Nothing says “holiday mornings” like the smell of gingerbread waffles wafting through the kitchen. That warm blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses turns ordinary breakfast into something special—it’s like Christmas in every bite! I’ve been making these for years ever since my sister-in-law shared her secret recipe during our first family Thanksgiving together. Now it’s … Read more
Tessa Bloom
There’s something magical about that first sip of Starbucks peppermint mocha when the holiday season hits—the rich chocolate, the cool peppermint, that fluffy whipped cream melting into the warm coffee. But let me tell you a secret: you don’t need to brave the drive-thru line (or the price tag) to get that festive fix. My … Read more
Oh man, let me tell you – I used to think cocktail sauce was the only way to go with shrimp. That was before I spent a weekend in New Orleans and had my mind absolutely blown by a spicy, creamy, tangy dip that made plain old ketchup and horseradish taste so boring. I came … Read more
I’ll never forget the first time I made these cranberry brie crescent bites – it was Christmas Eve, and I’d completely forgotten to plan an appetizer. Panic set in until I spotted leftover crescent rolls and cranberry sauce in my fridge. Twenty minutes later, these golden, gooey little bites saved my holiday gathering! Now they’re … Read more
Let me tell you about my absolute favorite party trick – this cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip. It’s the perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Every time I bring it to gatherings, it disappears in minutes! The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, you’ll spend more time … Read more
Oh, this cranberry apple walnut salad—it’s my go-to when I need something fresh, fast, and full of flavor. The crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts come together like they were made for each other. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel fancy without any fuss. I love serving it at holiday gatherings … Read more
Oh, that crispy onion topping—it’s what makes this green bean casserole legendary. You know the one I’m talking about, right? That golden, crunchy crown that shatters with every bite, hiding underneath a creamy, savory green bean filling that’s basically a hug in casserole form. I’ve been making this dish for years—holidays, potlucks, even lazy weeknights … Read more
Nothing says “celebration” quite like a big bowl of sparkling punch at the center of the table! My festive non-alcoholic punch has been the star of every family gathering since I first whipped it up for my niece’s baby shower. The way the cranberry and orange juices swirl together with those fizzy ginger ale bubbles … Read more
There’s nothing quite like ringing in the New Year with bite-sized bites that disappear faster than the countdown to midnight! These New Year’s appetizers are my go-to for effortless entertaining—flaky puff pastry hugs a creamy, garlicky filling that’s downright addictive. Trust me, I learned the hard way after my first hosting disaster (think charred pizza … Read more
Let me tell you about my secret weapon for holiday meals and weeknight dinners: stuffing muffins. These little savory bites are a game-changer! I first made them one Thanksgiving when I ran out of oven space for a traditional stuffing dish. I thought, “Why not try muffin tins?” And wow, they were a hit. Portable, … Read more
