Christmas Cookies

Peanut Butter Kiss Blossoms

Maple Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Baby Bûche de Noël Cookies

And my very first madeleines, thanks to Michael and my brand new madeleine pan! 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Happy New Year!

In Loving Memory

Last week, the world suffered the loss of the greatest woman I have ever known, my Granny. Typewritten words cannot convey how wonderful she was or express how sad I am. How sad we all are. She touched the lives of so many and made our world beautiful.

Granny and Pop on their wedding day, 9/8/51

But lucky for us, we have each other. Over the last 60 years, Granny and Pop created a loving, strong, close-knit family who will support each other forever. We will carry Granny with us wherever we go. And I can guarantee that every cup of tea sipped, every apple pie made and enjoyed, every kind, thoughtful deed carried out by us will be the legacies of Granny.

Granny and Me, 1988

I was blessed to have her as my Grandma. I couldn't have wished for better. She is the perfect role model, and I will be happy to spend the rest of my life striving to live up to her generous, compassionate, selfless, gentle, lovely memory. 

J.A.G, February 25, 1932 - December 13, 2011

Feelin' Dapper

We saw Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at the Music Hall of Williamsburg last night. They were extraordinary! Real, talented performers. Ms. Jones has an incredible, full voice, a fitting complement to larger than life stage presence. Her playfulness with the crowd is genuine and shines through in her smile. What a lady!

We were this close! (photo courtesy of Mike)

And the Dap Kings? They killed it. The sharp, blaring brass/woodwind section had me in awe. The conga drum player never tired. The bass, drums, keyboard, guitars... all of them, oozing musical talent. Makes me want to pick up my instrument again and start a band. 

Check them out. Guaranteed to keep you dancing past your bedtime!