A Winner! and Some Holiday Recipes

It's always so fun to announce a winner and especially now during holiday time. Again, I thank CSN for giving me this opportunity through their generosity. Soooo...the winner is....Domestic Diva...!! Since she liked the World Traveler wrapping, I've put a fresh red bow on it :-) Congratulations, I hope you enjoy this gift, CSN has everything! Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping! Thanks for all of the comments. I loved hearing what wrapping appealed to everyone. I have to say that gift bags are one of my favorites for their ease, and also since they can be reused. But I think I have to agree with Meredith that, "Let's see...ribbons? Well I'd say I am Martha looking for berries & bells on a lovely French coastline." I guess I'd just have a gift bag in my hand to collect it all ;-)

If you are looking for some ideas for holiday entertaining or for homemade gifts, here are a few things from my archives and I'll have more to follow in the coming weeks.

Chocolate Cherry Martini

Mascarpone and Chive Dip

Tapenade

Figs and Proscuitto with Comte and Port Wine Glaze

Millefeuille d'Aubergine and Chevre Frais

Baked Brie with Sweetened Almonds and Honey

Jams To Go With Cheese

Spicy Nuts

Twist and Shout Pretzels

Roasted Pumpkin Chestnut Soup

Grilled Shrimp with Ginger Citrus Viniagrette

Crab Cakes With Piment D'espelette Alioli

Goat Cheese Mini Souffles

Rolled Christmas Cookies

David Lebovitz's Fresh Ginger Cake

Turkish Delight

Truffles

Penguin Truffles

Snowman Truffles

Lavender Sugar

Fleur de Sel Caramels
Miniature Lemon Poppy Seed Loaves

Hot Chocolate

Danish Ebelskiver Pancakes
Cherry Oat Scones with Almond Glaze

Scones

Cherry Almond Low Fat Granola

And remember....the best gift is the time spent with family and friends!