Cookies!

The holidays have officially started - our tree is up, home is decorated, amaryllis is in full bloom, and I kicked off the 2011 holiday cookie extravaganza with these (actually a very similar recipe from Heidi's book that adds peanuts and popcorn). I know holiday cookies are not supposed to be healthy, and I will progress to more unhealthy recipes in the coming weeks. But I needed to start slow people, I cannot handle a month of unhealthy cookies in my house. Anywho, these are good, but the dough is pretty loose, and we found that they fall apart easily. Not great for traveling, but still great for eating.

Some Things

Upstate after the holiday, Gramercy Tavern's gingerbread (with Guinness), Mark Bittman pickles, and the start of holiday decorating. I love this time of year.

Thanksgiving Pies

Came out great despite my obsesssing. I made a bourbon sweet potato, with graham cracker pecan ginger crust (laying out ingredients to emphasize yumminess), and star anise infused maple pecan rum pie (yes another Melissa Clark recipe). Now the countdown begins to my December plan of 1 cookie recipe per weekend, can't wait!

Totally trying this

How to Be a Girl: Cat Eyes By Magic! from The Hairpin on Vimeo.

Pie Crust Basics

I really like this video from Melissa Clark, she makes pie crust straightforward and manageable. Do not hesitate to make your own tomorrow, it will come together I promise!

Maple Buttermilk Pie

Made this as a dry run for Thursday's pie extravaganza, and it was great. Even better when chilled in the fridge over night. Kind of like a lemony, maple custard.

Lucy Chadwick and the Selby

Simple and lovely