Cookie time.

I hosted a baking extravaganza last week. I pulled out the aprons, dusted off the Kitchen Aid mixer, and called upon some gal pals. And from 1PM-8PM, we baked our butts off! Sugar cookies, almond cookies, rice crispie treats, and chocolate-dipped pretzels were created and decorated beautifully. Then we put them in cute bags, tied them with colorful ribbons, and left them on all of my neighbors' doorsteps, spreading a bit of Christmas cheer.

That's the good news. The bad news: the gals left me with way too many extra cookies. Maybe it has to do with the fact that when we were finished we watched the season finale of The Biggest Loser.

And now I am in a dangerous position: It has been raining in Los Angeles for 5 days straight. It feels cozy and relaxing in my apartment with the Christmas tree lit, candles glowing, and endless Intervention marathons are airing on A&E. I am ripe for temptation. And those cookies are relentlessly haunting me on my kitchen table, calling to me. And each time I hear them,"Jen. Jen. Eat us...", well I have to go do just that. No choice in the matter. So, here's to the return of the double digit pant's size and lots of New Years' Resolutions revolving around cardio, carbs, and carrots.

In the meantime, enjoy these pics:

Sugar cookies decorated with care.

Here are some rice crispie treats we decorated with candy to look like wrapped presents. And that's me holding the most deliciously chocolate-coated pretzels ever! We dipped them in candy cane crumbles, crunched up Butterfingers, and wrapped in licorice whips. They were festive and yummy!

Deck the Halls.

I love shopping around holiday time. I love how department stores, malls, and clothing stores will decorate to the nines, make their employees wear North-Pole-appropriate hats, and blare funky versions of classic carols... it puts you in a purchasing mood!!! I am a sucker for it.

The one store that leaves me feeling warm, pretty (and impoverished) is Anthropologie. I'm OBSESSED. Ladies, who's with me? They have clothes that make your skin feel good. They have housewares that give you inspiration to become an interior designer! And, oh, do they have Christmas cuteness this year!!!!

First we have the Snow Fox! C'mon, who doesn't want a snow fox on their tree!!! Next, the Fa-La-LA Ornament. Vintage loveliness. And how about some retro-packaged Sparkling Christmas Snow? Sigh. Nostalgia kicked in.

Perhaps you fancy a Snow Buck or some Kiev Carolers? I do.

Too bad these are all so pricey. I will hope and wait for a post-season sale.

Until then... Walmart has this little dream... a glittery reindeer for $1. They come in gold, silver, red (as shown), and plum.

Below is another $1 steal I picked up for a friend last week at a Big Lots type store. Is it a Strawberry Roll?

Or is it a FACECLOTH? Pret-ty tricky. I love objects that are disguised as food.

Shower me with Sugar!

Wedding showers can be tragically dull. Most of the time, your guests don't know one another; Susan from work, Kelly from college, and your Aunt Edna, all squished in your kitchen for the short-lived conversation of, "Hi. How do you know the bride to be?" "Ohhhhh.... Cool." Cricket cricket cricket... So, what can you do to break the ice? FEED THEM CUPCAKES! Cupcakes, if baked well and decorated adorably, can be a shared enthusiasm that can get anyone out of their shell.

I recently helped out at my friend's wedding shower by baking some wonderful treats. Here is what was on the menu:

1. Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting dressed-up with pink and blue sugar pearls.
2. Coconut cupcakes with pink cream-cheese frosting, sprinkled coconut shavings.
3. Smores cupcakes - a chocolate-filled graham cupcake with a graham cracker crust, topped with marshmallow frosting and a chocolate kiss.
4. And an old winter favorite: Chewy peanut butters cookies with chocolate kisses.

All of the delights were made from scratch, which lead her guests to sugary bliss. Her pink and turquoise decor was adorable, as well: fluffy pink tissue balls which hung from the ceiling, ribbons and fake flowers dressed up wired cupcake stands, votive candle holders filled with fresh pink carnations. It all looked so feminine and sweet.

And by the end of the shower, each guests was filled with laughter and cupcakes!

Here is a recipe that I have doctored up to make the best coconut cupcakes ever:

Coconut Cupcakes, Ingredients

• 3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 5 extra-large eggs at room temperature

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract

• 3 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut

For the frosting:

• 1 pound cream cheese at room temperature

• 3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

• 1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.

I LOVE these cookies! Yum!

Even More Kitschmas!

This is a painting by one of my favorite artisits, Seonna Hong. I think it makes a perfect holiday card. (and it reminds me of of me and my family).

More Kitschmas!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Anybody that knows me, knows that I LOVE Christmas! My tree was erected, adorned, and lit by November 2nd this year. I love how it welcomes me home with the warm glow of its twinkling lights. I love how my cat lazes underneath it and swats at the hanging bobbles. I love how each ornament holds a memory of my traveling adventures, my sweet childhood dreams, and my adoration for kitsch. The stockings are hung with care. The carols are ringing throughout. And I am feeling that fullness that only this time of year can bring. That overwhleming sense of human kindness, generous giving, and delicious things all around.

So in honor of my favorite time, this first entry on my blog will be all about Kitschmas-y things that bring me that belly-tickle of joyous hope every time I see them.