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
Super Easy Meyer Lemon Cranberry Sauce Meyer lemons make the perfect cranberry sauce. Slightly less acidic than Eureka lemons and full of juice, Meyers are my favorite winter crop. Tangy, bright and with a touch of cinnamon spice, this is my favorite cranberry sauce. If you don’t have or can’t find a Meyer lemon, feel…
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
Super 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…
Holiday Granola to Feed a Crowd
If you don’t have a large sheetpan, use two cookie sheets when baking the granola and rotate them halfway through. The granola needs to cook in a single layer so it toasts evenly. If you use dark baking pans, decrease the time by 10 minutes and check the granola while cooking to make sure it…
Weekly Meal Plan: December 3-December 8
I’ve decided to “shop my freezer” this week. We have a full size freezer and it’s brimming with good-quality meat from Yonder Way Farm, frozen organic vegetables and homemade chicken bone broth (just what the doctor ordered for winter sniffles). This week I have cooking classes and food photography to shop for. As far as…
Blistered Shishitos with Everything Spice
This is the time of year when you may find yourself with neighbors who stop by for a glass of wine, extra family members to entertain and feed or just hungry mouths in general. Grab some Shishito peppers and everything bagel spice and fire up your oven, help is on the way. If you’ve been…