grace “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” { Anne Lamott } grace is a true connection with { the maker } whether it be at the top of a mountain, gazing skyward and…
It started out as a totally normal week.. Seriously, who hasn’t had days like these? Still, I wonder, can we really “have it all” and is it really worth it? And often I think, something’s gotta’ give. So… anyhooo… After an intense four 8 hour days straight of house shopping with awesome clients, I’m finally…
They look and sound delicious… anything with white chocolate in it catches my eye. And the cranberries are so festive. 
Hope the party was a raging success! I bet it was with your cooking. That’s a wonderful ad. It’s so true that young women think they couldn’t possibly have a heart attack. I don’t think I’d consider it if I started to feel not so good.
It’s great when a family morphs into elves and help get the cleaning done. I keep hoping Max will morph into something other than a problem. No luck so far but hope springs eternal.
I made cookies similar to these a number of years ago, using dried cherries instead of cranberries. I like your recipe better — and not just because I long ago lost the other recipe. Dried cranberries have more flavor and I like the bit of sour they’d bring to a sweet cookie.
Thanks for sharing your recipe with us, Barb. Speaking of sharing, if those elves of yours are looking for work, send ‘em my way. 
I loved the video 
is important to take care of ourselves, even if is just because our family will be a mess without us…
Your Christmas deco is marvelous and those cookies deserve a A+ Congratulations!
Like a film set – looks great. Have a great party:)
No walnuts for me, please, and I bet your house is the prettiest in the neighbourhood. Merry Christmas, Smidge!
Beautiful decorations and absolutely lovely cookies Barb’! I’m getting my xmas cookie baking on very soon
I hope this week calms down so you can enjoy your decorated house. I love your wreath and mercury glass decorations. Our tree is still festooned in the motley arrangements of things a 10 year old picks to hang, but I’ve gone with the vintage glass ornaments elsewhere in the house. Lovely.
Good luck with the party – great cookies
Type A personalities…. they come with a heavy toll, but I honestly don’t think the type can be changed…. Maybe toned down a little for a day or two. (sigh)
Glad you are handling it all well, take care, and ENJOY!
Love your decorations and fabulous cookies!
Is bread flour like cake flour or am I missing the mark here! Love the photos, decorations, and recipe!
Love these beautiful festive cookies – lovely photos too!
I’m sure everyone had a fantastic time. Your home is beautifully decorated with the white and silver…love mercury glass.
Oooooh, how festive! Love your décor, Barbara, just beautiful! I have similar star ornaments but they aren’t vintage like yours 
And a beautiful, holiday inspired cookie. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Bread flour is not cake flour.. It’s much higher in protein I believe. It’s a “sturdier” flour than cake flour which is more delicate of that makes sense? xx
Sent from my iPhone
The ornaments tossed around the candles, so simple yet so elegant, you have such creative ideas. I am sure your party was a smashing success.
I think your neighbors are quite lucky to have you hosting, Smidge! Have fun:)
Love the video! Just like a woman to think about how dirty her house is while having a heart attack (or gall bladder, or kidney stones, etc.) Thanks for sharing the video and raising awareness — so important. Your cookies are so festive with the red and cranberry is at its seasonal best.
Chocolate Chunk Cookie … who care, when the post is stunningly beautiful into ever little detail.
Barbara, you are some indulgence cookie – yourself.
Great video – scary that so many women get heart attacks today – before it was something that only happens to men and rarely women.
You take it easy, Girlfriend – we don’t have time for any heart attacks.
The cookies I love everything about, maybe one day I will do them. This week the feedback on you CousCous will be posted. Have done it 3 times now. That dressing is to die for.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. So glad you have some help to make things a teeny bit easier on you. Have fun and enjoy! It sounds like a fun party. Thank you for the recipe, Barb. Cookies with cranberries always win around here, no matter the season. I’ll be trying these very soon!
Yum! Loving your photos – just getting me more in the holiday spirit:) Have a Great One!
I want to come over!! Your decorations look beautiful, as do these CHUNKY cookies. Chunks are WAY better than chips for sure.
I love the video entertaining and yet delivering such and important message. I felt your stress when I read about four intense eight-hour days and then coming home to host the neighborhood Christmas party!
These are wonderful Christmas cookies!
Yum, the cookies look fantastic!
Once again, wonderful post, lovely photographs and a wonderful recipe. I really do enjoy your blog.
We’ll get to your cookies later. For starters lets talk about how pretty your halls are decked, from your front door to your chandeliers! Let’s talk about what a generous soul you are to have the whole neighborhood to your house for a Christmas party, not once, but again next year! Let’s talk about how you manage a marathon house hunt for clients, take swimming lessons, write a drop-dead gorgeous blog, deck your halls, write poetry, paint, bake, play cello, walk the dog…and then, on top of all that, provide a public service announcement just in case there’re any young active healthy type A’s out here! (hmmmmmmmmmm! Know any?)
Now…to your cookies…they sound Just Perfect…and of course – they would! xx spree
Great looking cookie! And fun video. Definitely something to try. Good stuff – thanks.
Smidge, does your whole home look like this? Seriously, it’s better than visiting the spa when I come to your page… so relaxing and darn inspiring. I definitely recognized parts of myself in that video… although that woman seemed a bit more organized in her disorder than me . Your cookies look de.lightful! And, the fact that they are your new favourites makes me think I should maybe add them to our Christmas cookie list – I’ve barely had time to make any yet this season so these might make up for the lack – go with a big bang, you know.
I have got to try these! Everything so magical in your photographs. I know your house looks like a winter fairyland with the addition of the baking smells. Yum. Looking forward to the school break and baking and cooking with the family, too.
There are parts of that video that ring very true — except for the heart attack! I am sitting here now reading because I literally can’t move from the day’s activities. I’ll bet those cookies are as delicious as they are festive! Lovely post! (wish I was your neighbour!)
Yum!
These will be on the menu for my Christmas Open House this Sunday – thank you for the inspiration and of course the recipe. (I’ve already made Nell’s sugar cookies, and my, they’re so good, all the better because of the loving story of your grandmother that accompanied the recipe). I love your decorations; your home must look so festive! Apart from the tree, my decorating approach is quite, shall we say, minimalist, but I would love to create a beautiful atmosphere like you do. There’s always next year!
These look like Christmas Barbara
Your decorations are beautiful! Paperwhites are my favorite holiday flower and scent as well. I have two groups of them blooming right now and the house smells wonderful! The only thing that would overpower them would be the smell of these cookies baking! What a wonderful smell that would be! Great cookie recipe!
Everything is beautiful. Love your cookies with cranberries and white chocolate. Delicious!
Such pretty pictures! Sets the mood perfectly!
A serious but very funny video. Thanks for sharing and hope you’re having a good week!
a very serious video indeed – thanks for the reminder. heart attacks are a cause of concern for ALL women regardless of being type A or type B or type whatever – ALL women – and do tend to be overlooked/mis-diagnosed.
sorry my type A being just had to remind people of that least someone feel she can’t be having a heart attack simply because she is not type A ….
