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Practicing Gratitude with a Little Extra Sweetness

Last Updated 12/4/2024 • Posted in Southern Holiday, Food and Drink, Recipes

A festive holiday season is most often equated with indulgence and lots of glamor. It’s an exciting time and a welcome break from our daily routines and responsibilities, but amid all the parties, festive outfits, and holiday shopping, we sometimes tend to lose sight of the deeper meaning of the holiday season. Are we really making the most of this time or thinking about the idea of giving beyond the material gifts?

Everyone gets involved in the holidays in some way, whether by attending annual office parties, exchanging gifts with friends, or going all out and hosting a special family meal. These important connections should be about celebrating the values that bring us together in life, such as generosity and gratitude.

The break from our daily routines means plenty more opportunities to celebrate with our loved ones by gathering and vocalizing our appreciation for one another. It’s important to take the time to thank the ones you love for their presence in your life. Did you know that practicing gratitude regularly can make us happier by increasing our mental health? Allow that to be a reminder to integrate it into our lives year-round and not just during the holidays or other special occasions.

Food is still the common thread that brings us all to the table. Right? When you get in your kitchen this season, try these new recipes, and indulge in all the celebration foods. These will sure impress your friends and family. It will also make them grateful to be part of your life. Take advantage of this time together in the kitchen and give your loved ones the gift of appreciation, a gift we all deserve to experience.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1-3/4 stick unsalted butter, softened

½cup sugar

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cornstarch

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1- 1-½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon water, if needed

Directions:

In a stand mixer bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, beat well.

Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, corn starch, cinnamon and salt, gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the pecans and chocolate chips. Add tablespoon of water if needed. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for 30 mins to an hour. Drop by tablespoonfuls, I like to use a tablespoon sized cookie scoop, 2 inches apart onto greased onto greased or parchment paper lined baking sheets.

Bake at 350° for 9-10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Cool on pans for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks

White Chocolate Toffee Mousse

Ingredients:

1 quart heavy whipping cream

1 box white chocolate pudding mix

1 bag toffee bits, with or without chocolate, reserve some for garnishing

1/4 cup caramel sauce

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the wire whisk attachment, beat the whipping cream, caramel sauce and pudding mix until stiff peaks form, do not over beat. Gently fold toffee bits into the whipped cream with a rubber spatula, making sure to scrap the sides and bottom until well combined.

Serve as a dip, a cookie or a cake filling.

To assemble the mini cookie cakes pictured, pipe or spread some of the toffee mousse on top of one cookie, then place another cookie on top of the mousse and top that cookie with more mousse. Top with caramel sauce and toffee bits or you can add another cookie and repeat the steps until you have as many layers as you want.

You don’t even have to stack them. Just pipe the mousse on top of each cookie, garnish and enjoy. Try this with any flavor cookie. Omit the caramel sauce and toffee bits and as long as you use a good quality chocolate, this will be the best white chocolate mousse. I’ve used it for years as a filling for my cakes.