Living a life of measure and constraint is the only way to live. That's what I tell myself. Don't buy the red heels. Get a good paying job with an average benefits package and forget interesting life work. Paint the living room white. Keep the furniture neutral. Buy a car that is reliable and modest. Hide away a painting, writing or song. Remember it's all black and white. Tuck away the vitality that makes us alive.

What if we threw away that thinking and lived brazen and bold? How would our lives look different?

I'm going to try it this week. How about you? Until tomorrow.

Well friends, today is the day. Together we've reached our goal of creating 365 days straight. When this experiment began, I asked "Can the mere act of creating change one's life? Would creating every day make change easier? If we create every day, would we find the work we are intended to do?

Today, I can say "Yes!" to all the questions above. Creating every day pushed down doubt and threw out the idea of perfection. It hammered home that we spend more time worrying if something is great or what people will think than freeing a part of ourselves. By holding ourselves accountable every day, we let go of expectations and the constraints we have built for ourselves. It forces our mind and soul to work together to find our own self-worth. Creating is powerful. We can make change in our lives if we allow it.

Somewhere between the late nights, chocolate binges, bad grammar, weird ideas, tired jokes, post fails, and buckets of glitter, a few nuggets of wisdom surfaced. After creating for 365 days straight, I can firmly say I feel insanely creative and infinitely successful. No, I didn't make a dime on this blog. No, I didn't capture the attention of the masses. No, I don't have a book contract, a movie script in the making or a new housewares line coming to Target.

What I can provide today are two things: perspective and wisdom. Somewhere between trying to capture the perfect snapshot of a donut fritter and firing up power tools to make a magazine rack, things surfaced. They were the true lessons of this year. Here in no particular order are eleven jewels of creative wisdom. 

Pick Up A Post-It Note - Post-It notes are the perfect way to create. Ideas can be jotted down quickly, moved around, and built into things. Buy a pack and use them as a temporary mode of self-expression.

Creative Voyeurism Doesn't Create Anything - Creative television shows are addictive. Scrolling through social media outlets are entertaining. However, if a change is needed, step into a kitchen, stop by a hardware store, sign up for a class or dust off a notebook and get making. Watching the work is different than doing the work. Trying and failing are keys to creating a life worth living.

Siren Songs Aren't Just For Mermaids - Mermaids have a particular song that lures people into the water. Just as a mermaid, it's important to have a song and a voice that is specific, clear and authentic. This is what makes work worth bringing into the world. Hear the mermaid but listen to yourself. Make your own siren song.

Go Do It - No one is going to tell you to start. No one is coming to tell you it's a perfect time or you are ready. You just have to do it.

The Audience Doesn't Have Cue Cards - Sharing creative work rebels against the part of the self that says "Don't show this work. It's terrible. You will get laughed at." Through the year, there were many times where I felt uncomfortable. My brain said, "No way! Don't show this to anyone." However, with the time constraint, I didn't have a choice but to send the work out into the world. It was anxiety provoking. I was sure the audience would think I was a joke. What became apparent was only my brain has cue cards. The audience doesn't.

Being Busy Isn't Being Creative - Being creative is about solving problems. Being busy is just being busy. Look around and ask if there is a problem that needs a solution. If not, move on.

It's Going To Get Messy Around Here - Creating is messy and imperfect. Do it anyway. The learning is way more important than the mess.

Who's Got This? - Just You. It's hard to show up and put down work. However, if you don't, who will? No one told me to start this blog. No one told me people need to be more creative. No one forced me to create every day. It was just me. Now it's just you on your journey. 

Achilles Heels? Work It! - The famous artist Chuck Close creates mind-boggling, interesting portraits of people. His work hangs in the National Gallery and sells for millions of dollars. However, it's surprising to know that he is face blind. He doesn't recognize people from their faces. Don't let an Achilles heel stop the creative process. Use it as a constraint and build from it.

Do What's Next. - Sometimes we get caught up in the endless cycle of asking what's next? Most of the time the answer is right in front of us. There were many days when I was searching for something to create only to find the answer was right in front of me. Just look forward and do what's next.

