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By Katie Bianco, Alice Levitt and Michele Kettner
Baking Up a Holiday
I’m a savory cook, not a baker. Who am I kidding? I’m mostly an eater. But editing this article has inspired me. With my days off for Christmas, I’m going to attempt to make the salted caramel Yule Log from Sidekick Bakery. Wish me luck, I’m going to need it! – Alice Levitt, food editor/critic
Sugar Rush
My favorite part of the holidays has to be the increase in baking. Every weekend leading up to Christmas, delicious smells of chocolate and sugar fill my home. Since I’ve been staying home more this year, we have been on cookie overload. Even though it is Christmas week, I have decided to back off on the messy part of the baking process and go straight to the decorating. That’s why I’m picking up one of these cookie decorating kits that come with pre-made cookies and all of the supplies, so I can get a quick, festive treat during the busy week. – Michele Kettner, Associate Digital & Research Editor
Outdoor Fun
With young kids in the house, a simple hike on one of Virginia’s many trails isn’t always easy. Their little legs will only take them so far and I often end up with a 2-year-old in my arms. Even so, we managed to have a few successful hikes during the fall. And it got me thinking about how I want our family to enjoy all that our National Parks have to offer, especially as my kids get older and can hold their own when we hike. But for now, I’ll start prepping them with virtual experiences at the parks. Since the pandemic, NPS has added so much great content. It’s a win-win: The kids can learn about our national parks and I can start plotting our future vacation bucket list! – Katie Bianco, Editor
