Seasons Greetings to all! It’s late at night on the eve of THE eve and I wanted to be sure to post my holiday thoughts before Christmas comes and we all go into a turkey coma!

It’s been a hectic season for me so far. Lots of cooking and catering. My last cooking class was mid-month and it was a great night. Thanks to all who joined in. I am looking forward to the New Year and all of the new classes I’ve got planned. We are going to do some fun stuff and I have opened up my schedule to do more catered classes so, if you like a theme and want to host a party in your own kitchen, I’ve got lots of dates open. Email me to set it all up. It’ll be the easiest party you’ll ever throw with me in charge of the food and fun.

As for my holiday plans, I just returned from a mini-vacation with my family. It was a glorious 4 days away with me NOT cooking!!! (Yes, yes, even I need a break now and then!) Now that I am back, I am full-on making and baking in the kitchen.

Here are just a few of the regular items on my holiday baking schedule:

Cranberry Almond Biscotti, Whipped Shortbread, Truffles, Chubby Hubby Bars, Fudge, Gingerbread Men, Caramel Cashew Cookies

As for the Christmas Dinner, it’ll be traditional as my mother doesn’t allow me to ‘fuss’ with the holiday dinner. I am absolutely not allowed to make anything fancy or different for it. It has to be Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a few veggies and cranberry sauce!

Here’s my recipe for a fool proof cranberry sauce that is easy and a bit of a switch up for the holiday meal.

Recipe: Amber’s Cranberry Orange Sauce

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas full of food and fun and we’ll meet again in 2010!