The other day I mentioned having the opportunity to visit with my grandmother, something I enjoy very much. I have such fond memories of all the times we've spent together and look forward to so many more.
One Christmas I made her a present. Okay, so maybe I've done this quite a few times, including jewelry (like the necklaces I remade for my mom and sisters this year), a bag with photos of Jacob on the front, the very first scarf I ever knitted, etc. But this particular handmade gift stands out in my mind the most (hers, too).
I made her a jar full of memories. I decorated a candy jar and fill it with memories handwritten on small sheets of paper. Each memory was then rolled up, wrapped in a piece of lace and tied shut on either end with tiny ribbons. I also included instructions, advising her to open one each day for the next month, although she was tempted to go through them all at once.I probably would've wanted to do the same thing. It's nice to reminisce, especially about the good stuff, like what's in today's jar. It's inspired by a recipe I once found on the GLiving site, while I was an active member on their message board. This also is where I first came in contact with Kristen of Kristen's Raw and Blaqberry of Hi-Rawkus (ever heard of them? Sure you have).
The original recipe (although reposted again back in August) was one I made frequently a few years back. It's GreenChef Jana's Organic Red Mango Mousse and Berry Parfait. As usual, I didn't follow all of the directions, but the results were similar. Mine included all the same flavors with the addition of some raw macadamia nuts (I also used a handful of shredded coconut in place of the coconut butter). Just look how beautiful the colors are in my jar (I also adore how this thinly sliced strawberry looks like a heart on my spoon).GLiving is also the site where I first discovered Juli Novotny of Kookie Karma. She is actually the one who got me into making yummy raw treats. I should be posting a Q&A with her soon, probably next week, so stay tuned :-)
