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The Lively Quadrille
In the opening scene of A Christmas Code, Lady Gwyneth Beaumont is performing the quadrille, a lively dance performed by four couples in a rectangular formation. The dance first became prevalent in France in the mid-1700s and was introduced to English society shortly after the turn of the century. It became popular in the upper classes about 1816. Many dance historians claim the quadrille was the precursor to the contemporary style know as square dancing.
You can see this energetic and popular dance performed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSD37PF2_Dw
A Christmas Code is available for just 99 cents at online retailers through the holiday season.
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My favorite Christmas cookie recipe
I have to admit, I’m not one of those talented women who can whip up a gorgeous collection of holiday treats. I don’t putter for hours on end in the kitchen and my meal-planning skills lean toward quick and simple.
But baking cookies at Christmas is such a time-honored tradition that even I had to find something that would allow me to find joy in the kitchen this time of year. My solution is Martha Stewart’s sugar cookie recipe. My favorite cookie cutter shape is the penguin, but you can adapt this recipe for any cut-outs.
If you are in search of your own family traditional cookie recipe, I hope you’ll give this 
one a try. I’ve spent many happy hours with family and friends preparing these wonderful treats!
Ingredients
• 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for surface and more if needed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Royal Icing
Directions
1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Turn out dough, and divide in half. Flatten each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Let one disk of dough stand at room temperature just until soft enough to roll, about 10 minutes. Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface to just under 1/4-inch thick, adding more flour as needed to keep dough from sticking. Chill in refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes. Cut out cookies using desired cutters or templates. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets as you work. Roll out scraps, and repeat once. Repeat with remaining disk of dough. Chill cookies in freezer until very firm, about 15 minutes.
3. Bake cookies, switching positions of sheets and rotating halfway through, until edges turn golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Decorate with Royal Icing.
Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.
What is your family’s favorite Christmas cookie recipe?
Tis the Season in Seattle
Every city has its unique holiday offerings, but Seattle’s holiday scene shines like Clark Griswold’s house in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. If you aren’t familiar with Seattle’s traditional celebrations, let me highlight a few of my favorites.
“Hop on a Holiday Duck Tour for a tradition that’s sure to put even a grumpy Scrooge into the holiday spirit! You’ll see the holiday sights and lights, hear about the holiday happenings and sing-a-long with off-the-wall holiday carols! Our Ride the Ducks Elves work all year to find holiday songs and jokes that deck the multi-denominational halls, so even if you’re just celebrating the fact that your pants still fit, this holiday experience is one you won’t want to miss! You’ll tour Seattle through the hustle and bustle of the downtown shopping district, Belltown and the Seattle waterfront, then head to Pioneer Square, where the trees don’t have lights – they’re wearing their favorite holiday sweaters!”
“Start the holiday season with this time-honored tradition (now in its 37th year!). Enjoy viewing this year’s trees and reading the inspiring stories of Seattle Children’s patients. The Festival of Trees raises funds for uncompensated care, supports research toward new treatments and cures for diseases, and enables Seattle Children’s Hospital to provide the highest quality, family-oriented care.”
“Celebrate the holiday season at Magic in the Market! Meet and take photos with Santa. Decorate gingerbread cookies with your family in the Market Atrium Kitchen. Get a belly full of laughs from performances by the Figgy Pudding Caroling Teams, right under the Public Market Center clock and sign. Enjoy Tiny’s Organic apple cider, indi chocolate’s hot chocolate and MarketSpice tea while you shop for locally made gifts.”
What are some of the local holiday attractions and events in your city?
Elegant Thanksgiving Side Dish
I love the holidays and I love to cook, but there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen slaving over a meal when the rest of your friends and family are gathered elsewhere. That’s why I look for elegant but easy recipes for holiday meals.
Epicurious is my go-to site for recipes, but this recipe is my favorite from Williams-Sonoma. It features two of my seasonal favorites: Brussels sprouts and chestnuts. I hope you’ll give this delicious recipe a try, perhaps as part of your Thanksgiving dinner or other festive occasion. It’s even simple enough to enjoy for a weekday meal!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
:
6 oz. bacon, diced
5 shallots, minced
4 lb. brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
1 cup roughly chopped roasted and peeled chestnuts (fresh or jarred)
2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 425ºF.
In a large roasting pan or ovenproof sauté pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the brussels sprouts, chestnuts, thyme, salt and pepper and stir well.
Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes, then stir the ingredients. Continue roasting until the brussels sprouts are tender, about 10 minutes more. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately. Serves 6.
Enjoy!
Authors Give Thanks
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would fun to see what authors are thankful for this year. I asked a few of my writer friends to share what they are grateful for. I hope you’ll add your own thoughts to the list.
For what am I thankful? Sunny days, good friends, books, and chocolate. But more seriously, I’m thankful for my family and friends. Without their love, understanding, and support (and hours of talking writing), I would be lost! And I’m thankful for my writing. I started late, but now I can’t imagine a day without telling stories. ~ Barbara Bettis, The Heart of the Phoenix
I am thankful for all of those in my life who have taught me to never believe in the word impossible. ~ Kelly Bowen, I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm (coming December 16)
What I’m thankful for: I’m profoundly grateful that my mother survived the stroke she suffered in October, and that I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and the ability to pursue my passion for writing full-time. ~ Collette Cameron, Triumph and Treasure, Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series (coming December 3)
I’m thankful for my retirement from the day job, which gives me time and money to write, and for the fellowship and support of my writing friends, and for my family. ~ Gail Hart, Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride
I am, as always, most thankful for my wonderful family. This year, I am especially thankful for all the support they have given me en route to the publication of my first book, Lady Elinor’s Wicked Adventures. ~ Lillian Marek
I’m grateful that I’m able to create characters and stories. And I’m grateful for all the people who read and are entertained by my stories.~ Jacki Delecki, A Christmas Code
What are you thankful for this year?