Category Archives: Nico in the Kitchen

Dec 24

Christmas Eve

I don’t know if Thade can wait one moment longer. Christmas is almost here, and as you’ve probably already guessed I’m so not ready.

Today will be a busy day in the kitchen for Nico. James is also planning on taking us out to lunch at a new restaurant that just opened, and I can’t wait. Today I think I’ll be baking all day, there is a Peach Pie to be made, and Vanilla Glazed Apricot Thumbprint cookies too, and a Chocolate Bundt Cake for tomorrow’s dessert, and if there is time 2 loaves of Homemade Bread. I had better get to it!

Dec 22

The Christmas Cookie Factory

Whew! It is now almost 10:00 p.m. and I’m finally finished with some of the Christmas cookies. Today I have been busy in the kitchen baking up a storm.

I no-baked 3 dozen No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies.

Then on to 8 dozen Snickerdoodles.

Thade really wanted a batch of Star shaped Sugar Cookies, and Christmas Trees too. So I made a big batch of Green and Yellow Icing.

And another 3 dozen cookies.

I finally finished icing the Sugar Cookies this evening, and I bet these cute cookies will go fast.

So far the cookie count is up to 14 dozen cookies, and I’ve still got a lot of Christmas goodies to bake too. After all of that baking, this cookie chef needs a late night snack!

Dec 20

Christmas Dinner

Usually I make a Turkey (and a Ham), along with all of the trimmings, and I end up spending all day in the kitchen, and I’m exhausted by mid-day, and oh yeah I’ve completely neglected everyone that I love. This year I am mixing things up when it comes to Christmas dinner I’m serving a simple menu, spending less time in the kitchen, and more time with my family.

This year’s Christmas dinner will feature Chili and Homemade Turkey and Noodle Soup. I might bake a batch of Homemade Rolls, and serve I’ll Saltines with the Chili. I’ll also be making a veggie tray and Chocolate Bundt Cake for dessert. I’m planning on setting up both of my big Crock Pots in the kitchen along with Coffee Mugs and Spoons, so everyone can help themselves. The dessert and extra snacks will be on the buffet table in the dining room.

I hope that the laid back menu will relieve some of the stresses that come along with the holidays. I just hope that the guests don’t mind the new menu…

What are you serving for Christmas dinner this year?

Dec 18

Chilly Day Cookies

The Winter weather has kept us indoors the past few days, so I have been busy in the kitchen making some tasty goodies.

I’ve baked Strawberry and Apricot Thumbprint cookies, that I loved, but my kids were not fans of this cookie.

I even drizzled the cookies with Vanilla Glaze, but nope the kids wern’t buying it.

Today I made a batch of Snickerdoodles for James to take to work tomorrow.

I saved a few for Thade for when he is feeling better.

Lastly I made a quick Apricot Bundt Cake for us to enjoy for dessert.

The Apricot Bundt Cake has become one of James favorites.

I’ll be baking Christmas cookies on Sunday, and I can’t wait to get started. I just hope the weather is better on Monday, the boy’s and I will be taking cookies around then.

How is your holiday baking going? Have you been busy in the kitchen too?

Dec 5

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

I don’t know if there is any better weekend breakfast than Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven. Although the store bought rolls are pretty good, I really enjoy making these weekend treats from scratch.

I use a great recipe for Sweet Roll Dough, but I’ve altered the recipe for the filling just a bit.  I use 1/2 cup Sugar and 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar for the filling. I go on ahead make a double batch, so we have plenty of Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast and snacks too.

I also added just a little bit extra Vanilla in the Glaze, because we love Vanilla around here.

The Cinnamon Rolls are a family favorite, and I’ve even taken these to MOPS a few times. Thade has a lot of fun helping to make the Cinnamon Sugar filling, and I just love the way the kitchen smells as the Rolls are baking. I hope to make them for Christmas breakfast for the kiddos this Christmas.