Merry Christmas
From the very, very depths of my heart-that-gets-sappy-this-time-of-year, I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.
Thank you for your kindness to me.
Thanks for coming back day after day.
Thank you for leaving comments and dropping emails (the not mean ones, of course).
Thanks for making the recipes I post and sending me your favorite recipes.
Thank you for doing the things you do that you don’t know you do that keep me blogging even when some days I want to stop.
Thank you for helping make this a fabulous year.
I’ll see you on the other side of the holidays with some new, great food. In the meantime, I’m taking a deep breath, unplugging from literally everything electronic invented in the last century, and maximizing every second I have with my family this week. The tender feelings of the holiday season rush back year after year and I’m always left with that same desire I wish I could bottle and remember all the time: there are very few things that matter in my life and I want to hold onto both of them, my family and my Savior, very tightly.
73 Comments on “Merry Christmas”
I am probably out of the loop completely but I’ll risk embarrassment to ask what happened to the thing where I can save the recipes I like and menu plan?
Christine – Ziplist is pulling out of blogs. I am exploring other options to replace Ziplist, but want to make sure it’s the best one before implementing on my site. In the meantime from what I understand you can create an account at epicurious.com to access your currently saved recipes and I’ve heard paprika is a good app to use for individuals wanting to save recipes online. I hope that helps!
Mel, thank you for putting so much effort into a food blog we can turn to time again for straightforward, non-fussy, GOOD food! You are my first stop when looking for a recipe, whether it be for a family meal or something to bring away. All the best to you and your family in 2015!
Best wishes for the new year, Mel! Thank you so much for all the work you put into this website. You are my favourite food blogger!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God bless. My family and I have enjoyed several of your recipes. Your site has been a big help.
Mel, I appreciate your blog–and your Christmas priorities of family and Savior resonate with me. Thank you for shining forth with your faith!
You are so dear! Recently my husband has been saying, “so who is this Mel that you keep mentioning ALL the time?” I always say you are my favorite food blogger, but that hardly describes the influence you have on others! Thank you not just for your food (oh that food!!!) but for your optimistic, kind, energetic, persevering, non-obsessed-with-technology way of blessing others through sharing your many talents. What a mission you have! Thank you especially for the reminder of what truly matters. Sorry to be all gushy:) you are loved!
What a simple and beautiful post. It was refreshing to hear it so sweetly put. I would like to thank you for posting. I don’t know how you do it, but I am here on the other side reading every word.
Have a great weekend.
And thank YOU for all the work you put into this blog to share such amazing recipes. There’s a reason we keep coming back 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones!
A lovely post—-it’s been my pleasure to follow your blog. A very Merry Xmas to you and a most Happy New Year.
Please don’t ever stop! 🙂 I LOVE your blog, just recently discovered it and it has helped me rediscover my enthusiasm for cooking. You have made a difference in my kitchen. 🙂 Merry Christmas, thanks for what you do!
Merry Christmas to you! And thank you for your wonderful site. I’m a fan.
Amen and Merry Christmas Mel! Thanks for a great year 🙂
Warmest holiday greetings from Canada … You and your beautiful family are a delightful addition to my daily routine … And your recipes always work out! Thank you for sharing your humour, knowledge and creativity …
Merry Christmas, Mel! I absolutely LOVE your site. It is my go to place for everything yummy. Thank you for keeping our mealtimes interesting, and for all the work that you put into making this blog fabulous. Enjoy the holidays with your family!
You have summed it up best .. The place to go for yummy!
please don’t ever quit your blog! You are the best blog, hands down!! Thank you for all you do! Merry Christmas, and I love that you are going to unplug! I think I am going to follow in your footsteps and do the same!
Merry Christmas Mel! We love you and your site!!!
Mel,
Your blog is the only one that I visit. You make real food for real families. I check your website every day (have done so for the past 3 years) and have made many many of your recipes. I live in Israel and have had to make many substitutions because not all of the ingredients are readily available here – but still, if there is a new recipe made in the house, it’s always from your site, and it’s always good. Keep up the good work! Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Mel! If you stop blogging, I will stop cooking. Please don’t do that to my family! Love you!
Merry Christmas! You are ALWAYS my go-to site for recipes!
Merry Christmas, Mel. You deserve it. And if you ever decide to stop blogging, it would be a sad day for all of us, but I would totally support you in it. I have marveled over and over at the amount of work you put into this and have wondered just how you do it all with 5 kids, especially when I’m drowning with just 3! You’re an amazing woman, and as long as this blog didn’t shut down, we’d all be able to reference things for years. I mean, there’s enough recipes on here to last all of us for months! And by the time we got through all of them, well—we’d just start at the beginning again! 🙂 By no means is this intended to be rude At ALL…I just know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and you have to do what’s best for you. You truly ARE a rockstar. Have a WONDERFUL family Christmas. You are a very great lady! 🙂
Merry Christmas, Mel, to you and your family!
