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Recipe Roundup from Anthem House Manager Amy Nelson

Anthem House’s property manager, Amy Nelson, LOVES the Holidays. With two young children at home, a love for baking up yummy treats, and a knack for festive drink recipes– we got the chance to chat with her about her favorite parts of the season. Read on to learn a little more about Amy and make sure to snag the amazing recipes at the end: Ricotta Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing and a Cranberry Moscow Mule recipe (yum!)

What's your favorite part about the Holiday season?

I have two young children (a daughter, Payton who is 4 and a son, Jacob, who is almost 2) so, for me, the best part is seeing the holiday season through their eyes. There really isn’t anything better than watching your children’s eyes light up with excitement when they see all of the magic that the holiday season brings.

Favorite Holiday movie?

Definitely, without a doubt, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I have probably watched it a million times and can recite just about every line but, no matter how many times I watch it, I still crack up laughing.

What's your most cherished Holiday tradition?

Every year, since I was born, my grandparents gifted me with a gold ornament to hang on my Christmas tree. Every year the ornament was a different theme or design so it was always so exciting to see what it would look like. I lost my grandfather in 2013 and my grandmother this past May so decorating my tree was that much more meaningful and special this year. I’ll miss unwrapping that special gift from them but to be able to have a part of them with me every holiday season is comforting.

Are you a Black Friday shopper or a last-minute gift grabber?

As much as I say that I will plan ahead and take advantage of the Black Friday deals, I am always so last minute. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime!

This is Anthem House's first Holiday season, how are you celebrating?

We have decked the halls here at Anthem House with a 12 foot tree and various other holiday décor throughout the lobby and amenity spaces. Seasonal music is playing throughout the community and the lights along Fort Avenue and Lawrence Street are twinkling with white lights. Also, our large rooftop sign that faces the harbor is lit up with various lighting shows to match the season. Aside from the décor, we hope to make the first holiday season at Anthem House memorable with our first annual holiday cocktail party on December 7^th and a Gift Wrapping party on December 19^th. We are also excited to see so many of our residents taking advantage of our amazing amenity spaces to host their holiday events for family and friends.

What Christmas Carol could you have on repeat all month long?

Carol of the Bells by Lindsey Stirling. She’s a violinist and is absolutely amazing to listen to.

What do you love most about baking for the holidays?

Sharing the goodies! I usually make several different kinds of cookies and sweets and make little gift packages up for my neighbors, coworkers and friends. I’m a firm believer that the way to a person’s heart is definitely through their stomach.

What inspired your Cranberry Moscow Mule recipe? (Yum!)

I was a bartender for many, many years before I got into property management. I love taking classic drink recipes and adding a fun twist that can subtly change the flavor profile while still maintaining the integrity of the original recipe. Cranberry pairs so well with the tartness of the lime and ginger, so it’s a great addition to an already delicious drink. Plus, the added color makes it extra festive!

What's your favorite thing about Baltimore in December?

There are so many great events and festivities happening all the time in every part of the city. Whether it’s the Christmas Village in the Inner Harbor or the lights at 34^th Street in Hampden, you can always find something going on that will satiate your holiday craving.

How will you #liveyouranthem this Holiday season?

I will live my anthem by spending lots of time with my family, celebrating old traditions and creating new ones, and toasting the end of a wonderful year with a glass of bubbly. Cheers!  

RECIPE 1: Ricotta Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing:

(Makes 18 cookies)

Ingredients

Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 tsp vanilla

2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Cream Cheese Icing

1/2 cup cream cheese – softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter – softened

1 and 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
3. Using a mixer beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add ricotta, vanilla and an egg.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, beating as you go.
6. Scoop cookies (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto your silpat lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until bottoms are golden.
8. Transfer to cooking rack until you frost.

Cream Cheese Icing

1. With a mixer beat cream cheese with butter until well combined.
2. Beat in the icing sugar until thick and creamy, add vanilla.
3. Spoon 1/2 tsp onto cookie and spread with the back of spoon or knife.

RECIPE 2: Cranberry Moscow Mule

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka
• ½ Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 4 oz. cranberry juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• Limes
• Frozen cranberries

Mix together in a copper mug the vodka, lime juice and cranberry juice. Add in lots of ice and top with the ginger beer and stir. Add in a lime wedge and frozen cranberries and serve at once.

A big, big thanks to Amy for chatting with us and, of course, for her amazing holiday recipes. Make sure you try them out and let us know what you think in the co