"Create" & "Yet" Are Superheros - There are people who suggest they aren't creative. Ok, they aren't creative, yet. Creativity is a muscle that needs to be flexed to grow. Do something creative every day, and it is inevitable a new path will develop. Think of creativity as a superpower and the word yet as its super sidekick. Together, they have the power to change your life.

Well friends, may you be insanely creative and infinitely successful. Cheers to making life worth living.

Until we meet again.

Hi, friends. It's almost been 365 days of Create & Change. No, I don't know where this blog will be after tomorrow. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who kept this blog alive. There were many times when I wanted to quit, give up and throw in the towel. There were late nights, sick days, terrible typos and crappy ideas. However, just when the chips were down, and I was ready to say "FORGET IT!" someone would take time out of their lives to say "just keep going."

Today is the moment when I thank you all. Thank you for signing up for daily emails, providing comments, pointing out the typos, following me on Facebook, giving me ideas, providing feedback, sending me e-mails and supporting me on this crazy one year adventure. You all are a force of nature, and I am truly lucky to have you in my life. 

Today, create thank you. Write a letter, make a phone call or meet in person to voice how lucky you are to have their support. It's rare to find people in this world that will get up, stand up and encourage someone else. All we can do is say thank you. It's more important than ever.

Until tomorrow friends.

Hello, friends. Are we all still in holiday go, go, go mode? Or have we hit the wall and don't want to get out of bed? I'm more in the latter camp and want to stay under the covers. Therefore, let's do an easy project today. First, I swear this isn't a food blog. Maybe it's the holidays or perhaps the gray, cold weather has left me hungry. Whatever the reason, food sounds like a good way of getting creative this week.

Bread is something I have always wanted to create well. Who else loves a warm slice of homemade bread with a pat of salty, oozy butter? Having a slice straight from the oven is one of the great pleasures of life. However, whipping up a loaf of bread seems complicated and daunting. There is yeast, rolling, kneading and rising. Throw in that my favorite type of bread is Challah bread, which is a braided, eggy loaf and making bread seems downright impossible.

However, I have located an easy Challah recipe that requires a plastic bag and a little patience. For today's project, let's create a loaf of easy Challah bread. For all the traditionalists out there that recoil at the fact this bread rises in a bag, it is a bit concerning. However, the plastic pouch made for an easy way for a novice to try their hand at bread making. You can find the recipe here at "The Lazy Cook's Challah In A Bag Is So Easy & Delicious." There is even a video to get the amateur cook started on this delicious bread making escapade. It was truly and a comfortable experience and ended with a delightful loaf of bread that filled my house with the scent of warm, buttery goodness. 

Well, let me know how your Challah bread rises and if you make it out from under the covers. I have a delightful loaf of bread to butter up. See you tomorrow lazy bakers!

Hello! Is everyone still in holiday hustle mode? Well, our family needed to slow down today due to both kids catching the cough of the century. They are both feeling pretty crummy and are currently fighting over who gets more blankets on the couch. It's hard to see them struggle. As a mom, I always know they aren't feeling well when they don't want to eat. For all you kids out there, know that not eating makes a mother worry. It doesn't matter if your kids are three or eighty-five years old, when we hear the dreaded "Nothing sounds good to eat," we know something bad is brewing.

At times like these, most people make a little chicken noodle soup. However, if you ask me, chicken noodle soup ranks right up there with serving a dirty sock in a bowl full of puddle water. In short, it's gross. However, years ago when I lived in Chicago, there was a tiny Greek diner just around the corner from my old studio apartment. When I wasn't feeling well, I'd pop in for a little bowl of egg lemon or Avgolemono soup. It's delicious, tart and creamy broth always brought me back to the land of the feeling better. I sware it's soup for the soul!

Today, create this damn good soup. It's pretty easy to make and even simpler to eat. I'm sharing this secret recipe perfected over the years. I hope you like it. Consider it a gift from my soul to yours.

Damn Fine Egg Lemon Soup

Serves 8

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 6 egg yolks
• 2.5 quarts chicken stock
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

Step 1: In a large bowl, stir milk and cornstarch. Beat in egg yolks. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large heavy pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil and add orzo. Cook according to the orzo package directions. Stir frequently.

Step 3: Remove the chicken stock and orzo from heat. Slowly add the milk/egg mixture and stir continually. Add the salt. Place the pot back on low heat until it starts to thicken stirring frequently.

