Holiday Treats

Happy Holiday!  This year's festivities have been sweet and mellow.  Just the way I prefer them.  Good company, kitchen time, music and cats have made this weekend memorable and fun.  Here are a few shots of our treats:

Dark chocolate with pistachios and dried cherries.  Easy, pretty, delicious.

Pumpkin whoopie pies.  I added fresh grated ginger to the filling.  Mmmm.

Lower Fat Banana Bread from Veganomicon.

Chocolate Chip Pistachio Cookies from The Joy Of Vegan Baking.

 Matching aprons.  The gun is made of kitchen utensils.

 Watch out veggies! 

I'm feeling very grateful for all of the love and goodness that I get to experience not just on the holidays, but every day.  I was touched and inspired by Gena's post,  where she talks about remembering the animals who are suffering this season.  Sometimes it's hard to feel good about the luxuries of my life knowing that innocent animals are subjected to pain every day in order to feed and clothe humans.  I don't mean to get all gloomy on Christmas, but it's a topic that I wanted to mention.  I'm grateful to all of you who do your part to avoid consuming animal products.  That's the best gift that I can think of.  I thought about it too late this year, but next year I'm going to ask my family to gift me donations to no-kill shelters, animal sanctuaries, and rescue groups.  No gift would make me happier. 

On a lighter note, I hope your holiday weekend has been nice, full of good times and happy memory making.