from AllrecipesI’m not much of a baker, in fact my initial plan was to use that roll of frozen stuff, but even I could whip out tasty Sugar Cookies with this easy recipe. Of course, the best part is decorating – and Van helped this year.
from Bon AppetitI wanted to make something out of the ordinary for Christmas Eve and happened upon a list of festive roasts from Bon Appetit.
Don’t worry though, even though this New York Strip and Fall Vegetable Roast with Mustard Cream Sauce looks beautiful and as if it took lots of work, I chose the simplest recipe of the bunch and it was pretty much a breeze.
A definite way to impress without working at it. Pair with your favorite roasted vegetables and hold on to the sauce recipe for other things.
I am not sure what it will also go with but it was so super yummy I am sure we can find other uses, right?
on OvationI am officially in love with the Nutcracker, not only is it a beautiful ballet set to great music, but it has continually inspired Van to walk!
While I have to say Ovation has done a terrible job of programming the Battle of the Nutcrackers (hard to find to DVR, only air the same one in a row, and little to no info on their site including when and how to vote – voting was over before I knew it), it’s a yearly program I’ve begun to look forward to.
I’ve only seen three of the five I vote in my mind for the Russian Mariinsky production which boasted the most spectacular and innovative costumes and sets. Just look at the Arabian dance!
If you’ve missed them, I finally found a press release with information and here goes:
“The Viewers’ Choice will be revealed on Christmas Eve, December 24th. Christmas Day, December 25th, will bring a special surprise Nutcracker premiere, accompanied by an all-day marathon of the other productions. “
on Funny or DieIt’s been a long time since I first recommended the Derek Waters’ Drunk History videos.
The series is getting lots of new attention with their latest entry, a laugh out loud, drunken telling of Twas The Night Before Christmas starring hunk of the moment, Ryan Gosling (who I might add, I crushed on way before it was cool when he starred in the High School on the seas show, Breaker High).
I’ve also been getting caught up with other videos in the series including the story of Tesla and Edison starring John C. Rielly and Crispin Glover.
My only issue with these awesome videos? Way too much vomit!! I have to cover my eyes. (The Christmas one, thankfully is puke free).
by Low (1999)True, Low’s Just Like Christmas is far more Midwest-indie than my tastes tend to run – and I can vividly imagine it as the soundtrack to a precious, folksy Volkswagen commercial, but it’s undeniably, a sweet Christmas ditty.
Very nice to see new, catchy compositions for the Holiday are being written not just as an after thought to make money but artfully and with genuine heart.
by Otis Redding and The DriftersWhite Christmas is a great holiday classic, cheers to Irving Berlin! But it’s roots are in the old fashioned Bing Crosby era sound and while there’s nothing wrong with that, the song really takes on new dimensions with more interesting renditions.
My favorites are The Drifters who lend a toe tapping doo-wop sound, while the incomperable Otis Redding spins his heart broken soulful magic and suddenly White Christmas is the best song ever!
It’s one of the holiday’s most covered songs, so if you don’t agree with my favorites, you can likely find one that suits you (Rick Astley, NKOTB, or Kenny G, perhaps?)
Made in MadagascarIn a world over run with sea salt chocolate. This one rules.
Available at the Bedford Cheese Shop and other schmancy places like that, these would make ideal stocking stuffers.
Plus, Madecasse is a company with a conscience.
Born out of peace corp experience, they make the chocolate in Africa where the ingredients come from allowing the local area to benefit from their natural resources.
Read more on their site.
by Doctor Octoroc (2011)I continue my week of great Christmas songs!
Eight bit cover songs seem to be the it thing lately but you won’t hear me complain about it!
Especially when artists are making once mediocre Christmas songs into listening awesomeness like Ryu the Red Nosed Ninja.
Apologies to Rudolf, but it’s just never been one of my favorites.
As a spacey, spooky video game like tune, though it’s transformed!
The entire album, 8 Bit Jesus, is available here.
A great way to support an artist directly while gaining some nerdy holiday listening cheer.
by Julie LondonI am really into the holidays this year, just ask anyone that drops by and finds Christmas classics playing in our apartment all day.
Van is a huge fan, but for those that aren’t I’m recommending Holiday songs anyone would love all week.
Starting with the sultry voiced Julie London and her lonely I’d Like You For Christmas. It’s underplayed and hasn’t been covered a million times which is refreshing.
Plus it will make you feel like a heartsick pin up girl, staring out her window on Christmas eve.
And since I’m in the generous spirit, below are a few of this sexy singers amazing album covers.
Happy Holidays!!One of the things I love most about the Holidays is the day we choose and decorate our tree.
After years of fakes, we do the real deal now, if only for the wonderful piney scent (and not having to store a musty plastic one).
We went to Greg’s Quality Christmas Trees on McCarren Park near Manhattan Ave. and found a perfect Fraser Fir.
They deliver at no extra cost too! (But be kind and tip your friendly delivery man).
My plan this year was to do fake flowers which I got from the local dollar store and bright glitter ribbons from another dollar store seemed to match perfectly.
I was a little nervous that it might look nuts, but it all came together splendidly!