Step 4: Once the stock thickens slightly, remove from heat again, add butter, parsley, lemon juice, and grated lemon rind. Stir until combined. Add salt to taste. 

Now, feed your soul, stay well and see you tomorrow great cooks!

Oh hey. Today is the day to create a slow down. Someone in my life has a terrible practice of reflecting on the end before things begin. It doesn't matter if it's a vacation, special holiday or a nice dinner. She will inevitably say "Well, it's going to go fast." The phrase has a way of killing the joy of the moment, but it does have the intended effect. To remind us that it can be hard to take in happiness. We want to grasp it when it appears but like a wind it comes in and our of our lives. It's something in which we want to hold tight but isn't tangible. During the holidays, happiness can seem lost in the many expectations. Today stop and create a moment to find the happiness that is around you. 

That's if for today. See you tomorrow friends.

Happy Holiday All! Yes, today is Christmas. Maybe it's not the holiday celebrated in your home. Maybe you celebrate the winter solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanza or Las Posadas. No matter, what you believe, it's these holidays that keep the light in our lives burning. Where would be without these marked events? Without these holidays, would we clear our schedules to see family or friends? Would we take trips that provide new perspectives? Would traditions get carried from one generation to the next? Holidays bring us joy, love and most of all light in our lives.

Today's project is to create light. Pull out a candle and light it. Reflect on all the moments that have brought the life that is before you today. 

Until tomorrow light makers.

Hey, all. Some of us may have snow on the ground and have created a snowman or two this year. When I was a kid, building a snowman was almost the only thing to do in the winter other than sledding the giant hill behind my childhood home. There was something refreshing and magical about building a snowman. It was truly a celebration of winter. 

Flash forward thirty plus years and now my kids are begging to build a snowman. However, we live in California where snow only happens on the mountain slopes. Instead of breaking their little hearts that building a snowman wouldn't be possible this year, I told them it was time to get creative.

If you live somewhere where snow is plentiful, today create a snowman. If you live somewhere where snow is at a minimum, try creating this delicious cheese ball snowman. Either way, celebrate the joy of the winter season today.

Snowman Cheeseball

• 2 - 8 oz lactose-free cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups finely shredded goats milk Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 small carrot
• about 10 small capers
• butter crackers

Step 1: Whip the cream cheese in a stand-up mixer for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and whip 1 more minute.

Step 2: With a paring knife, carve a small carrot nose. 

Step 3: Made 2 balls of cream cheese, one slightly smaller than the other. Roll each in the Monterey Jack cheese. Place the larger ball on a serving plate and then the smaller ball on top of the larger. Decorate the snowman with the carrot nose and the capers.

Step 4: Serve with the butter crackers and smile.

Until tomorrow holiday spirits.

Hey, party girls (and boys). Most of us are stepping up our party game in the weeks ahead. The holidays give us permission to let loose and indulge too much. There were times and places when I loved a good cocktail to let the good times roll. Now, I look forward to drinking more water than wine. However, this time of year brings the clinking of glass with a cocktail or two. What's a better way to enjoy this time of year other than a perfectly mixed infused goodness?

Here is the catch. There is just something that doesn't sit well with the old body when it gets a swig of vodka, tequila or rum. Which leaves gin. Who else can't decide if I love it or hate gin? Either way, I decided to give gin a whirl today. Well, it was also because I found these lovely bottles of St. George gin at my local store. However, once I took a sip, this gin is divine!

Today's project is to create a special holiday drink and make a toast to the year almost behind us. The drink doesn't need to be complicated or contain gin. However, if you want a great cocktail recipe, here is a fizzy grapefruit cocktail that will be sure to make you get fizzy with it! 

Grapefruit Gin Fizzy

Serves 2

Simple syrup

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 star of anise
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 5 cardamon pods

Cocktail

• 1 oz rosemary, anise, cardamon syrup
• 3 oz St. George Gin
• 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• splash of Lacroix grapefruit sparkling water
• rosemary and grapefruit peels for garnish

Step 1: Place the sugar, water, anise, rosemary and cardamom pods into a heavy sauce pan and heat until bubble forms around the edges. Remove from heat and let cool completely and remove the cardamon pods, anise and rosemerry. Squeeze the grapefruit. 

