The Merriest of Merriest!

The cards are mailed. The gifts are wrapped. The tree is decorated.

And the cookies -- lots and lots of 'em! -- are finally baked.

I'm trying different varieties this year from Thomas Keller's new book.

I also picked up an exciting new book from America's Test Kitchen.

Are there going to be enough?

Love the vibrancy of chopped pistachios!

Tada! Fennel-Pistachio Cookies

Linzers

Lemon Snowdrops

Sour Cream Cookies with Apricot Filling

Rugelach

Speculoos

The menu is also all set for Christmas dinner. (Hint, hint: It's John D'Amico's feature in my book!)

Roast Duck Breast with Cherry Glace de Viande & Sweet Potato Mousseline

 Plus the desserts are all done, including a wonderfully drenched Chocolate Rum Cake for my husband's birthday (which was on the 23rd)...

 And for Christmas dessert, a 15-Layer Crepe Cake with Orange Diplomat Cream...

 As well as a modern Buche de Noel!

 But the absolute best and most important part of all is going to be...

...being together with every single one of our beautiful children and precious grandchildren on Christmas Day. There is truly no greater gift than this.

Wishing you and your loved ones the most blessed and joyful Christmas ever!