Minty Eggnog Ice Cream with Ginger Cookies

I wanted to make some holiday ice cream, but couldn't decide between eggnog or peppermint. Okay, that's a lie. I wanted eggnog ice cream and just happened to have Peppermint Schnapps and thought, "Oh what the heck, why not throw that in too?" I'm really glad I did, the little bit of peppermint adds a lot flavor wise and helps the ice cream from developing ice crystals. Win win.

Comfort Food Monday: Stuffed Pasta Shells in Creamy Pesto Sauce

When one hears the word "comfort food," things like low-fat, low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free or sugar-free don't usually come to mind. This dish is definitely none of those things...well, it's definitely low on sugar, but that's for later in the week :).

Pepparkakor Cookies (Swedish Ginger Cookies)

  

  
Without a doubt, my favorite cookies are pepparkakor. They are a Swedish ginger cookie, and my grandma, mom and sister and I make them every year. It wouldn't be Christmas without them! I especially like to eat them with a cup of coffee. They are not too gingery and have just a hint of orange, so tasty! When I decided to participate in the Great Blogger Cookie Swap, I knew this was the recipe I wanted to share with others.

Comfort Food Sunday: Chorizo Crock Pot Chili

I  forget about chili sometimes. It's not that I don't love it, because I do. But when I reach for my crock pot I'm usually whipping up some stew, pork chops or corned beef. But since we had some friends over yesterday to watch football, I thought chili and cornbread would fit the bill perfectly. Luckily the chili was delicious, because watching the Seahawks lose to the 49ers was lame. What do you like to eat while watching football?

Christmas Cookie Roundup

Can you believe Christmas is only 20 days away? Crazy! I have a few presents bought, but other than that I haven't done a lot of "Christmasy" things. I'd love to get a tree, but I don't have the space and I'm pretty sure Atticus would knock down all the ornaments anyways. I haven't put up any Christmas decorations or had an eggnog latte. But friends, I have made Christmas cookies. I have my priorities. 

Here are a few cookies I can't wait to try this holiday season! Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie recipe? 

From top left, clockwise: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, Cooking Classy // Gingerbread Cookies, Mis-Cakes Oven Adventures // Mint and Chocolate Fudge Oreo Bars, Averie Cooks // Melt in Your Mouth Eggnog Cookies, Cooking Classy // Spiked Mint Milanos, Buttercream Blondie // Orange Walnut Macarons with Spiced Cream and Cranberry Filling, Blahnik Baker // Peppermint Mocha Kahlua Truffles, My Baking Addiction // Smoky Cardamon Ginger Molasses Cookies, Reclaiming Provincial // Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, Cooking Classy

Comfort Food Monday: Candied Pecan Banana Bread

There is a good reason why the expression, "the best thing since sliced bread," exists. Why you ask? Because bread is beautiful, amazing and glorious, and it's arguably one of the best things ever created. So when somebody proclaims  "the best thing since sliced bread," whatever they are talking about better be flippin' amazing. Give bread the credit it deserves!

Thankful

Oh hey there! It's been a while. Life has been a little busy lately, and unfortunately this blog has taken a back seat. I'm sure none of you have been crazy busy with the holidays, right? ;) I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was full of pie, baked brie and of course turkey and family, so I would say it was a success. Oh, and having this view while enjoying all that deliciousness wasn't bad either!

The next few days are going to be a whirlwind because I'm starting a new job on Monday! I'm really excited to start a new chapter and dive into something completely new. Black Friday marked my last day in retail, and I'm thrilled. I worked at Macy's as a Clinique consultant for the past three years, and while the experience overall was great, I needed something new. So, on Monday I will be starting my new job as a social media assistant for a local soap making supply company, Bramble Berry. I'm excited and nervous, but oh-so ready. 

It's funny to think that while my college degree certainly helped, this blog gave me a lot of the skills needed for my new position. When I started blogging, I really had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know how to use my camera, I didn't really know what I wanted to blog about, and I had no idea how awesome the blogging community was. I have learned so much through blogging, and I'm so glad to have found a hobby that I can be really proud of and passionate about. 

I know I'm a few days late, but I wanted to say how thankful I am for blogging. Yeah, it sounds a little corny, but it has opened up doors that a few years ago were closed to me. It inspires and pushes me to try new things. It provides a platform to share with others and connect with people all over the world. I'm so glad I made the crazy/scary decision to share my thoughts, ideas, creations and my life online. It has been an amazing experience so far, and I can't wait to see where else it takes me. 

Comfort Food Monday: Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Pasta Bake

Yep, it's Monday. But we can do this! 

To congratulate yourself for making it through the day, why not cozy up to a bowl of this red pepper pasta bake? Oh, can't forget the goat cheese! It adds a tang and creaminess that compliments the red pepper perfectly (if I do say so myself).

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cups with Blackberries

Some things are simply meant to be together. Macaroni and cheese. Ross and Rachel. A glass of wine and and an episode of Scandal. And of course, peanut butter and jelly. If we are talking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I firmly believe white bread and a glass of milk are necessary. But, if you really want to take peanut butter and jelly to the next level (you do), then add cream cheese into the mix. Woah! So good.