Despite being away from our family this year Matthew and I tried to make the best of our time in South Florida over the holidays and with help from a few recipes and each other’s company – We had a wonderful new kind of “white Christmas”.

We started off by decorating our little home in the festive nature.

I love to decorate our tree in red, green, and gold with nutcrackers all over. We have a couple special ornaments that are fun to seek out. The angel was a special find that I love very much.

Though we didn’t have as many presents as usual under the tree – our kitties were anxious to help us open them.

Every year, the kitties begin to feel festive in their holiday collars. Reggie enjoys his Santa-esque collar.

Sammy on the other hand goes for Christmas glam with sequins, jewels and feathers (that they surprisingly do not attack or pull off J)

As we began to get into our stockings the kitties became very anxious for the wrapping paper and toys alike

Sometimes, the excitement shines in their eyes

But no matter how much they like their toys – they love the wrapping papers and boxes

Our first attempt at a family Christmas photo – Reggie took it to be a cuddle session and missed his shot.

Merry Christmas 2010!

Matt took the photo too early and caught my excitement

This was supposed to be my cool excited pose – even with the bag upside down. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for my favorite holiday treat!

Matt had to work Christmas Eve so he enjoyed a frozen CPK pizza afterward

Christmas Day included time at the beach followed by watching the Heat basketball game after

Our new kind of “white Christmas” – fluffy white clouds and nice “white” sand

My paradise

One of our new favorite recipes included a Christmas Quiche. Ours included ham and bacon for Matt's evolved taste palette.

Easy Quiche:

• 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar or mozzerella cheese

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup milk

• 3 eggs, slightly beaten

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

• 9 inch pre-baked pie shells

• 1 dash pepper

• A dash of garlic powder

Directions

Prep Time: 0 mins Total Time: 1 hr

1. Toss cheddar cheese with flour.

2. Add milk, eggs, and parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper; mix well.

3. Pour into unbaked pie shell (pre-bake to avoid soggy).

4. Bake at 350* for 50-60 minutes or until set.

Variations include:

10 oz. pkg frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained

4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained.

Add 1 cup finely chopped ham

1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped pimentos.

8 slices crisp bacon cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup chopped green onions.

Add a 4 oz, pkg. sliced pepperoni

1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves, crushed.

Add 1/2 lb. bulk pork sausage cooked and drained;

10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained;

1/4 cup chopped onion

If you choose, Top with thin tomato slices just before serving.

My first Christmas dinner – ham and all. Sadly, we forgot to capture a photo of our Baked Apples dessert.