Ah, coffee and stollen. . . Does it get any better?

At the risk of sounding silly, I think the stollen that the Grand Duchess baked recently gets better everyday. It must be all of the butter and sugar in it. And combined with some fresh, strong coffee, well, it's just darn good. And apparently, cats think so too, or at least ours does!

Today's Christmas illustration is of uncertain origins, but it does date from the late 19th/early 20th century judging by appearances, and as all of you will know by now, I enjoy all of these old images of St. Nick, Christmas trees, and the like. Hard to believe that the big day is only about a week away now.

Good news! The Midwest here in the U.S. is supposed to have another big winter storm today. While we are probably going to have ice, or maybe a little snow here in Central Illinois, they are predicting about a foot of snow north of here in southern Wisconsin -- right smack over Delafield, where our Nordic skiing area -- Lapham Peak-- is located. So, the Grand Duchess Sonja and I will head up for a day of skiing on Saturday. By all accounts, conditions on the 25 miles of trails should be very good to excellent. Can't wait!

Comments

tradgardmastare said…

Stollen,coffee and snow sound just what the season ordered! I hope the skiing lives up to your expectations...
best wishes
Alan
p.s We have had a mild day of torrential rain here in Scotland- can't wait for the next cold spell!

1:46 PM

Bluebear Jeff said…

Stokes,

I hope that you and that delicious stollen maker, The Grand Duchess Sonja, have a delightful day of cross-country skiing.

-- Jeff

2:10 PM

Anonymous said…

Cross-country skiing sounds fascinating. Herzog Ignaz intends to send out a team of servants to enjoy it on his behalf at once.

2:12 AM

guy said…

Have an excellent day skiing. I have just booked flights for our annual jaunt to the Alps but regretfully we do not go until the end of March as the girl's are now at different schools. One goes back on the 4th January so that meant we could not do our usual trip over New Year. It is a shame as I have a link on my computer here to the resort web cams and they are having a glorious start to the season. The upside is that the exchange rate for the pound is so dreadful at the moment that hopefully matters will improve in the next 2/3 months.

Regards,
guy

2:54 AM

old-tidders said…

Stokes,

thanks for all these wonderful yuletide postings. I feel it's already Xmas, they've got me in the mood.

The Stollen looks very appetising (and much much better than one I bought to eat at Xmas).

Enjoy your skiing

-- Allan

6:08 AM

Anonymous said…

Stokes,

You do realise that eating too much stollen can restrict your figure painting activities.
And, if I don't get around to leaving another comment before the day...make sure you have a Merry Christmas & a prosperous New Year.

Steve.

9:19 AM

And We're Off!!!

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The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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