If your office or home has been feeling a little bit blah on the holiday spirit, may we make some suggestions to turn that Santa frown upside down?
First up, I made these gingerbread cookies from Martha Stewart (who else?) and they were declared a success at the office. The addition of honey means that they are the perfect mix of sweetness and spices. I didn't make Royal Icing because the idea of raw eggs freaks me out a little, so instead I just made typical frosting by adding small amounts of milk to icing sugar (aka confectioner's sugar) until it became the right consistency, followed by a dash of real vanilla essence.
And while I haven't personally made this recipe, you can't go wrong with Nigella Lawson's recommendations for luxurious and decadent desserts in the form of these Puddini BonBons (how could you not be curious about those, with a name like that?). She says "although they look like baby Christmas puddings, they taste like meltingly rich, spiced chocolate truffles." Yes, Nigella, yes please.
Once these are ready to go, turn your attention to the front door. Is it sadly wreathless? Shame on you. Why not make one of these?
Technicolor ornament wreath (instructions here).
Can't you just smell the musty shag carpet in your parents' basement, circa 1981? But seriously, how cute is this... instructions here.
And, for the love of Rudolph, if all else fails just be thankful your mother isn't Sue Johnson.