Gearing up for the Holidays
Favorite family games, the ideal winter dinner, a cake to share, and two perfect additions to your cookie tray.
The winter holidays are almost here! The whole family is in go mode, with my son and husband finishing up their school responsibilities and me madly preparing recipes and videos for the upcoming break. Still, it’s one of my favorite times of year to prepare recipes—with the cloudy, snowy exterior and the warmth of our home making it easy to stay holed up baking. Keep scrolling for some of the things keeping the winter days bright!
Days like these call for a simple, nourishing dinner—and for me, that ideal is a cozy, flavorful soup. This Spicy Tomato Orzo Soup recipe is easily adjustable to your tastes, so feel free to add more or less spice, salt, or sweetness as you desire. It can be made with a storebought stock but if you have the time, I’ve included my chicken broth recipe below as well! If you prepare the stock, you can also add shredded chicken to the soup for some extra protein.
And of course, soup requires bread on the side! This Cheddar Jalapeno Focaccia is the perfect dipping accompaniment, and is also just as scrumptious for your breakfast sandwiches or grilled cheese the next day.
Here’s one of my favorite winter cakes, inspired by a common Turkish apple dessert, that has been making a perfect breakfast this week with a dollop of cream and warm coffee. It has a soft sponge cake intertwined with the lightly sweetened apple filling for just the right balance in every bite.
This Apple Roll Cake would also make a beautiful gift for your neighbors! Carefully wrapped in wax paper and tied with a bow, this delicious dessert stores well and is delicious at any time of day.
We’re all looking forward to our break towards the end of the year. We’ll be heading on a ski trip, with lots of time for hitting the slopes, relaxing in front of the fire, and eating!
One of our favorite things to do as a family is play games. As my son grows, the games change, but the family fun never does. Recently, we’ve been loving Azul and Dixit for our game nights and they’ll definitely be making the ski trip with us.
Here’s a list of some of our family favorites over the years, with links below!
Forbidden Island Set in a spooky location, this game makes everyone work together to achieve a goal! Highly recommend for a family where the competition may get a little intense.
Monopoly: Ultimate Banking This version of monopoly takes away the classic paper money pieces and switches it up for a new banking variation. My mathematic-loving husband and son always enjoy their time together with this one.
Dixit This game is so beautiful! The various artistic styles make the pieces a joy to look at, while testing your ability to know and trick your opponents makes it all the more satisfying.
Pandemic Another game where you are required to work together as a team, Pandemic asks everyone to work as CDC members to eradicate a global disease—though if it hits a little close to home, I completely understand!
Ticket to Ride: First Journey A kid’s version of the popular board game, track train routes through the U.S. to complete objectives!
I Spy: Memory Game I couldn’t find the exact version we have, but here’s one that’s very close!
Azul Gorgeous tile pieces and constantly changing strategies make this game a party every time.
Throw Throw Avocado A silly game that makes the evening into a party! The card game will keep the adults entertained and the throwing of avocados will keep the littles happy.
Let me know if you play any of them, I’d love to hear your favorites! And let me know if you have any recommendations for us!
Cookie recipes are flooding my social media feeds right now and I’m sure they are for you too! But still, I have to give you a couple of my favorites. I can guarantee that these will be the highlights of your cookie trays.
This brownie cookie is the answer to all chocolate lovers favorite cookie. Rich, dark, and fudgy, it will give both edge and middle brownie lovers joy—with crisp outsides and a gooey center. I love you make these for Halloween, topped with googly eyes for adorable monster faces, but trust me they are just as delicious in the December!
These Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate chocolate chip cookie. Look no further for a recipe that gives you ooey gooey chocolate, a hit of flavor and chewiness from the nutty pistachios, and cookie-dough like texture even after baking.
I hope you all have a lovely end to the year, that you have time to breath and appreciate the love and joy all around you even in these stressful moments. If you haven’t finished your shopping yet, I have to recommend my cookbook as a perfect gift! Even better paired with a day together in the kitchen, making memories and delicious food together. Find the book here.
Thank you for sharing these recipes! I will be making them with you in mind. Peace be with you and your family.
Wishing you and your family peace and joy in the coming New Year 🥰