It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, don’t you think? We have snow, it’s chilly to say the least, the mall is a zoo, and the calendar is filling quickly. Overwhelming? You bet, but not necessarily in a stressful , wigged-out way…
I’m overwhelmed with the good stuff, too: I’m blown away by the TRUE meaning of Christmas, there’s an air of excitement everywhere, generosity is at its annual peak, and our daughter flies home next week (hyperventilating just a little). Baking, wrapping, caroling, partying… ‘tis the season! Let me share a few little gems of joy with you this festive Friday:
DARK CHOCOLATE CHUNK EGGNOG COOKIES
My, oh my. I hadn’t even heard of eggnog until my mid-twenties when we came to Canada, and since then it’s been a firm favorite in our house. We crack it open during the tree decorating festivities, and it’s a staple throughout the season. This is the first eggnog cookie I’ve tried baking, and it got the major thumbs up with my guys. It’s a subtle flavor, and kudos go to this website: BROWN EYED BAKER
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup eggnog
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup dark chocolate chunks (I used semi-sweet choc chips)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggnog, egg yolk and vanilla; continue beating on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low, add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined; fold in the chocolate chunks.
4. Drop dough onto baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake from 20 to 25 minutes (longer for larger cookies), transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these eggnog pillows of deliciousness 🙂
THE WOMEN OF CHRISTMAS by Liz Curtis Higgs
http://www.amazon.com/The-Women-Christmas-Experience-Elizabeth-ebook/dp/B00C0AO1DA
I’ve been desperately trying to read this book slowly! I want to enjoy it throughout Christmas, but it’s so fascinating, I just can’t help myself. The fabulous Liz Curtis Higgs digs deep into the lives of 3 women from the first Christmas: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. The Women Of Christmas is a perfect opportunity for reflection and a beautiful perspective, bringing fresh, new insight to a familiar love story.
PERFECT POLISH
Finally, a little fru-fru. I adore this cranberry frost shade called “Cara” from Julep. It’s perfect for the season — a shiny, warm red with rich, hot pink undertones. Party ready and an instant pick-me-up! You can find it HERE
As I was driving yesterday, I saw this verse of all verses on a carwash sign (wonderfully random), and it reminded me yet again of the breathtaking beauty of the greatest gift:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Yes, the wonder of Christmas. The wonder of His love. For you and for me.
Enjoy these little festive faves and be overwhelmed by the Father’s love this Christmas…
You must log in to post a comment.