Holiday Traditions

When I think of holidays I think Christmas. Christmas has always been close to my heart because I get to be around the people adore most: my beautiful family. Both of my sisters and my Mom go into cooking and baking overdrive from Thanksgiving to New Year's. We try out new recipes and bring out our tried and true ones.

The holidays have a new meaning when you have a little one. It's the best thing in the world because you get to be a kid all over again. I cannot wait to see how Charlie enjoys the magic of the season. Last year he was only 8 months old; this year it will be fun to watch the wheels turning in his little analytical mind.

Here are some shots from Charlie's first Christmas.
Helping mama wrap presents:

Clearly overwhelmed, lol!

Christmas morning

Enjoying the tree and sparkly lights

love this shot and can't wait to take another this year

And because it's pretty chilly out tonight and they are calling for flurries I thought I would add a recipe to warm you up from the inside out. There's nothing like a steamy bowl of soup and some crusty bread on a cold fall night. Enjoy!

Cream of Six Onion Soup

3/4 lb of Spanish Onions, sliced

3/4 lb of Vidalia Onions, sliced

½ lb red onions, sliced

1 lb leeks, white and pale green parts only, cleaned and sliced

1 bunch scallions, chopped

¼ lb shallots sliced

6 tbsp butter

11/2 quarts chicken stock (extra large can)

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan over medium heat cook all the onions in the butter until translucent, about ten minutes; do not brown. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the onions are tender, about ten to fifteen minutes. Puree the soup in a food processor blender until smooth. Return to the saucepan; stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. You can make this more of a substantial meal by serving with a Caesar salad and crusty French bread and butter. Makes two quarts of soup.

Now go over to lovely Miss Marie's website and see the rest of the party!