Danish Pebernødder (pepper nuts... or pepper cookies)

Pebernødder, served on traditional Danish Christmas porcelain from Royal Copenhagen

The first time I had these delectable Danish cookies was in Copenhagen, just a few days before Christmas. Thor took me to Hviids Vinstue, a 300 year old tavern where Hans Christian Andersen was known to frequent. They're known for their glög or mulled wine, which is outstanding, but I also remember the large glass bowls of pebernørdder for eating with the warm drink.  Danes celebrate Christmas better than anyone else and their traditions are long standing. Everywhere we went there were plates of cookies to be served with a cup of coffee or some glög.

Hviids Vinstue

a cozy corner inside of Hviids Vinstue

These Danish Pebernødder, translated as pepper nuts, are in my opinion the perfect Christmas cookie.  They're bite sized, not too sweet, and spiced to perfection. They're traditionally the size of a hazlenut and quite crunchy. I've tinkered with the recipe over the years to soften the cookie just a bit, and I make it just a little bit larger so you really get a mouthful of spice.

Merry Christmas

Glædelig Jul ! 

A Well Appointed Holiday Gift List

I've always appreciated the irony when, the day after giving thanks for what we have, we immediately go out and buy more.  Of course it's under the guise of gifting and giving to others, but if I'm honest there are always a few "...and one for me..."'s that find their way into my shopping baskets.

Tomorrow has been named "Giving Tuesday", and since we're well into the week AFTER Thanksgiving, I'm here to tell you, Shop til' you Drop! Below I've curated a selection of gifts for the individual who's most content when their kitchen is full of family and friends, and who's hearth is never cold. Entertaining always brings me joy, but especially during the holidays. I also appreciate the effort it takes to keep a functioning kitchen and pantry that's ready for guests at a moment's notice.

You may even find a few things for yourself in this list.What better time of the year to fill one's home with those you love, feed them good food, pour good wine.  

Nutmeg goes with everything, but especially during the holiday season.
Nutmeg Grater, in 24 carat gold

Downtime, the cookbook from Nadine Redzepi, wife of famed chef Renee Redzepi 

These are insane, and the large tin will survive the holiday season and beyond.
Italian Black Truffle Almonds

One can never have enough serverware.
Cheese Stones from Farmhouse Pottery

Set of Four Ceramic Izmir Dessert Plates

I have these, and they are dream.
Zalto Universal Wine Glasses 

Lyngby Vase 

Holiday Farmstead Box from Blackberry Farms

Bedford Tray from Serena and Lily

Ralph Lauren Nut Bowl

anything monogrammed... i love these napkins from one of my new favorite etsy shops

The very best maraschino cherries, by Luxardo

Spice Crate from Penzies - We received this as a wedding gift , and I've been buying their spices ever since.

Morning Basket from Zabars - who doesn't love a pass on breakfast, especially during the holidays?

because we can all use a bit more inspiration, Mimi Thorisson's latest cookbook

the very best truffle oil there is on the consumer market, Regalis White Truffle Oil

one of my two favorite winter/holiday candles - smells better than a wood fire, and without the soot.

the other one...equally pleasing - smells like spice and all thats nice, without being noxious.

i came across these over at Town and Country and couldn't resist -
Mr.and Mrs. place card holders by Jonathan Adler

ok, i'm borrowing this from Habitually Chic's gift list
I've just ordered it for myself,  there's very little I enjoy more than good manners
Treating People Well, by Lea Berman and Jeremy Bernard