Whoville Christmas 2014

With my husband having two back-to-back surgeries on his arms (a long story that I can't legally talk about), he has been out of work...which means, for the first time in years and years and years, we do not have a lot of money to spend this Christmas. 

As I was sitting on the sofa, contemplating my adoration of the Christmas season and gift giving, a strong feeling came over me that I do not want to sulk or feel sorry for myself. In fact, if my husband and I have to go through this trial (we don't really have a choice), I want our children, family and friends to see that we are going to be OKAY. Christmas 2014 will come and go. A few weeks from now, how much money I was--or wasn't--able to spend will not matter, but the memories we will share by spending time with our loved ones will remain indefinitely. 

My thoughts then turned to the book and film How the Grinch Stole Christmas and I was reminded of Whoville and this endearing quote...

"It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."

Then a brilliant idea came to me and, after running it by my husband, the two of us decided to embrace the magic of the Grinch and go with a Whoville themed tree this year.

This is what we came up with...

Subway Art from scootapie Etsy shop

And yes, my tree is up the day before Thanksgiving, but I have a wedding to go to this weekend and Monday is December 1st. TOTALLY justifiable!!    :)

Chocolate Pudding Cake

This recipe for Chocolate Pudding Cake comes from my grandmother and it is a favorite in our family. You will notice that there is no pudding mix in the recipe. The "pudding" texture comes from the marshmallow bottom and the way the recipe is prepared. Fellow chocoholics, prepare your taste buds for the divine!

Miniature Marshmallows (1/2 of a 16 oz. package)
1 Chocolate Cake Mix
(Ingredients on Cake Mix Box)
1/2 Cup Cocoa
1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Cups Hot Water

Butter the bottom of a 13 x 9 cake pan. Cover with mini marshmallows. (DO NOT use regular size marshmallows or you will end up with a dripping mess all over the bottom of your oven. Unfortunately, I speak from experience.) Mix chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour cake batter over the marshmallows. 

Quickly whisk together the cocoa, brown sugar and hot water in a bowl.

 Pour the mixture over cake batter. 

Bake at 375 degrees until the center of the cake is done (test with toothpick). Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.