Love to you from Springville, Utah
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your blog is one of the best out there for good, usable, delicious recipes and I love the way you write! Thanks for keeping it up because I know there is a lot of grief and tons of hard work involved.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for working so hard helping us all look great in the kitchen! I can only imagine how much work it all is. Our next few days of eating are officially “sponsored by Mel”. Thanks for making our Christmas so yummy!
Merry Christmas Mel! This is called the season of giving but you share so many wonderful recipes with us all year long. Thank you!
Mel, you are the queen of food blogging! Thanks for sharing all your great recipes and cooking tips. My friends and family all tell me I should start a food blog, but it’d just be a link to your blog because that’s where I get all my magic cooking powers! Haha.
Could I request that you make an actual cookbook? I’m always afraid my internet is going to crash when I’m in the middle of cooking. I’d feel so much better having a hard copy of “Mel recipes” in my kitchen.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Amen to that!!!
Merry Christmas to you! And I am echoing what everyone else is saying. Yours is hands down my favorite food blog. Your recipes are awesome in that they are delicious, well written, clear, etc. And they are uncomplicated and use real ingredients that aren’t crazy. You are so real and sincere in what you do. Your blog is my go-to when I need a recipe and I get compliments and requests all the time. I’m sure it isn’t easy to keep going with a busy family life, but we love you for it!
Hands down yours is my favorite blog as well. Thank you for your time and creativity! I hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you are!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I’m glad to have discovered your blog this year. Your baking efforts have made my life much tastier.
Hey virtual friend-making the cinnamon rolls tomorrow for a get together:) thanks for all the great recipes and sharing them. I vote for a cookbook for you!;) merry christmas
Thanks for another year of fabulous recipes and for being my “go to” website when I need to make something GOOD!! In fact, I just finished baking your French Bread Rolls……this is the second batch of them this week!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Merry Christmas to you!!! I get all sappy during the holidays too and your post made me tear up! Thanks for all your hard work!
Merry Christmas Mel! I love your blog and am so happy I found it earlier this year. Just wanted to mention that for the family Christmas dinner I hosted this past weekend, every single dish was one I read about on your site. Bacon-wrapped chicken, mashed cauliflower, honey-lime fruit salad, and Chocolate pots de crème. Needless to say, dinner was a huge hit, and I was, as you say, a rock star! Lots of Love to you and your family.
Merry Christmas Mel! Thank you for a great year and yummy recipes/menus! Can’t wait for the new year and the new recipes.
Merry Christmas Mel!! thank you HUGELY for all you do- you are so appreciated in our home! Off to stamp out your sugar cookies. . then make the 7 layer dip… then the pretzel bites. .and then the monkey bread . and the breakfast bake thing… and on and one!! Thanks to YOU – our holiday will be delicious!! XOXOXOX
Rachel
Thank you for the non-fussy, family-pleasing, oops proof, REAL FOOD recipes. Always a pleasure making your recipes!!!
Merry Christmas Mel!
Merry Christmas Mel!! Thank you so much for sharing your talents and recipes! I love what you said- there are few things that matter most in life and you want to hold them both tightly- your Savior and Family. Amen!! I love that. I shall do the same!
Who takes pictures when you are in the photo? I love all your pix.
Thanks for being so generous with your talent & your recipes, Mel! Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes, Mel! And for being a super talented food blogger, who still makes us ordinary folk feel capable!
Amen! Well said. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Enjoy this precious time with your wonderful family.
Thank you Mel! Have a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones. I read your blog every day and I just love it and your cute, upbeat personality!
Merry Christmas, Mel! Your blog is such a blessing. Your recipes are amazing and so dependable. I visit your blog every day! Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing with talents with us. Have a blessed Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mel! Thanks for your delicious recipes! I make at least 3 of your recipes a week. Most of the food we eat comes from your site, and you are famous in my family!
I have to add my voice to the others and tell you how much I appreciate you. Yours is the only food blog I follow and my family knows you by name. 🙂 What I love is not only delicious, healthy (okay, maybe not the desserts) recipes, but also your fun, witty style of writing. You are a treasure! Merry Christmas to you and your precious family!
I’m a long time fan, and why anyone would send you mean emails is beyond me. Enjoy your break!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Mel! I go to your site almost everyday and have enjoyed making so many of your recipes. Thank you for the time you take to share with the rest of us. Enjoy this time with your beautiful family.
Merry Christmas, Mel! Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes, video tips, advice and gift ideas. Your blog is the first place both my husband and I check to find recipes. We have made many! Enjoy the unplugged days with your family!
