Happy Holidays❣️

I love the warm coziness of the holidays and the promise of new light that the solstice brings, not to mention all the food, festivities and decorations that this time of year provides.

For me, panettone, the Italian sweet bread, is a “must” accompaniment to my holidays. This year, the owner of our wonderful neighborhood Quail and Olive store (quail andolive.com—great for holiday olive oil/vinegar/etc. gifts) encouraged me to try a new-to me panettone featuring balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy.  It is a delightful hearty twist on the traditional panettone of  candied fruits and raisins that I grew up with.  

And I always seem to be drawn to oranges around Christmas, perhaps because they and walnuts were always at the bottom of my childhood Christmas stocking. Add in a few pieces of chewy almond nougat torrone, and I’m set for a Buon Natale!

I also love, no matter what the season, a good morning cafe latte.  SO…I treated myself to a Christmas present.  A very small (but, of course!) Moka Stovetop Espresso Maker with a blue and white Dolce & Gabbana design.  I rationalized the purchase because the colors match the blue and white of our kitchen tiles, she says.  I have Illy coffee from Trieste, Italy, to make my coffee, so I’m as close as I can get to an Italian morning ‘high’ right here in California.   

Another source of a holiday ‘high’ is the abundance of twinkly lights.  We just visited the Cambria Christmas Market which had various outdoor holiday themed displays—like the Twelve Days of Christmas, Angels, Christmas trees of all sorts—with over 3 million lights.  Walking through the miles of displays, viewing products from traditional German Christmas markets, seeing so many happy faces, and eating Bratwurst (John) and Tomato-Basil Soup with Cornbread (me), sitting next to a family with their children all eating hot dogs,  provided a nice holiday upper.

And then there’s the home holiday decor.  Oh, my.  I have out every little Christmas ornament, red fabric, twinkly light, family heirloom, memorabilia, candle, Advent calendar, red dish, holiday napkins  that I can find.  It’s a lot!  There are so many memories of people and places I have loved that it can feel quite crowded at times.  But it’s a good warm crowd so I revel in it and am grateful for it.  ‘Tis the season❤️💚.

I wish you all a very warm twinkly holiday, filled with fun, comfort and joy. And may the coming new year bring renewed energy and hope to all❣️ 

♥“When something brings you joy, you’re on the right path.”

                                                                                                             —SARK