Happy New Year

Happy New Year my friends! We here at the Coffee Chase have been very busy with the holiday season that we have not had a moment to write. Now it's time to play catch up!

Queen City Cupcakes

Just before Thanksgiving, we visited Queen City Cupcakes in Patchogue.  I was pleasantly surprised when I walked through the door into a Victorian lovers paradise. The decor was mesmorizing. My senses were filled; from the smell of the baked goods, to the glorious decor ranging from Victorian to seaside delights. The shop has a room in the rear to host Victorian teas.

Red Velvet & Vanilla Cannoli Cupcake

Wedding Almond Macaron

The cupcakes are huge! They carry gluten free so that is what drew us in. They sell Macarons which they buy from Manhattan; pricey but delicious nevertheless. The sell assorted pies by the slice if that's what you crave. And yes! They do have a satisfying cup of coffee. Sadly the proprietor did not know the brand!

FYI,  for those who aren't familiar with the term macaron, it's not a typo. There is a big difference between macarons and macaroons, but they have a linked past. Macarons are airy colorful meringue sandwiches that the French call macarons. Macaroons are lumps of shredded cocoanut with a golden crust. When you break down both recipes, they are the same; cocoanut or almond, sugar, and egg whites. Although similar, when baked they are completely different. I grew up baking and loving macaroons, but I am definitly  now Team Macaron!                                                                                

Now onto Thanksgiving! We had an idyllic day with family and friends and all the trimmings. I made the dinner as I do each year. From Sherried Cream of Carrot Soup, the turkey with all the side dishes to the Creme Brûlée I made for dessert and the pies made by my son and brought by family. It was a wonderful day!

This is our before and after photos and me relaxing with my precious niece after dinner. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. All the giving is in giving thanks to the One who gives to us!

Next up, Christmas! I am so proud of myself. This is the first Christmas that I had all my gifts wrapped before Christmas eve! No backbreaking moments in the wee morning hours of Christmas trying to get it all done! I even bought a big beautiful Santa sack for $12.00 at Marshall's to hide most of the stash! I have so much fun shopping, hiding and wrapping. Now don't get me wrong, I do not like to go into the throngs of shoppers this time of year. 99.9% of my shopping is done online. I only purchase in store if I see something in passing or have no choice! I just love having all those packages delivered to my home. I get great pleasure out of googling coupons and finding the lowest prices!

Our Christmas table.

          Pups dressed for winter

December 23rd is my firstborn's birthday. This was his number day. He turned 23 on the 23rd! He had a little party with some friends, so this is where the holiday cooking started up again for me. As usual, I way overcooked, and is there ever too much chocolate fountain? Hmmm?  Next day, Christmas Eve, we went to my brother's house in the evening. We enjoyed a nice family dinner, buffet style, with my sister-in-law's family. And most importantly my beautiful niece who anxiously awaited Santa's arrival! 

On Christmas day, they all turned around and came to us. I made so much food again!  Pork Rib Roasts, Ravioli, Vegetables, Potatoes, and more!

Then we had cookies, so many cookies! I think my husband brought home six trays of cookies from the office. We made several dozen sugar cookies, ginger bread cookies; regular and gluten free. And chocolate fudge wreaths.

Then we had cookies, so many cookies! I think my husband brought home six trays of cookies from the office. We made several dozen sugar cookies, ginger bread cookies; regular and gluten free. And chocolate fudge wreaths

This was a big season for Christmas parties. I think I went to five including my husband's office Christmas party with my family pictured above!  Despite the hardships and the losses of 2016, this was a wonderful Christmas season.

We ended the year with our beautiful friends to celebrate the New Year; remembering their mom, wife and dear friend who we lost this year; now in the arms of her savior. We had food, fun, some tears, and so much laughter playing games ringing in the new year. May 2017 be a sweet year and May God bless you all this year!

Happy New Year from our family to yours!