When it comes to December, I have one thing in mind: how to consume as many peppermint spiked treats possible in 31 days (and make sure my “skinny” jeans still fit). It’s kinda like binge-listening to Christmas music for the month of December. But coming off an 11-month fast is hard, indulgent, and a little bit dangerous. So if you’re anything like me, and you need to cool it from peppermint for a short minute, make Ginger Snap Whoopie Pies. Read more
What will you be known for? Me? Most likely waffles with wheat flour. Baked Donuts with wheat flour. And homemade lattes that rival the $4+ variety. Now up on the bar, a Peppermint Mocha—the drink that first turned me on to coffee. It was high school. Senior year. I was walking through Target. Have I told this story before? Read more
It’s that time of year when people gather in droves. Sweaters, Bing Crosby, bubbly drinks, and twinkly lights fill center stage. In the background, the haggard hostess dances around the kitchen for hours, prepping a meal for many—the ones she loves most. Near meal time, it’s inevitable. She questions the depth of her love due to the stress, sweat, and need for another shower. Read more
Dessert is an afterthought for us during winter. By afterthought I mean—we think about it once it’s too late to make anything. It’s never forgotten. We usually ditch our always-at-the-ready ice cream until the weather warms, unless Talenti is on sale. In that case, we just turn up the heat. Lately though, I’ve been filling my little ice cream bowl with granola and dark chocolate chunks just before bed. I know something’s good when Kev follows suit. (He’s been following suit). Read more
Before I say Happy Thanksgiving, I wanted to leave you with my made from scratch Thanksgiving menu. Don’t skip the White Wine Gravy, Cranberry Walnut Stuffing, or the Maple Pumpkin Pie. Hallmarks! I’ve included make-ahead instructions when possible. To pull this off, I recommend creating a schedule for both the preparation and the oven. Here’s mine. Finally, read through the recipes a couple times a day or so in advance to familiarize yourself. It’s kind of like studying for a test except way more fun, and you can bring all your notes. Read more
If there’s an underdog or an afterthought on the Thanksgiving table, it’s the gravy—the very last thing to make before sitting down to eat. The table-setting, turkey-carving, side dish-reheating, and drink-pouring fill center stage, encroaching on the gravy making time. If it weren’t for that fact that it mingles with nearly everything on the plate, I’d let it take a natural back seat. But alas, it’s the icing on the cake. Give me 10 minutes and a bottle of wine. You’ll thank me. It is the season of Thanksgiving after all. Read more
I’ll never forget my first married Thanksgiving. We were young and poor and far away from family. I was determined to make my first Thanksgiving entirely from scratch. I took the liberty to nix certain staples off the menu and add some new ones. I cleaned, brined, and cooked the turkey all by myself. I was proud, so proud, until Kev saw the final spread. Read more
A couple weeks ago when it was still warm enough to make you sweat, we stopped by a lemonade stand on the corner of the street. We chatted with and met new neighbors. I was juggling a cup of lemonade and a nap-ready, wiggly baby while trying to keep four new names straight. (I’m abnormally good with faces but adversely awful with names.) A homeless woman walked up, put her change down on the table without hesitation, and walked away with a cup of lemonade in hand and a smile on her face. My mind was a thousand different places, but present enough to absorb that brief moment.
