happy holidays ~ resources

Still looking for holiday inspiration, the perfect cookie or gift? 

Checkout these amazing links which are sure to boost your holiday spirit and creativity!

garlicky roasted carrot soup

Remarkably I was still harvesting carrots the last week of November- lucky us. The longer carrots remain in the ground during colder months, the sweeter they become; a sweet reminder for me to plant a larger harvest come spring. I absolutely adore pureed soups, creamy and velvety without the cream. This soup is perfect for fending off the sniffles; turmeric, garlic and curry are all known to help ward off stubborn winter colds, helping to ramp up your immune system. Due to the mild winter we have been experiencing I still have plenty of thyme in the garden - the earthy thyme pairs extremely well with the sweet carrots & warm spices.

cranberry ginger pull apart bread

This bread and so amazingly good and festive; the colors and flavor scream holiday! Which I totally need more of in my life right now. I am sad to say I have been hit with the bah humbug of the Holiday season for the first time ever...I mean ever. Typically I am the girl who at every chance she gets will sing aloud the praises of the holiday season - but not this year. I think it may be because Thanksgiving ran so late this year, I typically get a reprieve between Thanksgiving and the kick start of Christmas, which for me is the first of December. Or, it may be because I have a lot on my plate right now and the thought of lugging up all the Christmas decor just to lug it back down in three weeks puts me in a sour mood. So instead of focusing on the decorations this year I am focusing on the experience of the season- baking, cooking and creating meaningful gifts for friends and family. Maybe, just maybe (I am really hoping) that will finally put me in a jolly mood, if that fails I'll just bust out the Champagne and my all time favorite Holiday album from She & Him!

chocolate cake ~ salted "caramel" frosting

Oh man I am so sorry about the less than stellar photo- I had the best intentions of styling and photographing this cake in a more traditional manner, however time and the day got away from me. This cake was just too good not to share with you. I have made this cake on a few different occasions and it always comes out perfect- a no fail chocolate cake. We all need one of those in our lives.

keepin' it kind cookie swap! mini gingerbread whoopie pies

I absolutely ADORE Kristy, so it was a no brainer when she invited me to take part in her annual vegan cookie swap. I am so incredibly happy to be included alongside so many amazing, kind hearted & talented bloggers - Kristy's cookie line up thus far has been amazing; and we aren't even a week into the swap!

Come join the fun ( and for this recipe!) over at Keepin'  it Kind!