By Diana Cosby
Gifts come in many shapes and sizes, but I believe the most precious ones are those delivered from the heart. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mayhem of life, particularly during the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, but every day, there are people amidst the chaos who help you, who take time out of their busy lives to make a difference in yours. This year, why not return that gift?
This holiday season, as wrapped gifts exchange hands, I ask you to pause, reflect on those who’ve truly made a difference in your life, and if possible, find a special way to say thank you. This can be a simple gesture—something like a greeting card, a bouquet of flowers, or a heartfelt poem. Maybe you could bake someone their 
favorite cookies? Or, present them a coupon book filled with everyday chores, which they can tear out and give you to do on those trying days when they really need a helping hand. The absolute best gift you can offer another person is one given from the heart. And when special-delivered, without any strings attached, it touches their own.
This Christmas, I’m making gift baskets filled with my favorite homemade things, such as macadamia-butterscotch chip cookies, shortbread, double chocolate-orange-pecan biscotti, Vermont maple syrup, orange-lemon-maple syrup marmalade and more. With each one, I’m sharing a part of myself with the other person.
What ideas can you think of? Remember—the more original and inventive, the more fun! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear your ideas!
My gift to you, one of my favorite recipes: Butterfinger Ice-cream Pie!
Snickers Ice-cream Pie
.Oreo pie shell
.½ gallon Snickers ice cream
.Cool whip
.Chocolate fudge ice cream topping
.Caramel ice cream topping
.One Snickers chocolate bar chopped up
Place 1 quart of softened Snickers Ice-cream cream into Oreo pie shell and smooth out flat. Place ½ inch or slightly more thick layer of cool whip. Drizzle on the chocolate fudge and caramel ice cream toppings. Sprinkle with chopped Snickers chocolate bar. Put plastic top on and freeze.
*I usually make this a couple of days in advance and leave it on a flat shelf in the freeze. This takes less than 5 minutes to make, and 1/2 gallon will make two pies. Enjoy!
I sincerely wish everyone health, friendship and happiness this holiday season, a time when the best gift of all is the gift of yourself—that one-of-kind present that can make a difference in the life of another.
***
Please leave a comment to enter win HIS CONQUEST. If you’re reading this blog through a feed at Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads or another social network, please note that you need to leave your comment at www.museinterrupted.com to enter.
The back cover blurb for HIS CONQUEST and Diana’s bio are in yesterday’s post. Visit Diana’s website to learn more about her and her books.
I do little things all year round, from holding doors open to other, bigger things. It makes me feel good, and I hope it makes the other person feel good too.
And, Cindy, I got hungry reading your list! lol
Edie Ramer Says:
I do little things all year round, from holding doors open to other, bigger things. It makes me feel good, and I hope it makes the other person feel good too.
~It does. Thank you for stopping by, always wonderful to see you.
And, Cindy, I got hungry reading your list! lol
~:) That’s a yummy pie. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter and friendship, and may your New Year be the best yet!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Hi, Diana,
In the early years, with no money for presents, I made cookies for gifts. It became such a hit, that now, if family members don’t get their cookies, they’re disappointed. 🙂
Thanks for the thoughtful post.
Diana Layne Says:
Hi, Diana,
~Morning, Diana, great name. 🙂 My sincere thanks for stopping by!
In the early years, with no money for presents, I made cookies for gifts. It became such a hit, that now, if family members don’t get their cookies, they’re disappointed.
~:) Love it! One of my favorite gifts to give now is a box of the things I love. Recipients never know what they’ll receive. *G*
Thanks for the thoughtful post.
~I believe it’s important to say thanks to those who have made such amazing differences in our lives. No one act is too small. Take care and I hope you have a fabulous holiday season, and may your New Year be the best yet!
Cheers!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Thanks for the suggestion, Diana. There are some people, especially, who are so hard to buy anything for that a gift that is made with your own hands is the best and most meaningful. I think there should be two of each of us at this time of year so we could get everything done.
Have a very joyous holiday.
Ann
Hi, Diana, and thank you for the gift of pie!
Our lives are so busy; but one easy peasy thing we all can do every day is say “thank you.” After all the years I put in in retail, this meant a lot to me during the hectic holiday season.
Happy Holidays to all!
Hey Diana,
I’m glad to have another one of your amazing pie recipes, as well as another amoazing MacGruder book. Kudos to you, my friend!
Maggie
Hi everyone, and welcome to Diana. Sorry I’m late today. Am sick but still had to take the dog on a 45 minute walk to the dog park. She insisted.
Diana, this dessert sounds delicious! If I knew what 1/2 gallon was in metric, I might try it out. 😉
The best to everyone this holiday season!!!
annabelle ambrosio Says:
Thanks for the suggestion, Diana. There are some people, especially, who are so hard to buy anything for that a gift that is made with your own hands is the best and most meaningful. I think there should be two of each of us at this time of year so we could get everything done.
