![]()
It’s crazy to think Christmas is only two days away. Seriously – where did the year go?! Good thing we’ve got these festive and refreshing cranberry orange margaritas to lift our spirits. The cocktail is super easy to make and the sugared cranberries (which require a bit more effort) steal the show. I could honestly eat them by the handful. Cheers!
continue reading ››

I’m still in shock Christmas is this week. Where has the time gone?! One thing I absolutely recommend making before the holiday weekend is this homemade English toffee. My mom has been making this recipe for years and it’s everything you’d want in a toffee – it’s sweet, it’s crunchy and it’s decadent. Although a laborious task, making the toffee is a fun group activity and so worth the time and effort in the end. It makes for a great gift, too!
continue reading ››
![img_4974]()
Hey, I made something with chocolate! This is a big step for me because well, I’m that weirdo who doesn’t like chocolate. Anyways, I made these cupcakes for my boss’ Christmas party and they were a huge hit. My co-worker said they tasted like peppermint bark in cupcake form.
These little guys are perfect to bring to any upcoming holiday party. :)
continue reading ››
![img_2495]()
I’m still processing that Christmas is in exactly one week. This month, rather, this year, has flown by. It’s been a fantastic one, but I’m ready to see what 2013 has in store.
I went to my boss’ Christmas party this past weekend and was in charge of bringing mini cupcakes. Since I wasn’t completely satisfied with the gingerbread cupcakes I made for a friend’s party last year, I wanted to find a better recipe. This recipe was a definite winner–not a cupcake was left at the party. These little guys are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or a quick dessert.
Snow at our work Christmas party!
continue reading ››

I’m back…and extremely behind on blogging! I was in D.C. all last week for the National Christmas Tree Lighting for work; so, needless to say, I didn’t have any time to cook.
Since Christmas is fast approaching, I’m catching up on cooking/posting holiday recipes. This delicious red pepper dip more often than not makes an appearance at our holiday parties. In fact, I’m bringing the appetizer to a secret Santa party tonight. It’s tasty, simple and festive–can’t get much better than that.

continue reading ››

Since Christmas is fast approaching, I wanted to squeeze in one more holiday post before Sunday. Ever since I tried Trader Joe’s Peppermint Pretzel Slims, I knew I had to recreate them. The concept and preparation is unbelievably simple, yet the flavor combination is divine. I’m pretty sure I finished the entire Trader Joe’s bag in a few days–they’re that addicting. These are a must make. Trust me!
Ashley and Kristy, aren’t you proud of me? This is my second ‘chocolate’ post in a row. ;)
continue reading ››
As I mentioned in my last post, I went to my boss’ Christmas party this past Saturday. We spent the night eating copious amounts of food from brisket to turkey to stuffed eggplant to roasted vegetables (the list goes on), drinking wine, decorating the Christmas tree and enjoying the snow-covered front lawn.
Oh, you didn’t know it snows in LA? Only kidding, of course. My boss had someone come and blow real snow on her lawn. Close enough. :)
I offered to bring dessert, so I made my go-to lemon bars and these festive white chocolate, cranberry and macadamia nut cookies. Both were a hit, as were the rest of the desserts–lime cheesecake, apple, raisin and walnut cake, brownies, etc.
I’m still finding it hard to believe that Christmas is literally right around the corner. But that means only three and a half more work days until I get to go home to see my family!
continue reading ››

Since I was still battling a cold (much better now!), my weekend was mellow and relaxing, yet productive. My roommate and I fully welcomed December–we bought and decorated a Christmas tree, listened to Christmas music on repeat and had a holiday dinner with some close friends.
Our dinner party provided the perfect opportunity to start baking with gingerbread, so I made these simple gingerbread ice cream sandwiches. If you’re not an ice cream fan, these bars would also be delicious topped with a ginger cream cheese frosting and candied ginger.
continue reading ››