Tis the season (to be busy)

I know, I know. It's been too long since I last posted anything. Some of you have been wondering if I am still doing this blogging thing. I am but this month has been busy. Too busy, but good busy.

Much of the busyness was due to getting ready for our Christmas dessert / housewarming party.

We wanted to have a bunch of friends and colleagues over for a dessert party. So we sent out a whack of invitations and started baking. And baking. And baking. Almost three weeks of on-again-off-again baking.

And then we started cleaning. It's funny how you can leave your house untidy unless you have people over. We really should try and keep it tidy for ourselves (but we never do).

Sunday was the big night. We told people to come sometime after 7:00. The food was laid out, the cider was hot and the wine was cold. 7:00 rolled over and then 7:10 and then 7:15 and no one showed up. Tara and I looked at each other and thought "What if no one comes? What are we going to do with all this food?" Just then then door bell rang and slowly people started coming in. And then more people and more people. We had people come that we didn't think would show (and others didn't show that said they would - you know who you are...)

Food was eaten, drinks were drank and a laughter filled the house. All told we had about 25 show up. We had way more food than we needed, but better more than less. Everyone we've talked to said they had a good time and that they hope we do it again.

I'll post the recipes of the favorites from the evening. If you are reading this and you want a recipe for something, leave a comment (it's super easy). If you are reading this and you weren't there, let us know so you get invited next time (sorry we couldn't invite you all).

Hmmmm, desserts... Of course we took the saran off before the guests arrived.

What's a party without drinks?

Cranberry-pistachio- white chocolate cake - heavy and good.

Chocolate raspberry cake - a hit!

What party is complete without cheese and fruit?