Do you remember the old nursery rhyme, “What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice…” These sugared and spiced nuts and seeds are an updated take on those delicious sugared pecans that have become a holiday classic. They make a terrific hostess gift, taking about ten minutes to assemble, followed by 40 minutes of baking. Just pop them into a jar, tie a ribbon around the base, and you’re all set. They would also be amazing […]
As much as I love new year’s, there’s been enough celebrating, entertaining, and hostessing these last few weeks to last me for a while. That’s why, when I got to the new year’s recipe, I knew it had to be easy – so easy that you almost don’t have to think about it. There are lots of great champagnes available now at very affordable prices, so what could be more of a treat than a punch made with a champagne […]
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens
One of the perks of being a former White House Social Secretary is that we’re invited back for a Christmas luncheon each year by current White House Social Secretary, Deesha Dyer. It’s a chance to dish with my friends, admire the holiday decorations, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Deesha and the White House staff. We had a beautiful dessert service in the Green Room (with visits from White House Executive Chefs Cris Comerford and Susie Morrison), after lunch in […]
This probably does not seem like a Christmas recipe, but it’s a part of our family tradition of Christmas Eve. My wonderful Jewish husband embraced the celebrating of Christmas with both hands, but I always wanted to make sure that he felt especially included, so we created our own tradition in his honor: we always end our Christmas eve meal with my husband’s favorite chocolate sundae, garnished with thin pieces of meringue (which, when my girls were younger, they had […]
