Merry Christmas
From my little corner of the world to yours, I want to wish you a very merry, peaceful, joy-filled Christmas.
Thank you for being here. For creating a supportive, hilarious, inspiring, wonderful community that has surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed of when I started this blog ten years ago.
I was just commenting to Brian the other night that there’s no way on earth I’d still be blogging if it wasn’t for the “best readers on the planet.” And I really mean that.
I love all of your guts so much. I feel like we are friends in real life (is that weird? do I need to get a life?).
As one who knows how busy (and overwhelming) life can get at times, I appreciate that you check in, that you make the recipes, that you comment and let me know your experience, that you tell me funny things (I legit have snorted water out of my nose reading some of your comments; lesson learned: don’t drink water while blogging), that you email me your grandma’s aunt’s cousin’s favorite recipe, that you support me in all my crazy recipe endeavors, that you are here (some of you are still here after years and years and years).
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And if you’ll allow me a moment to get even more sentimental, I have to express the gratitude I feel this holiday season as I reflect on the birth of that sweet Christ child so many years ago. I have such a deep and immense gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for all that His life and sacrifice mean to me.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, I do in my life would matter if it weren’t for Him! The fact that He loves me unconditionally and shows me through 1,000 tender mercies every single day is hard to comprehend (and sometimes acknowledge and accept). But I am so grateful that His love centers me, motivates me, changes me.
From the bottom of my heart (and in the most non-cliche way possible), again, I truly hope that each of you have a Merry Christmas.
I’ll be taking a few weeks off from posting new content (something I rarely do) to spend time with my family, travel to the mountains for a bit, and hopefully come back refreshed, well-read, well-fed, and ready to dive into 2018!
I can’t wait to start a new year with all of you filled with killer new recipes (and a few fun surprises!).
I absolutely love you, Mel. And have felt that we were close friends from the the time I discovered your blog. You inspire me, not only with recipes, but with your tips on motherhood and life. Thank you for giving me something to always look forward to. I look forward to reading your new recipes, tips, etc. and also trying the new recipes. You give my time in the kitchen (which is a lot when cooking for a large family) excitement. Thank you for all you do. I know it must be tricky at times to do an awesome blog and take care of your family. Merry Christmas and enjoy your vacation!
Thank you so much, Jennifer…I appreciate so much what you shared. It’s reasons like that I’m still plugging along! Happy holidays, friend!
You are hands down my favorite food blog. Thanks for continuing to post and Merry Christmas to you too!
Thank you, Loni!
I love all your recipes, and I love that I know if it’s from your site, it’s going to be good! For the first time ever, I’m trying a new cinnamon roll recipe this year (I’m very loyal to my mom’s recipe, which I think is identical or nearly identical to Gloria’s), and your breakfast casserole will grace our table as well. I even recommended it to my sister without trying it yet. 🙂 THANK YOU for all you do and for putting up with all my questions through the years. Almost every time I get asked for a recipe, it originated on your site. You’re the most visited site on my google page. Have a very Merry Christmas!
I hope your holiday menu was AMAZING, Laura! Happy holidays!!
I hardly ever comment, but you are my very favorite food blog!! I know your recipes are always very well thought out, and our family has reaped the benefits. I really appreciate all the notes and tips you give in each post.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year ahead.
Thanks so much, Molly!!
You’re the best, Mel! And I love that you love the Lord! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Becky!
Ah Mel, Merry Christmas to you, too. Is it too cliche for me to say that you have changed my life? Truly, boosted my confidence and daring in the kitchen. When I have a bad day there is always something entertaining to read and delicious to make. There really aren’t sufficient words. So, the best I can do is to say thank you, for all of it.
That gave me chills in the best way, Angela. Thank you so much for sharing that with me! So glad you are here!
Merry Christmas Mel! I can still remember searching for a tried and true recipe for sweet and sour chicken and stumbling onto your blog so many years ago. It’s the best! You and your recipes have truly developed my love for cooking and baking. So grateful for you and your example and all the yummy food!
I’m so glad that epic recipe brought you here! Your comment made me so happy. Thank you, Myranda!
Merry Christmas to you as well. Thank you for all the amazing recipes you share with the world. Especially cheesecake recipes. Hope you and your family have a great holiday season.
Yes, especially cheesecakes! 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful blog and delicious recipes. I always look forward to what you’ve posted. My family knows if it’s from Mel, then it must be good. My husband even knows to look at your blog if he’s searching for a recipe. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you so much, Lori! Hope you are having a great holiday season!
Thank you, Mel, for sharing the very best recipes, for your funny, witty commentary that goes along with the recipes, for making me feel like a rockstar in the kitchen, for the best gift guides (I can’t tell you how many I’ve bought from them just knowing they’d be great—“cause Mel recommended it!” (Yep, I really have used that line with my husband before ), and for all your hard work! Your blog is THE BEST and I like to think we’re real good friends…even though we’ve never met. Ha! Enjoy your break and have a very Merry Christmas with your family!
You are so awesome, Angie – thank YOU!
