'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

...While visions of sugar cookies danced in their heads.

Sugar rules the universe this time of year, the only time I will consume as many sweets as I want without abandon.  Isn't that the reason we have New Years resolutions?  The holidays are also an excuse to bust out my most decadent confections to share with friends and family.

These sweet, spicy and slightly salty scones (thanks to my vanilla salt) are perfect for my family's breakfast brunch.  This is also a great way to use up your leftover eggnog.   I have fond memories of my mom baking scones on the weekends and serving them with honey butter.  I'm going to make a spiced butter to slather all over my holiday scones instead.

If you're a huge fan of salty-sweet things like me, you need to make your own vanilla salt.  Split a couple of vanilla beans, stick them in a container of kosher or sea salt.  Let it do it's thing, and you have something so magical and so delightful it will take all your holiday treats to the next level.  Try sprinkling on your next batch of chocolate chip cookies, or even dress-up those brownies from the box.

Christmas Brunch Eggnog Scones
2 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 TSP salt
1 TBS baking powder
1/2 TSP nutmeg
1/2 TSP cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 large egg
1 TSP vanilla extract
3/4 cup cold eggnog
Topping:
1 TBS eggnog
1/2 TSP vanilla salt
2 TBS sugar

Spiced Butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 TSP cinnamon
1/2 TSP nutmeg
Pinch of vanilla salt

Whisk together dry ingredients.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, vanilla and eggnog.  Add liquid ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until the dough begins to hold together.  Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface.  Divide into two parts and roll to 3/4" thickness.  Cut into wedges or rounds.  Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 1/2" space between each.  Brush each scone with eggnog and sprinkle with sugar mixture.  For best results, place in the freezer for 30 minutes before baking.  Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

Combine butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.  Place in a ramekin to mold.  Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Love is in the Air (and on the Plate)

Blue Cheese Polenta With Roasted Vegetables
Adapted from Cooking Light
1 Small red onion
1 Red bell pepper
8 OZ sliced mushrooms
3 Cloves of garlic, smashed
1 TBS EVOO
2 TBS Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper
3 Cups 2% milk
1/2 Cup water
2/3 Cup instant polenta
3/4 Cup gorgonzola, crumbled
1/4 Cup chopped parsley

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

This easy and flavorful dish is perfect as a side for your romantic V-Day dinner, or as a vegetarian main for any day of the year.  In the spirit of the holiday I roasted the veggies with a balsamic vinegar for a little extra sweetness, which goes perfectly with the gorgonzola.  I know today is supposed to be all about chocolate, but who doesn't love cheese?

When I plated everything I just fell head over heels because it looks so pretty.  Something about the red onions, peppers, and parsley reminded me of a bouquet of roses, only better tasting.  You can whip this up in no-time for your sweetie tonight, and still have plenty of time for romance!

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Toss the vegetables and garlic with the oil and balsamic.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roast until soft and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes).

Bring milk, water, salt and pepper to a boil.  Stir in the polenta.  Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat, stir in cheese.  Serve vegetables on top of polenta.  Top with fresh parsley. <3