"I'll be home for Christmas, You can plan on me..."
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. It's the holiday that brings my family together. The house gets decorated with vibrant red poinsettias, stockings all hung with care, and ornaments collected over the years.
On my Parisian vacation, I purchased a set of beautifully handcrafted Christmas Russian nesting dolls which now adorns the family faux fireplace mantel.
It's a tradition that has been passed down from one of my closest Aunts - collecting cherished ornaments with sentimental memories and living the spirit of Christmas in our family.
"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."
Another childhood memory that revolves around Christmas is that of hot, roasted chestnuts from the local farmer's market. I loved to crack open the chestnuts with my nails, peel the shells from the rich and soft nutty center, and pop each little morsel into my mouth. I especially loved the roasted flavors that really seemed to warm you up during the winter months.
So when I found the above chestnut street vendor in Paris, my nostalgic senses overwhelmed me and I bought a big bag for five euros. It was such a treat!
"Hey Santa, can you bring me something sweet..."
But an even sweeter treat was in all the wonderful chocolate shops all along the city. I must have stopped in all that crossed my way, including my new favorite - Pierre Herme.
There was a line out the door for artfully crafted chocolate treats and holiday macaroons. I happily carried home a box of colorful macaroons sandwiched in pastels and a variety of exotic flavors like White Truffle.
I preferred this package of "Mendiants Chocolat Noir" - also known as Beggars Dark Chocolate discs with candied dry fruit and nuts. The citrus peel and sweet, sugared ginger were a great complement with the rich, smooth chocolate and crunchy textures of hazelnuts, cashews, and pistachios.
After having one small chocolate disc, I could not help but have another. And another. Until they were gone.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas..."
But the best part of Christmas is not about all the decorations, the good eats, or the presents under the tree.
It's about being with the ones you love and giving more than you receive.
My special treat to my family this year are these homemade Chocolate Christmas Sparkle Cookies. Soft and light, these little cookies are flourless and taste more like airy, truffle goodness. Here's the recipe shared from a friend:
Chocolate Christmas Sparkle Cookies
From the LA Times
+ 1/2 pound semisweet chocolate
+ 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
+ 2 eggs
+ 1/3 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
+ 3/4 cup ground almonds
+ Powdered sugar, for extra sparkle
- Melt the chocolate with a double boiler. Remove from heat and cut butter into the chocolate. Mix until melted. Set aside.
- Beat the eggs with a mixer and gradually add the sugar until ribbons form. Fold in chocolate-butter mixture. Gently add the ground almonds. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or spray for non-stick.
- Form dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in granulated sugar and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart and immediately place in oven.
- Bake until center of cookie is no longer wet, about 10-12 minutes. When slightly cool, lightly dust powered sugar on cookies.
~ BoLA
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