Holiday Cheer

I've been a fan of the Smitten Kitchen blog for a few years now; if you've never read it, definitely check it out. Deb, author of Smitten Kitchen blog, just wrote her own Smitten Kitchen cookbook, and I broke down and bought it. And it's amazing. This cookbook is so good that I have been reading it in bed, like a food nerd.

I made apple cider caramels and rosemary, gruyere and sea salt crisps so far, and both were amazing. The rest of the recipes also look great, and I can't wait to try some of them. I brought both items to work and they disappeared in a matter of hours. This cookbook is my new favorite thing.

As it gets closer to Christmas, I feel the need to cook and bake to get myself in the holiday spirit. Last weekend I made mulled wine which was a great way to feel festive; I may have to make more. This weekend I made mashed sweet potatoes and brie en croute for a Christmas dinner party. Later this week I'm baking cookies. I love food, and luckily, it's the time of the year to indulge and forget about calories until January.

My family arrives in Chicago tomorrow! It's the first trip they've made during the winter since I've lived here, and it's also my first Christmas in Chicago, which means it's my first chance for a white Christmas, but I'm not sure the weather will cooperate (and I'm not that sad about it.).

Work has been simply lovely going into the holiday season: lots of festive food in the kitchen, a huge surprise gift basket from the president, an open-bar, fancy food holiday party, and another holiday party tomorrow at a fancy restaurant in the Trump Tower. I feel positively spoiled.

Hoping your holiday season is food-filled and cheery as well!