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…