Some links in this email are affiliate links- if you click through and purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.*

Hi Reader,

I received a number of emails from last week's letter about dealing with long winter days - it's good to be a part of a community that's encouraging and helps you know you're not alone.😀 A big thing I was reminded of was the power of music to lift our spirits and I need to make more time for music in my life!

And a number of people join me in focusing on the good - like the sunshine and couple of 60 degree days this last week, plus this other huge thing I'm grateful for:

A friend came over and helped Brian install the metal roof on my long-dreamed-of side porch!😍 It now is a close match to the front porch, although the slope didn't allow me to take a photo that shows it well.

There's obviously still a lot to do, but we're that much closer. I can't wait to have this space to cook, eat, and relax on - and to be able to finally use the kitchen door, lol.

December Dinner Ideas

Here's a week of easy dinner menus from December's Menu Ideas (a full 4 weeks), especially chosen to be quick and healthy to provide a bit of balance this month. 😀

1. ​Fast & Easy Curried Red Lentil Soup, green salad with homemade vinaigrette, Easy Artisan Bread​
2. Rotisserie or Slow Cooker Spiced Whole Chicken, Simple Corn, Pepper & Onion Saute (using frozen corn & peppers), Baked Tasty Rice​
3. ​Greek Style Shrimp & Orzo, green salad with balsamic vinaigrette​
4. ​Sausage, Bean & Greens Gratin, Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese salad (using frozen beets)
5. Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce, green salad with homemade vinaigrette​
6. ​Homemade pesto pizza or make-your-own-pizza bar for a fun meal if you have guests.

Easy Christmas Candy & Goodies

These are the things that are super popular with people, but don't fit in the cookie category. Most of them also use only a few ingredients and take minimal time to make, so are great for last minute parties or gifts (just pack in a jar or dollar store bowl).

• ​Easy Caramel Corn Recipe + Moose Munch Variation (No Corn Syrup, No Thermometer) and the peppermint version: Easy Peppermint Caramel Corn Recipe Without Corn Syrup​
• ​Quick Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles Recipe​
• ​Easy Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Balls (Honey Sweetened, Dairy Free)​
• ​Classic Cream Cheese Mints with Dark Chocolate​
• ​Easy Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters – Low Sugar, 3 Ingredients​

Your Holiday Checklist Week 8

​The Holiday Planner (click for immediate download) can help anytime you start. Here is week eight's checklist to help keep us on track.😀

This is when you really notice the benefits of planning a little ahead - only a few things to do!👏

From The Blog

​25 Sweet & Savory Christmas Breads​ 25 of the best sweet and savory Christmas bread recipes for simple, seasonal holiday loaves for brunch, dinner, appetizers, and homemade gifts. RECIPES HERE!

​Lentil Curry Soup In A Jar​ Easy soup in a jar gift with a hearty lentil curry soup mix. A budget-friendly, homemade recipe that’s simple to assemble and cook. HOW TO & RECIPE HERE!

​Favorite Grated Baked Carrots with Lemon & Garlic​ Simple yet amazing baked carrots made with grated carrots, lemon, and garlic is a quick, healthy side full of flavor and nutrition. (And by amazing, I mean my daughter has asked for this for her birthday dinner!) RECIPE HERE!

A Few More Things

I'm listening to this cute, lighthearted story about a lonely woman who finds a place to belong in a small English village. No stress, no worry, just a nice listen where you pretty much know how it will turn out which is just about perfect right now.😀

​This inexpensive faux-leather notebook was recommended by an author I follow and I'm super impressed! It feels so great and has an index and areas to number pages with a back-cover envelope, not to mention the thick, nice pages. I'm giving some as gifts, they are so nice.

I'm so grateful to have this space to share with you - thanks so much for reading and here's to a great week! 💜

Know someone who'd appreciate this? Forward it along!

Remember it's easy to save recipes on An Oregon Cottage! Just click the heart when browsing to save your personal favorites! TIP: when you click on the link, it will take you to my site - click the heart like you see here to the left - it will be on the bottom right on the site. A pop up form will come up for you to create an account (or sign in if you already have). You need to create a password for this account (no info is kept besides your email) and then you can save all recipes and articles to this account and access it anytime to remember what you want and choose what to make!

*You can read An Oregon Cottage's full disclosure policy here.

Do you love these emails? To get an email whenever I post a new recipe or article, click here.