Do you ever have to do “icebreakers” when you are in meetings, trainings etc? It can be a tad uncomfortable and feel like a lot of pressure to come up with something personal to share with your co-workers or people you have never met before. Like, how am I really going to come up with 3 things that accurately describe who I am in the next 5 minutes!? Inevitably, I cycle through a mini panic attack that if I can’t come up with 3 cool things, I must not be that interesting. Which is somewhat true, but not worth the panic.

At a recent meeting we were asked what our favorite holiday traditions are. I immediately went to Christmas Eve, sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor gathered around the coffee table with all my cousins. This is the Annual Christmas Eve Tea Party. A very illustrious event if you are under 12 (or 26, like myself). We all put on hats and adopt our alter-egos that hail from lands far, far away. The table is filled with little plates of goodies, a pot of “tea” (hot chocolate) and the big eyes of all the kiddos as they listen to Ms. Fluharty (cousin Meg) welcome them to the party. We share tales of our travels from the year and pass around the sweets. We end the party dancing a congo line parade through Aunt Betty Jo’s cozy house, as my mom and Jo pretend to play the player piano in grand fashion. They speed it up and we go wild and then they slide the tempo down and we move in slow motion.

I loved hearing how different and special each person’s traditions were to them. Even if they had long since done it, it brought a smile and ease to each person as they described their special thing. It was that cookie only made on Christmas or the handmade pajamas their Grandma made for them every year. It brought them to a happy time when all they needed to do was -to be-. I ended up feeling grateful for the opportunity to share because it gave me a chance to go there in my mind, wander back to those moments of pure joy and look forward to the next one. Next week the “season” begins. What traditions will you fulfill?

Jubelale Pretzel Toffee

Ingredients:

Toffee

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 sticks butter
• ½ cup Deschutes Jubelale*

Topping

• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup pretzels

*can substitute other malty, dark beer

How to:

1. In a large heavy bottom saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and Jubelale. The volume will triple as it boils so it make sure you have a large enough saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stir until the butter is melted. While stirring occasionally, allow to come to a boil and cook until the temperature hits 285 degrees F. The color will be a dark amber. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Once it comes to temperature, pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (should cover a 15×10 inch baking pan). Let cool.
3. While cooling, melt 2 cups of dark chocolate chips in a double boiler. Break up the pretzels. Once the toffee is cooled, cover with chocolate and evenly sprinkle the pretzels. Once set, cut into squares (but does have a mind of it’s own, so don’t expect perfection).

NOTES:

I had never made “candy” before this recipe and was so intimidated. Spend $5 and get a candy thermometer. It makes it so much easier!!! And with 5 ingredients, how hard could it be!?

This recipe could easily be doubled or tripled. It should last a few weeks in a sealed container, but doubtful it will need to since it is sooo good!

If you are not familiar, Jubelale is the winter ale from Deschutes Brewery. It is one of my favorites and described as “a robust ale with warming spice & notes of toffee, chicory & dried fruit.” Check out their suggestions for a beer inspired Thanksgiving here. This recipe is featured!

Each year a new label is created by a local artist. This year is my favorite in Jubelale history! It is magical and enchanting, just like all the art from Taylor Rose! Click here to check out her other amazing works of art.