Merry Christmas to you! Yours is the only food blog I have sent to my inbox. I love so many of the recipes you’ve posted, and I am especially grateful for the ones that have been permanently added to my own recipe box. I’ve changed a lot of things about the way I cook because of following your blog. And your writing is so great, too! It’s interesting and clever and funny. I can’t say enough good things about your blog. Thank you! Merry Christmas!
I am a devoted, faithful reader who is guilty of rarely commenting; however, I wanted to be sure to let you know how much I absolutely adore your blog and all of your delicious recipes! I’ve made more of your tasty concoctions than I can count, and my family and I thank you for filling our table (and dessert platters) with treasured favorites. Your culinary knowledge, way with words, and honest humility are true gifts. Thank you for using your talents to bless others through your blog. Merry Christmas, and enjoy your well deserved time off to relish in the two most important treasures (faith and family)!!!
Merry Christmas. Thank you for blessing my life by sharing your talents.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Your blog is one of my favorite places to visit, thank you.
Merry Christmas! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your website! I love the recipes I try and your happy words you add along your recipes. I come here whenever I need a new recipe and I send friends here all the time to make some of my favorite recipes I now use from you. Thanks for blogging! Thanks for being so happy! And Merry Christmas again!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thanks for another year filled with delicious recipes 🙂
I never, or rarely, ever comment on blog’s but!!
…I love your website so much and your recipes have become such a part of my families that I just had to take moment to THANK YOU! for all the time and effort you take -( the pictures and tutorials are great) . ~ Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas is my wish for you and your beautiful family~
Merry Christmas Mel! Thanks for all your wonderful recipes and tips! This is my favorite recipe blog. The one I always check first! I hope your holidays are truly wonderful and the memories you make stay with you through the coming year.
You are the best Mel, for reals and I mean that! I love this post, I love your blog and I love you even more. You are amazing at what you do and you touch so many people. You keep life in perspective among all your craziness and you inspire me in so many ways. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know you and your amazing family. Merry Christmas!
May you have the Merriest of Christmases. My whole family has enjoyed the benefits of your blog. I tell so many people about it too. So keep it coming in the New Year.
Merry Christmas to my favorite food blogger. Thanks for helping me fill my table with delicious food day after day! You are the best.
Thanks, Mel, for your blog. I have always loved cooking and your blog always inspires me to do things that I normally wouldn’t do. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas!!! We have been enjoying your cranberry salsa, thank you for the recipe!!
Merry Christmas Mel to you and your family. Thank you for being a part of my little Canadian family with your wonderful site with delicious recipes! Unplugging is the way to go and will be doing the same here!
Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family. I’ve been reading your blog since day one so I feel like you’re part of my extended family. Thank you for testing and sharing all the great recipes you’ve posted! You have touched many lives through your food. My father passed away this past year and because of your yummy recipes I was able to cook with confidence for him and my mom the last three years. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Yours is one of my favorite food blogs and I always look forward to seeing what new recipes you have posted. Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing holiday with your family.
Merry Christmas to you too! Thank you so much for making cooking such a fun and adventurous endeavor again, I look at your blog every single Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I have tried so many of your recipes ( and enjoyed them) that I cannot even count them. Thank you ! Thank You! Thank You! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas, Mel! Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us. You never let me down, whenever I need a recipe yours is the first place I check! I too plan to savor this season and bask in the joys of the holidays with my young family. I wish you a splendid holiday and blessed new year!
Merry Christmas! Love, love, love your blog! You have single handedly transformed the way I cook. Enjoy the time away from technology and staying connected to your family this week. I look forward to seeing what you have for us in 2015!!
Hi Mel. I haven’t commented before, but I started following your blog over a year ago, and am so glad I found it. Hope you enjoy the holidays with your family and I appreciate all that you share here. My family has enjoyed many of your yummy recipes.
Mel, thank you for a wonderful year full of fabulous recipes and the best posts! We are so lucky to have you, the best of the best, sharing recipes and other fun tidbits with us. Wishing you and your adorable family a wonderful holiday season and new year!
Thank you!! Thank you for my renewed joy in cooking. Cooking used to be boring and the same old, same old. Since I found your blog earlier this year, I have made so many new recipes, and found that I enjoy my time in the kitchen making them. My family and friends ask where I got this or that recipe, and it is usually always a recipe you’ve posted. I check your site several times a well to see if there is something new for me to add to the menu next week. That you for making it fun to feed my husband and three kids while I work too.
Enjoy your time with yours. 🙂
Merry Christmas Mel.I am so thankful for your site. So many of your great recipes are now part of MY holiday tradition. (pumpkin cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, etc.etc.) Have a great holiday with your family!