DECADENT MOCHA FUDGE ICE CREAM DESSERT & BOARD GAMES

Before we get started, let me give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/, who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and other great info.  Hey Kim!

Now on to our recipe.  In some areas it may be getting a little colder, but that sure doesn't mean we don't crave a little ice cream every once in a while.  This is the perfect delectable treat for a holiday party, and it's very simple to make.  It looks so delicious that everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen, or a lot of money. Once again, this is from one of my faves - Five Ingredient Cookbook from Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 3-3/4 cups crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies 
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 jar (16 ounces) hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
• 1/2 gallon coffee, chocolate chip, or cookie dough ice cream, softened, 
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Chocolate curls or sprinkles, optional

Directions

1. Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a 13x9-in. dish. Freeze 1 hour or until firm.
2. Spread hot fudge topping evenly over crust; freeze 30 minutes.
3. Layer with ice cream and whipped topping. Cover and freeze 8 hours or overnight. Garnish with chocolate curls or sprinkles if desired. Makes 15 servings,or less if you like BIG portions (lol).

MARTHA STEWART
If you've been reading my blog, you already know that I have HUGE girl crush on Martha Stewart because she can do anything!  Recently I was thrilled to see her on Chopped Junior and she was super serious about judging the work of those kids. Anywho, next month is the 25th anniversary of her magazine Living which is filled with lots of blingy decorations and delectable treats.  If you're crafty and want to try some new designs, this is the perfect magazine.  Flower and Gem Ornaments, Floral Fantasy Trees, and Sequined Balls are just a few of the DIY projects mentioned.  Then she shares some cool knowledge on candles that is really interesting.  Congrats to Martha and her team on her Silver Anniversary.

By the way - if you want to visit New York and tour Martha's offices, enter for your chance to win at www.gilt.com/martha.  The prizes include a trip for 2 to New York, a $2,000 shopping spree, special cookbooks and hanging out at some of Martha's favorite places.

 
DO YOU PLAY BOARD GAMES?
Let's face it - unless you get a game from a yard sale or thrift store, it's gonna cost you a little moola.  Prices for Monopoly and my fave Taboo range from $11.99 up to about $22.  Scrabble, however is a different animal and can cost as little as $17.99 all the way up to 1, 155!  I play all three, (I have yet to beat my husband in Scrabble who is a true master of the game, and no one I know has either-lol) and thank goodness I picked them up for next to nothing at yard sales from people who were tired of playing or just wanted to get rid of them.

This guy wrote a really funny post on his blog called  "9 Undeniable Reasons Board Games are Awful" back in 2014.  I can't say I agree with all of his reasoning, because I like board games, but he had me totally laughing out loud with his thoughts, and I followed him of course. I do agree that sometimes it's awful dag hard to find the right amount of people, or in fact ANY people to play on occasion. (lol) Check him out for yourself at http://islaythedragon.com/  

But it made me wonder, are people still playing board games these days?  Has electronics and Social Media taken over?

Off to cook breakfast, head to church and back to watch Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.  Yes, most I've seen before, but I can't help myself. Of course, they'll be some reading going on, too!  Ridley Person's The Risk Agent is keeping me on the edge of my seat with all the suspense and action.  How's your day?