Step 2: Once the syrup is cooled, in a cocktail shaker, add the syrup, gin, grapefruit juice and 2 cubes of ice. Shake for 1 minute. Pour into a glass. Add a splash of the fizzy water, garnish and serve.

Well, enjoy the cocktail and cheers to 2016. Until tomorrow great part goers.

Hey! It's the time of year to indulge and what's a better way to indulge than to drink a delicious hot chocolate? I have been fiddling around for years trying to track down the best drinkable chocolate because as well all know, life is better with chocolate. The recipe below is going to make you cry it's so velvety delicious. Today's project is simple. Create this hot chocolate recipe today. Trust me. Your tears will worth every drop.

World's Best Hot Chocolate

Makes 2-8 oz cups

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate (preferably Guittard)
• lots of whip cream

Step 1: Place the whole milk and heavy cream in a heavy saucepan and whisk in the powdered sugar and espresso powder. Heat until bubbles start to form on the sides, but the mixture isn't boiling.

Step 2: Take the pan off the heat and add the chocolate. Whisk in the chocolate until smooth.

Step 3: Pour out the hot chocolate into cups and serve with lots of whip cream.

Are you crying yet? Until tomorrow chocoholics!

Hey, Friends. There are just a few more days left of this crazy "create everyday" experiment. I had many plans to post interesting final projects that would inspire and create change. In short, I wanted to mic drop this blog and end the 365 days with a bang. However, it isn't going to happen. I explained yesterday that a leaky roof had displaced us and we are living someplace else. In short, my office is closed.

So, to combat all the stress, I headed out on a great adventure today. With a five-year-old and a three-year-old in tow, we headed into the city on public transportation. We ate empanadas, had lollipops, met up with great friends, took in the holiday decor, and did holiday shopping. Lastly, we walked through a life-size gingerbread house where the scent of gingerbread was all around us. We watched the gingerbread train scoot around Santa's cookie workshop and forgot for a while that things don't always go as planned.

In short, we created a next door adventure that filled our day with the better. Today, do the same. Forget all the responsibilities and create a next door adventure for yourself. Leave work early and see the holiday lights. Skip the meeting and get hot chocolate. Don't make dinner go out. It's amazing how creating a small experience can make life better.

Until tomorrow.

Oh hey. Have you ever had a holiday that wasn't merry and bright? Yep, me too. In fact, I could say that over the past few years, the phrase "happy holidays" brings me a haphazard giggle. A few years ago, my extended family met up for a wonderful celebration for my parents anniversary. We booked a photographer and planned a big party. We rented a big house, and when we all arrived, we passed the flu from one person to the next. We spent the entire ten days pretty miserable. Everyone turned on each other and hid in their rooms. There wasn't a party, a family photo and it wasn't a great holiday. 

There have been other less than merry holidays as well but this holiday seems to be taking the cake. We have been displaced by a leaky roof and are currently living out of a few suitcases in a converted garage. However, in times like these, I become thankful for the good people in my life. Because of the house drama, I was able to hang out with an old and lovely friend for most of the day. She travels all over the world. We don't get to see each other much. What made the time extra special today, was the fact we got to see our kids play together. It was one of those moments that makes everything ok. It puts perspective into the situation. It makes me understand that sometimes the expectation of what we want happy to be and what it is can be different.

Which brings me to today's project. Create a list of the best holidays on record. Reflect on them and cherish them. It's hard to know what life has in store for us. It's hard to know where life will take us. However, we can have those happy moments if we let go of expecations and let happy present itself to us.

Until tomorrow.

Hey, Everyone. Look, I know we are all searching for the best darn cookie recipe right now. We all need the perfect plate of cookies to give to a beautiful neighbor, make for a dreaded cookie exchange or bring to a holiday party. We all want a show stopper. A cookie that everyone will request and talk about for years to come.

Well, don't even think to look anywhere else. I have the perfect holiday cookie recipe for you. I am going to share with you this top secret Peppermint Molasses Superstars recipe. It will make you the cookie baking darling of any event. The secret to making them perfect is to make them big or rather an enormous sized chewy, sweet, salty disc of pure goodness.

