Christmas with Nannacakes!

The tree in our home is simple.  We decorate it with love, memories and other happy things.  We don't worry about matching colors or fancy ornaments.  In my house, the tree is a tribute to memories of the children growing up.  The decorations we love most are made with little hand prints and macaroni noodles.  I put lots of poinsettias into my Christmas decorating as well.  They have always meant "joy" to me.  They really make me smile.

This year, Emily and Owen made their own ugly Christmas sweaters.  I hear tell that they were the big winners in the contest at the party they went to.  I think they did a spectacular job making their crazy, ugly sweaters don't you?

Joslyn attended the big 8th grade Christmas dance.  She rocked some pretty great gear for this gig.  Her pug sweater had some awesome jingle bells on it and her hat was just plain awesome!

The best Christmas news was the news that Emily, Alex and Owen shared with the world in their Christmas cards.  Emily is expecting a baby June of 2019!  That's right folks! Nannacakes is getting a new duckling!  I couldn't be happier for them.

Christmas time here is a cookie baking marathon.  We bake with sugar, butter and love for all of our friends and family.  We don't have the money do buy folks big gifts, but I really think they appreciate the baking so much more.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pecans

Butter Pecan Cookies topped with Candied Pecan

Chocolate Fudge Cookies topped with Milk Chocolate

We made so many different kinds of Christmas cookies this year.  It would take quite a bit to picture them all here!  Our favorite are the sugar cookies for sure.  They are decorated with the love and laughter of children.  I don't worry about how perfect their presentation is.  I think only of the wonderful time I got to spend with the kids when we made them.

Sugar Cookies 

In this new year, please remember that love and laughter need to come long before worry and sadness.  Pay attention to the little things in your life.  Give thought to the happy moment when you held your husband's hand or when your child shared a funny story from their day.  Take the time to call old friends to re-connect.  Remember, to say I love you to those in your life.

I promise to make a special post for you about the specifics of making my "Wicked Awesome Peanut Butter Cookies" on another day.  Today, I would just like to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! 

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream

I am going to try to give honor to some wonderful family members today!  A families heritage comes from so many places in today's day and age.  For now, we are going to talk just a little about my mother's father and his family.  I take inspiration from our Mexican heritage for this recipe.

This photo is of my Bisabuela Emily Vega.  My daughter Emily is named after this woman.  She was a survivor.  She had sass and class.  What I would do to have really known her!

Bisabuela Emily Vega
Translation: Great Grandmother Emily Vega

I am a big fan of Mexican Hot Chocolate!  We are going to take our inspiration from the warm, exotic flavors in Nestle's Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate.  Since, Abuelita means Grandmother, I thought to be a good Nannacakes, I should know how to duplicate these flavors.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine 3 large eggs, vegetable oil, milk, seasonings.  Whisk.  Add you fudgy cake mix. (Devil's Food would work well here too!)  Beat together mixture until combined and smooth.

Using an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner to 2/3 full.  Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

On to the FROSTING!

One can sweetened condensed milk, one pound or 4 sticks of butter and one teaspoon of cinnamon.

We are going to combine one can of sweetened condensed milk, one pound or 4 sticks of butter and one teaspoon of cinnamon.  Beat this until smooth.

Here, I have added a malted milk ball candy and shaved milk chocolate for garnish.  It also has a dusting of cinnamon on top.

Below is my absolute favorite picture of my grandpa.  Thank you Irene Gonzalez, amazing cousin, for giving me a copy of this.  Both men, as you can see, were military.  I honor them, on this Veteran's Day, along with so many others.  I have brothers, uncles, cousins and a grandfather who have served.  My pride for them overflows.

Gran Tio Jesse, Bisabuela Emily Vega and Abuelo Freddie Vega
Translation: Great Uncle Jesse, Great Grandmother Emily Vega and Grandfather Freddie Vega

Happy Veteran's Day!