Christmas update: party No. 1, The Hils

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your holidays were very happy! Myself, I had four parties (2 Christmas, 1 birthday, 1 baby shower), three Christmas dinners, and (mostly) beautiful Florida weather. How do I get on a plane after all this?

The first party was the Hill's Annual White Elephant Christmas party. With Madaline being 16 months pregnant, I went over early to help her shop and cook. We wanted to try something new this year, so we bought dates, and cheese, and…. bancon! I know I don't have to say it, but these were the best things I've ever tasted. Madaline also whipped up a few batches of cookies.

*I got an iphone! It's lots of fun, but it doesn't take the greatest pictures, so please excuse.

I found a recipe for a mushroom bruschetta. We thought that would be a fun spin on the traditional (which we also made), so I cooked three different types of mushrooms in lemon zest, garlic and a little lemon juice.

 We decided to assembly line the bacon wrapped dates, so I sliced and stuffed and Madaline wrapped. We used an Irish cheddar.

for the Greeks

the sweeties

I wish I had a picture of the bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed dates for you, but they barely made it from the oven to the table before getting gobbled up.

Here's something: I've never really enjoyed mulled wine; I make it for the smell. This year, I found a recipe from Ina that called for apple cider and honey in addition to the usual spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, etc.). It was amazing! Try it!

Amy and Dora (and Sophia)

me and the Sara(h)s

Vangeli

bath towel… this one made the rounds.

"Meet me under the mistletoe"

a keyboard from someone's old PC

Did you go to any parties? Did you go to the Hills' party? How was the food?

m