Here we are - the day after Thanksgiving. Food hangover - check! Unstoppable will to shop - check! High on family happiness - check! Christmas music finally allowed (even though I've been cheating for weeks) - check! It is the best of times.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you unashamedly took the last helping of corn pudding. Proud of you.

We were out until 1:00am last night (this morning?) and I will be hitting the world again this morning. I love being out and about during these bustling, Christmas-y days.

Tomorrow we will be setting up our Christmas tree and turning Norwyk Manor into a veritable wonderland. I cannot wait. I am also going to be doing a live tour of Norywk Manor all decked out for the holidays on Instagram next Saturday morning. I will post the official time next week. I hope you can make it!

Our Christmas cards came in the mail Monday and I love them so much. I ordered from Minted because I am always so happy with their quality and customizable designs.

I am beyond obsessed with almost every single piece of the Hearth & Hand collection at Target. These stockings are definitely on my wishlist.

I really need to get my hands on some peppermint bark Talenti so I can make these!

Speaking of peppermint bark, that is one thing I never make. Do you make it? What is your favorite recipe? I think I want to give it a whirl this year.

I have such a good recipe coming to you all on Monday and I am so excited about it!! Eeep! I've got your Christmas-movie-marathon snack covered. You're welcome.

It has been forever since I made this cauliflower soup and I miss it. Mr. Pedantic is not a big soup guy in general, but he HATES cauliflower. That won't stop me though.

Happy, happy weekend!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

HUNGRY?

Sparkling Cranberry Punch with Grapefruit & Rosemary

ARE YOU READY FOR ANOTHER FANTASTIC HOLIDAY DRINK?

Me too.

White Chocolate Pie with Rum Pecan Caramel

In a world of cookie plates, be a pie.

This baked Sage & White Cheddar Cheese Ball is wrapped in buttery puff pastry and topped with a Grand Marnier Cranberry Chutney. Find the recipe for this and so many more holiday showstoppers at www.pedanticfoodie.com!

Baked White Cheddar with Sage, Orange, and Cranberries

We are in the home stretch. With just forty-eight hours between us and the most delightfully indulgent holiday, there is a lot to be done.

Chances are you already have your menu planned, and if you have already done your marketing, well there’s some extra points for you.

VANILLA-LIME GINGER ALE

I’ve got a sore throat and very little motivation. This is winter livin’.

Champagne Poached Pears with Rosemary & Lime

Those semi-sad ballads play. Tears and laughter. Hope and fear. Loss and gain. It all mingles and looms in the form of a golden, glittery haze. Here comes the new year. Are you ready?

This super simple roasted cauliflower and artichoke dip is the perfect choice for your New Year's Eve party!! [ www.pedanticfoodie.com ]

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER & ARTICHOKE DIP

This dip was a show-stealer at our Christmas party last week and I am offering it up for your New Year’s Eve parties, Golden Globes get-togethers, or quiet Monday nights at home, because it’s good. It is really, really good.

Lemon Coconut Macaroons

The big day is so very close and, while we may be short on excuses for more cookies, Christmas is the magical excuse for just about anything that brings joy. And believe me when I say that these little coconut clusters are joy in a bite.

HOT COCOA CHEX MIX [ www.pedanticfoodie.com ]

FROM NEW NEIGHBORS TO NEW FRIENDS // 8 SIMPLE RECIPES FOR GIFTING

A couple of months ago, all of our belongings were in boxes, our lives a manic race between Home Depot and the paint store, and our (well, my) meltdowns plentiful. Yes, we moved.