Recipe: Creole Kisses

As a young girl, my mother would take me to the “big city” (a.k.a. Atlanta) to see The Nutcracker at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. I’d dress up in my finest taffeta and velvet, with spiral curls and blush to boot. Afterwards we would sip silky hot chocolate at the fancy hotel across the street and relive our favorite costumes and dances. It was always a toss up between Tea and Mother Ginger. And, goodness how I envied young Clara. I would have done anything to be up on that stage.

Now fast forward twenty years (!?!). Yesterday my mother drove up to the “big city” so we could continue our wonderful Christmas tradition. I donned a sparkly silver dress and high heels, spiral curls and blush, too. After the show we headed across the street, only this time for cocktails instead of cocoa.

The ballet was just as magical as I remembered, if not better. We gushed about the carefully sewn costumes, the craftsmanship of the stage, and the exquisite orchestra music — things I never noticed as a child. Mother Ginger no longer seemed so enchanting; this time it was the Sugar Plum Fairy who stole my heart.

Not wanting the evening to end, we returned home to bundle up and share a few last laughs. Outside the snow fluttered and the wind blew. We snacked on these addictive Creole Kisses and a mug of hot wassail or two.

It’s only a shame the night couldn’t last… Until next year, that is. Do you share a special holiday tradition with your loved ones? What is it?

Related: Clouds of Sugar: Five Recipes for Holiday Meringues

(Images: Nealey Dozier)