Merry Christmas to those of you who observe it, and thanks to everyone for stopping by this month. Gil and I are spending the week in Louisiana with my family, so posting will be light until we return.

Stay warm!

Be nice to Santa, ok? He’s a busy guy tonight.

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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Oh, my — soft, spicy molasses cookies. I’ll bet these would be amazing sandwiched around ice cream.

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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Hey, we’re a mixed-faith household; it’s only fair… Happy Hanukkah, everyone!

For the full set of pictures, click here. Check out Rufus enjoying his first dreidel here.

And for the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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This was the perfect weekend for curling up with a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate. It doesn’t make the snow any easier to navigate, but certainly takes your mind off it.

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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OK, maybe just a little more sugar wouldn’t hurt me.

Looking for a lighter cinnamon roll than the heavy butter- and icing-bombs you find most places, I decided to adapt my king cake recipe this morning, with stellar results. A light, bready brioche wrapped around a buttery cinnamon filling and topped with honey-cream cheese frosting … oh, I didn’t meant to imply they’re light, just lighter.

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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Though 8-12 inches of snow in the forecast isn’t exactly what we meant by “gumbo weather” in Louisiana, I can’t imagine more perfect conditions for it. This was a meated-up version of the traditional Lenten creole dish, gumbo z’herbes. It’s a little out of season, but I figure that since Easter naturally follows Christmas, I should get cut some slack on the gumbo front.

Mmm…c’est bon!

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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Bon Appetit’s selection of food blogs for the holidays is well worth checking out. You can’t go wrong with mixed nuts at Christmas, as my dad will attest, but roasted sweet and spicy nuts? OK, now you’re flirting with perfection.

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

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Presenting my new love, the pomelo, dressed up in brulée for the holidays. Doesn’t this look like some fabulous ensemble Shirley MacLaine would’ve worn in What a Way to Go?

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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Grapes are just about the perfect snack already, so I almost felt guilty for dipping them in bittersweet chocolate then coating them with walnuts. Almost.

For the 2007 Advent Calendar, click here.

recipe after the jump

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