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December 2024 Newsletter
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Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, none of these, or a combination, I hope you are able to spend time with those you love, relax, and unwind. Merry everything!
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Here is a little poem I wrote for December:
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Drifting snow blankets the world in a serene hush. Everywhere, twinkling lights cast a warm, golden glow. Cozy gatherings fill homes with laughter and cheer. Evergreens, adorned with ornaments, stand proud and tall. Mugs of hot cocoa steam beside crackling fires. Bells ring out melodies of peace and joy.
Eager hearts share gifts wrapped with love and care. Reflections of gratitude and hope light up the season.
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'Tis the Season...
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...to bake, roast, shop and enjoy interesting new cocktails. This holiday season, get ready to impress your guests with three crowd-pleasing recipes that are sure to shine at any gathering! Start with One Giant Latke—a crispy, golden twist on a classic favorite that's as fun to make as it is to eat. It's a showstopper and wonderful served at breakfast or dinner. For the main event, serve up Grandma Charlotte’s Foolproof Beef Brisket. It’s tender, it’s flavorful, and just like its name suggests, you can’t mess it up. Finally, sweeten the deal with Crinkle Cookies, these delightfully chewy treats dusted with powdered sugar that crackle into the most perfect crevices—you can't just have one. Get ready to lay out a feast that’ll keep your guests cozy, satisfied, and maybe even a little bit impressed.
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Grandma Charlotte’s Foolproof Beef Brisket
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Tip of the Month
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Follow my step-by-step video of how to put together a beautiful winter planter.
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Seasonal Sipping
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Get ready to make your holiday gatherings a bit more spirited with my trio of holiday cocktails. Kick things off with our Winter Sangria, packed with a punch of seasonal fruits and a good splash of white wine, and pomegranate juice—it’s a fruity favorite that’s sure to liven up any party. Another option to try is this refreshing Rosemary, Lemon, and Lillet Spritz. It’s crisp and light, with a sprig of rosemary that adds just the right touch, and it’s easy to make as a mocktail too! And for a very traditional taste of the season, try my Winter Spiced "Old Fashioned", it mixes in cinnamon and clementine for a warm, comforting twist on the classic. These cocktails are straightforward, fun, and absolutely perfect for holiday cheers.
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Rosemary, Lemon, and Lillet Spritz
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Winter Spiced “Old Fashioned”
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Product Spotlight
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Vitamix Propel Series 510 Blender
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Treat yourself to the gift of convenience and creativity this season! Designed for versatility and performance, it’s perfect for crafting everything from silky smoothies and hearty soups to creamy nut butters and it even grates cheese fast!
Gift yourself the joy of delicious possibilities!
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I am an Amazon Affiliate seller, and Very Smart Ideas contains affiliate links.
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Simple Post-Holiday Dishes
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After Christmas, there’s nothing better than the simplicity of a good steak dinner, and this Skirt Steak recipe is sure to impress. Even the purest of steak aficionados will thank you for serving this luscious, melt-in-your-mouth dish. Pair it with crispy smashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. Speaking of perfect pairings, a Roasted Grapes, Feta, and Walnut Salad makes a great addition to your plate. The caramelized grapes blend beautifully with the creamy feta and the nutty crunch of walnuts, offering complex flavors without the extra effort. For a sweet and savory twist, try drizzling Hot Honey over your steak or sides—it’s a versatile delight that’s just as delicious on pizza, in cocktails, or as a breakfast condiment for waffles and bacon. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner or gifting homemade treats, these recipes are perfect for savoring the post-holiday season.
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Roasted Grapes, Feta, and Walnut Salad
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"December is a symphony of snowflakes (hopefully), twinkling lights, and warm hearts, where every moment feels like a gift wrapped in love."
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