Things I am LOVING Take 3

These are a few of my favorite things...

Imagine the song from Sound of Music, because that is what is going on in my head right now. I am also happily skipping around the apartment, wishing that somewhere someone is out there still looking for a Christmas gift for me.

If so these are some options.

Owl Cookie Jar

I love cookies and have come to the conclusion that I need a suitable storage container for them.  Plus it is called Wise Ol' Canister.

Le Creuset Honey Pot

I find this so cute.  I don't even use honey that much but having this on my counter top might convert me to a daily tea drinker.

Wild Squirrel Peanut Butter Variety Pack

Can you go wrong with flavors like Pretzel Pizazz and Bright Eyed and Bushy Tail?  In case you were wondering that means Pretzel Pizazz has honey and pretzel bites mixed in and Bright Eyed and Bushy Tail includes dark chocolate and coffee. 

M&M Cookies Christmas-Style

Nothing more than all of the posts on Monday about The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap showed me that these cookies are lame.  Completely unimaginative.  But you know what? I am OK with that.  I love M&M cookies.  They put a smile on my face. I cannot really explain with any more reasoning other than I just simply enjoy them. For me they are like the classic chocolate chip cookie. You don't need the extra fancy goodness, of nuts or coconut.  No need to stuff them with Nutella, peanut butter, or spiced cream cheese filling.  Just the plain old M&M cookies.

Christmas M&M Cookies
Adapted from Nestle Toll House

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups M&Ms

Directions
Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in M&Ms. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Fort Kent, Maine

I am going to Fort Kent, Maine today.  It was a long 10 hour drive yesterday.  We have about an hour left.  There is snow. Who ever said travel was glamorous did not travel to Fort Kent. Parts of the drive were beautiful but there is snow and I would rather be in my own bed.

The big meal of the week was Sunday's lunch of salmon. It was the most wonderful cut from Whole Foods.  I tend to do very little to salmon when I make it. Just a bit of salt and pepper.  I guess you could say this was a step up because I added some garlic gold too. 

Clearly we have not gotten away from the classic meat, starch and veggie plate set-up. I feel like we haven't gotten into a dinner rut again.  Not that I am home all that much for a meal but we are literally repeating the same three meals each week.  It's getting old and not very nutritious.  I think the most variety we are eating has been from cookies.  Ops!

What is your favorite go to, quick meal?