Monthly Archive: December 2012

Home for the Holidays on Christmas

12/25/12 Christmas morning!!!!!  Wee!!!  [It never gets old] I slept horribly all night, so I was up before anyone else.  Rather than peak at what Santa had stuffed in my stocking, I set to work on breakfast.  I made a huge batch of waffle batter and started the coffee (and made enough noise that Kyle and my dad were up soon thereafter). Once my sister and mom joined the party we all opened our stockings. Then we took a breakfast break. Waffles with the toppings: raspberries, blueberries, maple syrup & Earth Balance My sister made… Read more >

Home for the Holidays Two-a-day

12/24/12 The eve of Christmas was more mellow than the rest of my days home, but I still had a brunch with friends scheduled for the morning. Kyle and I met up with Marisa and Heather (my girlfriends with whom I had monthly dinner dates in NYC) at La Boulange in our home town (I’ve known these girls since kindergarten).  Somehow I’d never tried the place out, and if you’re wondering how that could be, it’s because La Boulange opened pretty recently (full disclosure: I don’t know if it was actually recent or not, but… Read more >

Home for the Holidays Two-a-day

12/23/12 On Sunday we had yet another brunch date in the morning.  This time we headed to Pleasant Hill to Jack’s. This was our first time there, but Elaine is a regular (and my family has been a few times, too).  It’s hugely family friendly (I think every group had one or more babies), plus they have a ton of space and they play football.  In other words, it’s perfect. I got two poached eggs with hash browns and toast.  The best part was playing with Elaine’s 4 month old, Cooper.  He’s such a sweetie… Read more >

Holiday Party Recipes

These are some of the dishes and plates we served at my parents’ holiday party.   Caprese Skewers Ingredients: fresh mozzarella balls cherry tomatoes basil leaves Directions: These are self explanatory.  Using toothpicks or small skewers, pierce tomatoes, then basil leaf, then mozzarella.  If the basil leaves are too big, you can fold them in half or rip a smaller portion.  If you can find mozzarella balls that are marinated in Italian seasonings, use those, otherwise you can drizzle a balsamic vinaigrette over the skewers just before serving. Bread with Smoked Salmon & Herbed Crème… Read more >