festive

♪It's that time of year

When the world falls in love

Every song you hear

Seems to say

Merry Christmas

May your New Year dreams come true♪

frosted windowpanes

My heart is stuffed with  marshmallows and tinsel..it's full haha

of cheer?

I said I was making up for the year without Christmas..

 Merrymaking mission accomplished.

 These little vintage Santa fellas have been part of Christmas my whole life..it was pretty horrifying to watch the same one burn/melt off in the tree scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation..no joke. I had to rewind to see it again! haha
It's tradition to watch it every year..
I'm into cheeky comedies.
Edward Scissorhands, muppets(family Christmas), and Elf make me happy too.

Traditional primary Christmas colors make me feel all nostalgic, grandma Betty used to stuff our presents in a cream burlap "santa sack" every year. She made it so much fun.

 

We had a pretty amazing Holiday!

and ate a lot..

Christmas Confections

iced wintermint cake

I spent the days leading up listening to my favorite classic songs and being

a mad scientist in the kitchen baking/making giftable treats.

I've been making these vanilla marshmallows for a few years now, I use a Martha/Ina method combo..they come out perfect every time. Even without the stand mixer I'm dying for..15 min by hand haha. My first time making a big batch!

So amazing melting in hot cocoa..

I always dab any leftover lid vanilla on my wrist per my baking days with Betty.. the house and I smelled amazing.

Apple Pie infused whiskey

Betty Jo's Fudge

 went ham on the cooking section at the store,

had to have silver sugar pearls!

scallops and snowflakes

Scored these perfect little boxes on sale! Last minute shopping is awesome sometimes. 

Packed full with:

caramel/nutella fudge

walnut-chocolate cookies

gingerbread

vanilla marshmallows

caramel apple cloud

breakfast/brunch

and last minute present wrapping

Went the classic wrapping route- plaid paper tied up with black string and simple white tags.

We're tuckered out. Luke thinks he pulled something wrapping presents..probably haha

We recovered with movies and Chinese food..don't all good Christmas stories end with laughter and Chinese food?

Hope you had a Happy Holiday!

dish: eggnog crepes & sugarplum syrup

Luke loves eggnog and always brings home a little carton every holiday..he ends up only drinking a tiny bit. It's a little too rich for me on it's own so I wanted to make something that just has some of that delicious flavor, these crepes are perfect for Christmas morning!

eggnog crepes

makings:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup eggnog

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons butter, melted

steps:

In a medium mixing bowl, stir above ingredients together until combined and smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter into the pan, using about 1/4 cup for each crepe. Quickly tilt the pan in a circle so the batter coats the surface evenly.

Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown/slightly crispy. Shake it loose and flip it over in the air if you've got the wrist skills. If not, turn it over with a spatula and cook the other side.

 Pour a bit of the sugarplum syrup in the center and fold adding a line on top,sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yum!


sugarplum syrup

Makings:

1 cup fruit(I used canned plums)
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup water

Steps:

Cook fruit with sugar and water until thick. Smash fruit while cooking.

For a thin syrup - press through a strainer.

Serve warm. Store in the refrigerator.

Great on eggnog pancakes too!

Merry Christmas Eve!