Christmas Cookies 2024

465. Each Christmas it is exciting to try new recipes and create variations to old favorite cookie recipes.  and this year was no exception.  The process starts about September or if there is an interesting recipe spotted throughout the year.  Meringues were on the "Try New Recipes" list and they did not disappoint.

Merry Christmas! 

"Funny, how one good cookie could calm the mind and even elevate a troubled soul." 

~ Dean Koontz

Gnocci Soup

464.  Soup season is here and sitting down with a hot bowl of steaming soup, bread on the side with a chill in the air means autumn has arrived.

My daughter makes a version of this soup recipe which I have taken and switched up a bit.  Here is my recipe:

"Troppi cuochi guastano la cucina."

"Too many cooks spoil the broth."

~ Anonymous Italian Saying

Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower

463.  The baby is due sometime in December and we planned the Baby Shower in October before the weather grew cold.  It was to be an outdoor event but with rain in the forecast we shifted to indoor.  The decor was crafted, handmade and baked and pumpkins/squash grown for this event.

There were no complaints as our shift brought everyone closer and a more intimate setting was lovely.

All the food was prepared lovingly with three quiche options, charcuterie, fruit and veggies, sugar cookies, macarons and cupcakes with hot cider, coffee and beverage.

Each guest who attended was a cherished friend and neighbor and they blessed the baby boy with beautiful and thoughtful gifts.  What a labor of love to share.

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Sugar Cookies

462. Sugar Cookies decorated with royal icing is an art.  I am amazed when I watch experienced bakers apply royal icing with finesse and skill to handmade sugar cookies.  And their cookie decorations are phenomenally beautiful.

Now, baking is a joy of mine and this was a great challenge to tackle. At Christmas I have made decorated sugar cookies but the cookies I would need to make were Winnie the Pooh themed.  We looked on-line and locally but the cost was astronomical.  So...this became my task to create Pooh cookies and challenge myself to a new level.

I researched so many pictures, cookie ideas and sites to gain a perspective and plan.  Here is my pictorial process.

 

I loved these piping bags and rubber loops that secured the bags so very well.

There were so many great tutorials on-line with step-by-step processes and suggestions.  If you google or search on YouTube or Instagram it is incredible how many great bakers and artisans are lending their creativity and advise.

Several products that were suggested include Pooh Cookie Cutters; Ann Clark Bright White Food Coloring Gel; Judee's Complete Meringue Powder Mix; LorAnn Butter Vanilla Bakery Emulsion; 122 Pieces Tipless Piping Bags;3pcs Black Food Coloring Markers (edible) and of course, powder sugar and food coloring. 

Cost-wise, this may have spent my time but not my wallet.  And, the fulfillment of the finished product is priceless.

Fried Apples

 461.  Apples are a must-have for me every day.  They are so versatile, good source of fiber and fructose and paired with cinnamon always makes them better.  The fried apple is a Southern food you can find in any southern and southern-themed restaurant on the menu. Even Dolly makes Fried Apples!

The beauty of Fried Apples is how they enhance any meal.  I make them to pair with french toast or pancakes at breakfast.  But, you can make them along with your dinner meal of chicken, pork or beef as a compliment.  Prepare them sweeter or make them tart to your liking.  Here is my version:

This is a simple addition and can elevate your meal.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

~ Dolly Parton

Tri-Tip & Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry

460. For a quick, light meal, I needed to come up with something from the ingredients in my fridge.  There were hungry family hanging out and everyone needed a simple pick-me-up.  I had made a tri-tip roast the night before, which turned out delicious with plenty of left overs.  I also had puff pastry in the freezer, cheese and arugula...hmmmmm...what to make.

My daughters and I put our heads together and this is the recipe we developed.  It was so delightfully delicious!!

This Trip-Tip & Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry could be edited to items you might have or flavors you prefer, but I encourage you to follow this recipe to taste the amazing flavors melding together.

You could also cut the puff pastry into rounds or squares or place the small cut pieces into muffin cups and use the same process creating small bite-size appetizers.

• "One of the most impressive yet effortless appetizers you can create is a flat puff pastry tart. With minimal effort required, it’s a simple yet elegant solution for any gathering. All you need to do is chop some vegetables and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests."
  ~ Annonymous

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodle Cookies

459. It is PSL Season!  And any time of the year is the perfect time for a Snicker Doodle cookie.  But since it is that season of pumpkin spice everything, I took my cookies to a different flavor level.

This is a basic cookie with a superb flavor and they are fail-proof.

“The pumpkin is a uniquely American plant, widely regarded as one of the most magical plants in all the world."

~Seth Adam Smith

Zucchini Fritters

458.  With zucchini being so plentiful in the garden, a great alternative use is a savory fritter.  The recipe is delicious and I paired it with a garlic aioli.

I shredded 4 cups of zucchini and did not drain the liquid.  Added 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, salt and pepper and 1 cup of flour, 2 green onions chopped, a dash of cayenne pepper.

At this point, you can place on a baking sheet and bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or deep fry in hot oil till crispy.  I baked the fritters and they were delicious.  

"The trouble is, you cannot grow just one zucchini.  Minutes after you plant a single seed, hundreds of zucchini will barge out of the ground and sprawl around the garden, menacing the other vegetables.  At night you will be able to hear the ground quake as more and more zucchinis erupt."

~Dave Barry

Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake Muffins

457.  Coffee cake is a classic pairing with coffee or tea for an afternoon teatime or dessert after a meal.  This Cinnamon Crunch Muffin recipe creates the perfect individual coffee cake bite but you could also make a coffee cake with this same recipe.

"Coffee and cake, the most perfect combination."

~ Anonymous

Beef Short Ribs

456. I think I've fallen in love with this recipe!!  If you have never tried beef short ribs or were afraid to, this is the best recipe to take your shot and be brave.

Can I say tender, falling off the bone, succulent, mouth-watering, home-cooked, heart-warming, feel like you were eating at a fine-dining restaurant...etc.  The flavors are similar to a beef stew but elevated.  This would be a beautiful meal for a special occasion or holiday main course.

The smell in the kitchen was divine!  And, the fact that you can walk away and accomplish other tasks makes this meal helpful for a busy holiday or special meal.  The meat will be fork tender and a steak knife is not needed.

"Today is a good day for a good day."

~Joanna Gaines

"Every hard thing we choose to do makes us braver for next time."

~Joanna Gaines