It was not long after I began dating Alex that I met his extended family. I was instantly welcomed into their world and their Christmas celebrations. For me, Christmas is the most magical time of year, and when family and friends are surrounding the fire, the table is glistening with dinner and drinks, and stockings are hung waiting for cheer, any sadness or sorrow is temporarily forgotten. Spending the holidays with Alex’s family has taught me about the magic of this season. Every aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling, and pet has become a very special part of my holiday experience, and I can no longer imagine spending these special times without these incredible people. Thank you to all of them for showing me the true meaning and spirit of the holidays.
Thank you to my incredible culinary and creative team at Prime Publishing. Megan Von Schönhoff, my photographer. Chris Hammond, Judith Hines, and Marlene Stolfo, my culinary test kitchen geniuses. To Brant Janeway, Erica Martirano, Jaclyn Waggner, and Justine Sha, for helping to get these books out into the world and into the hands of home cooks everywhere. Thank you to Stuart Hochwert and the entire team at Prime Publishing for their support. To word masters and editors Bryn Clark and Jessica Thelander. And to my amazing editor and friend, Kara Rota. This book was a team effort, filled with collaboration and creativity that reached no limits.