Christmas Gifts

The human body sure does react in strange ways to emotional upheavals. In the past week, I may have been more productive and managed more goings-ons all at once than ever before.

We've been 'impromptu" hosting my parents and family so we could all be together to celebrate my Granny's life (and Chris will be one of the many to vouch for me and say I do NOT do well hosting/entertaining without advance notice); we purchased, put up and decorated our first tree together; we finished (full disclosure - I do still need to get a wreath-hanger) decorating our house; I've wrapped almost all our presents and am ready to take them to the Post Office; and I added to our Christmas cookie platter! *I'm sure you noticed there was no mention of Christmas cards - don't ask Regardless, it's safe to say this kind of activity has never happened before in the life of this girl.

So without much ado, and since I'll own up to being just a little excited about having a house to decorate for Christmas - with our very own real tree - I just had to share some pictures of our house, all lit up and ready to go for family and friends this Christmas. Having my house feeling warm and welcoming for this beautiful season just might top finding a recipe that you have all the ingredients for, and I'll go there... even better than seeing your favorite grocery item on sale AND having a coupon for it. And these are things that I don't take lightly.

I haven't forgotten my promise to share what little sweet treats I'll be serving up this Christmas (and hope you'll share your Christmas cookie favorites with me, too!), here are some to whet your appetite.

• I returned to a favorite and started with Chocolate Mint Dessert Brownies
  
  
• Second to the plate was a family favorite, Brandy Walnut Balls
  
  

makes approx 3 dozen

1/2 c butter
1/2 c sifted confectioners sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 TBSP Brandy
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c flour
1/2 c finely chopped walnuts

Cream together butter, sugar and salt, until fluffy. Stir in Brandy and vanilla. Stir in flour and nuts, mixing well. Shape into 3/4 in (or smaller) balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 325 degree oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Roll in additional confectioners sugar.

• A new but highly recommended Dorie Greenspan's World Peace cookies (you can bet mine didn't look anything like Anita's)

And having nothing to do with cookies or Christmas, except that these little guys are both amazing gifts... I had to share two recent baby pictures.

One of my adorable little cupcake of a niece... (with her Nana, my mom)And a huge CONGRATULATIONS to one of my best friends and her husband, Lindsay and Ron, on the birth of their son, Elijah Michael!