holly, jolly, awesome!

so its nearing that time again when we gather together and hope for snow while exchanging gifts that we may or may not want. since being in the northwest snow doesn't just happen anymore its sought out.

this weekend i had the opportunity to travel to lake tahoe and celebrate my friend anne's birthday in a cabin about a block from the shore. we ate, drank, and were merry. the highlight was ice skating above the mountains, but watching chefs compete on tv with eggnog and ice while drinking manhattans came in a close second.

the weekend prior i went to a holiday gathering and partook in a white elephant, to which i brought a ceramic peanut and received edible underwear. fruit rollups it was not, but unlike my luck at selecting gifts my ability to provide sweet delights was a success. that night i brought in toe a carmel apple almond cream tart. pictures of this delight are below.

more cheer and celebrations are ahead. i wish everyone high spirits and warm hearts as they head toward the new year.