Cooking for Seven

These sandwiches are SO good. Seriously you guys. You should make them. Today. Right now.

Get the step-by-step instructions and recipe over on the Tasty Kitchen Blog here.

Also, I’ve been loving the pretty things I got in the mail the other day. Read more about it on my personal blog here.

A Very Merry Christmas!

If you’ve never tried or made eggnog from scratch before, let me urge you to do it. Today. It’s my favorite Christmas drink. You can find my step-by-step photos over on the Tasty Kitchen Blog here.

Reuben is sick today. I hope he feels better soon - it’s sad to see him so miserable.

This evening, if he’s feeling up to it, we’re heading over to Reuben’s family’s house (a few miles down the road) for a new-to-me tradition: a soup party! Sounds like an awesome custom to me. Family members bring a different kind of soup to share. So far I’ve heard rumors of seafood, squash-apple-parsnip and oyster (or was is clam?). I’m planning on bringing my Sausage and Potato Soup.

Another new-to-me tradition: opening presents on Christmas Eve. We’ve always saved our presents for each other for early Christmas morning. When do you open your presents?

I leave you with these beautiful words from the hymn “As with Gladness Men of Old” — it’s not one often sung, but the words are powerful. The tune is the same as “For the Beauty of the Earth“

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Evermore be led to Thee.

Holy Jesus, every day

Keep us in the narrow way;

And, when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds thy glory hide.

Merry Christmas from Reuben & Erica!

Hey everyone! Did you survive Thanksgiving?

Methinks you’re gonna need some good, wholesome energy food during holiday prep. These no-bake granola bars are low-fuss so quick to mix up. Make a batch and store in the refrigerator for emergency snacks.

You can check out the step-by-step instructions and recipe over on the Tasty Kitchen Blog here.

Here are a few things I’ve been lovin’ from around the web…

Coffee & Tea Print by Bunny Pumpkin on Etsy

This blog. The photos are just lovely.

Eggs Benedict. Why have I never made this before?!

This lovely kitchen.

Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch. It’s just good.

Cranberry Cake. Looks so pretty and festive.

This house. And this one.

This sentiment via Lisa Congdon. Just…yes.

Chemex coffee maker. You can buy me one for Christmas, if you want.

Tasting Spoons. I need them in my life.

This engagement session. It’s just - I can’t - It’s lovely.

Photo by Catherine Huckerby

Open shelving. I want it someday…

Tall gingerbread houses.

Chai Shortbread Cookies with Sea Salt. Omnom.

Tiramisu Cake by Call Me Cupcake. Purdy.

What have you been loving lately?

Spicy sweet pumpkin cupcakes with freshly ground espresso, whipped cream and caramel sauce. Convinced yet?

As Reuben and I drove home from a birthday party for my little niece (I made these for the occasion), I mentioned that I was going to eat a cupcake when we got home. “My cupcake?!” Reuben protested. I assured him there were two left.

You can check out the step-by-step instructions and recipe over on the Tasty Kitchen Blog.

Hope you’re having a marvelous Monday!

xoxo

Erica Lea

Hey everyone! This awesome, tasty salad is over on the Tasty Kitchen Blog - check it out!

And my apologies for my bad grammar.

Have a lovely weekend!