You are the great multi-tasker, Smidge! I’m so impressed that you could host a neighborhood holiday party after having such an intense work schedule. You do all things with a lot of style. The cookies are really beautiful for Christmas, with the red and white as standouts! I also love the silver and glitter and polish! I am sure that your guests felt very special!
Just a little heart attack…! Thanks for putting the reminder out there as do you know this time of the year we have a peak in incidence in the ER. I am sure that everyone in the neighborhood had a lovely time enjoying your beautiful decorations and cranberry white chocolate cookies- my favorite. Please do take care of yourself this holiday season. BAM
You have “totally normal weeks”?
Kidding! Seriously, great post and recipe! My mouth is watering. I think I better get looked at…
Oh Barbara, these cookies look absolutely amazing and delicious! If only I can get my hand inside that cookie jar!
Oh Smidge, I feel like that’s been my whole year. So I can relate. I have no doubt you threw a delightful party – beautiful in fact! And I’m sure these cookies were a hit. I hope you’re having a fabulous holiday season.
[...] Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies* [...]
I just got a bucket of this from Mrs Higgins (cookie shop here), If I just know you will be posting this I would never had bought it. Love this cooking flavour
Oh my I’d be popping one of these cookies in my mouth every few minutes ! Love the white chocolate and cranberry combination.
So glad you had wonderful party, Smidge! A good time well deserved after all that hard work!
Smidge… I had to drop in again to tell you how you and this post inspired me to buy paper whites and an amaryllis to decorate our Christmas home… (something I rarely splurge on) but your sense of style and mostly peace/serenity work wonders for me! Thank you and have a beautiful holiday.
Love the video! Don’t we all have days like that! Your photography is stunning! Thank you so much for linking up! These cookies look delicious! The recipe looks easy and fun….the perfect combination!
Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!
karianne
For all the frantic feelings during this time you may have it’s interesting that your posts always have a calming effect on me. Maybe it’s the place where you feel this too.
Enjoy these last few days till the 25th. Peace….x wt
PS – Am out to stock up on white chocolate for these lovely cookies. Might throw in some oats for that little natural mood booster
Just wanted to follow up and tell you I made these cookies and love, love, LOVE them! I didn’t have bread flour so used all purpose. Mine were not as high as yours, but oh my goodness, the flavour! These will be part of my repertoire now. So good!
Aren’t they just the best? I’m so glad you liked them.. and I’m so glad I didn’t mess up the recipe! I’ve had two different mistakes pointed out this past week.. so now I’m checking 3-4 times when I type:D xx
It’s so busy these days, I think we’re all making more typos and the like. Thank goodness we can go back and edit any time!
With Christmas coming up.. there are Craft Fairs and Art Markets popping up all over our city! The Telus International Christmas Market began just this past weekend and takes place again next weekend from November 23-25th. The 2012 Cochrane Ranche House Christmas Market takes place Saturday, November 4 from 10-6. November 29 – December 2…
Cherry walnut cookies sound like the perfect accompaniment to a nice cup of tea.
Mandy xo
Those biscuits look and sound wonderful.
Those cookies look lovely and are a perfect fit for the teacup.
Pretty, pretty, pretty plates!
Very pretty and romantic – have seen this on TV – how to turn plates into cake stands on foot. Yours are much prettier than the ones on TV. Love the cookies too – so perfect choice for the post about your romantic plates. I don’t like those cherries – I nearly hate them … *laughing. Terrible product – I think it goes back when I started as a chef and all desserts were decorated with them – sweet and sticky, but still they came out excellent in your cookie.
Did you couscous the other evening – excellent dish – love the dressing. Couldn’t find Lebanese’s couscous – but I found what we call full corn couscous – there will be a post.
What fun – would love to do something like that! And the plates and cookies both look so very pretty
What an incredibly awesome Christmas round up my friend
I don’t know which photo I love the most!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
When I saw the china I thought these would be perfect for you to use as props and then I scrolled down and found the recipe! How beautiful does all of this look. Just gorgeous. I love all of this elegant china xx
Those plates do have your name all over them. Great cookies!
Pinterest has so many amazing people and ideas. Lovely choice. These little plates look perfect with your tasty cookies!
Gorgeous china, perfect to serve your cookies for afternoon tea with a friend.A lovely way to start the holidays.
This years Christmas cookie at our house
I hope you like it was much as we do:)
We will definitely try these cookies, Smidge, they are so pretty and sound so good! I’m LOVING your trays! What a wonderful idea….I can think of a lot of ways to use these. The dishes, etc., that you chose are incredible. The colors are so romantic and beautiful. I applaud your craftiness!!
Very pretty pastel china.
Such fragile and pretty pieces, Smidge. They look great. Here I go to the cookie jar. Can you eat cookies in the bath?
All that crafting sounds wonderful! I can tell you’re looking forward to Christmas. Last week I discovered the best craft shop I’d ever visited. It was in the middle of the countryside, not on a main road, tucked away, and it really was a treasure to find. They had a lovely display of Christmas decorations apart from other things.
Yum! My kind of cookies.
daisy
I’m not sure what’s prettier – your cherry walnut delights or your enchanting craft – what a success; it has a soft whimsical, romantic feeling to it. A snow white set would be gorgeous!
What beautiful dishes! I love the idea of repurposing vintage cups, plates into cake stands. What a great gift idea. I’m not crafty, at all. But I think I could this. So cute! Thanks for sharing Smidge.
Another beautiful post, Barb. I doubt you could have found a better match for your cookies than the cup & saucer that you chose for that photo. This post could be used to exemplify presentation. It really is that well done. Beyond that, I really love the combo of cherries with nuts. I bet these cookies are really tasty.
Barb this sure doesn’t look like frugal crafting. Your cookies and platters are well suited for one another — as they are both beautiful. Now I’m torn between adding these cookies or Nell’s sugar cookies, which have been on my mind for a few weeks now, to my Christmas baking list. Can’t believe baking season is just around the corner . . .
These cookies look so beautifully old-fashioned! It makes me want to revisit some of the recipes of my girlhood — all those things I used to make with Maraschino cherries before I decided they were passé. It would be fun to take a trip down baking memory lane! And I can add lovely new recipes, such as yours.
Thanks for sharing the crafting ideas. The cake stands you made are so pretty. I like your idea for a temporary bond – not only can you mix and match, but these things are much easier to store disassembled. I moved into a bigger house earlier this year, and already I’m running out of space for all my dishes (maybe because my collection keeps growing?).
I was also thinking about Nell’s sugar cookies when I was looking at this recipe; I think I’ll have to make both for my Christmas dessert tray! I love the old-fashioned vibe of both recipes.
What lovely little cookies! And, I just love your collection of rose dishes. Beautiful!
What a sweet idea! I’m looking forward to local craft fairs, too – but holy cow, Christmas already?! Where did the time go??
