Staying Warm & Tree Trimming
I love this time of year, when fall begins turning into winter. I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but any excuse to make hot chocolate is fine with me.
I’m now the proud owner of my first (fake) Christmas tree:
We decorated that bad boy on Monday night, and I think it looks pretty good. I’m allowed to say that, right?
It wouldn’t feel like the holiday’s without some sugar cookies, so these happened:
If you’re looking for a good sugar cookie recipe, I used this one from my roommate, and it’s quite good.
Also, did you know that basically every brand of regular store-bought frosting has hydrogenated oil? If there are “natural” brands out there, I couldn’t find them. Anyone have suggestions? So for the frosting, I thew this together:
Simple Butter Creme Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softend
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 -4 tbsp milk (I used almond milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- pinch of salt
As long as your butter is softened (but not melted) this is pretty easy. I didn’t even use an electric mixer. Just a fork, and some bicep (tricep?) muscles. Stir until smooth. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling extra festive.
Oh, and you know what goes well with cookies? Hot chocolate. Hey, I don’t make this stuff up.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- 3/4 cup water or milk
- 3 tbsp hot chocolate mix
- 2 tbsp peppermint schnapps (optional, obviously)
- Whipped cream + crushed candy canes
Heat up the first two ingredients, add some schnapps, (or peppermint extract!) and top with whipped creme and crushed candy canes. Doesn’t get more festive than that.
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I’m with “Eatinglikeahorse” up there, I am mostly not interested in ANYTHING related to the cold. BUT I did just get some salted caramel whiskey and spiced wine so the nights of bitter cold suddenly seem a little more appealing!
I have to say, the only good thing about cold weather for me is when it’s over, I hate it! Sitting here with full thermals on as we speak 🙂
Gorgeous tree and the cookies look fab, buttercream is the way forward!
I love your tree! YAY! 🙂
Boooooo cold. I also am not a super big fan of cold weather. It turns me into a bit of a Grinch. [And I joke about moving to Colorado?] However, I could probably use a big mug of hot chocolate right about now.
I should mention it is because my classroom is FREEZING. Like, I need to wear my winter jacket all day and possibly a scarf and gloves, too, freezing.
Pretty tree. I try to look on the bright side of the cold – it’s an excuse to have a seasonal wardrobe – lots of fleece, warm boots, big jackets! But I am always freezing so that kind of stinks!
wow i haven’t done anything festive yet. girl you got the tree, cookies, and hot chocolate!
Your hot chocolate looks delicious. I just picked up some Hershey’s Chocolate Mint Candy Canes and have been dying to try them out in some hot chocolate, or incorporated in a chocolate smoothie (haven’t figured out how for that one yet though Ha Ha). Your tree came out beautiful too by the way xoxo
Beautiful tree Liz! And your cookies look to die for, perfect for the holidays – yum!