There was no Christmas cookie competition this year, which was a bit of a disappointment. At the same time, it was a relief to not have any restrictions placed upon me for my cookie inspiration this year. This time around, I opted to try to find a recipe online for a cookie that is undoubtedly… Continue reading Alfajores Marplatenses (an Argentine Cookie)
I didn’t get around to entering the Christmas cookie bake off this year. Between working a part-time job this fall, taking Liam to soccer practices and games, helping him with his homework and Bible work and memory verses, and trying to keep up with the normal routine of cooking, cleaning, and trying to be a… Continue reading A Collection of Christmas Cookies
I don't have many memories of going to my grandparents' house for Christmas when I was young, but I do succinctly remember what their house smelled like one Christmas that I did.As soon as my family and I walked through the front door one year, we were embraced by a warm citrus and cinnamon scent,… Continue reading Grandma’s Wassail
Recipe number three is very similar to the last recipe I posted, but in cookie form! This recipe actually came about before the gingerbread loaf did, mainly because I had a Christmas cookie competition to enter and needed some good cookie creations to do so! This cookie is soft and chewy, combining the warm flavors… Continue reading Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Nutella Buttercream
Warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread mingle with rich, creamy Nutella in every bite. Perfect to give away as gifts this Christmas season, to share at a holiday party, or to simply enjoy with loved ones at home. Recipe #2 for this Christmas season is Nutella swirl gingerbread loaf with Nutella buttercream frosting. But before… Continue reading Mini Nutella Swirl Gingerbread Loaves with Nutella Buttercream
I wrote this last year but thought it was so pertinent to this year as I re-read it, so I readapted it slightly in order to share it again this Christmas season. Merry Christmas! May God’s joy fill your hearts. Last year, I found myself reflecting over how many details of Jesus’ birth were unexpected… Continue reading An Unexpected Christmas (Readapted)
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com A few weeks ago, I was reminded of an anecdote about a father and son that I heard during a chapel service years ago. In the story, the father bought a blue, Schwinn bicycle for his son’s upcoming birthday, which he hid away in their barn. He then proceeded to… Continue reading The Greater Gift
I put on a cartoon about the first Christmas for my son over a week ago, and I’ve been reflecting on how unexpected the details of Jesus’ birth were ever since. For Mary, the angel Gabriel’s appearance and message to her was a complete surprise. She did not expect to be told that she’d be… Continue reading An Unexpected Christmas
A Hallmark card sent by a friend Oh, star of wonder, star of nightStar with royal beauty brightWestward leading, still proceedingGuide us to thy perfect light-We Three Kings These lyrics have been running through my head as of late, all thanks to a special “star” that I read about in an article recently. The “star”… Continue reading Star of Wonder
Crispy, savory pastry meets seasoned, slightly sweet beef in this dish, with extra bursts of sweetness from the raisins throughout, and a surprise bite of hard-boiled egg and a tangy green olive. Several months after JJ and I got married, we had the opportunity to visit his parents in the hometown where he grew up.… Continue reading Argentina-Style Empanadas
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