Love your tea cup and saucer set. Beautiful! Even better that you actually re-purposed them as cookie and cake stands. What a terrific idea! And those cherrry and walnut cookies are so reminiscent of Christmas! They look really addictive! I doubt they will last till Christmas though! =)
This is one high styling, high tea time biscuit. I feel so girly just reading your post and looking at your beautiful China tea saucers and cups. However, I can just tell from the picture these are the kind of cookies that just melt in your mouth and are super buttery. You should give a call to the Peninsula hotel in HK and see if they want to add this to their 4pm high tea menu. Take care, BAM
those cookies look so good! I want to figure out a way to grab one
Oh you are so terribly busy and what gorgeous little morsels those cookie are.. have a lovely day barbie.. c
Hahaha.. they’ll be gone on Friday:D
Clever! – and the cookies look so festive!
I think you’re the classiset blogger on WordPress, dear lady!
Yum to the cookies! One glance at them and they put me in the holiday spirit. And I love tea cups and saucers like the ones in the photo. We have a local store that sells overstocks on dishes and kitchen stuff. I love perusing the aisles checking out the interesting patterns! I always say I’m going to collect teapots and such, but oh what a collection that would become . . .
What a fun and pretty set of stands you made. And your cute little serving dish was perfect for those cute little cookies. I love the combination of the dried cherries with the walnuts. Sounds divine!
My husband strongly dislikes candied fruit…the silly.
Beautiful photos. I’ll have to pin these cookies because cherry desserts are my husband’s favorite
I’m glad there arn’t many of those store here in St. John’s. I’d be broke over broke buying dishes.
They are beautiful and has a festive charm. So does those cookies. So Christmasy. Love the festive air even on this blogsphere!
Love your teacup creations! And the cookies look heavenly. Going to share with my crafty friends.
Looks so English, I feel like having some tea just by looking at it
Nom, nom, nom, nom. nom. It’s breakfast time here and somehow fruit isn’t as appealing as your cookies !
Those plates look gorgeous, and complements really well with the cookies..I’m buzzing for some crafty time now
You have Christmas markets in canada? wow I think so I have to take my husband there one day. We have family members there but I am not sure where they all live. I love Christmas markets, they are the most wanted markets in Europe. I mean, how wonderful is it to see all those pretty goodies, sweets etc, drinking some hot spiced wine watching the snow falling and experiencing the happy atmosphere altogether.
Nice plate set Barbara. Is there a stamp on the back?
Oh I wish I could have your Cherry Walnut Cookies to chew on right now.
Barbara, I love the cozy antique places. I could spend days going through them. Love the markets!! Thank you for the gentle reminders of how wonderful these places are to shop at and learn about history. I love your style of writing~beautiful.
Your cherry walnut cookies are absolutely holiday and sweetness all together! I love them!
Aren’t you just the cleverest with these beautiful cake plates and tea accessories! You’ve given me wonderful inspiration! I have so many of these “odd pieces” sitting around. Many belonged to my grandmother and have no real value beyond sentiment, and this would be so fun to do for my nieces and daughter! Thanks for a relatively quick project! And I love the cookies. I’m big on cookies with fruit in them. And these would be Christmasy, too! By the way, your blogsite just gets more and more beautiful, Barbara!
Smidge, my husband is crazy about this type of dishes – I warmed up to them quite a bit after marrying him, because back home my family’s style (or lack of… was not quite like it. Now they seem charming, cozy, comforting, and sensual to me.
Loved the cookies too…
but I meant to ask you about the nomination for the best blogger in the Canadian contest… Please let me know what happened, my fingers are still crossed and it’s starting to hurt
Many hugs going your way, your blog is simply amazing! (but you knew how I felt already…. no big news)
What a glorious post, Barbara! I love the idea of making cake stands like this.
A pure white Christmas. the very best kind…
Hi, I have nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogging Award! Check out this link for details. http://helpwithyourlife.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/super-sweet-blogging-award/
Enjoy!
Those cookies are so beautiful! Look really tasty. Enjoy your blog!
I can think of a few women in my life who would appreciate some these items as Christmas gifts!
And I yours:)
Well there you go.. one present done;)
Thanks so much! As you might have noticed on my last post.. I am often very late in getting to respond to awards and such, but it doesn’t diminish the pleasure I feel when I receive one.. I’m always grateful.. thanks again!
I would love to see pure white contemporary done too.. it would be pretty:)
I’m glad you’ve warmed up to them. They’re pretty to look at.. I try to leave little things like this around, it cheers a person up on a bloody gray and snowy day, lol! Hey, the voting ends at the end of November.. my fingers are crossed to, but in the end, it’s all for fun:) I sure appreciate you voting, Sally! xx
You’re lucky if you have odd bits.. I was thinking I’d love to have an online website for that sort of thing.. there are so many crafts like mosaics that can be done with bits of china. Glad you liked these:)
I’ve become a bit of an “addict”.. every now and then I love just wandering and looking.. not necessarily buying. But I see items and love that I remember them in my house growing up:)
Oh, hot spiced wine.. I’d forgotten about that! Yes.. that’s exactly what feels like Christmas for me.. not the big malls, etc. Stamp… I’ll go look, just a minute, lol! I’m back.. the transferware says RS and Germany:) and the other says “English Rose”. xx
Me too.. must be the Christmas spirit.. I’m working on my next craft, lol!
Oh, but Claire.. now you’ve saved room for Christmas party food, yay!
They are yummy.. I’ll be slicing up more for work tomorrow:D xx
I love that you call them biscuits..
I wonder if cookies can be dunked in tea..
Thanks! I fell in love with them:)
Maybe that was Martha Stewart’s show:D That’s where I found the idea.. she’s got a great website for this sort of thing. Yes.. you’d think someone would have figured out a better fruit substitute? Full corn couscous sounds intriguing!
I like crafts.. as long as they’re pretty easy:)
Thanks xx
Me too.. as much as I love cookies:) xx
I’m worried that I’m turning into a granny.. I’m too young to turn into a granny, lol!
It really is a cool app/website.. what did we do before? I guess just magazines?
Thank you, Judy, that’s a great compliment coming from you:)
That’s me.. a hopeless romantic:D
Thank you xx
Of course.. but I must caution you.. you risk not catching the crumbs that fall and eating those as well:)
That is totally the sort of store I’d love to find! Lucky you!! I hope you write about it for us to see!
Thank you, Daisy!
It would.. I wish someone would make one.. or I just might have to:) xx
They are good.. not too sweet, and the cherries were remarkably not too artificial tasting.. thankfully:) And thank you, as always.. your kind words are appreciated!
Oh, dear.. decisions.. Nell’s are a bigger cookie.. that I think kids would love because of their size. These ones are tinier/daintier, more for a small adult treat after a big dinner:)
Me too!! I’m thinking I need to move into a small house that has a separate studio in the yard.. so my home isn’t overflowing with dishes:) xx
Thanks, Tessa!xx
High Tea!! I’ve got to do that soon! Thanks for the reminder! I think the Palliser Hotel here has a high tea.. it would be so fun! xx
Some day I need to figure out how to ship these without having them break:)
These are busy days, aren’t they c? Take care! xx
Well, a girl’s gotta make up for her lack of a garden;)
Well, thank you!!
