I put out a single strand of Christmas lights (purchased these old school ones and love them) and hung up the wreath that I made several years ago. We don't have room for a tree but I picked up a few tree trimming scraps from Whole Foods and made a tiny arrangement to hang on the wall.
We had our 16th annual girls' Christmas party and I baked some pies. Specifically, this apple slab pie, this berry pie with ginger-citrus streusel (I used fresh ginger instead of crystallized) and my favorite ever pecan tart. I don't even like pecan pie because I find the jiggly sweetness overwhelming but I loooove that tart.
My sister and niece came for a quick visit and we soaked up as much baby time as we could. Which was a lot, actually, since three adults, one baby and a terrier were sharing a 400 square foot house. We were worried that Circe might not respond well to sharing her space with an extremely active 9 month old but she took an instant liking to the baby and seemed to decide that we had brought her a human pet. She was gentle with Casey, shared her favorite ball, and even nibbled the back of her head corn on the cob style, which is what she does with her beloved stuffed squirrels. I melted, basically.
On Sunday we introduced Casey to the gingerbread house decorating tradition, although this year her responsibilities were limited to looking adorable and keeping her hands out of the candy.
It was so good to get time with them and it feels properly festive now. I have a few more projects that I'm working on and I have high hopes of dusting off the camera and getting shots of them. (I took a few photos at the gingerbread house party and as I was pulling them off the camera I realized that I've taken fewer than two dozen "real" photos all year. I love my iPhone, but it just isn't the same.)
Quick post tomorrow about what we're eating lately (besides cookies).
Love the update! Glad that you are well. I'll have to make the pecan tart this month - when it calls for 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar, do you use light brown sugar or dark brown? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI use light brown (for everything, actually, regardless of what the recipe calls for) because it's all I ever have in the house! The only thing you have to track down that can be tricky is the Lyle's golden syrup. Cost Plus carries it and all our local Gelson's have it (not sure if that's just in LA) but you can also order it on Amazon if necessary.
DeleteThank you! My local grocery store actually carries it - I used it recently for Smitten Kitchen's pecan pie, which was DELICIOUS, but I inadvertently underbaked it (I have a fear of overbaked baked goods)! Did your tart bake in 25 minutes?
DeleteHmmm - I think it baked up pretty much according to the recipe. I always set a timer for five minutes less than the recipe calls for just in case, but I can't remember if this one needed more time or not. I will say that I prefer an overbaked pie/tart to an underbaked one (although I'm paranoid about overbaking cookies and lean the opposite direction with them!). I think pies and tarts can handle a bit of extra baking nicely, since the crust just gets a little crisper, whereas an underdone pastry crust is a big bummer.
Deletewonderful - thank you! Will report back :)
Deletewonderful - thank you! Will report back :)
DeleteI just need to say - I love that you use the old school lights. I'm sad I didn't inherit/take certain Christmas decor including the big plastic light up statue things (after googling seems those types of decorations are available through General Foam Plastics and it ain't cheap). I silently shed a tear when my dad switched from the big bulbs you used above to the icicle lights that everyone was obsessed with 15 or so years ago. There's just a classic feeling with them. I'll have to try the tart you made cause same, I have my sweet tooth but pecan is too much.
ReplyDeleteOh, Christmas! I love your old school lights; your simple mantra to life and your traditions. It's always a joy to click on here and find a new post and really soak up what Christmas is all about. I have missed your musings and look forward to some more posts.
ReplyDeleteP.S.: Hearing you about the whole camera phone thing. I too am also trying to fix this!
Hurray! So glad you are getting good family time and getting some Christmas spirit. Glad you are writing here, too.
ReplyDeleteHurray! So glad you are getting good family time and getting some Christmas spirit. Glad you are writing here, too.
ReplyDeleteRachel, these are such beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing and its really nice to see you smile.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays :)
You have such a beautiful family and home, Happy Christmas to you!
ReplyDelete