Happy Monday! It’s just over a week until Christmas and I actually feel prepared this year. I have one more present to buy and plan to start wrapping tomorrow, we’re decorate the tree tonight, and the Christmas music is on almost constant play. I have a feeling Forrest will be more about the paper than the presents but I’m looking forward to chaos of opening on Christmas day. How’s your holiday prep going?
I’m most excited to report I did some treat-making because darnit that was going to happen this year if it meant staying up after 11:00 to do it…which it did for the caramels but they are so worth it and I’ll have to make another pan for our family celebrations (I used Pendelton whiskey for these – has a wonderful vanilla flavor without the whiskey sting). Wrapping candies is fun! Besides the caramels, I crushed pretzels for a pretzel version of this so-tasty bark, and did my best to recreate St. Honore’s sables (minus the hazelnuts), with this recipe, which turned out just the way I wanted – intensely dark, crisp, and slightly salty. I used cocoa nibs instead of pistachios to ramp up the chocolate – they’ll be an excellent pick-me-up with afternoon coffee or tea.
I love making treats for friends and family. For a few years Mom, Sis and I would get together for an all-day baking extravaganza of epic proportions (how many different things were we making, Mom?), then our work situations changed and we had nowhere to take so many treats so we were throwing too much away… If I can pick one or two (or three) new things to try each year to share around, I’ll be happy. I figure next year I’ll find something little hands can help with, too.
Here’s to enjoying the holiday calories! = )