What a great store.. that’s what I think we need here. Tea pots.. those would be hard to store. Plates lay flat and cups stack.. it might be a little easier for you:) xx
I thought about changing the nuts.. but I do think the walnuts are the best choice for this cookie.. xx
Haha, more for you I guess!
I hope you have the chance to try them. I’ve been pinning like crazy, I now realize there aren’t enough meals, snack times or hours in the day to cook/bake everything I’ve pinned, lol!
Now you’re the second person to mention St. John’s today! Yes.. it can be addicting, especially for food blogging:)
I wish I had thought of these when I was a teacher.. the Kindergarteners could have made these:)
You’re right.. it is all very English:) Now I’m off to make some tea! Night!
It is so easy.. and the possibilities sure are endless:)
Yes, and I can’t wait to make my Christmas Stollen…even though I am afraid of yeast. It’s not Christmas without it! And since he won’t eat it…IT’S ALL MINE!!!
I haven’t written about it, but I’ll send you the FB Page so you can see some of their photos from previous years. I don’t know that they’ve got any festive ones though.
No it’s was a Swedish TV show, in Sweden we don’t have Martha*smile
Had your couscous dish twice now – because I had some dressing left. Stunning – will do a post about it. So easy to make too.
How festive! I can’t wait for Christmas and Christmas markets x
Doh’t forget, if you go with the smaller, daintier options then you can eat more of them. There’s something so appealing about going back for seconds (and thirds
Oh yes, I’m with you there. I definitely a test kitchen/studio/writing sanctuary in my backyard. Must get started on the plans …..
Holy cow! Comment city! Good for you, Barbara! Love the tea cups and the dainty propriety of the post. Mom used to make a almond cherry shortbread that looks just like this cookie. Now I make them. So yummy! V
Love the biccies! Must make some soon as we love cherries and walnuts
I received a thank you gift similar to what you have made but the top was another teacup. It had been filled with a homemade candle. It is very lovely as are your cookies.
What beautiful dishes! I love going into antique stores! I usually don’t buy much but I love to look. Your cookies look and sound quite delicious! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
OMG I lovelovelove that cake stand made from the plate on top of the glass candlestick – and would make storing something so odd shaped so much easier ! Such beeeaauuutiful plates and such a great idea. I wonder if there are any such stores in Singapore… I must go and scour – I may not find anything as pretty but I’m sure I would be able to find some old Chinese plateware to replicate.
Sometimes an off-hand remark feels portentous and resonates, like this one… “Can you see how the gentle curve of the road is designed so that you can only see so far ahead… it makes the view easier on the eyes.” (he was referring to the architectural design of a community in Los Angeles) I began…
Now that is one cozy looking bed yummy cake!
Oh God Barbara…. the beach is so perfect!
This is just too beautiful and your writing is superb. I think it’s amazing that you gave it another go and didn’t eat the entire first cake before the second one was finished. I think that says much more about me than it does about you. Thank you for writing this and keep up the fantastic work!
Absolutely beautiful Smidge and Happy Birthday! What gorgeous cakes. They look perfect to me. I love the coloured layers going from brightest to softest pink. And I love meringue icing. Love how you frosted the cake and then put on the pink cachous. Very clever. It’s just gorgeous. Wish I could have had a slice! Oh, and the photos are wonderful. I would love a beach house decorated like that too.
Wow, spectacular piping on that cake. And the setting is so beautiful!
Lucky lucky book club. Mine meets next week and so I will photograph what we eat to compare. HA!
Have a wonderful birthday. The cakes are a dream.
A beautiful post.
Gorgeous, gorgeous ruffled frosting! A girly cake if there ever was one. Happy Birthday!
A very Happy Birthday to you Smidge. How perfect 2 cakes one for you and one for your family. Beautifully vintage home and cake, like a little princess home. Hope your day is very special. Take Care, BAM
Absolutely lovely cake! So worth the effort!
Like. Like.
The pink ruffle cake is so very very pretty. I would love to be in your bookclub to share a slice of it. I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday. Enjoy your special day. x
Happy Birthday! What beautiful cakes you made for yourself – not sure I would tackle such intricate frosting – kudos on such brilliant work!
Such beautiful photography again today – I would like a set of everything from that beach house please.
Mandy
That cake looks so good, It even looks better than commercially brought wedding cakes
Wow! Your verse and illustrations would have been more than enough for most — but not you. No, instead you take us along as you explore a beach house, beautifully outfitted. Still not satisfied, you bake a cake that anyone would be more than happy to receive — but you. Nope, it’s not your best, so, a new cake is prepared. And, like we should all have expected, the 2nd cake is a marvel! Smidge, your posts are always so artfully prepared and beautifully presented. This post is a real standout! Just plain lovely!
Now that’s what I call *a cake* – fabulous! Great post, Smidge.
Beautiful thoughts – Beautiful cakes.
Me gusta mucho.
Oh the curve of a sandy bay, and the lovely cool creams and whites of the beach cabin, to your grogeous fluffy and frilly cake. Happy Birthday! And what a wonderful way to celebrate
Gorgeous creration! For that matter, gorgeous blog!
I like the extra pics you’ve included; a well-rounded post is a superior one.
Absolutely stunning and birthday greetings to you (we must almost share a birthday!). I am (almost) lost for words at the sheer beauty of everything here. And not one, but two amazing cakes. Incredible.
You’ve raised the barre with this one! That’s one (er, two) bloomin’ beautiful birthday cakes, barbara bamber! What a splendid post, Smidge, lovely in every way! May our birthday rise to meet you, and may your path curve ever-so gently, and ever-so long! xo
Oops, please correct to read “your” birthday.
Oh how gorgeous are those cakes?! Wow! I’m always so impressed by cakes because I just cannot for the life of me pull a good one off – especially with good frosting. These are just so beautiful!!!! I’m sure they were tasty too.
Happy birthday, Barb!! And what a way to celebrate – those cakes are simply amazing and gorgeous. Wow! wow! wow! I am so impressed.
happy birthday darling and I hope you found something perfect in that absolutely perfect shop. I am sending the name of it to my son.. so he can do some Mama shopping in there next time he is in town and how could your BEAR to cut that cake! Those beautiful cakes! What a SOUL ,, hope you had a lovely lovely day.. c
Happy early birthday. That’s a wonderful cake! Love the bulldog too, you know I’m partial to dogs.
I HEART that cake – just amazing! I love bulldogs – oh so cute. Thanks for sharing – now I want a piece of cake!
