Lens and Needle

sweet christmas treats

I love all the treats that come with Christmastime! How 'bout you? Do you have a favorite Christmas goodie? I don't know if I could choose a favorite, but I really love orange creams. They bring back memories of making them with my granny when I was little. One year we made all the balls of that delicious orange cream, froze them, dipped them in chocolate, and then proceeded to eat them all! Just the two of us. Oh boy, my mom and grandma were not happy. ;) 

Here are a few recipes I want to try this holiday season!

 

Homemade Hot Chocolate *photo via Tasty Kitchen

Hot Chocolate, not Hot Cocoa. Mmm. 

 

Spicy Gingerbread Cookies *photo via smitten kitchen

 

Chocolate Peppermint Roll *photo via Joy the Baker

When my little brother saw me looking at this, he said "Let's make that for Christmas!" I agree Ethan, let's!

 

Roasted Berry Flaugnarde *photo via Nourished Kitchen

I think this would make a great Christmas Eve morning breakfast!

 

Pain D'Epices *photo via Tartelette

 

cake balls & hello!

 

It's been one month since my last post, so isn't it fitting to jump back in with another yummy treat?

I checked out Bakerella's book Cake Pops from the library, and my mom picked up some candy melts. Add in valentine's-y sprinkles and presto! I discovered another addicting treat. Cake balls! These photos are of my second adventure in making them. It definitely takes some practice (and patience) to get them looking anything like in the book, but I think they're cute even with flaws. :)

 

 

 

 

a day of firsts

Yesterday was a day of firsts for me. I ran my first 5K, and tasted my first french macaron. I'm glad to say both were happy experience's! :-) Here are a few photos...

 
Me & my bestie Em. She is a seasoned runner (she ran a half marathon last fall!) and my running paragon. :-) Love you Em!!

 

 
I got my raspberry macaron from a local bakery. I've read a few blogs where people said they didn't like them, or they weren't all they're made out to be. But I must say this one was delicious! I'll definitely be making some soon.

 

 
The color's on my purse were so pretty with the pink of the macaron, that I had to get it in the photo too!

 

 
Mom got a Chocolate Hazelnut macaron. The filling was Nutella! This one was SO GOOD.

 

I hope everyone had a happy weekend!!

xoxo, Ashley

foodie links

• just found this blog. wow. some of those things i would like to try. especially this. mmm.
• i'm going to make these tomorrow for a little get-together.
• oh. my. goodness. you might find me toasting marshmallows in our fireplace soon.
• check out this lovely young lady's blog! beautiful photography and super yummy looking food.
• somebody get me these for Christmas.
• these too.

 

 

what is your favorite Thanksgiving dessert? do you always have 100* different kinds of pie like my family? or caramel apples? cake? let me know! i'd love to try some new recipes.

 

*i'm being sarcastic, of course. ☺