Christmas Tea Party

The girls hosted their first annual BFF Christmas tea party at nana’s house. It was all things little girl sweetness! They created the menu, helped nana design the table scape, decided on games and picked out adorable party favors. They invited each 3 friends and the dress code was holiday festive. Which of course meant that Peyton needed her crown!

The little ladies snacked on fancy chocolate covered strawberries and easy finger foods like grapes, crackers, cheese and chicken nuggets while they sipped their tea aka hot apple cider. Nana brought out the fine Christmas china to make the table extra special.

After tea, the girls personalized their aprons for cookie decorating. We made sure to add the date to the aprons so as we continue the tradition they have one from each year. How fun will it be for them all when they are in high school have their aprons from all the years past?

We couldn’t love this little bunch of beauties more! They are all sweet, fun and always up for a girly good time! Big thanks to the best nana for helping make the day so magical!

Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

  I've adopted Chocolate Crinkle cookies as our family's official Christmas cookie. I know, very dramatic! I just think they are the prettiest little things!  Not to mention, they are beyond delish. Like a fluffy brownie!  We make a whole assembly line of these beauties and have fun wrapping them all up for our neighbors.  A couple years back, we topped them with crushed candy canes and stacked them in mason jars with pretty ribbon.  Last year, I scored some adorable galvanized buckets from the dollar bin at Target and layered them inside.  This year, I found some sweet,snowflake adorned baking dishes and we are wrapping them up in fluffy cellophane and blue glittery bows.  It's all in the presentation!  I included the recipe below for these babies! 

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

you will need: 

4 oz unsweetened chocolate , chopped

1/4 c unsalted butter

4 large eggs

2 c granulated sugar

1 t vanilla extract

1 1/2 c all-purpose flour ( plain)

1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 t salt

1 1/2 c (9oz) mini semisweet chocolate chips

 1/2 c powdered sugar

to make: 

Combine the unsweetened chocolate and the butter in the top of a double boiler pan or heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water and stir until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. 

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on med. speed, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light in color and thick, about 3 minutes.  Add the melted chocolate mix and beat until blended.  In a bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and beat until blended.  Mix in the chocolate chips.  Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours.  

Preheat oven to 325

Rol rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar to coat completely.  Arrange the balls on baking sheets about 3 inches apart.  

Bake the bookies for about 13-17 minutes or until tops are puffed and crinkled.  Let cooked cool on baking sheet on wire rack for 5 minutes.  

recipe adapted from Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen by Georgeanne Breannan