Where have I been?  Well, up to my elbows in chocolate… which is a family tradition for the Celona family.

For about 20 years now, I have made candy as gifts to friends and neighbors (that live near enough to deliver by hand).  I have included not only the photo, but an ‘extreme’ closeup (when you click on it).

I say that I make it, but it is truly a family affair and there are no shortage of teenage girls these days to help with chocolates to be made. 

My daughter Katherine who was ’tiling’ the roof with non-pareils, the walls were molded by my daughter Sarah & her friend Brittany.   And you can see below also the ‘before & after’ shots of the houses in construction.

UPDATE:  I found the exact mold I use for the house.  CLICK HERE to view it.  I took candy making classes at the Chocolate Duck 20 years ago and am excited they are still in business.  They also sell the Merkens chocolate melts.   And I use a (secret) mixture of milk & dark chocolate (if I tell you, I’d have to kill you).  And of course go over the top in decorating.

Other candy that I make is homemade butter crunch, almond bark, milk chocolate covered caramels and dark chocolate covered coconut chews.

This year I have been especially thinking of those loved ones not with us anymore.  I had a favorite uncle who loved my chocolates and getting a house… he introduced me to my love of “Special Dark” chocolate at age 8!    I’m sure he’s in heaven and getting a big Special Dark chocolate bar for Christmas.

I miss my grandmother, Katherine (my daughter photo’d above was named for her).  I wish my kids had gotten to meet her.  She was an amazing woman and mentor and I know I’ll miss her forever.  And my parents made me *crazy*,  but it is funny that some of the stuff that gets you crazy suddenly isn’t so important after they are gone (almost immediately actually… crazy how that works).

A Merry Christmas to all of you, my customers, downline, my blog readers (a few stalkers…LOL!)   I wish all of you love and peace and happiness.

Kids grow too fast and life flies by at too fast … so my advice is to just slow down (and eat your chocolate sitting).  And if you are waiting for a Christmas card from me… I’m *almost* done…