~:) There’s a wonderful thought. Ann, thank you so much for stopping by to say hi. I love handmade gifts, more so if they involve chocolate. *G* Seriously, it’s humbling how many people take time out of their chaotic lives to make a positive difference in others. To give them thanks, more to make it personal, that’s where you discover the true heartbeat of the season.
Have a very joyous holiday.
~You as well, may yours be filled with friendship and laughter, and may your New Year be the best yet!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Vicki Batman Says:
Hi, Diana, and thank you for the gift of pie!
~Hey, Vicki, great to see you! Oh yeah, the pie is yummy! LOL Self tested. *G* And, wherever it says Snickers, you can replace it with Butterfinger. 🙂
Our lives are so busy; but one easy peasy thing we all can do every day is say “thank you.” After all the years I put in in retail, this meant a lot to me during the hectic holiday season.
~Absolutely agree. The simple words of thanks truly touch others.
Happy Holidays to all!
~Happy Holidays to you and yours as well. May they be filled with friendship and laughter, and may your New Year be the best yet!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Maggie Toussaint Says:
Hey Diana,
~*Hugs* Maggie, fabulous to see you as always. You’re an amazing person who I’m blessed to call friend.
I’m glad to have another one of your amazing pie recipes, as well as another amazing MacGruder book. Kudos to you, my friend!
~Thank you so much for your kind words. The pie – yum! LOL As for my books, my sincere thanks for your praise, coming from you, an amazing author indeed, humbling. Take care and please know I’m always on this end if you need anything. May your holidays be filled with friendship and laughter, and may your New Year be the best yet!
Love you!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Cindy Says:
Hi everyone, and welcome to Diana. Sorry I’m late today. Am sick but still had to take the dog on a 45 minute walk to the dog park. She insisted.
~Drat, I was hoping you were feeling better today. *Hugs* You poor thing, all sick and hauled around by your dog. If I was closer, I’d take her out for you.
Diana, this dessert sounds delicious! If I knew what 1/2 gallon was in metric, I might try it out.
~Just for you I looked up the metric conversion. It said a U.S. quart is 1.135 meters. It takes a quart per pie. 🙂
The best to everyone this holiday season!!!
~Thank you for having me back to Muse Interrupted. I always have a blast. I hope your holidays are amazing as well, your friendship is the best gift of all! Feel better! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Metres? You mean litres? We measure our ice cream and milk etc. in litres.
It’s frustrating because our recipes and the stove still use British Imperial, but everything is sold in metric. So when I buy a pound of beef, I never know what I’m getting. I grab anywhere between 500 and 700 grams and just call it a pound. 🙂
The stoves are Fahrenheit, but the thermostat for the house and weather outside is in Celsius. I have no idea how 65 F feels, but I know 350-400 F will cook meat loaf in an hour. 🙂
Cindy Says:
Metres? You mean litres? We measure our ice cream and milk etc. in litres.
It’s frustrating because our recipes and the stove still use British Imperial, but everything is sold in metric. So when I buy a pound of beef, I never know what I’m getting. I grab anywhere between 500 and 700 grams and just call it a pound.
~Okay, here we go, I swear I’m going to make this simple. Really. Forget the conversions. LOL You know those chocolate crusts – premade? Well, you fill up one of those 3/4th the way with ice cream. So, however much ice cream you think that takes, but it. And hey, if it’s a bit more, yum. LOL
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Diana,
That’s a great way to explain the recipe. Fill up the pie crust. I can visualize that. 🙂 And thanks for the recipe. I bet my family would like it too. 🙂
Cindy, hope you feel better fast. Sorry you’re under the weather. I’m terrible at math, but I can tell you that 65 F is cold! At least it is for me where I live.
Diana, congrats on your fabulous new book out, His Conquest. I have it and have enjoyed it so much. Don’t put me on your list to win a copy since I have mine.
Love you, 🙂
Jeanmarie
Jeanmarie Hamilton Says:
Diana,
That’s a great way to explain the recipe. Fill up the pie crust. I can visualize that. And thanks for the recipe. I bet my family would like it too.
~:) Hope you enjoy. Always great to see you, Jeanmarie. I’m reading your latest release from the Northern Roses and Southern Belles anthology and enjoying it!
Cindy, hope you feel better fast. Sorry you’re under the weather. I’m terrible at math, but I can tell you that 65 F is cold! At least it is for me where I live.
~65 is amazing!
Diana, congrats on your fabulous new book out, His Conquest. I have it and have enjoyed it so much. Don’t put me on your list to win a copy since I have mine.
~My sincere thanks for your kind words. *Hugs*
Love you,
~I assure you, your friendship is truly a blessing. Take care, enjoy the holidays and may your New Years be the best yet! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Great post and recipe, Diana! The pie seems very easy to make and very delicious. 🙂 Have a wonderful Christmas, and may 2011 bring you a thousand wishes come true! Love & hugs!
Now that’s a description I can get into. Thanks for making it simple for me, Diana, LOL.
Mary Forbes Says:
Great post and recipe, Diana!
