Merry Christmas

Hello Everyone!

My resolution in 2014 is to resurrect this blog. Honestly.

I love baking and I love movies so much that the combination of both continues to excite me. I continuously have great ideas for movie and even TV recipe mash-ups I'd like to attempt.

I've just been in a rut lately. Not a bad rut, but I've been very overwhelmed by my getting married, moving to a new home, and, on a negative note, my father's serious illness. I still continue to bake, and it brings me so much warmth and comfort. I had to step away from this blog for a few months to realize how much I missed it.

So yes, I will be back in in 2014. In the meantime, I will leave you with some Christmas cookie recipes that I love. They are all from my favorite magazine, Taste of Home. I hope you enjoy!

1) Italian Rainbow Cookies
Luscious almond flavor perfectly blends with thin layers of tart apricot and raspberry preserves. Don't forget the layer of chocolate on top! These cake-like, tri-colored cookies are a unique addition to any Christmas treat exchange.
Find the recipe here:  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rainbow-cookies

2) Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Yes, you read that right. The cream cheese makes these delectable little biscuits soft and gives them a bit of a tang. A perfect way to add a subtle new edge to a classic recipe.
Find the recipe here: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/melt-in-your-mouth-sugar-cookies

3) Chocolate Chai Snickerdoodles
I haven't made these yet--I plan to this weekend--but since I love chocolate, and love ginger cookies, this combination intrigued me.
Find the recipe here: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-chai-snickerdoodles

4) Pecan Meltaways
My mother says these remind her of a traditional Venezuelan cookie she used to make in her childhood called "polvorosa" (meaning "powdery"). These are simple and delicious, soft and easy to carry. Great to give as gifts.
Find the recipe here: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pecan-meltaways

5) Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
My mother-in-law makes these yearly for Christmas, and this year I am excited to bake my own version. I am very particular about how I like peanut butter but I've always loved these cookies for their sumptuous chocolate center.
Find the recipe here:  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/peanut-butter-kiss-cookies

Just writing this simple post has gotten me excited for more to come! I'm thinking about opening up 2014 with a King Cake recipe. Can't wait!

Have a wonderful holiday and a blessed New Year!

Love,
Ally