I adore this time of year. Cookies and cocoa abound, spirits are high, and lights are out in full force. My nightly runs with Nala (my chocolate lab) have been so enjoyable these past few weeks in Richmond, when Monument Avenue is awash with beautiful lights and trimmed trees in the windows. Though I am admittedly not a super regular baker the rest of the year, I love bringing out the stand ...
Holiday
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Often times, the best gifts are often the easiest and most thoughtful. This double chocolate banana bread is an inexpensive and quick gift to bring to your host, your neighbors or your office for any occasion. My Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a waste not, want not way to get rid of those yucky brown bananas and using ingredients that most likely are already in your pantry. I often whip ...
Southern Living’s White Chocolate-Dipped Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
In my experience, sometimes baking is best left to the pro's, and who better to turn to than Southern Living? I have so many of their cookbooks and credit them with much of my culinary education over the years. A few years back, my mother gifted me with the 2010 Southern Living Ultimate Christmas Cookbook that is filled with everything you could need to be the perfect holiday host (or guest!). ...
Southern Living’s Peppermint Bonbon Cookies
Bonbons and the holidays go hand-in-hand, and this year, I'm sending some extra love to Southern Living for their oh-so-decadent Peppermint Bonbon Cookies. They do require a little time and patience, but are worth every minute. I decided to whip up a batch when I was working from home and, while no part of the recipe is particularly difficult, I highly recommend taking these on when you ...
Proscuitto-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Sweet dates, savory herbed goat cheese, and salty prosciutto come together to create an amazing flavor combo in this easy-peasy appetizer! Mark this one down for your upcoming holiday gathering. They'll be gone in a flash, and no one will know they only took you 20 minutes to throw together! For this recipe, I used pitted dates, so I didn't have to spend time removing the pits prior to ...
Holiday Wreath Baked Brie
Whether it's for Christmas Eve, an office holiday party, or a gift swap with your best girls, I am always looking for a festive appetizer to bring along during the holiday season. This year, I partnered with Milton's Craft Bakers to make a Holiday Wreath Baked Brie to serve with their gluten free crackers that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Like many families across the country, I have ...
Rosemary Bourbon Mule
My holiday spirit came a little early this year as it is not even December and I already have my Christmas phone case on. In my defense, Thanksgiving came early and really threw me off. But why should I apologize; its the most wonderful time of the year, why not get started as soon as you want! Mary Parker and I went Christmas tree hunting last night and after a long search, the friendly Tree ...
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Thanksgiving has passed, and December is upon us, bringing chilly temps and holiday cheer. It's the season of cookie swaps and baked goods galore! Mom and I made these cookies together last December and loved how light and crisp they are. The lemon and rosemary flavors lend themselves well to any season, but I chose to use these snowflake cookie cutters for a festive look. You can add the ...
Eggs in Sweet Potato Clouds (Whole30 + Paleo)
Have some leftover mashed sweet potato from the big Thanksgiving feast? You’re in luck! A delicious breakfast awaits you. Just grab some eggs, bacon, and chives. You can use two cups of whatever type of leftover sweet potato you have on hand. This includes baked sweet potato, mashed sweet potato, or even sweet potato casserole. If you’re using sweet potato casserole leftovers, just remove ...
Hot Mulled Wine Cocktail
Holiday season is finally here, and I've got just the mulled wine cocktail you need for all your festive parties! A few years ago, my Aunt Margaret made this delicious mulled wine for our annual family Christmas Eve party, and before I could snag a second glass, it was G-O-N-E. I've made the recipe for a crowd a few times since, and have tweaked it here and there by removing added sugar and ...
