You may call this forthcoming weekend the last shopping weekend before Christmas, but around my house, we call it HOLIDAY BAKING WEEKEND!

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So, if I am anything…

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I am an EXCELLENT baker.  Yes, this may come as a big ‘ole shock, but I really am quite good.

Everything  has to be just right: the freshest ingredients, the best spices, organic eggs…whatever it takes to produce the Yummiest of the Yummies!

I’m also a bit of a traditionalist. I really enjoy baking classic holiday desserts, like these:

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My sweet husband LOVES gingerbread cookies, and those who know me, know that I LOVE icing.  This recipe is the perfect combination for both of us.

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I always looked forward to receiving a big tin of peanut brittle from my Grandma. This recipe is pretty darn close to hers.  She also used to make an awesome banana puddin’ pie.

neiman cookie

Ok, I’m really just sharing this for any of you who may have forgotten the story of the leaked Neiman Marcus original $250 chocolate chip cookie recipe.  It used to be such a scandal ~ now it’s just a darn good cookie recipe!

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I can seriously make a mean red velvet cake.  8 layers has been my max. Here are 10 decadent red velvet dessert recipes‘Ya all come on down!

panettone

This is a fun little version of the classic PanettoneDid my husband just mumble something about a muffin top?  Surely he is only talking about this dessert.

candy cane cheesecake

You’ve got to have something with candy cane, right?  Try out this White Chocolate Candy Cane Cheesecake.

rum ball

But my All Time Most Favorite Holiday Treat is the Rum Ball.  Rum, brandy, bourbon…whichever you prefer.  Bottoms up!

Now, if these weren’t enough to actually tempt you to break out your baking ware ~  perhaps one of these 45 recently compiled Holiday dessert recipes will.

Happy Baking Everyone!