The Little Things Newsletter #447 – Life, laughter, and lots of great food!

Welcome to the weekend, my friends! We decorated our Christmas tree last night (later than usual for us!) and I’m so very happy this morning as I sit here in the twinkling lights and enjoy my first cup of coffee. I’m finally feeling ready for the holidays. Christmas music is playing and I’m looking forward to a day spent mostly at home with my family. 

I’ve gifted myself a blog vacation for the rest of the year and through the first week of January. I’m looking forward to lots of sleep, delicious foods (that I won’t be photographing), and as many walks outside as I can squeeze into these chilly days. 

You’ll still hear from me on the weekends with the newsletter. And if you have questions on a recipe, please leave comments on the recipe post, so that I can help you when possible.

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Cheesy Pizza Pasta with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and onions has all of our favorite supreme pizza flavors in an awesome bowl of pasta! When you can’t decide between pizza or pasta for an Italian meal, this pizza pasta recipe is bound to make everyone happy.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a hearty soup filled with chunks of tender chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and tomatoes. Everything comes together in a creamy rich soup base that tastes like the red chile enchiladas at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

I am all about the snacks and appetizers this time of year. Creamy Caramelized Onion Dip combines the smoothness of sour cream with irresistible onions that have been slow-cooked to perfection. This onion dip is nothing like the onion dips you’ve tried before and it will leave your taste buds craving more.

And speaking of appetizers, everyone’s favorite baked potato toppings can be turned into a Loaded Baked Potato Dip that is a guaranteed hit at every party!

This Crustless Coconut Pie is an old-fashioned custard pie filled to the brim with sweet bites of coconut. Best of all, it’s so easy to make, the kids can stir it together in about 5 minutes. The coconut lover’s in your life will go crazy over it.

I made this Nutella Cheesecake Pie several times this past summer and I’m thinking it needs to make a reappearance for Christmas this year. This easy as can be no-bake pie with an Oreo crust is a Nutella lover’s dream.

Homemade Mint Ice Cream made with fresh mint is like no other mint chocolate ice cream you’ve tried in the past. It’s cold and creamy with perfect chocolate chunks and it has a softer, fresher mint flavor that just might blow your mind.

What I’m CRAVING: How have I never made Crab Rangoon at home? I have a near-embarrassing weakness for those crispy fried pockets of deliciousness. I’m putting this recipe on my need-to-try list asap!

My FAVORITE THING this week is my YETI tumbler. I use it every single day and I’ve never had a cup that worked better to keep my coffee as warm as possible. 

What I’m READING: The Women by Kristin Hannah. Sigh. This book has soooooo many 5-star reviews. I’ve enjoyed many of Kristin Hannah’s books, but this one? It just fell apart on me. I enjoyed reading the first half, the description of the lead character’s life in Vietnam as a nurse was riveting. But the second half? It was not even close to believable for me.

I finally gave up about ¾ of the way through the book and googled the ending. I’m glad I didn’t spend any more time reading this one. (And I’m certain that many of you are reading this with your jaw dropped, as the odds are good that you loved this one. 200K+ 5-star reviews and a NY Times bestseller too. It just wasn’t for me.)

What I’m LISTENING to: Warmer in the Winter by Lindsey Stirling. This is a beautiful (mostly) instrumental Christmas album and I love it. I recommend listening immediately if you aren’t familiar with Lindsey Stirling. You can thank me later.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!

Mary