Dear Creative Genius

Thanks for stopping by. Your idea to make soup in a jar for some special people turned out better than I thought, and I only hope it tastes as good as it looks as I did not try out the recipe. Should I have done that?

Oh, and the fudge. Thanks to the Farm Journal Candy cookbook from 1970 that mom always used, we were able to make some fantastic fudge. Nevermind that the second pan wasn't really deep enough. Luckily, we have Cameron to come up with crazy ideas like making a peanut butter filling and folding half the pan onto the other. I admit, we were skeptical at first especially when the peanut butter concoction started to look a little unedible, but in the end it was fantastic. Too bad no one else really got to try it. I am only mildly ashamed that we practically ate that whole pan ourselves.

Now the truffles... that was sure an ambitious endeavor, but they turned out pretty well even though they don't look professional they were made by hand and not machine. Thanks to Aaron Brown via Amber we were able to have some premium leftover chocolate from Gramercy Tavern. The coconut was a good idea, and I only wish we had thought of it sooner. It was a messy project, but I think we will do better next year. I like this tradition.
However, the corn chowder we made the other day... not so good. Next time, remember not to bring your friend powdered milk. He's kind of dry and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. He's ok for cornbread and maybe pancakes but not soup. Remember that.

All in all, I appreciate your efforts. You make me feel like I might have a chance at being good in the kitchen and perhaps being that kind of mother that makes creative and fun gifts for people just because and whose holiday treats are to be coveted. Someday.

Sincerely,
N

ps... your brother All Around Genius stopped by to see the little man. He got so excited that he kept himself standing of his own efforts while he held onto his playmat. I think he is going to be quite the athlete even though he doesn't really even roll over yet unless by accident. But he has decided he can hold his own bottle and he likes to eat applesauce only when he can feed it to himself. I think he is doing quite well for such a little guy. Sure, the 90th percentiles mock him now... but just wait...