So beautiful! I am horrible at decorating cakes. Horrible. Thankfully, my kids still think ugly cakes taste good…
All right, Birthday Girl! First, may you have the most joyful, lovely, and delightful-surprise-filled birthday possible (on this birthday that you share with one of my *other* sisters!). May your year ahead be filled with beautiful things that make your heart hum hymns of happiness. May you have an immense number of wonderful birthdays yet ahead, celebrated in good health and hope! And may there be large quantities of waves on welcoming shores, smiling faces full of love, pretty and cozy surroundings, and exquisite pink ruffled frosting in every day of your life!
Love,
Kathryn
Um, that’s weird that it said I was Anonymous! Hmmm…anyway, it’s me and I meant to say, too: Happiest of birthdays to you! At least having a January birthday gives us something to look forward to in this long, cold month of winter! Enjoy your day!
Delightful. Delicious. Delovely. – Thank you!
Happy Birthday. Just been tweeting and pinning this post like crazy…absolutely lovely!
Happy Birthday! What a gorgeous post. From the vintage to your beautiful cakes…
How gorgeous are those!! I love vintage and love the creamy off white look in that bedroom. I’ve always wanted a chandelier over my bed!! I have that look in my room now, minus the chandelier!! How patient and determined you are to create not one but two cakes of love!! The pink is soo pretty and the little pearls on top, ribbons on the side…I just love it! Warmest, happiest wishes to you!!! Happy Birthday!
I just LOVE your kind of vintage. You definitely have style.. and I always love coming here to see what new stuff I will get to learn or see . And these cakes even have a vintage look to them. This post is simply beautiful and decadent all at the same time . Happy Pre-Birthday .. Aquarius woman rock!
“Can you see how the gentle curve of the road is designed so that you can only see so far ahead… it makes the view easier on the eyes.”
…. these words captured me and I thought of this, I never heard before something like that…What an impressive expression! ….how gentle curve of the road is designed…. These words actually seem so simple and describe us a view of a road… But no, there are more than this! The road is designed so gentle with a curve… The designer hits me. Then the eyes who noticed this road in this way… and of course the narrotor (should be all of them you!) I can talk more on about these words if my English language were so good as my native language. You are so nice dear Barbara… Your eyes find the beauties in life… I love vintage too and I love vintage colours too… But what about these amazing cakes, if you ask, I fall in love… so romantic… I can’t eat (I know, I am sure it is so delicious, so delicious) but probably I watch this artistic cake… Thank you my dear Barbara, with my love, nia
Happy Birthday too dearest, your words made me so excited and almost I forgot to say my wishes… Love, nia
Happy Birthday Barbara — the cakes look wonderful. And that shop looks amazing…falling off into dreamy land!
God, these are beautiful. I love, love, love the gradients and the ruffles in the frosting!
Happy Birthday, Smidge! I hope you had a great celebration. What divine photos and truly stunning cakes…I’m speechless!
Oh my! Your cakes are absolutely beautiful … your time spent definitely paid off! I love the ruffles!
Barbara- these cakes are absolutely stunning! I love the way the color lighten through the layers of the cake. Talk about talent!
It’s so inviting, isn’t it?? Ok, I want to be laying in that bed whilst eating the cake:) Lol! Thanks, Andy…
It was so pretty… the wind was just howling the day we were there, but that doesn’t really show in this photo.
Thanks so much… yes, I was longing for a piece of the first, but there was no easy way to have a taste before icing it. I thought about cutting a piece out and filling it with icing…
Thanks so much, Charlie:) There were really very fun to make.. it took time but the techniques for everything were really simple. I’ve had so much fun with my icing bag and tips (I know, I’m a little strange)! xo Smidge
Thanks so much, Joanne:)
Too funny!! I have no doubt in my mind there will be a feast at your book club:) Will Flat Ruthie be there? Oh, right, you will so she doesn’t have to.. xo Smidge
Well, thanks so much, Sharyn… sometimes I love rustic, other times I love girly. It was fun to do!
Thanks so much… it does look like a princess home and wish I could decorate my whole house like this:) xo Smidge
Thanks, it really was.. not a lot of work, but fun! xo Smidge
Like… you:) xo Smidge
Hmmm… maybe a virtual book club, I’m sure they abound, but then we couldn’t share cake, could we. Wishing you were here as well:) xo Smidge
Thanks, Mandy.. it was pretty easy, just a lot of zig zagging with a pastry tip. And no worrying about whether it’s perfectly straight, etc, made it even more fun! I would send you the whole beach house… if I could:)
Wow, that is such a nice compliment, thank you:)
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. It was fun to plan… and experience as well. That beach house is a shop and such a lovely one.. I wish we had one like it here:)
Gracias!! That is so kind:) xo Smidge
Lol… thanks.. the rest is in the freezer waiting to be taken out and devoured… one day this week. Wish you were here to share:)
It was a wonderful experience being there.. and the cake was delicious:) Thank you so much!
It’s tough to cull the best photos.. I have so many more. I’ve finally made a facebook page to post the rest of the photos that I love… Thanks, Hook!!
When is your birthday?? I guess I will find out on your blog:) Happy Birthday to you as well! xo Smidge
Spree, you always write such lovely words of praise.. and a metaphor today (or is that a simile??) I love how positive you are!! I’m be happy to dance at a barre alongside you any time.. Thank you so much! xo Smidge
This is such a lovely compliment, Kristy.. I know you could do this, just looking at your blog is a testimony of your skill as a chef and baker:) xo Smidge ps the second one was tasty… the first.. maybe I did something wrong…
Thanks so much, Courtney!! xo Smidge
Thanks, c… the shop is in Santa Monica.. not here, sadly enough. However, they do have an online shop… could be dangerous:)
It does that now and then on my blog.. I’m not sure why? I know I have a few Anonymous comments showing up here and there. I hope I have my settings corrrect.. because I don’t screen my comments, they should just appear. Anyway, I’m glad you reposted now I know it’s you!! Thanks so much, Gretchen!!
A benison (sp?), alliteration… and celebration.. what a lovely gift, Kathryn.. I’d be the luckiest girl in the world if all of this comes true:) xo Smidge
Thanks so much! I forget that we can tweet and pin each other’s work… very kind of you:) xo Smidge
You are so lucky to have this in your bedroom.. that’s awesome!! I would adore it, and the chandelier would be amazing. I hope you get one soon!! Thanks so much for your birthday wishes:) xo Smidge
Thanks, Kay… I’m quite content being an Aquarius (not that I had anything to do with it)… Happy Birthday to you as well:) xoxo Smidge
I think you’ve done a remarkable job in a language that is not your first one… I, too, loved this saying and am so glad that it touched you as well! xoxo Smidge
It was hilarious… the icing was everywhere!!! But great pink fun!!
I’m thinking of trying this again, with the real colors of the rainbow.. or perhaps purple?? Thanks so much!! xo Smidge
Beautiful! My favorite post I read today. Love your blog, and the cake looks divine. I think I’ll tackle that recipe for my daughter’s 20th birthday. She loves pink. Delicious Wishes!!
