I couldn’t resist squeezing in one more goodies post before the end of 2022! I mean, who could let it sit at #254? LOL. Plus, I had a lot of Christmas fun to share with you, including a list of items I’m in charge of making for our various holiday gatherings. Let’s start there!
1
Pimento Cheese Spread (Gimme Some Oven)
We always provide a tray of venison summer sausage and crackers for both family gatherings. This soft cheese spread will make a nice addition to the mix. I prefer about half the amount of green onion. You could even substitute with a 1/2 t. or so of dry onion powder.
Brandied Apple Cake with Figs and Walnuts (Williams Sonoma)
I’ve made this cake one other time, and oh my…. it’s full of apples, incredibly moist, and full of flavor.
Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries (Pioneer Woman)
When my brother texted my mom and me with who should bring what for our Christmas Day meal, my list included dessert and “Adam’s favorite salad.” I knew exactly what he meant!
2
While we’re talking about dinner, my friend Joy shared a beautiful and simple table centerpiece on Instagram this past month. Here’s the link she shared online on how to make one.
3
For your holiday entertainment – here are a couple of personal favorites.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas (The Roku Channel)
4
If you have any down days to binge-watch, we really enjoyed The Playlist on Netflix. It’s about the creators of Spotify.
5
Ukrainians sing ‘Carol of the Bells’ at Carnegie Hall, 100 years after its U.S. debut (NPR)
6
‘Everyone Wants to Hear’ This One Chord in a Christmas Carol
Thanks to Janna Williamson for sharing this interesting article on her Facebook page!
7
These are my top 10 favorite books from what I read this past year (out of around 28) in rough order from most favorite.
- On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass
- Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
- The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
- The It Girl by Ruth Ware (my favorite of all her books)
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Playing Nice by JP Delaney
- The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
- The Codebreaker’s Secret by Sara Ackerman
- Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin
- Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
8
A musical mash-up of Carol of the Bells with Pirates of the Caribbean played on Harp.
9
I especially enjoyed the last three episodes of the Key Ideas Podcast:
#61 These are a Few of My Favorite Things
#59-60 Navigating a Post-Pandemic World with Vanessa Cornett
I have to admit; I almost didn’t listen to this one because I feel past the whole “navigating a post-pandemic world” topic. That said, I really wanted to hear from Vanessa Cornett, and I am glad I did. It was 100% worth listening to both long episodes. She has beautiful insight and a special way with words. I might even go back and listen again!
