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.

Sunday, Dec. 23rd, 2012

Chocolate Crinkles

This is the last of the holiday treats, I swearJ.  Well; I suppose with Christmas fast approaching, it’ll have to be the last one (unless I post some after!).  I am so happy that Marlina is here and that I get to spend some much-needed time with her.  So much planned, so little time!

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

Friday, Dec. 7, 2012

Peppermint Mocha Cake

I realize I’ve gone a little drink-crazy this week.  I just felt that I needed to share the cran-raspberry juice and chai tea with everyone ASAP.  I’ve also wanted to share this cake with you, but figured I would save the best for last.  It is inspired by the famously known Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks.  I tried this drink over a week ago and immediately thought: Oh man, I need to make this into a cake.  Now, that’s something that doesn’t happen often so I knew I had to follow though.  I had super good feelings about this cake and had planned what I would do with it over the course of the week.

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012

Chai Tea: The Slow-Cooker Way

Chai Tea is another of my favorite drinks.  I remember the 1st time Marlina and I ordered it-we were in grade 9 and decided it was high time to splurge on this drink everyone talked about.  Truth to be told, we didn’t really care for it at first but eventually grew to love it.  So happy that our taste buds changed!

Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

Cran-Raspberry Juice

I’m sure by now everyone knows how excited I am about the Christmas holiday fast approaching.  I love this time of year-the excessive amounts of baking (and blogging!), lights shining, Christmas tree hunting (soon!), shopping and most importantly, time spent with family.  Gavin, Marlina and I are putting on Christmas dinner this year.  Although I am super excited by this, I am also really nervous.  I hope we are organized enough to pull this off!  Feel free to double this recipe if you are serving for a large crowd! :)

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012

Cranberry Relish Turkey Sandwiches

I didn’t really care for sandwiches until I met Gavin.  I used to think they were boring and only make myself peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (once in a while I would change things up and make a cheese and onion sandwich *haha*).  Gavin just loves them, and usually goes ‘all out’ when making them.  The bigger the better!