Homemade Eggnog (& next year)

December 6, 2019 Amanda1 Comment

I remember such a specific Christmas when I felt I had it all together. My head was fully attached and on straight. Gifts were purchased in June and wrapped in November. The tree was bought and put up the day after Thanksgiving. The lights were on the house and lit every night.

I sincerely wonder/hope/pray if my life will ever feel that way again. If the holidays will ever feel that way again. I have great hopes that they will. I understand this is just a busy season in our lives. I also understand that there are positives that can come from this time, that are coming from this time.

I’m learning how to focus on what’s really important and let other things go.

I’m taking stock of what I already have and parting with things that no longer move or serve me.

I’m getting a jump on planning next Christmas.

Holiday Cheeseboards – 3 Ways (& a class!)

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019 AmandaLeave a comment

We didn’t get to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving.

Between Seth hunting and me working and all of the shuffling around that comes from having in-laws who have in-laws – we just couldn’t make Thanksgiving at our house work.

So! We regrouped, reconfigured, and reorganized. And are now going to be hosting a Christmas party/open house/Festivus instead!

I really love hosting gatherings at our home. I’d rather have a cavity filled than leave our house for a social engagement, but the tables are totally turned when I’m hosting the party. I love having people over! Milling around, making drinks, munching on snacks! It’s the best! I like decorating the house and doting on guests. As evidenced by Cheeselandia last year and my podcast-themed birthday party this year. Call me crazy, but I even like the clean up afterward, too.

A Christmas Cookie Recipe Collection!

December 1, 2019 Amanda1 Comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Time for cookies, that is!

With it being December 1, I figured it was only appropriate to share some of my favorite cookie recipes for your trays, trades, and treat bags.

Winter Spice Candied Nuts (& recipients)

November 27, 2019 Amanda2 Comments

This isn’t for right now.

This sweet, spicy mixed nut situation is for your holiday-ing. Your entertaining, your cheeseboard-ing, your gifting.

Your teacher gift. Your mail carrier gift. Your coworker-who-shares-an-“open-concept-workspace”-with-you gift.

Cornbread Stuffing (& a Turkey Day Recipe Round-Up!)

November 23, 2019 Amanda1 Comment

Sides may be the most important part of a meal for me. They can make or break the main course. Elevating and uplifting it or dragging it down to the bottomless depths.

Luckily, this cornbread stuffing does the former.

It will complement the savory bird at the center of the table, being sturdy enough to stand in the place of a traditional stuffing. Or, it will delightfully contrast a tart cranberry sauce, adding just a hint of sweetness from a generous amount of cornbread. It’s enough of a departure to feel adventurous, but not so outlandish that your guests are unwilling to try it.