2020

How are you? I hope you’re hanging in there and figuring out ways to uncover some sort of joy in life. Honestly, I’ve had a rough time and I know I’m not alone. It doesn’t really help me much to hear words of encouragement so I’m not going to list a bunch of “it’ll get better” lines here. Instead, I’ll take a moment to share what’s helping me cope with the stress and loneliness of this time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for all I have and that my family and I have been physically healthy. However, there’s no denying that there’s stress and sadness associated with job stuff, worrying about my daughter being in school, worrying about everyone, not seeing family and friends and being in quarantine mode for the 9th month. I’m fortunate but I’m also human.

Looking forward to the holiday season is helping me cope. Thanksgiving is a week from today! It’s probably my favorite holiday. I have amazing memories of it growing up and I’ve tried hard over the years to give Thanksgiving all the attention I think it deserves. Of course, there’s all the wonderful food and something magical about sharing a meal that’s centered around family and friends and traditions. It’s the kick-off to the holidays and I get plain giddy this time of year. This year certainly feels different. There won’t be as many big family gatherings. I won’t see my mom, dad, oldest daughter or in-laws in person. I know many people who are empty nesters or don’t have family nearby and they won’t see a single family member in person. That’s hard.

Staying busy also helps me cope. There’s work but there’s also giving myself a chance to do things that make me feel good like baking. I don’t do it nearly as much as I like and last weekend I busted out all the stuff to make Pumpkin Rolls. I made a list of new recipes I want to try and share with you. I need to make time for baking because it makes me happy.

As I was planning out my Thanksgiving menu, I thought it would be a good chance to link some of my previous fall/Thanksgiving recipes to get all of us in the spirit! The pictures have links but there’s more info below.

If you like to hit the ground running (and I don’t mean a Turkey Trot), these Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls can be made a day ahead and baked up on Thanksgiving morning. Get after it! There’s also Apple Cider Donuts and Apple Fritters that can be made the morning of and will keep you plenty full until the big meal.

Sweet Potato Casserole is my daughter, Hannah’s favorite! She lives in another state and is making it this year. We made a deal to Facetime while eating it so we can enjoy it together. This is the first time in 25 years I’m not making it for her but it’s a nice feeling that she’s carrying on the tradition at her house!

Desserts are everything to me at Thanksgiving and I always make Pu mpkin Rolls! These can be made ahead of time, frozen and sliced when you’re ready to set up your dessert display. If you make one, make a few because they’re great gifts!

If you’re looking for something a little different but super delicious, try Pumpkin Crème Brûlée. It’s silky and decadent and can be made in advance.

Another different and yummy dessert to add to your list is Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Everyone loves these little pillows of goodness.

Pie! I love all the traditional ones like Pumpkin and Pecan but sometimes it’s just gotta be classic Apple Pie. Try tossing in a handful of fresh cranberries to bring it right into the holiday spirit! The link to that post includes my pie crust recipe.

Cake! Don’t forget how easy it is to make a lovely, stunning bundt cake. My Apple Bundt Cake is scrumptious!

If you’re finding there’s a short supply of spices, you can make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice. It’s easy and might save you multiple trips to the store.

How are you coping? What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions that you’ll stick with this year? I hope you’re able to enjoy Thanksgiving in a way that feels okay. I’ll bake, cook, eat and, hopefully, get outside for a hike. I’ll probably see family over Zoom and Facetime. I’ll likely shed a few tears but I’ll also smile, dance and hug Carrie tighter than usual. However I’m feeling, my heart (and stomach) will be full and for that I’m so thankful.

From the heart,

Shannon

It’s been a few minutes since I’ve posted anything. I haven’t done much baking. It’s one of the things I love most but my heart just hasn’t been in it. I don’t have to remind you of all the things 2020 has been full of. Too many moments of sadness and heartbreak and not knowing what I should do or how to explain any of this to my 13 year old. Deep, heavy, terrifying stuff.

My family is still in quarantine mode. We don’t go to public places except the grocery store or to pick up something here and there. We do fit in some biking and hiking whenever we can when the trails aren’t too crowded. We’re not taking trips or visiting family and friends. It has been challenging but I’m still convinced we’re doing our part to help save lives.

The past few months have been full of ups and downs. Now, it’s mid-June, school’s out for the summer, and we have no travel/vacation plans. It just doesn’t feel like a typical summer. Except that Father’s Day is this weekend and that feels timely and normal.

I usually mail gifts to all of the dads in my life because they live in other states. My dad lives in Tennessee and he loves it when I send homemade baked goods. I decided Father’s Day is a good time for me to get out of my no baking rut, dust off my mixer and put my heart into baking something for my dad.

He really loves peanut butter cookies. So simple but they’re one of his favorites, along with a big glass of cold milk. Once, I sent him a box of gifts for his birthday and stuck one of those blue tins inside that are filled with Danish butter cookies. I remembered him loving those when I was a kid. His wife told me he was super excited when he opened the box of gifts and saw the tin. She said his whole body sank when he took off the lid and they weren’t my cookies! Here I thought I was getting him one of his favorites and he prefers mine! Ha! She said he said, “Store bought!? I don’t want those!”

Don’t worry, Dad because homemade Peanut butter cookies are on their way! I’m sharing my recipe below. It’s the same recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms, you just skip pressing them with a fork and top them with chocolate kisses when they come out of the oven. They’re quick and easy to make and all the special dads, grandpas, bonus dads, husbands, sons, friends and neighbors will devour them!

Making these cookies for my dad lifted my spirits. Baking centers me. It fills my soul with joy and that’s just what I needed. Make these and bring a little feel good into your day. Wishing all the dads a happy Father’s Day! If you are lucky enough to be with yours, hug him extra tight and enjoy every moment!

From the heart,
Shannon

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sugar for coating; Hershey’s kisses for Peanut Blossoms

Instructions:
1) Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper, or lightly grease with non-stick vegetable oil spray.

2) Beat together the butter and sugars until smooth.

3) Blend in peanut butter, milk, vanilla and egg.

4) Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.

5) Shape dough into balls and either flatten criss cross with sugar dipped fork or roll ball in sugar and bake and top with Kisses after baking

8) Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Peanut Butter Blossoms: When you remove from oven, place a kiss in the center and let them cool. I love to eat them warm when the kisses are all gooey!! 🙂

Tag: 2020

Thanksgiving 2020

Cookies for Dad