THE List

HAPPY {early} THANKSGIVING!

But it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here. (And has been since our trip up north to Frankenmuth.....I'll share more on that adventure soon.) Plus, all of the snow...this so-called storm...is making it amazingly beautiful and quiet and just downright gorgeous.

Yes. YES. Yes, it's that time of year again. Decision time. What am I baking this year for the holidays? Before all of the fun holiday craziness sets in (who am I kidding? it's here!), I'm sharing my list with you all today.

Last year, I did not, I repeat did not stick to my baking list at all. It wasn't intentional, but I was searching through cookbooks, scanning old recipes, and then Jessica added her cookies to the mix...I was all over the place. We were all over the place, losing track of time (and days). I always make too big of a list, we always make too big of a mess....

Go big or go home (or, in this case, get out of the kitchen), is what I say.

Pumpkin Spice Honey Cookies.
Peanut Butter Cup Blondies. (pictured above) I made these two treats a couple weeks ago as my contribution to my co-worker's holiday bake sale. I'm not a huge blondie fan, but these were decent. Of course, anything with peanut butter is, at least, decent. (see below) The pumpkin cookies were so good and perfect for the upcoming holiday, I'm making another batch for Thanksgiving.

Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies. I never made it to these gluten-free cookies last year, so I have to put them at the top of this year's list. (Sorry, Auntie!)

Black Bottom Cups. A holiday favorite. This recipe is coming, cough--a little delayed from last year--cough, so stay tuned!

Grandma Barb's Cut-Outs. I already have four batches of this special dough in the freezer, and I cannot wait to use my cute and new tiny cookie cutters. I plan to bring these bite-sized treats into work for my kiddos to celebrate the last story time of the year.

Black Bean Chocolate Chili Cranberry Cookies. My grandpa specifically requested these cookies this year. He's loving everything I'm making with black beans lately. This upcoming weekend I have to make him a special batch of my black bean burgers. I hope he enjoys these just as much.

Almond Blueberry Cookies. Ah, yes. These beauties may actually make it onto someone else's platter this year. But don't hold your breath. If you're in the vicinity when I start this batch, feel free to drop by and grab a spoon :)

Browned Butter Cookies with Caramel Frosting. Hopefully Jess and I won't get too confident in the kitchen. I'd hate to mess up these family favorites two years in a row. Unbelievable. I, err we, might be demoted.

Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Oatmeal Cookies with [Holiday] M&Ms. For Mr. B, obviously. Nothing fun about these......but it's for him. The chocolate chips were first, of course. I told him I'm only making one batch this year because "I have too many other FUN holiday treats to make." This batch is already gone. Last night he actually opened the cookie jar, Phoebo, looked inside, looked at me, and then showed me that it was empty. I added chocolate chips to my grocery list. The things I do to keep him happy.

Snowflake Gingerbread. Not a huge fan of gingerbread, but I want to give these a try.

Lucky Rainbow Chex Mix. Does this really need an explanation?

Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies. Because I love peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Cookies. Because I love peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites. Because I love peanut butter. And because of Mr. B's love affair, there are plenty of pretzels to go around.

Almond Butter Saltine Chocolate Bites. Four ingredients only. All four happen to be in my pantry right now. And these sound mouth-watering. I'm thinking they may be my father's favorite this year.

Reindeer Chow. I always wanted to make this. I'm not a huge fan of it, but I'm making it anyway!

Pistachio Chocolate Shortbreads. It's not Christmas without stocking up on my beloved pistachios, that is after I pay an arm and a leg for them....and these look very holiday-ish.

Almond Apricot Butter Cookies. I chose to nix these from last year's list. I'm really, really hoping to make these this year!

Lemon Poppy Seed Cream Cheese Cookies. I always make a citrus cookie, and I love, love, love lemon anything. My mother loves lemon. These are for us, Mama.

Giant Chai Tea Frosted Cookies. I was devastated sad when I realized I never made these last year. These are special. One batch only makes eight large cookies. So that means I will be enjoying eight cookies.

Snowman S'mores. I may just make these because I have an abundance of graham crackers over here. Build me one bonfire in the backyard and I become a hoarder.

Simple Avocado Fudge.
Some-other-special-holiday-fudge-I-haven't-decided-on-yet. Maybe my tasty Espresso Fudge.

Snowmen Brownies. Brownies. Snowmen cookie cutter. Powdered sugar. Festive.

Pet Treats. Don't forget these little ones!

As if Siamese needs another reason to think she's so great.

Ohhhh, Jessica, I hope you're ready, my dear. I promise to be even more prepared. Cookies galore.

What's on your baking list this season?

Happy Holiday Baking!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi