Merry Christmas, Dear Friends!

It's been awfully quiet around here - and for that apologize.  But it's Christmas!  And I've been able to partake in lots of festive activities and really enjoy the season.  There are some years that Christmas comes and goes so quickly, it feels like there wasn't enough time to really embrace the holidays.  I'm happy to say that hasn't been the case this year - and between decorating, baking, and spending time with friends and family, my heart is full of Christmas cheer.  Here is hoping yours is too and that your holidays are wonderful!

Christmas Favorites

Christmas is almost here!  It's been a complete whirlwind and I have to keep reminding myself that I actually have accomplished quite a bit, although I somehow feel I haven't.  Below is a simple little list of all of my holiday favorites.  Recalling my "favorite" things is one of the best ways I can organize thoughts and draw inspiration from things I know I love.

• Favorite Christmas Cookie - Brobakkelse (as our family calls them, otherwise known as Brakkelse) are my very favorite cookie to make and eat.  It's not Christmas without them.
• Favorite Christmas Song - This is a very hard one.  But this one ranks pretty high.  

• Favorite Christmas Movie -  I can't pick one.  I'm sorry.  But Christmas Vacation, Polar Express,  A Smoky Mountain Christmas, and Elf are all on my list.
• Favorite Christmas Cocktail - Bailey's on the rocks, a must while writing Christmas cards.
• Favorite Christmas Tradition - Probably Christmas Eve at my grandparents'.  It's the one thing that has never really changed.

Cozy in December

~ Things to look Forward to in December ~
Going to the ballet.Attending Christmas parties.Baking, baking, & more baking.Cuddling up with hot toddies.Reading my new book "The Greenlanders".Investing in flannel sheets.Do I even have to put Christmas?Starting to plan a wedding ;)

An American Christmas

Ralph Lauren is about as American as applie pie and baseball, and when I'm looking for classic clothes with a refined, preppy feel, you can bet that RL and Polo are my go-tos.   Last week I mentioned how badly I was wanting some festive sweaters.  Although, once again completely out of my price range, Ralph Lauren's Blue Label has mastered the classic, slightly earthy tone I was looking for.  

I would also wear these mens sweaters in a heart beat.  Belted w/ leggings and my fringed Minnetonkas. Hello, holidays!

A Scrumptious Little Cookie

This is my absolute favorite time of year to bake and be in the kitchen.  With Christmas carols blazing and a glass of vino close at hand, it's the best way to wind down, but still feel as though you're doing something "Christmas-y" and productive.  I've tried a couple cookie recipes this year, and this one is hands down my favorite.   Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with "Benne Wafers".  These delicate little cookies have the most amazing texture and flavor, I can't believe I wasted 25 years of my life without them.  They are made of sesame seeds and little else and couldn't be simpler to make.  They are my new go to, and I have a feeling I'll be eating theses chewy/crunchy little morsels year after year.  Crowned cookie of the year in 1952, I'm not quite sure how they never got to be as popular as the chocolate chip.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup Sesame Seeds
- 1 Egg
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, but cool)
- 2 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt

Tools
- Parchment Paper
- A butter knife submerged in a glass of ice water

Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
- Mix the butter and the brown sugar until it is thoroughly blended.
- Add the egg and beat till combined.
- Add flour, salt, vanilla, and sesame seeds till combined.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Place quarter-sized dollops about two inches apart.  These will look extremely small, but trust me, they expand.
- Flatten the cookies with your butter knife so that they are nice and flat.
- Cook for approximately 6 minutes.  Cookies should be a bit darker around the edges but still a nice golden brown.
- Let cookies cool for several minutes before attempting to remove them from the parchment paper.

*Makes about 4 dozen.