End of Year Round-Up 2018

Maybe it's just me but some years seem to move fast while others crawl by slowly. For me, 2018 went by quickly. It had its ups and downs. There were wins and there were losses. But I'm ending the year grateful for what I have and not worrying about what I don't. And it's with that attitude that I intend to approach 2019.

Elderflower Vanilla Champagne Float

This is definitely the season for breaking out the champagne and toasting. I actually like bubbly wines a lot but, somehow, I rarely get to it and the corks don't get popped until sometime in December.

Gingerbread Layer Cake with Tahini Cream Cheese Frosting

For me, this has been the season of gingerbread. I can't seem to get enough of those flavors. Maybe it's because I didn't like gingerbread much when I was younger and I'm making up for lost time.

Stuffed Roasted Cornish Game Hen

My European mother came to the US as an adult and had to learn American foods and holiday customs. She liked the idea of them but wasn't completely sold on some of the dishes so she put her own spin on them. This also applied to the Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey which she interpreted to mean some kind of roast bird. And it was fun each year to see which bird she'd chosen.

Easy Holiday Charcuterie Board with Eckrich Smoked Sausage

This is a sponsored post, written by me, on behalf of Eckrich Smoked Sausage.

I think one of the reasons that people love this time of year, myself included, is that there's so much focus on gathering. While it can feel like we're disconnected from each other much of the time, the holidays bring family home and friends together.

Salted Caramel Ginger Pot de Creme

I love desserts in little jars and always have. Not only do I enjoy having a little pot of something delicious all to myself but, even better, it's the perfect way to give a sweet gift. And these days I'm all about thinking up sweet little gifts.

Spiced Bourbon Almond Nog

The chances of my getting through the holiday season without buying at least one container of egg nog are basically zero. It's such a creamy, indulgent treat and I've loved it since I was a kid. But, as an adult, I find I need to cut the sweetness a bit. Fortunately, adulthood comes with the ability to pour bourbon into it.

Chicken Shawarma Tacos

One of the many, many reasons we all love tacos is how easy they are to prepare, right? Make a few simple things and set up a DIY taco station for family and friends to customize however they like.