Holiday Preparations

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
-Norman Vincent Peale

I spent the day with my mamma. We baked, talked, drank plenty of coffee, listened to our favorite Christmas music, and got lost in the creativity of decorating breads and chocolate pretzels. Being in the kitchen of 862 is beyond comforting. I'm surrounded by pieces of my childhood; old mixing bowls, well-seasoned wooden spoons, and the cookie sheet on which I so proudly carved my name as a tiny tot. It's funny how things that once were just simple kitchen tools have taken on a nostalgic meaning.

In line with my new bread baking fascination, we made two new recipes. The first was chocolate cherry trimmed with a chocolate drizzle, and the other was a banana nut bread that we topped with a sugary glaze and a generous sprinkle of chopped walnuts. Delightful.

Then it was pretzel time. There's nothing quite like the combination of sweet and salty. We made dozens of chocolate drenched pretzel rods and jazzed them with chopped nuts and festive sprinkles. They truly are the perfect snack time fix.

Last, but not least, I will leave you with the most beautiful little snowflake. My mom's tree is covered with them, but this little guy was too twinkly to resist.

May your day be merry and bright.