Five Little Things

The holidays are here, my friends! If you’re like me, you’re swamped under shopping lists, wrapping paper, and cookie dough. I initially began typing this at the airport, waiting for my son to de-plane and welcomed him home from college. Since then, I also squeezed in a quick trip to Southern California and back to watch my daughter perform at a winter concert. She will be home in a few days and I’m excited to have my house full again! So, I hope you understand if I keep this short.

Here are Five Little Things I loved this week:

1. Holiday Baking

Recently, friends that I made many years ago (from this wonderful world of food blogging) had our 15th annual holiday cookie exchange and lunch. It’s so crazy to think that we started this tradition 15 years ago! Some of us are still at it with our websites, and some are not, but despite the years and changes, we always look forward to seeing one another with cookies to share, and delicious dishes to eat! I tried a new recipe this year, and I’ll be able to share that with you in the future. But in the meantime, you can check out some of the cookies I’ve made in the past. These include Coconut Shortbread Cookies, Alfajores, Authentic Pizzelle, and Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies.

For local friends, I made a batch of the pizzelle and ube crinkle cookies! The latter was a recipe from a guest on the podcast (stay tuned, that will go live in the new year) and was such a hit! I also made some Strawberry Shortcake Cookies for my daughter’s friends – I love that recipe so much!

I also shared a new recipe last week that you can add to your cookie boxes – Mocha Brownies 
with Olive Oil and Tahini Swirl.

2. Family Time

I didn’t share a Five Little Things post over Thanksgiving because I was enjoying all the family time, but I am just so grateful when my kids are home from college! It’s crazy to think that my house will be full again soon!

3. Wrapping Queen

I love wrapping presents, but wish I was as talented as Rubbia! She has so many beautiful ideas!

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A post shared by Rubbia (@byrubbia)

4. A Good Example

I am not a huge football fan, but I appreciate excellent sportsmanship. I was really touched by Fernando Mendoza’s speech after winning the Heisman Trophy. He sends a wonderful message to young athletes, especially at the end.

5. Trouble Sleeping?

This goes out to all the moms, especially this time of year!