Holiday baking is in full force in my kitchen.
It has become a tradition to bake and decorate cut-out cookies for the holiday season while watching utterly cheesy, although delightful, holiday films.
This year produced a trio of cutout flavors—classic sugar cookies, chocolate sugar cookies, and gingerbread cookies.
The entire process typically takes place over three days (one to mix up the dough, another to cut-out shapes, and a third to decorate). 
While continuing the cookie tradition seems like such a good idea in the beginning, after six straight hours of decorating, I’m ready to toss in the pastry bag.
Yet, I persevere.
The cookies are not for me. Boxed up and wrapped in ribbon, these cookies are shared with friends, family, and coworkers alike—a gift of holiday cheer.
My grandmother’s holiday baking features a smattering of sprinkled, chocolate dotted, and powder sugar dusted cookies, but her standout dessert is a classic chocolate cream pie.
For fifty years, the pie has made its appearance at the holidays, right after the food has been eaten and the dinner plates have been cleared.
It has grown into a family favorite, beginning with my father’s obsession when he was young and gradually capturing the hearts of the rest of the family.
Now we argue over who gets the largest slice.
Traditions form the bedrock of holidays. Baking cookies (and eating pie) is one I hold dear.
Without dusting the entire kitchen in an immovable layer of flour, the holidays would somehow feel a little less spirited.
Have a happy holiday season, dear friends.
Chocolate Cream Pie is a rich, sweet dessert to be shared.
Chocolate pudding is made with whole milk and thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch.
A baked pie shell is filled with the pudding and chilled to set.
Just before serving, each slice is topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Use your favorite high quality chocolate for best results—the chocolate flavor is bold. This pie is a great choice to serve after dinner with friends and family.
Source: Chocolate Cream Pie
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