Cooking, baking, and a Christmas open house.

Hello Friend! Happy Wednesday. Since the time change and since the temperature has been cooler, it makes me want to cook, bake, and create. There’s something about the crisp air and the vibrant colors of fall that inspires me to gather my favorite recipes and experiment in the kitchen. Do you get that way in this time of year? It’s the perfect opportunity to try new comfort foods and share delicious meals with family and friends, making every gathering feel even more special.

Max and I made chicken scampi a few weeks ago, an experience that turned out to be both delightful and somewhat chaotic. The dish was delicious, but I made too many noodles, which caused the food to spill all over the stove top, creating a bit of a mess in our kitchen. Since then, I purchased a large, wok that Mr. Handsome thoughtfully queued up on Amazon for me; he has a knack for solving my problems. Last week, I decided to take my culinary skills further and made mashed potatoes and meatloaf. Feeling adventurous, I got brave and didn’t follow a recipe for the meatloaf, which is usually quite unlike me. To my surprise, we thought it was the best meatloaf I have ever made, a comforting and hearty dish that received high praise from everyone at the table. I’m glad it didn’t flop, as that would have been quite disappointing. In the days since that culinary triumph, I have also made taco soup, a spicy and savory dish filled with beans, corn, and fresh ingredients, and roast beef with all the fixings, which turned out to be a hit as well, filling the house with wonderful aromas. Cooking has become a creative outlet for me, and I look forward to trying new recipes and honing my skills even further. What are your favorite dishes to cook this time of year?

Yesterday we had some visitors, McKenzie, Scout, and Rhett, and it was truly a joy to see their sweet, smiling faces light up the room. Max had just made a fresh batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies, so our visitors were treated to a small snack of warm cookies paired with cold milk. They weren’t here very long—just enough time to play for a bit and enjoy that tasty treat. I didn’t get any pictures to show you, which is a bit disappointing, but in those fleeting moments, I was simply focused on cherishing their company. I am so glad they stopped by, as I have missed them.

I wanted to tell you that Dogwood Vintiques is having a Christmas open house this coming Friday till Monday, a wonderful event that you won’t want to miss. There will be door prizes, samplings, and sales throughout the store. My booth is running a 25% sale on all items during those days, making it the perfect opportunity to find unique treasures. It is fully stocked with a charming collection of vintage Christmas items, including ornaments and decorations that evoke the nostalgia of yesteryear, as well as an array of new Christmas items that are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Come join us for this festive celebration and find the perfect decorations to make your home merry and bright!