Thank You !

When I first thought about becoming the 4th Friend this year, I had no idea what a wonderful response there would be! I was just hoping to have a few people come find me and with any luck, break even.

Was I ever surprised! People began arriving just before 10 a.m. and it didn't wane until 3:30. I am still overwhelmed and completely flabbergasted. My little "shop" in the front room was brimming with happy shoppers! No lie, I was so shocked I couldn't speak. And for those of you that know me very well, you know that doesn't happen very often. I was very fortunate to have friends Patty and Betty here to help me. Patty (aka "Sparkle") baked cookies throughout the day which created the most wonderful aroma throughout the house and out the front door. Very enticing! Betty did what she does best -- she greeted and welcomed everyone (and made sure we captured everyone on a mailing list). They are the best friends a gal can have. Without their help, I would have never made it.

I want to thank everyone that made it to my neck of the woods in South Salem. You made my day by coming, giving so many positive comments and wanting to know when I would be opening my little "shop" again. It was a real boost to my confidence. I can't say thank you enough. I will open my front door again this time next year for the next Friends sale. Until then, you can find me at the Monticello Antique Market Place from April 24 through May 24. I'll post details soon, as well as other future events. If you saw something this weekend and would like to purchase it or place a special order - just email. I will try to accommodate you if I can. Someone also requested that I teach a class or two. I'm going to give that some consideration. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on a class topic, please let me know.

I did promise to provide the recipes for the coconut nests and lemon cookies. I'm glad they were a hit. I hope to see you soon and again, many thanks. M.

Coconut Nests

1 pound white candy coating (the white stuff you dip pretzels in or make peppermint bark)

1 16 ounce package of sweetened, shredded coconut

small jelly beans - atleast 48, more if you snack while you bake

Toast the coconut on a baking sheet with sides at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Stir it often to make sure it doesn't get too brown too fast. Remove and cool.

In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the candy coating, stirring occasionally until smooth.

Add the coconut to the candy coating and mix well. To form nests, very lightly spray mini muffin tins with a vegetable spray. Place a rounded tablespoon of the coconut mixture into the muffin tin and pack down. Then take one jelly bean and "smoosh" it into the coconut until it is "nested" in it. Let the nests cool completely before removing from the tins. If they seem stuck in the tin, just loosen the edge with the tip of a knife. They will come right out. The recipe makes approximately 48 nests. Store them in plastic storage containers.

Lemon Marguerites

1 box lemon cake mix

1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping - thawed

1 egg, beaten

sifted powdered sugar

Combine cake mix, thawed topping and egg in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed. Drop by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar. Roll to coat. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11-15 minutes. Remove and cool. Yields about 5 dozen. A chocolate version can be made with chocolate cake mix.