Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Creamy Eggnog Rice Pudding

After Gavin’s birthday (which is at the end of November-he turned 29!), we generally start getting things ready for Christmas.  This year, it seems like things have been going by way too quickly-I don’t have a tree yet, and I’ve only baked a small amount for the blog!  I’m slightly saddened by this, but there’s still time! J  I have so many ideas and so little time. But we will see!  Sometimes I work better under pressure;)

Saturday, November 6, 2014

Cranberry & Almond Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are one of the most quintessential treats to have at Christmas time.  Of course, it’s generally consumed when everyone is already so full and can’t possibly think of eating anything else…..but you manage to squeeze in one (or two) anyway.  And then you regret this decision immediately as you curl up in the fetal position.  Yeah, I’ve been in that situation before!  And I would do it again, over and overJ

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Soft-Frosted Lofthouse Style Cookies

Last week, I participated in my FIRST cookie exchange.  At first I was so flippin’ excited, I could barely contain myself!!!  But then I started feeling slightly intimidated on baking 6 dozen cookies, so I decided to split it up a little & make rum balls & sugar cookies.  Then I started feeling insecure about the recipes I had chosen.  Oh man…..what a mess!  I really wanted everyone to like them and I think it worked out okayJ  All in all, it was a good experience & I know what to expect for next time. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Fuller Family Marshmallow Squares

Working around Christmastime isn’t all that bad-it has its perks.  Staff members usually bring food, and after indulging in plenty of treats over the years there are some that stand out in my mind.  You go back for another & another...Yes I have no shame. Luckily, it’s great when a friend brings it in and you get to snag the recipe!  Thank you Chris & Mrs. Fuller for the recipe!;) 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Vegan Eggnog

Christmas is less than 2 weeks away-eek!!  I hope everyone has their Christmas shopping done….I think we are almost done, but we still need to go Christmas tree hunting & put up the lights.  So excited!!  Marlina is coming home on the 18^th and I can’t wait for her to come!!  All we need is more snow-we’ve hardly had any.  I honestly can't believe I'm complaining about this! 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Rum Balls

I’m trying to add new things to my repertoire for Christmas baking, and these rum balls are perfect.  Who doesn’t love a good boozy Christmas treat with chocolate?  With the weather a bit chilly lately, it’s been hard leaving the house.  But these tend to warm you up inside if you have a couple.  Or more.  Just kidding! ;) 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting (Guest Post for The Fig Tree Blog)

Yesterday I was so excited to be posting on my friend Courtney’s blog-The Fig Tree.  I made Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting-some of my favorite cupcakes to date.  They definitely got me in the holiday spirit!! These rich, moist & chocolately cupcakes are wonderfully complemented by a soft, airy peppermint frosting.  Head over to her blog for the recipe! 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Eatons Style Gingerbread Men (Guest Post from The Fig Tree Blog!!!)

Happy Monday everyone! Today I’m excited to welcome back Courtney from The Fig Tree Blog.  Last year, she posted this amazing Peaches & Cream Ice Cream.  I cannot even think about it right now without drooling!! She is a talented photographer, baker, blogger, but most of all she’s an extraordinary human being.  I am so lucky to have her as my friend!!

The Fig Tree Blog features vegetarian cuisine from around the world.   Everything on her blog looks & sounds amazing.  Check her out & give her a like on Facebook!

Hello! My name is Courtney and I'm the blogger behind The Fig Tree - a wholesome food blog that celebrates vegetarian cuisine from around-the-world. I started The Fig Tree to inspire others to use a diverse range of ingredients to create simple, healthy meat-free meals.That being said, I do have quite a sweet tooth and love to bake. Cookies are my weakness! 

Friday, Dec. 6, 2013

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

A brief absence from the blog has made me miss it so much!!  I went to Vancouver for a couple days on union business.  It was great-I learned lots & am proud to be a part of it.  When I was down there, I found out that FBC 2014 will be in Vancouver next year-exciting!  Mar and I are planning on going-are you?!! :D

Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013

Cajun Spiced Ham

For most, the Holiday season is a time of love, laughter, and food.  For my family, the Holiday season represents those exact qualities, with the shameful tradition of gluttony.  This season was no different, though Helena, Gavin and I are pleased to announce that food comas did not ensue like they had in years previous.

Helena, Gavin and I were in charge of Christmas dinner.  Boy, did we create a feast!  We may have gotten a little bit carried away as we were excited to make food together, but I would not change a moment of it – this Christmas was, by far, my favorite.  Much needed quality time was spent with family and friends, and being with them felt as it should – peaceful, and at home.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Cranberry Hazelnut Fudge

Fudge is one of the many treats that I save for the holiday season.  Reason one: I couldn’t eat fudge all year round. Which leads me to my second point, it’s too good and never lasts long (and this one doesn’t take too long to make)!  I’ve made this fudge several times over the past holiday seasons and it is always a big hit with others.  It would be perfect for on a holiday platter.  Or just by itself!

Monday, Dec. 17, 2012

Sugar Cookies

Hope everyone’s had a pleasant weekend-it’s been a busy one for me!  We got back from Vancouver Saturday morning (I had to wake up at 5:30, ugh!) and ran errands Saturday & Sunday.  Planning Christmas Dinner with Marlina….super excited!  I’ve also been playing around with my new laptop Gavin surprised me with (he couldn’t wait for Christmas!) I absolutely love it…my previous one was over 8 years old (and still running!).  I’ve put it in hibernation for the time being to give it a breakJ

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012

Panettone

In case you didn’t know, Panettone is an Italian sweet bread.  You should definitely make this bread for Christmas…..I can’t believe it’s so close-less than 2 weeks away!  Life will be less hectic soon.  I FINALLY finished a 16 month course for work and have one day left in the position I was filling temporarily.  It will be weird going back into my ‘regular’ routine.  Nonetheless, I am eagerly anticipating more days in the kitchenJ

Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012

Christmas Salad

I am starting to get really excited about Christmas…It’s only a month away!!  Therefore, I am going to start posting festive recipes.  Such as this one…a favorite of mine!  I’m hoping to share a variety of recipes that you will enjoy for the Christmas season….stay tuned! J 

Monday, Nov. 12, 2012

Hazelnut and Browned Butter Shortbread

Shortbread reminds me of Christmas season.  I am being reasonable, right?  I mean, it’s almost a month away....almost.  I figured I should start busting out some Christmas recipes before it sneaks up on me!  And, with the addition of snow, it feels just right.  I can’t wait to start going cross-country skiing (my absolute favourite winter activity).  Hopefully today! 

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012

Cranberry Bread Pudding

About 5 years ago, Gavin’s mom, Ellen introduced me to bread pudding.  I fell in love with it immediately and highly anticipated the Christmas season just so I could eat it.  Of course, by the time dessert came along, I was already full but forced myself to continue just so I could have it.  This would always result in a stomachache (the 'on-the-floor-in-the-fetal-position' kind).  I never learned from this mistake, so I *hope* to do better this year!