From butterball cookies to family memories and unforgettable meals, this season is all about sharing moments that warm the heart.
There’s something about the holidays that brings everything full circle. The smell of cookies baking, the twinkle of lights, the sound of laughter echoing through the house; it all reminds me how special this time of year truly is. Growing up, some of my fondest memories were made in my Nana’s kitchen. Every December, she’d tie on her apron, pull out her worn recipe cards and fill the counters with bowls of flour, sugar and butter. Butterball cookies were always my favorite (soft, crumbly and rolled in powdered sugar until they looked like little snowballs). Her kitchen was warm, filled with chatter, music and that unmistakable holiday energy. Those moments around her counter were filled with love, and they’ve stayed with me ever since.
Now, years later, I find myself carrying on that same tradition in my own kitchen. My mom and I gather with the kids, mixing dough, sneaking tastes and baking enough cookies to revive the cookie exchange we used to love so much. There’s something wonderful about the chaos of it…powdered sugar everywhere, laughter bouncing off the walls and the scent of cookies filling every corner. For me, these are the moments that make the holidays meaningful—simple traditions that remind us where we come from and who we share them with.
This month, we wanted to share that same spirit in our pages. Our Grazings feature celebrates holiday cookies and the traditions passed down for generations. Because baking, much like the holidays themselves, isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. It’s about stories told over mixing bowls and the joy of creating with love.
And if you’re still searching for the perfect holiday gift (one that feels personal, memorable and uniquely Fort Lauderdale), look no further than our DINE Fort Lauderdale dinner series. Running from January through May, this five-course wine-pairing experience features some of our city’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Timpano, The Capital Grille, Truluck’s, Morton’s and The Grateful Palate Catering & Events. Each dinner is an evening of incredible food, expertly paired wines and lively conversation shared around the table (a celebration of the culinary excellence that makes our city shine). It’s a gift that goes far beyond wrapping paper: one that gives the joy of experience, connection and indulgence. You can purchase tickets through the QR code below or on our website. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to treat someone special—or even yourself—this season.
As we close another wonderful year, I’m filled with gratitude for my family, our readers and the Fort Lauderdale community that continues to inspire and uplift us. Whether you’re baking cookies, hosting friends or simply soaking up the spirit of the season, I hope this month fills your home with laughter, love and maybe a little powdered sugar.
