December 15, 1945 Olives Make A Party, Sneeze and Crash, A Real, Real Merry Christmas and Bonnie's Easy Candy

Sears Christmas Catalog, 1945 (www.wishbookweb.com)

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"I was really a little surprised to get a letter today because I thought the Christmas mail might make it late.  We got both letters though and I always feel better when I've heard from home.

We just came from the dinner at Hopkins.  As usual, it was a lovely party.  The tables were all decorated with sprigs of spruce and red candles.  We had broiled lamb chops, peas, baked potatoes, lettuce salad, pie and ice cream.  Then there were olives and the little extras that make a party.  I had sent a big plate of home made candy for the faculty yesterday but they had saved it and passed it around the table after dinner.  I guess my reputation is made now.  Everyone had "fits" over the candy.  We brought home some of the greens from the table.  I put them on the mantle-piece and that is about the only thing Christmasy around our house, yet.

We mailed our packages yesterday and I do hope they get there in time.  I had a terrible time trying to shop this year and nothing is very nice.  Oh, how I wish we could be home for Christmas!  Won't it be a glorious day when we are through school and will have some time of our own.  We have definitely decided not to go to Horace's for Christmas.  It was decided for us a week ago last night when we were coming home from an evening with some friends and a woman drove right into the side of our car.  We were crossing an intersection and she was supposed to have stopped at a stop sign.  She claims to have sneezed.  It sounds like a cut and dried case but she will not pay because B had no Conn. driver's license.  It would not pay to sue her so we'll just have to pay for it ourselves.  The back half of one side of the car is ruined and the door glass is broken.  We can still drive it and B plans to take it to a garage this week.  I didn't tell you last week because we didn't know then whether she would pay or not and I didn't want to worry you.

I am so glad Grandma is better.  It isn't very pleasant to be sick.  What is the Dr. doing for Daddy's rheumatism?  I hope he can cure it.

Yes, we heard Winchell tell about the little Holder boy but I was awfully glad to have the clipping.

The eggs arrived Thurs. in good shape.  That is a real nice present and I don't think we need anything else.  Thanks a lot.

We have a big snow on and it has been awfully cold.  It acts like it is going to stay on for awhile.  More is predicted for tomorrow.

Have a real, real merry Christmas.  We'll be thinking of you all."

                      Loads and Loads of love,

                                  B & Bonnie

Easy Rocky Road Clusters

Melt about 1 c. chocolate bits in a double boiler over hot water.  Stir in 1 c. chopped pecans and 1 c. chopped marshmallows.  Drop onto waxed paper and chill.


Easy Coconut Bon Bons

Mix together 2 lbs. powdered sugar, 1 can Eagle Brand milk, 1 cube oleo and 1-1/2 c. flaked coconut, raw or toasted.  Form into balls and refrigerate over night.  Melt chocolate bits with 1/2 sq. paraffin.  Dip balls in chocolate and chill till ready to serve.

Pralines

Mix together 1-1/2 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. cream, 1 T corn syrup and 1/2 tsp. soda.  Cook until syrup forms a soft ball.  Set aside to cool, about 15 minutes.  Add 2 c. slightly salted pecans.  Stir until thick.  Put on buttered platter in large spoonfuls.

Peanut Butter Candy

Combine 2 c. sugar and 2/3 c. milk.  Cook to the soft ball stage.  Remove from fire and add 1 c. marshmallow cream, 1 c. peanut butter and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Stir together until smooth and pour into buttered pan at once.  Cut into squares when firm or roll into balls.


Pink Divinity

Boil 3 c. sugar, 3/4 c. corn syrup and 3/4 c. water.  Beat 2 egg whites until fluffy and add 1 box of 
strawberry jello.  Beat till very stiff and gradually add boiling syrup, sugar and water mixture which has been cooked until it threads.  Add part of the boiling syrup and keep the rest on the burner boiling while beating in the first addition.  Then add the rest and keep beating.  Pour into buttered pan to set.

NOTE from Ann:  I haven't been able to locate any information about the incident with the Holder boy on which Walter Winchell commented.  For information on this controversial gossip columnist turned radio commentator:  http://www.evesmag.com/winchell.htm  and to hear a wartime broadcast:

http://tvmoviesforfree.com/mel/community-radio/wwii-news-1945-04-22-walter-winchell-april-22-1945-video_0133b94db.html