Here’s how it goes… I know that we don’t make a lot of time for ourselves- whether we have kids or a full time job or nagging parents. But sometimes it doesn’t take a lot of time to show yourself, or your special someone you care. Read about the tale of this Christmas:

‘Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the house
all the kids were all screaming about Santa the Claus.
When all of a sudden your weekend was here,
but what would you make for just you and your dear?
You see, Dave and I rarely go out to eat,
but we love to make special treats and I’ll give you the deet…s.
On a particularly busy weekend with nary a minute in sight,
we sprang into action without a plan- what a fright!
With the holidays afoot, and our ages steadily climbing, I decided it would be an OK night for imbibing.
Some decadent pumpkin soup
and using heavy cream in a loop,
We made a dessert nog,
that left us two in a happy fog.
Follow the simple steps below for your own holiday cheer,
and know I am keeping your family in my thoughts this New Year.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

For 4-6 servings, you will need:
1 large can (29oz) puréed pumpkin
1 c heavy cream
2 c vegetable broth
2 T dried parsley
1 T garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

* In a large soup pot mix all ingredients with a wooden spoon until well blended.
* Heat the soup until just before simmer.
* Serve topped with shredded gouda cheese and a slice of cranberry and asiago cheese bread. mmmmmmm.

Homemade Eggnog

For 8 servings, you will need:
6 egg yolks
3/4 c sugar
2 c whole milk
1 c heavy cream
1 t nutmeg
1 t vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Rum

Put all ingredients in blender and mix until slightly frothy and evenly combined.
Chill.
Serve topped with cinnamon (or with a cinnamon stick!) and a single shot of rum, if desired.

Raw egg yolks can be considered a health risk. Be sure to keep your nog chilled at all times and use with-in 24-hours.

We chose to pair our nog with a treat from Whole Foods Market: Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. Yes, they are as amazing IRL as they sound in written word.