December 7, 2021

A Few of my Favorite Things

Christmas is a special time of year for my family and me. I enjoy the holiday season and the festivities, Christmas carols, foods and treats, get togethers with family and friends, candlelit church services, bright tree lights and holiday decorations. And, despite being very busy filling Pat's Granola orders and restocking our retail partners, I'm taking time to enjoy the sights, sounds 🎶 and tastes 🥄 🍷 🍭 of the season.

Here are some favorites that make this season special.

Chocolate Caramel Apples

Angela Cavotta of Cavottas Nursery in Cleveland makes the most delectable chocolate covered caramel apples. My favorite is one covered in pecans. They are a seasonal treat I look forward to each year. Worth every calorie!

Letters to Santa

Last year I visited my friend Jason Levine in the Local Flavors Shoppe in Painesville. Right inside the door was a bright red letters for Santa mailbox. It reminded me of the times when I visited the main post office in New York City during December and anonymously got to play Santa so that children and adults could enjoy a bit of cheer at Christmas. Loved seeing that box and I really miss Jasons smiling face. Jason’s dear wife Laura paid me an unexpected visit recently and it such a gift! 🎁

Christmas Ornaments

I love holiday ornaments, and these are food/cooking themed. Simply delightful. I have a couple of ornaments from my childhood tree which are carefully unwrapped each year as a reminder of past holidays. I have collected so many ornaments over the years and each one holds a special memory.

Susan’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

My sister Susans holiday cookies are one of the highlights of Christmas. She bakes an assortment, after testing out a few beginning in the fall. The winners get to play a starring role in an annual cookie exchange she and her neighbors participate in. Her chocolate chip cookies are one of my favorites. Reminds me of the ones our Mom made.

Shop Local

Holiday shopping at local stores is such a treasured past time. Whether it’s a trinket, bauble, or just a small exquisite gift for someone special, I like what small local stores offer, in terms of unique selections and personal service. So many talented artisans who offer their wares which make thoughtful gifts or keepsakes.

Some of the treasures found at the Made Cleveland Holiday Pop-up Shop on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Made Cleveland Holiday Pop-up Shop

Gingerbread House

And gingerbread houses…the ones that make you swoon and wonder “how did someone do that?” The painstaking details, the colors and decorations made from edible ingredients, no less. Makes me feel like a child again.

Grateful to be able to celebrate another holiday.

December is a very busy time for a small business like Pat's Granola. Our local partners are stocked with product and we encourage you, if possible, to visit them (listed below) to pick up Pat's Granola as well as the products or services they offer as gifts. Appreciate you shopping with us!

Pat Bennett is the founder and President of Pat's Granola, a Cleveland based food and lifestyle company. Pat's Granola is sold online at www.patsgranola.com and is also available at selected Northeast Ohio businesses including: