Christmas Tradition: Hot Wassail

First things first, Merry Christmas from the Sisters at Fry Sauce & Grits!
Here at the Craig home we have a Christmas tradition of making hot wassail every Christmas Eve. So I thought I'd share with you this family recipe -- it is the season of giving, afterall! I always grew up drinking this citrus-y drink every Christmas, and since, it has become a staple to the Christmas Season.

7 Christmas Albums to Spruce Up Your Holidays

You know it's the holiday season when you can hear The Carpenter's "Christmas Portrait" blaring through the halls at the Craig home. I think all of us sisters can agree that the sound of Christmas is Karen Carpenter's rich alto voice.  I can even remember leaping through our family room to "Carol of the Bells".
Whether you are looking for a classic Christmas album, or a more contemporary take on the carols of old, I've rounded up a list of six Christmas albums that will spruce up your holiday season.

Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

This weekend, we celebrated a milestone in our lives.  Amelia had her first birthday and we had both sides of the families come over to our house to celebrate this special day with us.  We were surrounded by those we love, good food, and it was the perfect weather for a party.  It was a reminiscent day for me.  I remember a year ago how scared, excited, anxious, and ready I felt to do the whole labor thing.  I've been dreaming of this moment my entire life to meet, hold, and love this little baby.  A year has gone by so fast.

It's a tradition on my dad's side of family to make this a particular cake for birthdays.  I remember seeing pictures of my 92 year old grandma and my dad eating this cake for their birthday as children.  I grew up eating this cake too.  I wanted to keep the tradition alive for Amelia's birthday.  

This cake is a perfect dessert for a birthday or any kind celebration because it's light and not heavy, it's easy to make, and is absolutely delicious. If a cake recipe has been passed down for multiple generations, you know it's that good. 

A Memorial Day to Remember

Memorial Day was a really special day.  It was my Dad's birthday and it was spent with family and remembering those we've lost and truly loved.  That morning we went to one of our favorite ma and pa breakfast place called Granny Annie's.  They have fried scones as big as your head and slathered with a half cup of rich and sweet honey butter, and yes I did eat one all by myself.  When you eat at Granny's you always leave wishing you brought your fat pants with you.     

After a large and mighty breakfast we visited my grandpa's grave site nearby.  Grandma hasn't been there since he died last July.  It's been emotionally overwhelming for her since my Grandpa died.  I'm glad she had enough courage to relive that sad day when she had to bury the love of her life for over 70 years.

While we visited we talked about our favorite memories of him and how he is dearly missed.  Amelia was born a month after he died.  That time was a really hard time for me because I've never had someone so close to me pass away.  I was hoping and praying that Grandpa would still be around to see his great granddaughter who is named after his mother.  What brings me great comfort was knowing Amelia got to spend some time with him before she was born.  

My little brother Cameron and my little Sister Caitlin. 

We visited my great grandma and grandpa Craig grave sites in Salt Lake.  Amelia is named after my great grandma Millie.  

I'm loving Caitlin's high waisted mom shorts she got in Germany.  

After visiting grave sites all day, it was time to relax and do what we do best, eat Craig style.

I hope you had a great Memorial Day.  What are some of your family traditions you do with your family on this day?  From now on I'm going to make it a tradition to visit my ancestors on Memorial Day.  When I die, I want someone to come visit me.