Easy Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch (4-Ingredient Recipe!) There is usually one specific spot at every Christmas party where everyone ends up congregating. It’s not necessarily by the food or even the tree—it’s right around the punch bowl. For years, I stressed about making complicated cocktails for every single guest. But eventually, I learned that what people…
Easy Grinch Punch Recipe (5-Ingredient Christmas Drink!) Is there anything more nostalgic than curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket, the tree lit up in the corner, and watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas? It’s a tradition in our house that signals the holidays have officially arrived. This year, for our 11th Annual…
Christmas Party Menu Ideas & 4 Festive Cocktail Recipes (Crowd-Pleasers!) There is something just magical about a house full of people during the holidays, isn’t there? The sound of laughter bouncing off the walls, the smell of savory appetizers drifting from the kitchen, and that sparkle of Christmas lights reflecting in everyone’s glasses. Last night,…
Old Fashioned Pecan Tassies: The Best “No-Mess” Method If you browse through enough vintage recipe boxes, you are bound to find a card titled “Pecan Tassies” or “Tea-Time Tassies.” They are a holiday staple for a reason—essentially bite-sized pecan pies wrapped in a tender, tangy cream cheese pastry. But if you have ever made them…
Grandma’s Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe: Baking with Vintage Pyrex There is something undeniably comforting about pulling a heavy, vintage mixing bowl out of the cupboard. For me, it’s the big yellow one—the primary bowl from the iconic Pyrex nesting set. It has seen countless birthday cakes, Sunday morning pancake batters, and holiday cookie doughs. It has…
White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies (Soft & Chewy) There are certain smells that just announce that Christmas has arrived. For some, it’s fresh pine needles. For me, it is the deep, rich aroma of molasses and ginger baking in a hot oven. While I love a classic, snappy gingerbread man, my heart truly belongs to…
Christmas Cookie Box Ideas: My 2018 Cookie Map (The Vintage Year) Every holiday season, right when the flour starts flying and the kitchen counters disappear under a layer of powdered sugar, I do one thing that keeps me sane. I make a Cookie Map. It has become a non-negotiable tradition for me. Before I pack…
Italian Wine Cookies (Crunchy Anise & White Wine Recipe) These are Wine Cookies (or in Italy, Ciambelline al Vino). This is a recipe passed down from Elaine Campanaro Falatico and it is a true vintage gem. They are what I call a “grown-up cookie.” They aren’t overly sweet or soft; instead, they are crunchy, aromatic,…
Oatmeal Craisin Cookies (Chewy Cranberry & White Chocolate) When you look at my 2018 Cookie Map, spot #16 might look a bit humble compared to the fancy Pignoli Cookies or the colorful Fruit Ribbons. But do not underestimate the power of a really good drop cookie. These Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are the “comfort food” of…
Authentic Pignoli Cookies (Italian Pine Nut Macaroons) If you grew up in an Italian-American household, you know that the Pignoli Cookie is royalty. Sitting at spot #15 on my 2018 Cookie Map, this is the cookie that usually disappears first—or is hidden away for the “special” guests. Why? Because they are luxurious. Made almost entirely…
