gluten-free

Winter means putting on layers of clothing to go outside and taking off some of those layers when you are inside. Sweaters are so important that we have memorialized them by throwing “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties this time of the year. Making cookies shaped like sweaters is my homage to this time-honored — dare I say “required” — article of winter clothing.

P.S.: Never shy away from the “puffy” look that results from wearing so many layers. Being warm trumps looking svelte!

This year Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) starts on December 7 and ends December 15. It’s a time to celebrate miracles and the importance of light and freedom from oppression. For me, it also means baking and decorating cookies. I love the colors of this season: all shades of blue with white and gold added for a touch of elegance. I’ve never attempted to make the more traditional treats like latkes or jelly donuts, but beautiful and tasty cookies are always welcome at any celebration, right?

I’ve always had a connection to the ocean and everything associated with it. I love walking on the beach looking for shells. I love the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea. I especially love looking at the endless ebb and flow of the ocean and can sit on the beach watching it for hours. This love stretches out to include all things associated with the sea. This year, lighthouses were the theme for my summer cookie baking.

“Be a lighthouse for someone to find a safe way home.” Anonymous

Today is the twelfth day of Christmas. All the decorations will soon be tucked away until next Christmas. White Christmas Tree Cookies are a yummy treat to munch on while we take down the tree, write thank you notes, and eat turkey soup made from the leftover Christmas “beast.” It’s time to ponder the memories we’ve made and all the lives we’ve touched during the past several weeks. Let’s also lift a mug of hot cocoa to the new year. May it be filled with joy and may our hopes be realized beyond our wildest expectations.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Bars are luscious treats that are so chocolatey and easy to make that there’s no reason not to have at least one every day! I really love to eat these mousse bars frozen and that’s how I serve them. The velvety mousse doesn't freeze hard and the crust provides a lovely crunch to make the perfect texture combination. That makes these bars a delicious frozen delicacy...and the perfect summer dessert.

When my sister told me she was getting married again I was thrilled for her. Her husband had died several years ago and I knew she had been lonely. She and her new beau had originally planned to have an April wedding, but a little thing called a worldwide pandemic interfered with those plans. The date was finally set for August and I started planning what Wedding Cookies I would make for the occasion.