Secret Santa & Cookies

Today is my first official day of vacation from work (two weeks, holla!) – but not so fast – I still have one last exam tonight! I just need to focus on vitamin B12, C, E, biotin, selenium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and niacin for another 6 hours or so (gahhhh) and I’m home free.

While I’m partial to marathon-long study sessions in the library or at Starbucks, I’ve also learned through the years that homegirl needs a break every now and then. Plus I’m convinced that taking breaks between study sessions helps me retain information (yep, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it).

Break #1
One thing I love doing when I get home from hitting the books is baking, and I tried a new recipe on Saturday from Liz’s blog Little Bitty Bakes. I basically salivate at her delicious creations every day and had to try her Nutella Cookies with Sea Salt Sprinkles. Because Nutella is the best thing ever invented, obviously.

I think I made them bigger than I should have, but they turned out pretty delicious. I made a few tweaks to the recipe, mainly because I forgot to buy all-purpose flour, sea salt and butter (oops?).

Nutella Cookies with Sea Salt Sprinkles
(source and source)

• 5 tablespoons sprinkles, 1 tbsp sea salt ( I used red and white sprinkles to be festive)
• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan butter
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Stir the sprinkles and salt in a shallow dish; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the butter, Nutella and sugar until mixed well.  Add the eggs and vanilla and stir until mixed.  In the same bowl, add the baking powder and salt.  Add the flour, 1/2 cup at at time, until mixed well.

Roll the dough into 1 1/4 inch balls, then roll each ball in the sprinkle/salt mixture to coat completely. Place two inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets and setting onto wire racks to cool completely

Break #2
I strategically planned my Sunday study schedule around a very special holiday gathering, otherwise known as the Sweat Squad Secret Santa Brunch Extravaganza.

Ali hosted the Sweat Squad – Lindsay, Meggie, Megan, Susan and myself – at her apartment yesterday afternoon for treats, presents and a whole lotta gabbing.

We fueled our present-opening and chattering with cracker sandwich things, cupcakes, cookies, some kind of saltine-chocolate creation from heaven and of course, mimosas. I had Ali for my secret Santa, and since I know my girl loves a good knee sock (and leg warmer), I think I did good.

(SmartWool socks and some cookie dough Gu Chomps)

Susan had me and I got the awesome Brooks glove/mittens I posted about the other day.

Thanks, Susan!

Before we knew it, it was almost 7:00 p.m. Six hour brunches FOR THE WIN. Next time, I propose a brunch/sleepover.

(photo stolen from Lindsay)

I’ll take any excuse to get together with the sweat squad, but adding presents, baked goods and mimosas into the mix = best Sunday ever. Laughing for six straight hours with some of my favorite people reminded me what the holidays are really about – cheesy but true. And even though the walk home from Ali’s was brisk and chilly, I had a serious case of the warm and fuzzies.

Question: Ever do a secret Santa? What’s your favorite way to take a break from work or school?