired our snowmen creations and the white landscape all around them. . .secretly wanting to return outdoors because I knew here in the South, the snow wouldn't last long at all. . .

Unfortunately, I can no longer drink hot chocolate. . .or eat anything sweet or gluten. . .but John can and I have a tendency to spoil him with a dessert at every meal. . .He has such a sweet tooth. . .

The catch is. . .he often has to endure my endless stories like the winter experiences. . .(grin again). . .

It wasn't a big leap from gathering the snowman mugs and placing them on the baker's cabinet beside the painted snowman. . .to thinking about HOT CHOCOLATE COOKIES and chocolate fudge pudding to go with it. . .The recipe I based them on is below, straight from the Jet-Puffed Marshmallow website. . .but I changed it a little for my cookies. . .I had no milk chocolate chips but I did find half a bag of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, which could symbolize the lumps of coal on the snowmen faces. . .Of course the marshmallows were "snowballs". . .I added a few more than the recipe called for. . .They toasted well and the resulting cookie also reminds us of S'mores. . .

They were a hit and totally enjoyed with the chocolate fudge pudding. . .The cookie jar is full and should keep John out of the fruitcake that isn't to be eaten until Christmas. . .A little diversion always helps. . .

It is hard to believe Christmas is so close. . .This holiday season is flying by fast. . .I hope you are enjoying every minute of it. . .Such a special time of the year. . .