Spending time in the kitchen during the holidays can be so fulfilling, especially when you’re making quick and easy homemade holiday treats.
As I sit here to write this post, I have my favorite holiday candle burning that brings allllllll the smells of Christmas to my office, and at this moment, everything feels just right. I allowed myself a slowdown today to spend time in the kitchen, make a few homemade holiday treats, and listen to Christmas music, natch.
Although a gorgeous sunny day here in the northeast, the temps were cold and we’re bracing for a doozie of a winter storm. Spending time in the cozy kitchen deemed just what I needed, away from listening to a Biology Lab, or the sounds an annoyed teenage Baritone that is required to sing a Christmas carol in Italian.
Sigh.
So I closed the doors, and started cooking. Quick and easy things that make for not a lot of work, but pack a nice reward. Recipes like White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Munch.
Following that up with White Chocolate Bark.
Some Holiday Sweet & Spicy Nuts.
I made another batch of the amazing Peppermint Patties. Because those were gone before I could even give any away.
And after hearing Bing Crosby for the third time, I went ahead and made these delicious Christmas Shortbread Cookies.
But I wasn’t done. I wasn’t ready to stop cooking – mainly because Sean told me he’d clean up all the dishes. (and M & C still had two classes to go.) So I went on to a couple appetizers that I could make ahead for Christmas Eve and Day.
Like my go-to Cheese Ball. Because really, my middle name should be Cheese.
And I made Cocktail Sauce for the Grilled Shrimp Cocktail that I’ll serve on the Eve.
With Johnny Mathis singing Sleighride in the background, and after all this cooking and creating, I felt relaxed. Accomplished. And ready to give; pack pretty tins of these treats to drop off to dear friends. Like I mentioned earlier, it was just what I needed; a day in the kitchen to create and unwind.
Because really, that’s how I roll.
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Sara says
Now that’s a productive day! I’d love to try each an every one of these!
Michelle Leslie says
That cheese ball!!! OMW, I can’t wait to try that one out, and don’t even get me started on shortbread cookies, mmmmmmmmmmm, my downfall.
Anita Holland says
I might have to pop over to yours for Christmas, all those treat look delicious.
Maria says
I love to come over for Tea! Maybe someday!
Have a great holiday.
Brooke Fedigan says
I would love that!
Libbie says
My mom always made a cheese ball! Now I am going to have to try it!