I have a bit of spectacular news to share today, news that means this holiday season will be the best ever.

I realize I said that last year, but this year really, really, really will be the best. 

The Queen Mother and Dad (aka Il Grande Formaggio) are coming to Texas for Christmas. Can y’all believe it?

I know, I know, I’ll stop now…

But I’m so excited, because this is our first Christmas in Austin. And even though we’re not in our permanent home, I’m going to deck these halls and make it super festive. I’ve got my lists started, the decorations pulled, lights untangled, and extension cords everywhere.

Now if I can just keep Dyna from chewing the aforementioned extension cords, everything will come together perfectly.

Of course, if she bites down hard enough while they’re connected, maybe that will teach her not to do it.

This could be interesting to watch…

Double Chocolate Cookie Cake – adapted from Cookie Madness

The original recipe was written so that the dough was divided between two 9″ pans, and frosted with buttercream frosting. I made it in one pan, and left off the icing. I imagine (and I will test this theory) that this dough will make really good drop cookies, as well as the original cookie cake it was designed for.

• 8 tbs. unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup extra dark chocolate chips