Caramel Corn

Despite the fact that every part of my body is screaming for vegetables and fruits, and all things healthy, I somehow wound up making caramel corn last night...

Oreos

I bet you never thought you could make your own Oreos, and I bet you never thought they could taste so much better than the ones Mr. Christie makes.
But I'm here to tell you, you can and you will.

Pecan Pie

I've been meaning to make pecan pie for months, ever since eating some at one of our favourite local restaurants. I finally got around to it this weekend, deciding to bring it to our staff holiday potluck. Accompanied by my husband's famous ribs, my favourite mac n cheese, and coleslaw, this pecan pie would have made the perfect finish to our southern-inspired meal. Too bad we pigged out on all the other food (mostly desserts) that I only ended up having a tiny bite of this delicious pie.

Apple & Arugula Salad

In an effort to combat all the sweets I've been pigging out on lately, this little salad has nestled itself into much of our meals lately.

Multi-coloured Striped Scarf

I know I said I would share some real food with you soon...but there's only 11 days until Christmas, and I need to get crackin' on some gift making.
You understand, right?
Yeah, I knew you would.

Spiced Rum Meltaways

Ok Ok. I know you are probably getting sick of cookies, I promise I'll share some "real food" with you soon. But these cookies are just too good to skip. You really must make them.

Chewy Pecan Cookies

As much as I love good old traditional christmas treats that make me nostalgic for my youth, I equally love trying out new recipes, and Martha never disappoints in providing me with ample selection of fancy goodies.

It wasn't until I had already started making these that I read the not-so-great reviews of the recipe: "Horrible!", "Molasses overkill!", "Will never make these again!", "Had to throw them out".
Yikes...
Well you'll be happy to know that those reviewers obviously just don't like molasses and nuts. And they most likely prefer overly sweet, boring, cookies. Cookies that no one will remember.

These cookies though are definitely different, memorable and really delicious.
As long as you like molasses and nuts, that is.

Mexican Wedding Cakes

The other day a friend asked me what some of my family's christmas traditions were, the kind that have lasted since childhood. I could really only think of a few.
Just as the old handmade ornaments that my brother, sister and I made as kids have disappeared over the years from our family home, perhaps some of our old traditions have too. But as I said there were a few things I could think of...
We've always listened to Handel's Messiah on vinyl, we've always eaten scrambled eggs on christmas morning (and called them "christmas eggs"), we've always used the same strand of large red and green lights on our tree, and we've always baked some mexican wedding cakes.

Christmas Stockings

I have spent a long time pondering what style of stocking I'd like to make for my husband and I.
This is the first year we're not spending the holidays with family, therefore the first year we won't be stuffing gifts into my mother's hand made stockings that I've had since childhood.
Trust me when I say that I'm a bit of a Christmas-a-holic and that deciding on new stockings felt like a big deal.

The stockings we had growing up with were made of red felt with metallic rick rack trim, our name spelt out in felt letters, and a bell on the toe. I loved them. But I wanted something more....us.
After browsing through some holiday decorating ideas online I came across the cutest rustic christmas scene complete with wool socks as stockings, and knew I had found the inspiration I was looking for.

Spanakopita

This is a classic holiday/entertaining appetizer in our home. They're so delicious, easy to make, and even easier to pop into the oven from our freezer in a moments notice. 

Stamped Wrapping Paper

This morning I woke up quite early and immediately had christmas songs in my head and couldn't stop thinking about christmas crafts, and entertaining. After trying to ignore my crazy self and get back to sleep (which did not work) I hopped out of bed, put on christmas tunes and started crafting. 

For years I have wrapped gifts in old newspapers or other repurposed materials. Last year for some reason I gave in to my inner christmas fanatic and bought the shiniest, most offensive looking metallic wrapping paper. I guess after years of newspaper wrapped gifts, I was really craving some eye-catching presents. 

Well I'm more or less back to my old ways this year, but I think I've definitely upped the cute factor. 

Paper Wreath

What a perfect day to find this wreath tutorial on Design Sponge. I'm in a christmasy crafty mood, and our apartment is seriously lacking in holiday cheer.

After making this wreath, I can't help but think of lots of other cool wreath ideas. How many wreaths can I have in my home before I look crazy?

Thai Cucumber Salad

As I made this salad, I thought of how I recently complained to you all about the woes of seasonal eating, and how I was craving light salads before winter had even really begun. Well clearly I gave in to temptation.

Honey Hoisin Pork Riblets

My husband makes the most amazing ribs you'll ever eat. 

But these aren't his ribs.

I can't even compete with him and his ribs, so I only make these when he's unable to cook for whatever reason (like when he was sick this week).


This recipe will satisfy your rib craving, but doesn't take an entire day to make (like someone else's rib recipe I know...)

Heating Bag

I can't believe I've never thought to make my own Magic Bag before. If you know me at all, you know I have a serious obsession/addiction to having a hot bag of dry grains at my feet (or any other body part that ails me). 


These took mere minutes to make and already look so much cuter than the ugly blue ones I bought in a store years ago. Imagine how much more amazing they could look if I put in even a tiny bit more effort. Quilting? Embroidery? I'm getting excited just thinking about it.