Thank you, THANK YOU, grazie mille to you and Brian and the kids. Buon Natale!
Love your guts, Jenna. And miss you like crazy.
Wishing you and your family the merriest of Christmases! I first started following your blog about 4.5 years ago when I had moved to China and was looking for cooking blogs with from-scratch recipes. Though I live back in the US now, you’re still my go-to and I do refer to you in conversation as my “friend” Mel and all my good friends and family know who I’m talking about . My roommate contacted you about me being a big fan and I got the spoon from you yesterday and was so excited. She had told me she had a big surprise coming for me and I had no idea what it was, but when I checked the mailbox and saw a package from Idaho, I thought “Mel lives in Idaho!” Thank you for your recipes – but even more so thank you for your kindness and generosity in sharing your life, labor and love with us all. Many blessings to your family his holiday season!
Oh yay, Anna! You got it! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mel, and enjoy your well deserved break! I’m so grateful for all the time you put into this blog and we love so so so many of your recipes. I feel the same about our Savior and I love when people are brave enough to put it out there for all to see. Enjoy your family!!
Thank you, Madison! Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas! And thank you for most of my family’s favorite recipes. I’ve been following since 2009 and feel like your are one of my good, reliable, friends. I probably look at your blog 5+ times a week since then. I live in Dubai now and when I gave some caramels to my neighbor, of courses she asked for the recipe. Apparently, she ( from Ukraine) follows you as well and recommended a few of her favorites from your site to me. I got so excited that she also loves your blog and we have a mutual ‘friend’ and I had to remind myself that i don’t actually know you. I wish you the best and hope your family had a wonderful Christmas!!
What a small world, Sherry! So grateful you’ve been here for so long. Thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas to you also! As many others, I love your website, your recipes and your generosity and encouragement. Thank you so much for all you do!
Thank you, Jennifer!
7 years and counting of you making me a rockstar in the kitchen! 7 years and counting of me spreading the gospel of Mel’sKitchenCafe! Everyone knows when they ask for a recipe, “is it Mels?” Of course it is 🙂
7 years! I love that!
Very well said, Mel. I love that you not only have the best recipes with the best tips and hints and fun to read style, but also share your faith in Christ in the same style. Merry Christmas!
That means a lot – thank you, Melissa!
I’m relatively new around here. I found your site this past year and have now made countless of your recipes. Oftentimes, when I need a particular recipe I’ll just search up “Mel’s Kitchen [insert recipe]” just to see if you have a version because I know i’ll Like it if you do. And thank you for sharing your love of Jesus Christ with all of us. He is the center of my world as well and i’m So grateful for Him. Merry Christmas and enjoy your well-deserved Break!
I’m so glad you found your way here, Lindsay! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I tell myself that you and I would be thick as thieves if we knew each other. You are inspiring to me in many ways. Thank you for your wonderful blog!
Thank you so much, Rachael!
I feel like we are real life friends too, even though I rarely comment, I check your blog for inspiration many, many times a week. I need to pass along The few remaining favorite recipes that aren’t in your blog, because having all of my recipes in one place is more concise any than digging through old recipe boxes! Have a very merry Christmas!
Haha…yes! Send them along! 🙂
Merry Christmas! Thank you, thank you for your wonderful recipes! I have been making your recipes for a couple of years now and have never commented before, but wanted to tell you that your recipes never let me down! Whenever I don’t know what to make for dinner, I go straight to your blog. I now have my mom, grandma, and sister in law making your recipes too! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I appreciate you taking the time to comment, Allie! That means a lot. Thank you!
Dear Mel,
Merry Christmas to you. Just today I made the twixster cookies. Last night I made Cilantro rice bowls for company. I too love your guts. Thank you so much . You make cooking fun and new. Have a wonderful rest and enjoy your darling children and husband.
Love both of those recipes! Merry Christmas, Susanne!
Merry Christmas, Mel! I am so happy you’ll be having some time with your family and nature this holiday and taking a few weeks off. This is wise and wonderful; we’ll be fine with your fab archive and welcome you back later next year. Thanks for your creativity, sense of humor, and commitment to sharing yummy chow. All the best to you and your family.
Thanks, Tina – I’m excited to have a little “refresh” session and get back to blogging in a few weeks! Merry Christmas!
The merriest of Christmas to you Mel and your family ! Enjoy all the yummies that’ll be on your holiday table!! Thanks as always for all the amazing recipes you continue to post on your blog!
Enjoy your family and again, a very merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, Linda!
What a beautiful family! I can’t believe how Cam has grown (and I can’t believe I’ve been following you so long that I can say that!). You’ve done so much for me and I appreciate it more than I can express. Have an amazing Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Marci! 🙂
Love this!! I love your blog!! 🙂
Thanks, Sandee!
A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You and Your Beautiful Family !! Thanks for being here Mel! You make life better!!
Thanks, Helen!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing your food and your life. You have become such a part of my family that my sisters and I can just say “Mel said” or “Mel’s recipe” and we all know who we are talking about. Haha! There’s 16 kids between us so lots of mouths to feed and enjoy your recipes! I’ve been reading your blog for 5-6 years. (It started with a friend pointing me to your homemade bread tutorial.) Thank you! And have a wonderful break from blogging!
