Love and Life

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

Merry Christmas!

As the holiday season fills the air with joy and warmth, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a truly wonderful Christmas. May your days be filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments that become lifelong memories.

This is a season to celebrate the beauty of togetherness, the joy of giving, and the magic of hope. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or simply the quiet comfort of reflection, I hope your heart feels full and your spirit renewed.

Thank you for being part of my life—it’s a gift I treasure more than words can say. Here’s to a holiday filled with peace, happiness, and the special kind of magic that only Christmas can bring.

With love and warm wishes,
Laura

merry christmas | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Delicious Recipes

Creamy Cranberry Dip

I love cranberry sauce! This is tangy and sweet dip that’s perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cranberry sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a sweeter dip, add a bit of orange zest or a splash of orange juice. Beat until smooth.
  2. Fold in cranberry sauce: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce until combined.
  3. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
  4. Serve: Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or chips.
  5. Try not to eat the whole thing yourself 😉
Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Delicious Recipes

Peppermint Bark

A festive and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself:

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate chips1
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:

  1. Melt the chocolates: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
  2. Spread the white chocolate: Spread the melted white chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Melt the dark chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in the same way.
  4. Drizzle the dark chocolate: Drizzle the dark chocolate over the white chocolate, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Sprinkle with candy canes: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the top.
  6. Chill and break: Let the bark cool completely, then break it into pieces.

Tip: For a fun twist, add other ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit to the white chocolate layer before adding the dark chocolate. 🎄

This recipe is quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Delicious Recipes

Gingerbread Cookies

I’m in the mood for holiday food. Over the next few days I am going to be sharing some holiday recipes. I love gingerbread cookies! These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating and gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Royal icing (for decorating)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until1 just combined.
  4. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.

Royal Icing:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons meringue powder*
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5-6 tablespoons water

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat with a mixer until smooth and spreadable.

*If you need a substitute for meringue powder, you can use an equal amount of reconstituted egg white powder mixed with water, a slightly smaller amount of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), or a gelatin mixture made with warm water and gelatin powder – just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly depending on the substitute you choose.

Enjoy these festive treats with a cup of hot cocoa, glass of milk, coffee, or tea!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com