Cacio e Pepe

This is almost as simple as you can go for pasta, and you can probably make it with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The freshly crushed pepper gives it a real kick. You can go as heavy or light on the pepper as you want.

Ugly Sweater Cookies

Every year, Jamie and I have an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. This year, about a week before, a package arrived in the mail from Jamie's aunt Patti - an ugly Christmas sweater cookie kit! It's so adorable. It's really just a sweater-shaped cookie cutter, frosting, and sprinkles, but they were a hit. I had so much fun decorating them and they fit the theme to a t. Everyone gobbled them up.

She got the mix at CVS (I found this expired link googling) so you may be able to still get them! Such a fun alternative to the usual stars, bells, trees, and snowmen - though I do love those, too.

I love Christmastime, and so does Petunia.

Carrot Soup with Dukkah and Yogurt

This is a very simple soup that is jazzed up by the yogurt and dukkah. The dukkah adds a great spice and the cool, tart yogurt is a nice texture in the soup. 

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into slices

1/2 qt vegetable broth

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp turmeric 

Pinch cayenne

Low fat greek yogurt