~Hey, Mary, thank you so much for taking the time out of your crazy day to stop by. *Hugs* Love your stories! BTW, did you know this is my last scheduled blog of the year? Thank you for sharing this special day!
The pie seems very easy to make and very delicious.
~It is, and you can easily substitute where it says Snickers and insert Butterfinger. 🙂
Have a wonderful Christmas, and may 2011 bring you a thousand wishes come true! Love & hugs!
~To you as well, your friendship is the best gift! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Cindy Says:
Now that’s a description I can get into. Thanks for making it simple for me, Diana, LOL.
~:) Glad it helped. *G*
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
I try to do what I can to help my niece-in-law she and my nephew have two girls aged 6 and 9 so if they need a few dollars or something I try to give. Laura is good enough to add my husband and I to her cell phone account and we pay our share which is a lot less than what we would pay for two phones on our own.
Kathy Crouch Says:
I try to do what I can to help my niece-in-law she and my nephew have two girls aged 6 and 9 so if they need a few dollars or something I try to give.
~Awww, that’s fabulous, Kathy.
Laura is good enough to add my husband and I to her cell phone account and we pay our share which is a lot less than what we would pay for two phones on our own.
~Yeah it is. Sounds like it’s indeed working out wonderfully. 🙂 My sincere thanks for stopping by. I wish you and yours an amazing holiday season, and may your New Year be the best yet! *Hugs*
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Ooo- I love the gift basket idea! That would be just perfect to put together for my coworkers this year. 😉
Thanks and have a great holiday,
Wendy Q.
I try to do for my friends and family all through the year and not just wait until the holidays. Right now the one person I’m trying to figure out what to get is my mailman. I don’t know if they are allowed to accept gifts or not so I’m trying to find out. He’s such an exceptional worker. My daughter wishes he’d move to her route, but I told her she couldn’t have him. I’m thinking maybe a gift card to a restaurant, that is if I’m allowed to give him anything.
Wonderful message, Diana. 🙂 (Can’t wait to try that recipe!)
Diana, your books are such a great read. I’m saving them to reread later. The recipe sounds great, but is not something I need to try unless it’s to take to someone else. I’ll bet that’s when you use it, because you are so kind and compassionate about serving others.
Thanks, everyone, for coming by! The winner of HIS CONQUEST is…drum roll…Leah St. James! Leah, please check your email (and spam box if necessary) for an email from me.
Thank you so much to Diana for leaving us with a wonderful sentiment and a wonderful recipe!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Wendy Q Says:
Ooo- I love the gift basket idea! That would be just perfect to put together for my coworkers this year.
~:) Thanks, Wendy, glad to have give you an idea.
Thanks and have a great holiday,
~My sincere thanks to you for stopping by. May your holidays be filled with laughter and your New Year the best yet!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Linda Henderson Says:
I try to do for my friends and family all through the year and not just wait until the holidays.
~That’s wonderful as very thoughtful. 🙂
Right now the one person I’m trying to figure out what to get is my mailman. I don’t know if they are allowed to accept gifts or not so I’m trying to find out. He’s such an exceptional worker. My daughter wishes he’d move to her route, but I told her she couldn’t have him. I’m thinking maybe a gift card to a restaurant, that is if I’m allowed to give him anything.
~I’ve made many a fabulous friend with my mailmen over the years as mail women. Baked goods are always welcome, or even a signed book. 🙂 Take care, thank you for stopping by, and may your holidays be filled with friendship and laughter, and your New Year be the best yet!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Leah St. James Says:
Wonderful message, Diana. (Can’t wait to try that recipe!)
~:) Enjoy Leah. Remember wherever it says Snickers, you can replace it with Butterfinger. I appreciate you taking time to stop by, may your holidays be filled with friendship and laughter, and your New Year be the best yet!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Caroline Clemmons Says:
Diana, your books are such a great read. I’m saving them to reread later.
~Wow, holy cow. You’re such a wonderful story teller, I’m humbled by your kind words. -blush-
The recipe sounds great, but is not something I need to try unless it’s to take to someone else. I’ll bet that’s when you use it, because you are so kind and compassionate about serving others.
~It’s an amazing recipe which I actually love to drop at the firehouse during the holidays. LOL I’m so busted huh? I appreciate you taking time to stop by, may your holidays be filled with friendship and laughter, and your New Year be the best yet! To me, your friendship is the best gift! *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com
Cindy Says:
Thanks, everyone, for coming by! The winner of HIS CONQUEST is…drum roll…Leah St. James! Leah, please check your email (and spam box if necessary) for an email from me.
~Woot, congratulations, Leah! I’ll be looking forward to receiving your address. 🙂
Thank you so much to Diana for leaving us with a wonderful sentiment and a wonderful recipe!
~My sincere thanks for having me on your blog, Cindy. As always, it’s been a blast.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
~Happy Holidays to you as well. May your holidays be filled with friendship and laughter, and your New Year be the best yet! Thank you for being you, you’re an amazing person as a friend. *Hugs*
Love you!
Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
http://www.dianacosby.com