Wishing you could get a taller Christmas tree, but it doesn't fit into your budget right now? Sometimes a single foot of height difference between two artificial trees can cost hundreds of dollars, and that can be hard to justify, even when you can afford it! So this year, I racked my brain for a … Continue reading Taller Christmas Tree Hack
Christmas
Russian Tea Cakes
These little nutty shortbread cookies are found in several different cultures throughout the world. In Russia, they're made with hazelnuts and called Tea Cakes. In Mexico, they're made with almonds and called Wedding Cookies. In the Southern USA, they're made with pecans and called Pecan Sandies. And sometimes, usually at the holidays, they're simply referred … Continue reading Russian Tea Cakes
Sugar Plum Cream Cheese Danish
The only thing I like more than Starbucks' Sugar Plum Danish during the holiday season is the freedom to make it at home all throughout the year, using cleaner ingredients, and for much cheaper! I'm including two different options: one using premade puff pastry from the grocery store, and the other for those who wish … Continue reading Sugar Plum Cream Cheese Danish
Spiced Plum Jam for the Freezer
In the Northern Hemisphere, plums ripen in the summer months, typically between July and September. Yet, plum is such a popular flavor for the November and December holiday season, especially when you include warmer spices, like clove and cinnamon. What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than to make homemade Freezer Plum Jam, plain … Continue reading Spiced Plum Jam for the Freezer
Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is easily one of the most popular holiday sweet treats. It can be pricy to buy premade, but not to worry: it's super easy to make at home! This version is special, however. Sprinkles and candies turns this tasty peppermint bark into adorable Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark. Try making this with your kiddos, … Continue reading Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Did you know macaroons are popular sweet treats during Jewish holidays, like Hanukkah and Passover? They don't contain any of the forbidden foods for traditional Jews during these sacred celebrations. That's just a bonus, however, to the fact that they're absolutely delicious! Even though I'm not Jewish, I plan to make them every December and … Continue reading Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
Looking for an easy, satisfying breakfast for all your excited loved ones on Christmas morning? This is our favorite go-to recipe for easily feeding a hungry group before you've had your morning coffee! Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is celebrating somewhere else. This egg-based casserole bakes in a single dish … Continue reading Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
2021 Mainstay Christmas Goodies Platter
We've finally finished our Cookie Platter for the 2021 Christmas season! However, with Cocoa Bombs, blondie bars, and peppermint bark, perhaps we should call it a goodies platter??? This year's platter includes some of our festive favorites! Pecan Coffee ThumbprintsGrinch Heart Sugar CookiesSpiced Molasses CookiesRussian Tea Cakes (not pictured)Chocolate-Dipped Coconut MacaroonsMelted Snowman Peppermint BarkOrange Cranberry … Continue reading 2021 Mainstay Christmas Goodies Platter
Christmas Clean-Up Tips
Let's be honest: the holidays are exhausting! Once the preparations and festivities are over, it's a miracle we get through the piles of dirty dishes, let alone putting away all the décor. The temptation to mindlessly shove everything holiday-related into bins and out of your sight until next year is strong. And sometimes, life circumstances … Continue reading Christmas Clean-Up Tips
Our Favorite Christmas Movies
White Christmas I remember running down to the basement of my grandparent's house as a young child to watch White Christmas over and over and over again. By the time I was six, I knew every word, sung or spoken, even though I didn't understand what all of the punchlines meant. I knew it was … Continue reading Our Favorite Christmas Movies
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 