Oh Smidge, this post talks to my heart. I love every singe photo!
Happy birthday Barb!
I loved reading every word of your post!
I had to go to work last week in the fog and I was thinking along the lines of your post. sometimes in life you can see ahead for a distance and know where you are going and in others you just see a few steps ahead and have to keep going one step at a time.
Both cakes are amazing. I love the shades of pink and the ruffles..brilliant job
Happy Birthday! Lovely photos, as ever. The cake looks absolutely wonderful. Your recipes always look declicious, but the decoration of that cake looks AMAZING! It looks too perfect to ever be touched!
Lovely!!! The only thing better than that cake or that shop would be to eat the cake in the shop!!! Dreamy Creamy Deliciousness
Stunning photos and vignettes (as usual!)
Wow, just WOW!
I love visiting your blog. It’s always filled with beauty.
You are so right… I’m so glad we think along the same lines… I so appreciate your compliments! Smidge
That is quite possibly the prettiest cake ever…if that was served as my birthday cake I think I would be one very happy girl. Just lovely!
SO impressed right now. Both of these cakes are stunning!! I can’t believe you made two. That takes some patience and dedication. I’m sure they were a complete hit. Perfect birthday cakes.
The ruffles look absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
Everything about this post that is positively beautiful…even poochie-face!
Wishing you a very ♫♪ Happy Birthday ♪♫ ! ~Christy
Love! Those cakes are perfect! Happy Birthday!
Wow, these are amazing creations!
Happy Belated Birthday, Smidge! Your photos soothe my soul… x
That ribbon cake is amazing. If Paris was a cake, it would be that cake!
[...] I have seen various versions of rainbow coloured cakes around for a while, from mini cupcakes, to regular sized ones with splodges of different colours, to multi tiered cakes. For a beautifully elegant grown up cake, do pop over to see what Smidge did for her birthday. [...]
Happy belated Birthday, the cake(s) is(are) beautiful as are all of the photos. I love seeing a bend/curve in a road and wondering what will I see that catches my eye… your photography is beautiful. I will pretend that one of the two cakes is for my birthday… today! I love rainbows and pink is special…
Oh, my goodness.. Is it your birthday today as well, then? Lovely, I would send you one of these straight away if I could. Happy, happy, happiest of birthdays to you!! Xoxo Smidge
Beautiful!! Absolutely beautiful!! I have seen that recipe on Allrecipes, now I’m interested in trying it! The recipe for your meringue was a little different than mine, maybe that’s why yours tasted good and mine was terrible? Mine has A LOT of butter in it, I think that’s what ruined the flavor (which is weird, I LOVE butter). I also love the way you didn’t ruffle the entire cake, it looks so classy! I’m thinking I’ll give your meringue recipe a shot and see if I might actually frost something with it!! Thanks!
I live strawberry, im sure it was delicious! Lol, just in case think we both need to make another one, just for research purposes;) another blogger made a rainbow cake today, it was so pretty! It is at http://www.chicaandaluza.com!
Happy Birthday Smidge! Thank you for sharing your two lovely cakes. I must say I don’t know when I have seen a more girly cake. It does remind me of all things vintage.
Thanks, Karen… Some days I just crave girly stuff.. Or any cake, I guess, lol! Xo Smidge
Aw! Happy belated birthday, Smidge! Gorgeous cakes. They’re so you! Now how did you get the uber girly pink color? We have a Valentine’s baby in the office and she’s requested a pink cake. This could be it! ~Ruth
Oh just pick up Wilton’s pink gel and use a teensy teensy bit on a toothpick.. U can add more but won’t likely need it. Let it really beat in because at first u think it’s not going to go pink and them suddenly it does! Awesome stuff! And a better true color than liquid I think:)
Sent from my iPhone
So beautiful!
Thank you:)
Those cakes are just sooooo impressive ! Happy birthday !
Wow! They look absolutely spectacular! I bet they were both delicious too. I wish I could make something as elegant as this!
Lucky finally took Katie and I for our traditional Christmas walk yesterday. It’s usually reserved for the Big Day and typically he has dragged the entire family out with him… but Boxing Day would have to do this year. Phil and Dave were closeted up in the study with a Junior Hockey game on the…
It all looks lovely. It is strange, but some years do tend to feel “more like Christmas” than others. I remember my great-grandmother always used to put a lot of effort into Christmas. Needless to say, the first year she wasn’t around we really noticed the difference. I have known Christmas mornings when I haven’t known what to do with myself, and I think that we feel a little lost if we don’t have something to contribute towards the preparations because it seems like such a nuturing act.
On a side note, I must say I am very jealous of the pheasant photo you’ve posted. We have a few that have been coming into the garden (which I named Felix, Phillip – he’s darker and quite dapper – and Festus). I’ve tried taking photos of them but haven’t had much luck with the results. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen them for several days. One can only wonder… 
Lovely photos. I can’t face anything as rich as scones just yet, but I imagine the cranberries make them a bit bracing.
These look like a great way to beat back the post Christmas blues. Delicious! I love the combination of lemon and cranberry.
Those scones do sound good. before I came to America i never really thought about cranberries at all. But now they are everywhere! and would be lovely in a scone.. If i ever go grocery shopping again and it seems weeks since i last went so surely an expedition to the shops is looming, i shall get some. Actually I do want to try a cranberry liqueur! and have a few left over for the scones! have a great calgary day.. c
Those scones sound divine! Cranberry, lemon and cream in the same sentence…you’ve got my attention. Hope you had a lovely Christmas!
I can so identify with your feelings. If I do not cook Thanksgiving Dinner, no matter how nice a meal is set before me, it just doesn’t “feel” like Thanksgiving. And yet I am very thankful not to be cooking the meal. Odd, isn’t it? Your scones sound delicious and would make any breakfast seem like a holiday.
Oh no… can they hunt pheasant there?? I’d like to think our little pheasant has found a sanctuary of sorts with the bird feeders here… gulp! It’s amazing what grand and great-grandparents can bring to a celebration… and, yes, they are the ones we miss.
Oh, yes.. I’ve been reducing the level of indulgence in “all things sugar” these past couple of days. One does get a feeling of over-indulgence, eh?
Thanks Kristy:)
I’ve never thought of them as an American food item, but I guess that makes sense:) Cranberry liqueur… now that is definitely something I’d like to taste.. do you make it yourself?
So true, Barbara. I have been eating quite moderately for the holiday season. I crave sweets in November and December. Right now there is organic eggnog in the fridge and fresh whipping cream and I don’t have a taste for them. Wish I had some snow to walk in — that would set me right! I’ll be away over the New Year, so I’ll wish you a happy 2012 now. — Sharyn
I too can relate about how it doesn’t feel as much like Christmas when you are not preparing the meal. We were invited to friends on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and told not to bring anything. The scones sound like a great little something for Boxing Day.
What a great recipe though. We had our meal early and only cooked breakfast on Christmas. Love that dog.
Wow. Those scones look delicious!
