Think of this as your last hurrah before resolutions come knocking. Do it up big, with a fondue and wine party to satisfy a crowd. Warm gooey cheese and melted, fragrant chocolate wrap up a season of indulgence with a big red bow. Fondue is my love language, especially if I have on ski boots…
Archives for December 2017
Christmas Menus
If you’re in charge of cooking for anyone besides yourself this Christmas, it’s time to make a game plan. How many people are you feeding? What time are you eating? How exhausted will you be? Let’s talk Christmas menus, friends… I won’t make everything listed here, but wanted to give you several ideas to choose…
Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding
Christmas Eve tends to be a late night: Candlelight services, dinner with family, elfing into the wee hours. When you wake up Christmas morning, the last thing on your mind should be what to feed a house full of ravenous family. Keep your people satiated, and keep your sanity, with a little advance planning. Make…
Weekly Meal Plan: December 18-23
WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS DINNERS Sure, your “to do” list may be getting shorter (or maybe it’s not). Either way, this is a week full of activity. Kids are home from school, gifts need to be wrapped, stocking stuffers squared away. I’m linking a few of my favorite “brainless” weeknight dinners without much chopping or prep….
Simple Chocolate Fondue
Fondue reminds me of skiing. Which tells you what type of skier I am. The type that likes to get a couple runs in, and then cozy up next to a fire with a cocktail and a warm snack. Fondue also pairs well with game nights, Christmas Eve or any gathering where you’re entertaining a…
Meyer Lemon Cranberry Sauce
PrintMeyer Lemon Cranberry SauceAuthor Marcia W. Smart Feel free to substitute regular lemons if you can’t find Meyer lemons, or use orange or tangerine zest and juice. Use a paring knife to cut off a 1-inch wide piece of the lemon rind to add to the pot as zest, just remove the lemon rind and…
Cranberry Baked Brie
My family has been making this cranberry baked Brie for years. Found in the appetizer chapter of an 80s-era Junior League of Pasadena cookbook, it’s a holiday appetizer that makes an appearance at every extended family gathering. So much so that my sister-in-law, mom and sister might ask each other, “who’s making the cranberry brie?”…
Weekly Meal Plan: December 10-15
It’s our last week of school before the winter break, thank goodness! Cards need to be mailed, packages wrapped and shipped and the list needs to be checked twice. With a packed schedule this week, I want to make sure our dinners are as easy as possible. We will rely on pantry staples and a…
Prosecco Pomegranate Spritz
Quick and colorful, a prosecco pomegranate spritz can be your signature cocktail this holiday season. And with half the glass full of pomegranate juice, it’s less caloric than a traditional cocktail. Not that calories count in December. A little elf told me that one, but I’m not sure I believe it. (Whole 30, see you…
Easy Peppermint Bark
Holiday baking is one of the best parts of the season, and everyone in my house has their favorite. My oldest makes the most amazing grain-free and gluten-free peanut butter blossom cookies. She tops them with flakey Maldon sea salt and Hershey’s kisses, mind blowing combo! My son always wants to make big batches of…