Today's project is to create a batch of cookies and make them big. Here is the recipe:

Peppermint Molasses Superstars

Serving: About 24 large cookies

• 3/4 packed cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses
• 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Peppermint Frosting

• 6 tablespoons butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4-5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter until creamy. Beat in the egg and molasses until light and creamy.

Step 2: Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl then add them slowly to butter mixture.

Step 3: Using an ice cream scoop, drop the cookie dough onto prepared sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes and then switch positions of the baking sheets in the oven. Bake for another 10-12 minute or until set. Cookies should not brown or wet in the middle.

Step 4: Cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the frosting. With a mixer, whip the softened butter on high for 3 minutes. Turn off the mixer and add the powdered sugar. Combine until smooth. Add the cream, extracts and salt. Whip until smooth.

Step 6: With a butter knife or an offset spatula, frost the cookies and sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Until tomorrow great cookie bakers.

Hey there. When the holiday season rolls around, I love to walk past bakery windows. A long time ago in a different life, I took a trip to Paris around this time of year. Nestled between the macaron cookies and the tarts in the Parisian windows always sat a log shaped cake decorated with tiny meringue mushrooms. It always seemed out of place to me. Brown in color and lacking the festive feel of other sweet treats. However, the bûche de Noël is one of the oldest known traditions during this time of year. The French made the cake popular back in the 1900's, but the yule log for which the bûche de Noël celebrates is an ancient tradition. Read more here "The Delicious History of the Yule Log."

The last line of the article stuck with me, about how few people nowadays don't make yule logs at home but why not? Today, I found out why after about 5 hours of mixing, whipping and laboring over this special big, brown hunk of cake. It was a labor of love but as I worked my way through the recipe, I started to feel just a little bit merry and bright. I gather that by tackling something way far beyond my expertise, it ushered in something new.

Today's project is to create room for the new. Make a difficult holiday recipe, call a loved one that needs attention or make amends in your life with something that is overwhelming you. After all, the yule log was a symbol of clearing the air and making room the new.

Until tomorrow yule log lovers.

Hello, Friends. Sometimes no needs to be said. However, no is a hard word to say. We want to be kind so we say "of course" when it hurts us. We say it's "it's ok" when someone takes advantage of us. We brush off the vileness of the world with "yes, it's happening" because we don't know how to say the word no.

Today create no. Take a stand and say "No, that isn't going to work for me." "No, I deserve better." "No, I don't agree." We change the world by saying no not by saying yes.

Until tomorrow.

Hello, Part 2. Here is another super fun project to do with kids this holiday. These are fun, sweet little snowglobe ornaments that take no time at all. These ornaments are a great way to spread smiles and holiday cheer. Now hop to it crafty kids.

Tiny Winter Wonderland

• 1 plastic clear round ornament
• 1 bottle brush tree
• quick dry craft glue or hot glue (for adults only)
• long tweezers
• fine white glitter
• white masking tape
• ribbon
• ornament hook

Step 1: Remove the top from the ornament. Add glue to the bottom of the bottle brush tree. Using the long tweezers, stick the tree inside the ornament. Let the glue dry or adhere.

Step 2: Using a small piece of paper, roll it up to create a funnel. Place the funnel into the opening of the ornament. Pour the glitter down the funnel into the ornament.

Step3: Use a small piece of masking tape to cover the opening of the ornament. Stick the legs of the ornament top through the masking tape and place the top back on the ornament. 

Step 4: Add the ribbon and hook.

A tiny winter wonderland that will bring a sweet smile to any little elf. See you tomorrow!

This post contains affiliate links.

Hello, holidays! This time of year it's lovely to carve out time for moments of doing fun stuff together as a family. We usually see a giant gingerbread house, ride a holiday carousel, and drink barrels of hot chocolate with marshmallows. However, one of our favorite holiday events is a very special brunch where kids get to have fun with their friends. This year there is an ornament exchange. Today, we went shopping to pick up ornaments. As we were shopping, my daughter asked if we could make the ornaments. By making the little gems ourselves, we agreed they would be extra special. After a Pinterest search and a lot of sweating through the Target dollar bin, we have two easy and fun projects that will make big kids and small kids smile. This is part 1/project 1. Look out for part 2/project 2 tomorrow!

