Hey friends❣️ Yesterday I got stuck in a scroll loop and, no surprise, it was holiday cookies. As my stress level starts to climb, I have to put the phone down and remind myself that I already know exactly what works. The cookies everyone loves, and hopes I’ll make every year — here are five holiday cookies I never skip. (And because I can’t help myself, I’m throwing in five bonus cookies, too.) Scroll down to see this month's Recipe Roundtable winner ~ Raelene from Perth, Australia. Her...
1 day ago • 2 min read
Hey friends❣️ I think I love the quiet lead-up to the holidays even more than the big days themselves ~ especially those smaller, cozier get-togethers that happen along the way. Our Hallmark movie-night plans last weekend were derailed by the flu, which turned out to be a gift in disguise. Now I’ve got a little extra time to dial in the appetizers I love to serve buffet-style for dinner. It's my favorite way to host. Mini Cheese Ball Holiday Platter ~ just add crackers. Holiday Appetizer...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ You’ve probably figured it out by now ~ Christmas cookies can’t be dinner every night. I’m keeping things sane (and delicious) this month with a handful of easy dinners that practically cook themselves. White Bean and Bacon Soup I make it with canned beans when I'm strapped for time...so good! Italian Wedding Risotto ~ the family loves this and for December I make it even quicker with frozen meatballs, or instant sausage meatballs (just roll and brown!) Jamie Olivers No Yeast...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ If I haven’t turned you into a scone lover yet, I’m not doing my job. Scones are the perfect little breakfast bake — richer than muffins, not as indulgent as cake, and unbelievably quick to pull together. (This gingerbread version uses two of my favorite shortcuts.)I hope you try them — the soft gingerbread spice and crackly vanilla glaze are pure holiday comfort. Gingerbread Scones more gingerbread! Glazed Gingerbread Bundt Cake ~ it has the most gorgeous golden color! Easy...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ Most of the year I’d probably (definitely) pass on a gaudy, rainbow-sprinkled cookie ~ but somehow it feels perfectly appropriate right now :) These classic sugar cookies are as simple as it gets: no chill, no rolling pins, just little buttery dough balls begging to be tossed in sparkly sugar. They’re pure holiday joy. Swedish Sugar Cookies I know some of you don't care for fruitcake, and maybe gingerbread's not your thing, but everybody loves sugar cookies! Marble Iced Sugar...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ I like to share at least one new holiday cake each year. In recent years I've shared my Vanilla Cranberry Bundt Cake, my Modern Fruitcake (a favorite!) and my user-friendly Buche de Noel Layer Cake. Today's new recipe follows in the festive but not complicated theme and the holiday flavor combination is one that can't be beat. Peppermint Bark Chocolate Layer Cake more peppermint! Peppermint Mocha Bark Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Peppermint Bark Pretzels Peppermint White Hot...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ I have a weakness for all things gingerbread, and I love how it comes in so many different forms, from the most gorgeous holiday layer cake to the simplest drop cookie. Biscotti showcases those classic warm spices in a uniquely crunchy format ~ great for dunking and gifting (they stay fresh for weeks.) Gingerbread Biscotti what you're loving lately Vanilla Cranberry Bundt Cake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 photo by Roberta “ I am not a cook or baker so when my husband asked me to make this I said...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ The holiday time warp is real ~ can it really be December 1st? The days are about to melt into each other and everything starts moving just a little too fast. I brace for the inevitable disappointments and missed moments, and sometimes even a touch of sadness ~ it’s all part of the season. But so is the joy…and the good food! Swedish Pepparkakor Your December must make list, in no particular order: Cranberries are still going strong, and they won't ease up until the New Year...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hey friends❣️ We're going to be conveniently snowed in for the weekend here, so what better time to preheat the oven and bake up some (holiday) cookies! 30 Best Freezable Cookies (with all the tips!) what you're loving lately Cranberry Almond Tart 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “ This was the bomb! I made it in a pie shell and next time I’ll try the tart since then I could get more cranberries on. Blitzed blanched almonds to make the almond flour and toasted it before using. I couldn’t stop complimenting myself on...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friends❣️ I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. I’m up early soaking in the peace and quiet... because you know it and I know it ~ Thanksgiving’s great, but the day after is legendary. Bring on the leftovers! Sue's Famous Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole Pull out all those plastic containers, foil packets, and zip lock baggies and just line them up on the counter~ this is going to be good!! The Thanksgiving leftover sandwich is always popular, but the casserole with turkey, stuffing,...
14 days ago • 1 min read