Hey you!

Today is the last Sunday chat of the year, but it's also the last official Sunday chat.

Sunday Chat started out on a total whim and became something that people looked forward to every week. I looked forward to it every week too! It was a time for us to chat and connect in a different way.

It is how I have spent every Sunday morning for the past year and a half, almost two years. Which means it's also how I have spent every Sunday morning for the past year and a half.

'Tis time to retire the Sunday chat. When you do something for that long, it starts to feel formulaic. Don't worry, we'll still chat whenever it feels right. I just want to make sure it stays authentic and genuine.

I just wrapped up this year's Christmas Advent countdown which was 12 Days of Edible Christmas Gifts. It's been fun, as always! I love adding a little silliness into the mix.

Everything is always filmed ahead, so what you don't know is that while all of that has been playing out on social media, I've been extremely busy working on a project you'll see in January.

I'm doing "Just Cook January" where I'm going to help you skip the takeout, the drive-thrus, and the convenience meals and choose to stay at home and just cook. Let me help you rein in that grocery budget with easy dinners that are budget friendly.

31 recipes with 31 videos to go along with them, all starting January 1.

And before all that goes down? Well, I'm taking off on a YOLO trip with my family for the holidays. After so many years of being sick and travel being limited and complex with my health and a wheelchair....we're going on an epicly grand adventure to make up for lost time and live in the moment while it is here for us. Any guesses where I might be headed? You'll find out soon!

The hint I'll give is that I'm going to a region of the world where it's one of my absolute favorite cuisines, but it's not a cuisine that I generally develop recipes for.

So while Sunday chat may be ending, you can see there are plenty of adventures for us to share together via the internet. And they will hopefully be even better than ever!

See ya later!
​
Rachel

These are so easy to keep in your freezer, slice off a bit, and elevate your cooking. Add to steak or other roasted meats or veggies. Make a quick slice of garlic bread, or spread a cinnamon butter on your pancakes and waffles. They are also super cute for gifting!

Give the gift of a nostalgic, old fashioned Christmas treat with almond roca. No, I don't make it complicated by having you form into little rolls. It's perfectly delicious in "bark" form too, and so much easier to make that way!

Wrap up all the delicious flavors of gingerbread in a chocolate coating? Sign me right up! I'm in! These have been a staple Christmas treat in our house for more than a decade.

The whole house is about to smell like Christmas making this one! It's actually perfect for the entire cold weather season and I have to admit, I quite enjoyed having a slice of this every morning for a couple of weeks as I tested it to perfection.

Head to the bulk bins at a place like Winco and whip up your own homemade spice blends on the cheap. I have a strong preference for making my own blends because you simply get better flavor that way with more control. Not every taco seasoning mix tastes the same, after all!

I saved my mom's favorite for last with Honey Roasted Caramel Corn. I have you make your honey caramel sauce, then slow roast your popcorn over an hour which makes for the perfect crunchy, never soggy caramel corn with honey roasted peanuts mixed in.

Finally, here's a roundup of holiday baking favorites to keep the yummy treats coming! Beautiful breads like star bread, brownies, pies, and more!