Today's project is to create these super cool ornaments and gift it to someone special in your life. Watch them smile. They are a simple and sweet way to pass on holiday cheer!

Holiday Hot Wheels

You will need:

• 1 super cool Hot Wheels model car {affiliate link}

• 1-2 feet of bakers twine

• a small bottle brush tree (found in the Target dollar bin)

• quick dry craft glue

• ornament hook

Using the craft glue, secure the bottle brush tree to the top of the Hot Wheels car. Wrap twine around the tree and through the car window. Add the ornament hook and enjoy the super cool ornament!

Look out for more holiday fun tomorrow kids!

Hey! Today's project is going to be a quick one and fun! All we need is warm a cup of cocoa, pop up a big bowl of salty, buttery popcorn and pick a great holiday movie to warm our hearts. Yes, create a movie night tonight. Here is a list of top tell movies that will make your heart fill with joy.

Well, I'm off to sip my hot chocolate and laugh at Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Until tomorrow Clark Griswald!

Oh, hi. I have a pain in my neck today. If you know me well, you know that I am using this phrase literally and as well as metaphorical. Here is the short of it. Sometimes, life doesn't go as planned. In an instant, things get painful; things get blurry, and things don't work out. No matter how much you try to grasp on to expectations, it becomes apparent it's a losing battle. The neck continues to hurt even after all the remedies are applied and doctors advised. It becomes clear; it isn't about the neck. It's about expectations.

Pain is all around us. It's in our past, present and future. We all run from it in some way. The older I get, the more I realize we should turn to pain and think about the change it brings to our lives. Take for instance the real pain in my neck. I woke up two days ago, and it's a real struggle to move my arm. It feels terrible as a type, draw or breath. The pain came out of nowhere, but it's making me somewhere pretty miserable. However, when I sat down to do this project, I realized the pain provided me a beautiful constraint. By taking away some of the choices, it made me more creative because it changed my expectations and perspective. I can't draw today. I can bearly type. What can I provide? My answer is a quote:

Today's project is to create a beautiful constraint. Identify a problem and look for an alternate solution. Use creativity to manage expectations. Find the art in the problem.

Until tomorrow great thinkers.

This post contains affiliate links.

Hey, everyone. I'm busy in the kitchen today mixing up some super holiday treats. At the top of my list is making a batch of toffee candy. Yes, toffee sounds hard, but in all honesty, it's easy to make. The crunchy, buttery bark is some of the sweetest, most delicious candy on this planet. Have you ever had warm homemade toffee? It's a slice of heaven.

Growing up my grandmother made lots and lots of different candies every holiday. She labored over chocolate covered cherries, caramels, divinity and fudge just to name a few. Her entire house would be covered in candy. She gave each and every piece away on a paper plate topped with a festive bow. She had a big heart and showed her love through what she made. If you were lucky enough to receive a plate of candy, you knew you were special.

Today's project is to create a batch of candy and give it to someone in your life. Tell them they are special. I have included the recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Toffee below. It's easy to make and even easier to give away.

Chocolate Peppermint Toffee

You will need:

• a candy thermometer {affiliate link}
• a large heavy saucepan
• jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with sides
• Silpat silicon baking mat {affiliate link}
• a wooden spoon

• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• A dash of salt
• 5 candy canes unwrapped broken in pieces
• 1 candy cane crushed
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (optional)

Step 1: Grease cookie sheet/jelly roll pan. Place butter, sugar, water, corn syrup and a dash a salt into a heavy pan. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and turn the stove on medium to high heat and begin to stir the mixture. 

Step 2: Keep stirring and heating the mixture until it reaches 290 degrees then remove from heat.

Step 3: Pour hot mixture into the baking sheet/jelly roll pan. (The mixture is boiling. Be careful when handling) Add the broken candy cane pieces. Add the chocolate chips on top of the toffee. Let the chocolate chips melt. Smooth the chocolate with a butter knife or offset spatula. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt if desired. Top with the crushed candy cane.

Step 4: Let harden and break apart into small pieces.

Step 5: Give away your treats and spread joy.

Until tomorrow great gift givers and joy makers!