It seems that many people didn’t get the Christmas feeling this year. Stunning shot of the birdie. Any scones left ???
the scone looks fabulous !
We have leftovers trying to elbow the inside of the fridge door open. Want some? You’ve managed to implant the idea of scones into my head, and now I think I’ll have to bake some. Sort of like a song that you can’t get out of your head…
I’m afraid there are a few game shoots locally at this time of year, but we’ve often had ducks or pheasants hanging around here. I wanted the pheasants to get tamer, but I’ve got to wait and see if they come back first.
This is a wonderful post… I loved the photographs… seems they are so delicious and calling me to eat them Thank you dear Barbara, kisses for your lovely baby! Blessing and Happiness for you all, with my love, nia
These scones look wonderful! I’ll have to try them out soon. I still have a lonely bag of cranberries in the freezer that need a purpose Hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday!
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Follow the link: http://theunsweetie.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/versatile-blogger-award-for-the-unsweetie/
I need a good spicey/hot recipe for chili. Is there a secret Canadian recipe I should know about?
Trying to imagine what it would be like “passing the spoon” as you say and eating Christmas dinner at someone else’s house. I’m quite sure I’d experience a bit of hollowness, a wistful longing for leftovers – they’ve always seemed like the best part of preparing the feast. Your scones look out of this world and delicious compensation for a forlorn-looking fridge. You taking your spoon back next year?
I totally get the “not feeling like Christmas” feeling. Last year, my whole family was away for a wedding so we didn’t have any leftovers, and we didn’t have our usual Christmas dinner. It just felt strange. But this year we back to normal . I also love this Cranberry Lemon Cream Scones recipe.. I will definitely pass this along to my mom
I’ve always wanted to try to make scones – and these look very tasty! Sorry you’re having the post-Christmas blues. I’ve had those kind of years, too. Hopefully a little family cheer and tasty food will bring you back up.
I’ve got a chili post:) Click this link and there are two recipes, one simple, one still easy but more ingredients: http://wp.me/pyLRA-p8
I think if you want it spicy it’s just a question of adding hot sauce or hot cayenne… but go slow, it’d be a shame to overdo it?
You bet! My girlfriend’s family alternate Christmas Eve but always has her own Christmas Day with her immediate family (and anyone who wishes to join). I may just have to start doing this…
It helps to know that you have felt this way too, it felt so strange (and somehow selfish) of me. Glad you had a great Christmas this time, though!
Well, I’ve let it go and we’re skiing now… so it feels really Wintery and that’s a good thing! Thanks for your thoughts, Courtney… It’s awesome to have the support here, isn’t it?
I think it’s the cream that puts it over the top, eh? I did, in the end and am enjoying a little holiday break… how was yours??
I thought you might relate;) It is odd and felt a bit ungrateful but I couldn’t help it (shrug) … so just have to make sure it’s my turn next year.
Wow, not even one dish… that is so fortunate! I still brought my traditional yams and a salad… so only a bit of work there.
Thanks… Seems like many of us have this feeling at Christmas. (Once again, Lucky says thanks;)
They sure were… all gone now, until next time:)
It sure seems so, doesn’t it? I hope your Christmas was “merry and bright”:)
I sometimes feel sad the day after Christmas if I feel I didn’t get everything done or we didn’t get to do all the things I wanted to do or I didn’t cook all the special treats I usually make etc. Christmas here in Sydney just doesn’t seem like Christmas if we don’t have sweltering hot weather and we just haven’t had any decent weather this summer. I guess it’s like it is for you if you don’t get the white Christmas everyone is wishing for.
Oh, please… mail these as well, won’t you:) I hope you did eventually make a few songs, er scones!
I can so relate to how you felt. I too feel that it’s not the holidays unless I cook, then I feel relieved not to have the rush-rush stress of cooking and preparing for a housefull of guests!! Where’s the happy medium?! I’m not sure, but I am sure that these scones look to die for and I do have some cranberries that are definitely going to be baked into this recipe!! Hope you have a very Happy New Year!!
I was just telling someone that scones just don’t excite me because they’re usually dry and pasty on the palate, but I’ve seen some recipes for scones on blogs, including yours, where they look delightfuly moist, filled with plump berries! I’m going to have to give scones another chance! I don’t know much about boxing day, but looks like you had a great time! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! xo
I’ve nominated you (a duplicate I realize) for the Versatile Blogger Award. I enjoy you so much!
The scones look delish. I’ve never made scones before, but have wanted to. This gives me a good excuse to do it. Thank you!
What a gorgeous pheasant. I know, it is weird when we are used to preparing the “big meal” and find ourselves without as much work or leftovers. It is a little bit unnerving, even though it is good for us and we enjoy it. Those scones look incredible! Can’t wait to try your basic recipe and add some chocolate chips and orange rind.
OOOOOO. The perfect scone and jam spread! So impressive. I’d love to do it sometime here You need to come tell me what you think about my two cheese tartlets! Haven’t heard from you in so long.
Great holiday post young lady! Cute animals, delicious snacks, a cute author: what more could anyone ask?
Beautiful pictures and what an adorable little one!
Hi Barbara, thanks for visiting me. Your photos are breathtaking and fill my heart with memories of a dear friend who lived in Edmonton. She introduced me to sundogs and diamond dust and the extraordinary beauty of Canada. You have so much space there! All best wishes, Joanna
Hi Barbara, I’m new to your blog but I had to leave a comment saying I really love it. Love the photography and choice of recipes. Looking forward to checking up on your posts in the future.
And I, yours! Thanks for coming back and your kind compliments. I’m looking forward to your blog posts as well!
Mmmm….I love scones! I will definitely have to give those a try! They look great! BTW, your pup is super cute!
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
WOW! They all fascinated me, made me hungry too
“Grace” is amazing dear Barbara, what a great touches! Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love, nia
Those cookies look delicious!
I love your touch of wisdom with delicious recipe
Barbara, you’re some domestic diva !!! Those nibbles to die for as usual and so pretty too.
Grace – really touching … words.
Reblogged this on My story to you.. and commented:
We all need bit of peace and grace in our life
Happy Christmas, and happy baking!
The cookies of your hands (and your daughter’s), of course, are beautiful, Smidge. (Everything that comes from your hands IS, always IS.) But even more beautiful than that, the beauty that flows (through your words) from the warmth of your heart. To lose a friend so young, so soon, will be a hurt slow to heal. I’m so sorry for your family in this, Barb. May Grace surround and blanket you, and above all, may it be a gentle and Peaceful Christmas!! xxx
Amen! Thank you for your grace-ful thoughts and Happy Holidays to you. I am going to start with your butter tarts…
those snowy cookies look AMAZING.
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a lovely round up of Christmas baking, Barbara, and it’s so nice that your daughter helped you bake. I have very fond memories of my Mom helping me bake even after she became ill (I set up the dining room table as her work station). Such a lovely bonding time too. The butter tarts look unbelievable, you’ve captured them perfectly, I can almost taste the crisp crust and the delicious centre, and I don’t mind at all if it runs down my chin.
