Thought of the Day
By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.
December 12th 2025
Classic Cheese Fondue
Warm, melty and rich: this fondue is a great way to elevate your table this holiday season. It’s perfect for dipping bread, veggies and more.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 8 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 8 oz Emmental or Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Black pepper, to taste
- For Dipping:
- Cubed crusty bread (sourdough or French)
- Apple slices
- Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
- Roasted potatoes
- Sausage slices
Instructions
1. Prepare the pot
Rub the inside of a fondue pot or heavy saucepan with the cut sides of the garlic clove.
2. Heat the wine
Add white wine and lemon juice. Heat over medium until gently simmering (do not boil).
3. Add the cheese
Toss shredded cheeses with cornstarch. Add to the wine a handful at a time, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion until fully melted.
4. Season it up
Stir in nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Lower heat to keep warm and smooth.
5. Serve it hot
Transfer to a fondue pot over a low flame and start dipping!
December 11th 2025
Thought of the Day
When joy is habit, love is a reflex.
KIX Kitties and K9s: Meet Picasso!
Picasso is a 6-month-old orange tabby with a big personality and an even bigger desire for attention. This boy is a certified people-lover—he wants your affection, your cuddles, your playtime… basically, your entire heart.
Because Picasso is so enthusiastic about being the center of attention, he was returned by a previous adopter for bullying the other cats out of the spotlight. He’s not mean—just a confident, high-energy kitten who wants to be everyone’s favorite. So, he’d do best in a home as the one-and-only, or with a very confident cat who won’t be intimidated by his outgoing nature.
Picasso is affectionate, playful, silly, and endlessly entertaining. If you’re looking for a bold, loving kitten who wants to be your little shadow, he might be your perfect match.
If you’ve got love to give and don’t mind a kitten who insists on being your #1, Picasso is ready to paint your world orange.
Second Chance Pet Adoptions
6003 Chapel Hill Rd., Ste. 133
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 851-8404
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings, or as a classic wintry dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 36 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. Preheat and prep
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Make the dough
Gradually mix the dry mixture into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but centers stay soft.
5. Top the cookies
After taking the cookies out of the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Enjoy
Serve and enjoy this wonderfully nostalgic dessert.
December 10th 2025
Thought of the Day
When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.
Vegetable Soup
This classic vegetable soup is warm, cozy and perfect for chilly nights. Enjoy it this way, or modify with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta, rice, or white beans
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
1. Sauté the base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the veggies
Stir in the carrots, celery, potato and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Build the soup
Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
5. Finish and serve
Stir in the green beans, corn, and any optional pasta, rice, or beans. Simmer for 5 more minutes and serve warm. Then, curl up and enjoy this cozy meal!
December 9th 2025
Thought of the Day
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Win Tickets to: Toto!
JUST ANNOUNCED! 🔥 TOTO is coming to Coastal Credit Union Music Park Raleigh on July 29th with Christopher Cross & The Romantics!
Tickets on sale this Friday, December 12th @ 10 a.m. 🤩
Part of the Mattress Warehouse Concert Series.
Contest ends Sunday, December 21st at 11:59 p.m.
Classic Crêpes
This breakfast is so delicious, it could also make a great dessert! Enjoy these classic crêpes with a filling of your choice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Filling Ideas:
- Nutella & strawberries
- Powdered sugar & lemon juice
- Cream cheese & berries
- Bananas & chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream & caramel drizzle
Instructions
1. Mix the batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Then add the eggs and milk, whisking until smooth, and whisk in the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Prep the stove
Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes for the best texture. Then, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter it.
3. Cook the crêpes
Pour about ¼ cup of the batter into the pan and immediately swirl to spread it thin. Then, cook for 30–45 seconds until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Next, flip and cook the other side for about 20–30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. Create your filling
Now for the fun part! Stuff the crêpes with your filling of choice and enjoy your easy yet decadent breakfast.