Happy Monday to you!  I had somewhat of a busy weekend in getting the house set up, eating multiple family dinners for Christmas as well as opening presents.  All in all it was an awesome weekend.  Almost back to the grind but one more day off.  This week is going to be super busy but I think I am ready for it.  Upcoming I would like to do a zesty house post, some baking and try to catch up on all the blog consulting work I am so far behind on (so sorry for this).

Zesty Does a Campbell Soup Project

I was selected by the great folks at goodbite.com to do a video for Campbell’s soup.  I will share some more details when I have more to share but as far as I know I will be doing a video recipe using a flavor of campbell’s soup as the feature ingredient.  You will be able to vote again for my recipe and hopefully I win this time!

Holiday Celebration

Well as you know – I love to eat.  This year was another great year of eating at the Christmas celebrations.  I took a few good shots that I will share with you.

Turkey and all the trimmings

Killer Sweet Potatoes w/ Brown Sugar and Butter

Not a great picture but these creamy whipped potatoes were truly a star

I love Dressing

Turkey and all the trimmings - another angle

On the plate in addition to the pictures above were some nice parsnips, buttered carrots, a yummy homemade cranberry sauce and some mustard pickles.

As you can imagine, we spent most of the weekend with family and visiting.   In our free time we have been setting up the house and playing my new addiction – sudoku.

Do you love sudoku?  If so let me know.  If not, tell me that too.  Have an awesome Monday and I will talk to you tomorrow.  Leftovers are on tap for tonight.

Take care

zesty

What a weekend! Talk about running around like a chicken with their head cut off – that was zesty this past weekend.  Oh my, baking, cooking, shopping, wrapping, playing, eating and entertaining.  I feel like I could sleep for a week but where’s the fun in that?

Contest Winner

Lets get the day started with our contest winner! After a very strong response to my giveaway post for a $100 Amazon Gift Card we officially have a winner.  Between the comments, email subs and link backs, there were 556 entries.  The random number generator popped out 486 which corresponds to:

Sheri L. (mplum1128)

I just want to say Congratulations to Sheri and thank you to everyone who participated. It was a lot of fun seeing all the comments and link back as well as new subscribers. Stay tuned for another giveaway in January.

Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 lb. butter
• 1/2 c. cornstarch
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 cups Flour

Method

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Beat all ingredients except flour until fluffy.
3. Add 3 cups flour.
4. Mix well and drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet. ( After dropping them from a spoon, I just put some batter in a piping bag and pushed out the little pattern on top).
5. Bake for 15 minutes.



6. ENJOY!

Zesty’s Holiday Decorations

So I thought I would share with you some photos of the house decorated.  We just got the tree on Thursday night and decorated on Friday.  The tree is ok but not one of our best.  Oh well – as long as it stands up and looks decent .. no one will notice.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Cards and Ornament on the WIndow Sill

Snowman in the Corner counting down the days!

Snowman on the wall.... just hanging there

Garland and red beads wrapped around the Staircase

Zesty's Tree - unlit!

One of four stockings and another trinket

Oh Yes! Another stocking

Snowman Stocking! My Fav

More Garland in the Kitchen

More Garland in the Kitchen II

WOW, That was a lot of pictures. I hope everyone enjoyed the pictures and the shortbread. It’s a must try as they melt in your mouth. Have a great Monday and enjoy the holiday season.

Take care

zesty