The holidays have always been my favorite time of year, even as a kid. It’s more than presents (although I do love to give gifts) the holidays are simply magical. Its a time of year when families come together no matter how busy or how far apart. I love walking into crowded stores and see people searching for the perfect gifts, Christmas music drifting through open shop doors.

In our family the Christmas traditions are numerous. The women in my family are “Deer Widows” in November and early December so we make an extra effort to get together. Thanksgiving Weekend Trips to Frankenmuth are made every year. The following day is reserved for wreath making and, my personal favorite, baking. We make all sorts of delicious cookies, candies and fudge. Even though it’s something we do every year, we don’t always bake the same things.

I’m always the apprehensive one in the group. I worry about trying new recipes that become complete flops! One of the best cooking tips I have been given was this “When trying a new recipe use classic brands and trusted ingredients to help ensure even new recipes come out great.”  I never realized how true that was. For instance my grandma swears by Crisco in her fruit pies, and we don’t buy anything but Jif peanut butter. It’s creamy taste simply can’t be beat. The holiday season is an endless inspiration for new recipes and it’s inevitable that one of us brings an exciting new recipe. Mix in a healthy Pinterest addiction and this year the possibilities are endless.

Get inspired  by season and share the love. 

What inspires you this holiday season? Is it the smell of cinnamon or the crunch of peanut butter cookies?