Christmas Corner

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
- Norman Vincent Peale



I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.
- Harlan Miller



What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
- Agnes M. Pahro



My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?
- Bob Hope



Shrimp Bisque Recipe

Ingredients:
2 Tbls. butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups bottled clam juice
2 Tbls. ThickenThin Not/Starch Thickener
1 lb. cooked shrimp, divided
1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
2 Tbls. tomato paste
3/4 cup cream mixed with 3/4 cup water
salt and pepper

Directions:

Step 1:
Melt butter in a medium soup pot over medium heat. Cook onion 5 minutes, until softened.

Step 2:
Stir in clam juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in thickener; whisk until smooth.

Step 3:
Separate 8 shrimp; mix the rest in the pot and cook 1 minute, until heated through.

Step 4:
Puree soup in a blender in batches; return to pot. Whisk in tarragon, tomato paste and cream mixture. Bring to a simmer; cook 3 - 4 minutes for flavors to blend.

Step 5:
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowls; garnish with remaining shrimp.

Atkins Diet Recipe: Total carbs per serving - 3.5 "digestible" grams; protein 28 grams; fat - 24.5 grams; calories - 359