Christmas | Rachel's Table

Church on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2013 by rachelocal

Church has been a substantial part of my life since I was born. I attribute this to being the daughter of a pastor. In keeping with this life-theme, it seems as if every time my husband and I take a vacation or a weekend trip, we end up in a church. Not because we attend a Sunday morning service, but because if we pass by, we are compelled to go inside, especially if the church is beautiful with stained glass […]

Categories: Random • Tags: Christianity, Christmas, church, inspiration, life, local, photography, religion

The Tenderloin of Christmas Past

December 19, 2013 by rachelocal

When I think of my own Christmas Pasts, these images float before my eyes… My older brother and I sit in front of the Christmas tree. He’s smiling and exclaiming while clutching the perfect gift: Atari. I’m mirroring his excitement as I gaze in wonder at the pink box of an Easy Bake Oven. I’m a few years older now and wearing a bright color-blocked skirt layered over puffy black tulle. My feet are clad in the sweetest pair of […]

Categories: Recipes, Winter Recipes • Tags: Christmas, dinner, family, food, friendship, holiday, life, nostalgia, video games

Hope Floats

December 11, 2013 by rachelocal

Last week was a little intense over here on the blog, so I’m bringing some fun to the table today. In the form of beer. And ice cream. Because no matter how bad life gets or how much stress the day brings, hope floats. And so does ice cream. In a glass of beer. I present to you, faithful readers, the perfect remedy for your winter blues, or better yet, the ideal no-time-to-think-about-it, last-minute dessert for a holiday dinner. Hope […]

Categories: Breweries, Recipes, Winter Recipes • Tags: beer, Christmas, cocktail, dessert, food, holiday, ice cream, inspiration, life

I’m Dreaming of a Bacon Christmas

December 24, 2012 by rachelocal

I can just hear Bing Crosby singing THESE words to one of my favorite Christmas songs… I’m dreaming of a bacon Christmas With every shopping trip I take Where the pork is double smoked And everyone knows Thick cut is no joke I’m dreaming of a bacon Christmas With every breakfast menu I plan Where the bacon fat glistens And everyone listens To hear that sizzle in the pan I’m dreaming of a bacon Christmas Just like the ornaments Jules […]

Categories: Fall Recipes, Recipes, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Winter Recipes • Tags: bacon, breakfast, Christmas, food, holiday, humor, life, poetry

Christmas Came Early

December 20, 2012 by rachelocal

I must have been very good this year because I already got what I wanted for Christmas – Freshly Pressed! Merry Christmas to ME! And here’s a Christmas present for YOU: a peek at my Christmas card entry for the Holy Sheet Holiday Giveaway contest hosted by Go Jules Go and The Byronic Man. (Both have amazingly creative and funny blogs–give yourself a gift and check them out.) The objective was to make a card depicting what the holidays really […]

Categories: Giveaways, Random • Tags: Christmas, freshly pressed, humor, life, photo collage

I’ve-Overindulged-One-Too-Many-Times Red Lentil Stew

December 17, 2012 by rachelocal

You know the lyrics… It’s that time of year when the world falls in love. Every song you hear seems to say…. Eat pies. And cake. Now try this ham with maple glaze. Wash it down with some fudge. This time of year is TERRIBLE for healthy eating. Cookies, pies, meat-heavy dishes, hot chocolate, copious amounts of red wine, and cheese plates are everywhere. Making good choices is difficult and overindulgence becomes a habit. I’ve overindulged one too many times […]

Categories: Fall Recipes, Local Stores, Recipes, Winter Recipes • Tags: Christmas, food, health, holidays, life, locavore, Whole Foods

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A Winter Wonderland at Terrain

December 7, 2012 by rachelocal

I’ve heard good things about Terrain, a store and cafe in Glen Mills, PA. My brother raved about the coffee; my sister-in-law sent me iPhone photos of the home decor; a friend ranted about the seasonal offerings in the cafe; and my mom found her bliss in their white Cinderella pumpkins. The husband and I traveled the scenic route through the Delaware and Pennsylvania countryside and arrived at Terrain’s busy parking lot in only 30 minutes. As we walked through […]

Categories: Gardening, Local Stores, Restaurant • Tags: Christmas, food, holiday, life, local, photography, shopping, terrain, urban outfitters