Happy Monday, friends! And, of course, Happy New Year! I am excited to be writing and look forward to reconnecting with everyone. Without planning it, I took a bit of a blog break between Christmas and the new year. It was unintentional but, truthfully, was needed and helpful. That said, I do hope everyone had a lovely holiday. I know the weather – and weather-related travel woes!! – impacted many over Christmas weekend but I hope that the blessings were many nevertheless. We have no “little people” in our family and our children are both adults, so holidays (especially Christmas) are quite a bit different than they were in days gone by. Not in a bad way….actually, there is much that I enjoy about this season and the celebrating of holidays now. We surely were not rushed and we made almost a day of it. And everyone helps with the restoring of order afterwards so I went to bed with all in its place. That is a gift, in itself, for me!
No real Christmas recap but there are a couple of things I did want to remember. First, this Christmas munch. It was fun to make. My daughter and I spent one afternoon in the kitchen and this munch, as the recipe indicates, made a ton. I was not sure about the combination (Fritos??) but it was really delicious. After a proper amount of sampling, we packaged it up in (three oversized) pretty containers for our neighbors…and we still had a bit leftover for ourselves. I would definitely make this again. Note to self: I could not find Bugles but they were not missed. At all.
We also made these cookies. We all thought they were amazing. A few of us even said they were a new favorite. Again, I was a bit skeptical. I was not sure if the peppermint would be too much, but it was not. They were delicious. I shared a (very) few of these but, truthfully, most were enjoyed just by us. Maybe even me. These will certainly be made again.
Last, but not least. On Christmas, we were having brunch later in the morning but I wanted a little something before we went to church. And I wanted something other than cinnamon rolls. This Danish was perfect. It was easy to make but tasted better than the last pastry ring I picked up from Panera. Just sayin. It was super yummy with a morning cup of coffee. A great start to the morning. Yes, starting Christmas slow (and quiet) with a cup of coffee, some cherry Danish and adult conversation – that was nice.
The recipes for the next few months (well, weeks? days?) will have a lot less sugar. A return to previously scheduled programming:) As well, the santas have been returned to their bins – but I do enjoy the way the sun rises this time of year. It was so pretty on the mantel one day last week so I took this picture. I really need to work on my photo skills but am hoping to include more “every day life” pictures here on my blog. We will see how that goes. Have a wonderful week ahead. I hope you will come back late in the week. Wednesday’s post will be the first Currently link-up for this year. Perhaps you will join us –
I’m glad you’re back to blogging! I understand needing a break from it sometimes, though. I think it’s a great goal to share more pictures here…I started doing that about eight years ago when a friend suggested I do the same. I love looking at pictures, so I’ll love seeing what you share! I love the way the sunlight looks in that picture. I love the way it comes into our home in the afternoons. Our dogs like to lay in the spot to sunbathe. 😉 I am glad you’ll be joining in with Currently this week- I think some of the prompts were ones you suggested. I appreciate that! Feel free to keep them coming! I already have the ones in February planned as well- loving, feeling, posting, receiving. and seeing. I hope you enjoy your week, my friend!
Thanks, Jennifer. Yes, I am looking forward to the link-up….and so glad that you are keeping it going. I will let you know if any prompt ideas come to me:) So glad you stopped by this morning!!
Hello. and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Your photo is beautiful. I always enjoy the photos of everyday life at home. I hope you have a cozy afternoon and a happy, healthy week!
I always enjoy everyday life photos as well. They feel cozy:) Thanks for stopping by…hope your week is a good one, as well!
Happy New Year! I took a little break too, but am glad to be back. It sounds like you had a great Christmas. Your recipes sound delicious! I hope to do a significantly more amount of cooking this year. I also need to cut back on sugar and salt 🙂 Two of the most tasty things!
I’m looking forward to a new year full of blogging with you and all of my other favorites 🙂
Have a wonderful week!
Thanks Debbie – so glad you stopped by. I’m looking forward to this new year of blogging as well!! Happy Monday to you!
That Danish looks wonderful! It sounds like something even I could make. lol I hope you have a great day.
It was as easy as it was delicious!:)
Happy New Year! Whilst your recipes sound lovely, I cannot give in a try them out, I need to get back to ‘normal’ eating again – I also need to remember that not all meals need to be finished with something made of chocolate 😉 I have definitely overindulged over the last couple of weeks, either my scales are broken ( I don’t think so) or I have eaten far too much (more likely!)
Oh friend, I am sure it is the scales!! (but chocolate – especially dark chocolate! – is such a perfect finish to any meal)!
Happy New Year, Jennifer! Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas! Your treats sound delicious, they are now pinned and ready to go next for next year. Have a wonderful week, looking forward to visiting again soon! Hugs
Thanks, Barbara. Glad you stopped and, yes, looking forward to visiting often in this new year ahead!
Happy New Year Jennifer! Missed you in the blogosphere last week; glad that you are back. Trying new recipes is a great and fun thing to do this time of year (unless you suspect that your new oven is not working properly- then don’t try something new like I did, ;(). I indulged, too, and now reality (if I want to be able to fit into my clothes) has set in and it’s time to reign in the bad eating habits. That photo is so pretty! Looking forward to “hearing” more from you and “seeing” more of your world via photos on the blog. Speaking of which, the picture you posted is a really good one!
Thanks Maria – and so happy to be “reconnected” after my commenting woes! Thanks for sticking with me…and stopping by etc when it seemed I had disappeared. Ugh. Always glad when you come by…and always encouraged by your comments!
We don’t have any little ones either.
Happy to see you back after you break,
I asked our pastor (Dennis Leatherman) if he knew yours and he said, they were good friends!! 🙂 Small world.
Really? I love it. Yes, it is a small world:) So glad you stopped by today, Karen!
Hi Jennifer and Happy New Year to you! Sounds like you had a nice Christmas with some very yummy food! Thanks for sharing the recipes. Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy 2023! See you again soon!
Thanks, Deb!! Best of wishes to you as well:)
Happy New Year! Thanks for the recipes. That Christmas Munch looks so good and so do those cookies. I’ve saved them both. I’ve made the danish before, but my recipe has me making it in a wreath shape. I like the candy cane shape too. But either shape is tasty!