Oh Barb, “Grace” is beautiful. I love these words. No one could write anything as beautiful as your words. I’m so sorry about the loss you’re enduring right now, so painful.
I’m so glad you and daughter got to spend time together baking. It sounds like the perfect thing to do right now. We wish you the happiest, merriest Christmas my dear. And, a wonderful 2013. Thank you for everything!
Yum, Yum and more Yum! What beautiful photos and delicious recipes! I love the sound of those buttery tarts, and even though I’ve been in Germany for so long I’ve yet to make Pfeffernussen…. they do look good. Thanks for such a lovely post!
What tasty looking bites! Such a variety!
Ohhh yum. Your house is the place to be right now!!
Grace, unmerited favor we so desperately need. Beautiful sentiment, Barb, so timely and true. Even one day in the kitchen baking is better than none and even better when shared with someone.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year!
Very touching post, so sorry for your loss.
Loving your cookie collection, how wonderful to be baking and bonding with your daughter..
Can I please come over to your house to play in the kitchen? I promise to be neat and I will give lots of hugs while I help tidy up.
What lovely words about grace. I love the new look of your blog. What a great selection of Christmas baking. That’s so lovely your daughter was with you to help. I love the look of the crackle cookies xx
May you too have grace this holiday season. We’ve been baking cookies a batch at a time. I love the array you’ve done, but I never quite pull that off. I may mix up chocolate crinkles tonight (I love your crackle top snowy mountain name for them!).
Beautiful Post – I enjoyed the cookies without all the calories – YUM! Have a Great One:)
Smidge, you are full of grace. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a joyful 2013.
Merry Christmas Barb! This post full of gentleness and love! XO
Happy holidays, Barb! Lovely words, and beautiful cookies – I can’t believe you made them all in one day! I’m with your friend Jane – lots of gooey filling in my butter tarts, please
Love your gracefulness! All the cookies look absolutely over the top delectable! And I adore the tart! Both fillings would be perfect for me!
The quote you shared about grace is beautiful. I felt a little peace as I read it.
Seems like you had a lot of Christmas baking done. They all look beautiful and delicious! So festive! happy holidays Barbara!
May grace be yours and in the hearts and minds of those close to you . . .may the year end in peace and the new one begin with hope and happiness . . ,. and let there be smiles when we meet agin in the year to come! God Bless . . .
These are some of my favorites. I made up a recipe this morning and ate a dozen cookies before going to my last cookie exchange!
Merry Christmas Barb!
Merry Christmas Babara, the food looks ‘very rich’ in calories to me, I always prefer soup, fish and vegetables!
Beautiful post Barbara and so many delicious looking treats.
What beautiful words for something so sad! I’m sorry for your loss Barbara {hugs}
I enjoyed your thoughts on “grace”. A group of us were just discussing grace a few weeks ago. Awesome selection of Christmas baking, too. Merry Christmas, Barb.
Merry Christmas to you.. Will you be celebrating with family at your home this year?? xx
Me too.. those are my every day foods. These Christmas treats are.. well, treats:D Merry Christmas to you!
What a wonderful blessing… thank you so much, this is so meaningful. God bless you and your loved ones. xxx
Fantastic array of cakes and biscuits. Christmas at your place seems like a Marathon! Have a great Christmas:)
Wow, Smidge, your Christmas cookie spread is incredible… I better not show it to my family, lest they have expectations that I simply cannot fulfill! haha…:).
Love Anne Lamott and “Grace” is the perfect title for this post.
I love that candle! and those cookies look so delish!
Grace, something we can all use more of. Beautiful words, spectacular cookies. Merry Christmas!
This is a wonderful post and “Grace” a beautiful tribute to you departed friend. So sorry to read of your loss, Barb.
This is a fantastic collection of cookies! You and your daughter obviously work well together or, at the very least, you’re both are willing to set aside your differences for the good of the cookies. One must always put the welfare of the cookies above all else.
thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. A very beautiful tribute to your friend. Of course spending a little time with your daughter baking is a very treasured event as well. Love all the cookies but the crackle cookies are my favorite. Take care, BAM
Your blog is fantastic…I love the look and feel of it…and those cookies? How do I choose? (I’ll just have to settle on ALL of them) =)
What beautiful and thoughtful words to proceed a wish for peace and grace for the holiday season. Happy Holiday to you and your family. xoxo
Making holiday sweets is a tradition in my family and I’m so jealous right now. All our stuff is in storage and I’m unable to bake anything!!
Happy Holidays Barb!!
Have a wonderful Christmas as well.. I hope you have just the best holiday ever!! xx
Certainly looks like you had a bit of baking going on.
Merry Christmas Smidge! Your words, as always, are beautiful and leave me feeling warm.
What a touching poem and lovely round up of cookies! I normally take a whole day off to devote to cookie baking but could not this year. Seeing yours makes me wish I did! I will have to note these for next year! Happy holidays Barb!
Lovely. Grace-ful. Thank you. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Beautiful Smidge. Very sorry for your loss…
Your cookies look divine. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make Pfeffernussen ( and wondered even more how to spell it…) Don’t you just love the Contessa? xx
Amazing grace – how sweet the sound! A most joyous message to hear especially at this time of year…
Happy holidays to you and your family, Smidge! As always a beautiful post.
A touching tribute; thank you for sharing your lovely words. Your cookies look so festive. How sweet that you and your daughter made them together.
i’m so touched by your words on grace, Smidge. It’s one of my favorite words, and I try to absorb the meanings more and more into my life, and spread the same to others. I think this may be one of my favorite from among the many lovely selections you offer us. You have such a beautiful talent with your words.
As a quick aside, I’m a huge Anne Lamott fan, and enjoyed seeing you used one of her quotes. And what lovely recipes. Thank you! If I don’t have another chance to say it before Tuesday, I certainly wish you a wonderful grace-filled Christmas, my friend. Blessings to you and your family through the entire Christmas season, and much love and peace into the new year. oxo
The cookies are as lovely as your words. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
They all sound new to me, except the Pfeffernüsse cookie, but I haven’t had it in a long time. The best part of making Christmas cookies are sometimes the spices. That’s the only time when you get the chance to use them in sweets and the European will love it. Thank you for the cookie introduction +Recipes.
I adore Nanaimo bars. I had to buy Bird’s custard just for that!
Aren’t they just the best? Sadly.. I dropped the bag as I was transporting them to the freezer.. funny how I still manage to salvage a few bites by putting the appropriate pieces in my hand before scarfing them down, lol! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Gretchen! I can’t wait to visit your blog and see your latest news! xx
Oh, so sad!!!! Do you follow HotlySpiced in Australia? Charlie’s gingerbread house colapsed. So sad when you work hard on something and then it gets ruined before being enjoyed.
Happy New Year to you!
We were in Red Deer with Paul’s family this year. Have to say I missed my own. How about you? Were you at home?