Mom would start baking Christmas cookies right after Thanksgiving. She would make a new treat each day, putting them in colorful tins & “ hiding” them in the cellar cupboard. We, of course, would always go sneak a few. She, of course, knew it! We continued this throughout adulthood. ❤️Cookies are my very, very most deliciously favorite part of the Holidays❣️💚❣️

HoliYAY for sugar!!

Holiday sweets in the form of a dozen decorated donuts. Yum!

Yummy, roasted, crispy florets of broccoli are bathed in lemon juice, zest, garlic and Parmesan cheese to make a tasty side dish.

Glühwein, or mulled wine is a staple on german Christmas markets. Most of the time red wine is used to prepare it. But my husband and I are from wine growing regions, which means an abundance of white wines. It is not very surprising that there is a variation that uses white wine for mulled wine. It is easy to make at home. So why not make a lockdown version of it. Make some mulled wine, decorate your balcony with fairy lights and play some Christmas crooners while sipping your white mulled wine bundled in your coat and scarf and enjoying the crisp air outside on your balcony.

A recipe for Punch

When I arrived in Germany, I was surprised by the cookie tradition in December. Grandmothers and mothers enjoy making cookies with their children and grandchildren. It's a special occasion to gather the family together and prepare for Christmas.
Cookies of all shapes, with chocolate, jam, nines, chocolate chips or just plain sugar. Delicious!

These cookies are a favorite in my house during the holidays. They are filled with cherry cordial flavored kisses and drizzled with white chocolate for a lovely finishing touch.

For years, my mom has sent each of us kids a tin of cookies she made when we were kids. This illustration is inspired by the love and nostalgia I feel each time I remove the lid from that tin and take the first delicious bite.