Go-to Christmas Desserts

Excuse the absence; I've been working on a new, simpler blog design and it always takes me forever- especially during the busy Christmas season. It just flies by too fast, doesn't it? Today I'd love to share some of my go-to Christmas party desserts and treats with you. A few favorites consist of berry pavlova (named after a ballerina, it reminds me of the sugar plum fairies), plain madeleines (or coconut orange), russian tea-cakes, baklava, a yule log cake, and the pioneer woman's cinnamon rolls (I think they still can't beat my mom's, but they're very close and make a huge batch!) Here are the ones I made and actually got a picture of.

The pavlova meringue base after it bakes- Once you use a Silpat mat, you won't go back! (If you'd like the recipe for this one, it's got graham cracker in the crust and is in a book I have- I'd love to email it to you)

Madeleine's- Sometimes I add coconut and a little orange zest

I prefer to halve the Pioneer Woman's recipe, tamper with the frosting and omit the coffee and maple (just personal taste), and then wrap in give-a-way dishes wrapped in dark red cellophane and pretty ribbon.

Baklava made with phyllo, apricots, honey, almonds, bread crumbs, and walnuts.

A sugar cookie date night to start off December 1st

What are some of your favorite Christmas treats? Happy baking!

Thanksgiving Recap

(A fall arrangement my mom made for a pre-Thankgiving family dinner)

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I tried to post a few times last week but had some difficulties with blogger. This year, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing San Diego Thanksgiving with my my parents, siblings (except for one brother serving a church mission in Mexico), sister-in-law, baby nephew, and my aunt's family. I always feel so uplifted and happy around so much family, and it was such a joy to be there, especially around our new sweet nephew Hudson, who everyone fawns over. Can you blame us? With all his tummy, arm, and leg rolls and red cheeks, he looks like a little Santa.

(my sweet husband with my older brother's son)

Mom makes the dinner every year with a few of us adding extra dishes, Aunt Judy brings the pies, my sister, Annie, sets the table and makes place cards, I usually do the centerpieces, and my dad does the dishes (yikes!).

I look forward to the dinner all year- it has so many fond memories for me, like so many other families! Our Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey, mashed Idaho potatoes and turkey drippings gravy, yeast rolls (my grandma's recipe-my favorite), a green bean casserole, stuffing, a cranberry/pineapple dish, and candied sweet potatoes. This year my sister made a Bobby Flay brussels sprout dish and my sister-in-law Jess brought a family corn pudding dish- both were fantastic.

(My sister-in-law and I picked these beauties off a nearby tree)

I love Thanksgiving because it's all about gratitude, which brings joy. I'm so thankful this year for my abundance of blessings, especially my family, and also for the small trials in my life which have provided me with more faith, understanding, and empathy. I hope you're enjoying the beginning of the holiday Christmas season; can't wait to share some decorations and projects!