Joyful Abode

Sew, Mama, Sew! has invited all crafty bloggers to take part in the Handicrafters’ Holidays question-and-answer. I’m going to break mine up into two sections and do the Traditions part first, and then the Gifts part later.

Meg, if you’re reading this you may want to avert your eyes for this post, because it might spoil some of the surprises that are in your Holiday Traditions Exchange package!

What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

(Picture taken in 2005)

One favorite holiday tradition is making Zeppole, which are Italian fried doughnuts. Just about every year, we try a new recipe, because we haven’t found a favorite yet… but trying different recipes is almost as much of a tradition as making the zeppole!

Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up?

Last year, my then-fiance and I made a huge batch of gingerbread cookies to share with our families. We lovingly adorned each one with frosting, sprinkles, colored sugar, and other decorations. It was so much fun! This year we’re doing it again, and I hope it becomes part of our tradition repertoire.

What do you love most about the holiday season?

I love the holiday smells (gingerbread, spiced cider, cinnamon mixed with the scent of pine…). I love watching The Snowman curled under a blanket on the couch, snuggled with my sisters. I love guiltless mug after mug of hot chocolate, and seeing the look on someone’s face when they open the perfect gift I’ve given them (though, this doesn’t always happen… it’s awesome when it does).

What do you like least about the holiday season?

The lack of cold (I grew up in South Carolina, and now live in Florida). In general, that’s ok, but I think an actual “white Christmas” would be nice. Also, most of the holiday songs don’t make much sense without the snow, except for Mele Kalikimaka. Also, having so many families and such a small window of time leads to an insanely scheduled chaotic hubbub of visiting… which can be more stressful than I’d like.

Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year?

I’ll be missing my dear friend Meagan, who will be celebrating her holidays in Virginia. But it’s okay, because she’s visiting in the Spring!

What is your favorite holiday food?

Besides zeppole and all of the various gingerbread-ish spiced baked goods, I am in love with my mother-in-law’s artichoke stuffing. It’s so delicious… if artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes appeal to you, you must try this stuffing!

Do you have a great recipe to share?

If the ones above don’t tickle your fancy, try these.

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Applesauce Spice Cake

Gingerbread Biscotti

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

(Not So) Simply Shorbtread

Or for a couple of hearty recipes…

Yorkshire Pudding

Green Bean Casserole

Tons more if you browse Joyful Abode, or use the search field on the left side to search for “recipes.”