SMOKED TROUT DIP

It's the most wonderful time of the year - we hug our family close, spend joyful time with friends, and remember and honor those who are no longer with us - while running around like crazy in between.
I was very much looking forward to an ornament exchange with a group of fabulous ladies, so fun and festive. Not only was there excellent conversation and incredible food, but I gained a beautiful ornament, handmade with recycled material.

SMOKED TROUT DIP

12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons horseradish
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
9 ounces of skinless smoked trout fillets, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons drained capers

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, and worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl to blend well. Gently stir in smoked fish and capers. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer dip to a decorative bowl, cover and refrigerate, Serve with bread and crackers as desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, December 2009
www.bonappetit.com/.../2009/.../smoked_trout_dip...

GINGERBREAD WAFFLES

I love those quiet mornings, when I can actually take the time to fulfill from scratch my kids breakfast requests. Although they didn't exactly ask for their waffles to be gingerbread, I thought it was a wonderful way to celebrate the season, and a beautiful morning.

GINGERBREAD WAFFLES

4 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup buttermilk
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

With an electric mixer, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar, molasses, and buttermilk and mix until blended, about 1 minute more.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in the butter.
Cover and refrigerate the batter overnight or cook immediately in a waffle iron until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve with toppings of your choice.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Family Fun, April 2010
https://familyfun.go.com/...fun/.../familyfun.../familyfun-april-2010/ ...