Holiday Baking Series

I would just like to take a moment to thank a few people for making the Holiday Baking Series a possibility.  First off, thanks to Liv Hansen for being a part of our Holiday Baking Series.  She is such a talented artist and makes the most beautiful desserts.  They are so pretty that you actually feel guilty eating them, but once you take that first bite, you get over it very quickly!  We learned so much from her and hope that all of you enjoy the videos.  We love playing with the chocolate method (or almond bark method) in our house.  If you can trace, you can do it and it is a fun way to get the older kids helping out. (Buy The Whimsical Bakehouse books - they are full of ideas and check out Liv's website for more decorating tips www.whimsicalbakehouse.com)
 
Secondly, a special thanks to Steve, Rosie, Liam and Catriona who had a fund-raiser for Cook for Love over this summer that helped pay for this series.  They also gave very generously from their own pockets.  That, combined with your donations and a little more help from the Winiarski Foundation (love you Gregg) made this possible.  
  
Also, thanks to the team behind the scenes.  We have a new video team - Sean, Joe and Paul.  They have been working like crazy to try to get this series to you quickly, especially Paul who was editing into the wee hours of the night.  The Webservesus team has been incredible, as always.  Poor Sheetal was working like a fiend, when she should have been sleeping to get all of the information on the site.  
 
Finally, a special shout out to Rosie (yes, again -- she is quite needy).  Seriously, this poor woman gives new meaning to being crazy busy.  She is working nights, going to school and taking care of her family.  Somehow she still manages to find the time to help out with the site as well.  Thanks so much - I could not do it without you.  Hopefully you will be rewarded in the next life, because we have no funding to reward you in this one!
 
I have been a bit behind schedule.  Molly has gotten one bug after the next and thinks that when she is sick, I should pay attention to her (the nerve).  I am seriously considering putting her in a bubble until the Spring.  By Monday, I should have a Linzer Tart Cookie recipe and Gingerbread Cookie recipe on the site.  The following week, the plan is for a menu for Christmas Dinner.  Some of the items are repeats from Thanksgiving, but there will be a few new dishes as well.  I was fiddling with a scalloped potato recipe.  We had the first attempt last night - it was really good, but we did not deem it holiday worthy. 
 
In the meantime, make your sugar cookie dough, your biscuits and some cupcakes to keep ahead of the game.
 
Happy Cooking!
Brenda