P.s. I was surprised by another cinnamon roll recipe! I thought you already had the best recipes posted! I started making your giant cinnamon roll recipe a few months ago and everyone who has tried it declares it the best ever! My husband says I can’t try any new recipes it’s perfect. Maybe I’ll have to try the Yukon ones without telling him. Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Maria! And I know I’m a little overkill with cinnamon rolls. I just can’t stop! So glad you love that giant cinnamon roll recipe!
When did your kids get so big?? Your family is adorable! Thank you for your testimony of the birth and divine mission of our Savior. I love him, too!
Just wanted to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and thank you for the amazing service you provide to all of us! I’d say 90% of what I make comes from your blog, and I have recommend your blog to many people.
I also want to say Merry Christmas to all of your readers. What a wonderful group of people! I appreciate the comments and the camaraderie 🙂
Mel, you are a beautiful daughter of God! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I love seeing your comments, Sheree. Thank you so much for your kindness!
Aww, love you too!! Well, not just me, the whole family does! Every single new recipe I try I hear, “Mom, is this Mel’s?” 🙂 They know the good stuff. My 7 year old just can’t understand that we aren’t friends in real life!! Thanks for all the hard work! Merry Christmas!
Haha, that’s so cute, Laura! Thank you!
Love your blog, you never fail to entertain me either!!! Merry, merry Christmas and a very joyous, healthy and safe New Year!!!
judi
Merry Christmas, Judi!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Thank you for this wonderful post.
Soak up the holiday cheer and know that your food will be cooked and enjoyed in many a holiday kitchen this week.
You are wonderful Mel!
I appreciate that – thanks, Kate!
Love love love your blog. Thanks for the joy you add to the planet.
Thanks, Jill. 🙂
Mel, Thanks for sharing your stories, insights, recipes, and helping to light the world! It’s a nicer place to be with you in it!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Thank you so much!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! Enjoy your break!
Thanks, Diana!
Thanks so much for your recipes and blog! We just had a fondue party for our holiday lunch at work–your cheese and chocolate fondues are the bomb! You’ve become part of our holiday tradition! Enjoy your time off!
Oh, I love that chocolate fondue!! Thanks, Amy!
And to YOU and those 5 little cuties and the one larger cutie, a very Happy Christmas (isn’t it cool we can all say Christmas this year!!)
See you in 2018.
Jane Shipley
Coeur d’Alene
PS: Jackie Murray is my pen name online but I’m really Shipley from North Idaho! 🙂
Thank you, Jackie!
You’re the greatest! I love your recipes and humor. I have been following your blog for 9 years and have become a better cook and baker with your help. We are on first name basis with you around our dinner table. Thanks for sharing your recipes and love. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I love that you’ve been around so long, Dora! Thank you!
Mel! You are one of my best friends on the planet! You just don’t know me yet! I use your recipes so much that I am constantly talking about you, and I’ve bought so many games that you recommend too, I’ve been telling my husband an awful lot lately, “well Mel loves this” or “Mel recommended this”! Truly, truly I am so grateful for you. Not only does my family love your recipes, but like I’ve mentioned before, you just shine through your writing and so we all do know you and love you! You are a true blessing in my life! And I honestly often think that I wish I was your neighbor! You give so much of your time and talent to this blog ( and I honestly don’t know how you do it!) I know you are making huge sacrifices of your time to do this, but know how much I appreciate you, love, not only your recipes, but just hearing from you too! You are the best of the best Mel! Merry Christmas to your sweet family!
Love,
Josie Robison
I always love hearing from you, Josie! Thank you for always being positive and kind and loyal! I’m grateful for you!
I’ve been reading your blog since I became a new mother 9 years ago this month. We were so poor at the time and I made everything from scratch. I still remember my husband coming home from work and amazed that I made bread bowls from scratch because two years before as newly weds he did most of the cooking. You gave me that confidence! You’re the best, I’m so glad you’re still blogging. I’ve literally said melskitchencafe about 20 times this week to different people referring to something I made or am going to make for the Holidays. Merry christmas!
I love this, Shante! You are amazing!
Oh Mel. We are friends in real life. We just haven’t met yet. Sometimes I talk to you more frequently than my 3-D friends. Happy Christmas to you and yours. You are more than a blogger to me. You are a funny friend and sister in Christ.
Beth! I just love you. Thank you, thank you. 🙂
Merry Christmas! You have a beautiful family. Thank YOU, for being a lifesaver in the kitchen. Your blog is the BEST.
Thank you, Jo!
Our whole family isn’t better fed because of the gift you share. I am grateful for your work in putting forth so many wonderful recipes. As so many others have said, you are a household name and friends and I constantly share “oh Mel just posted a recipe for…have you made it yet?” I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with puzzles and games and good food, but more importantly, family and the hope and peace made possible from the Savior.
Same wishes for you, too, Stacy. Thank you for being here!
Mel, around 9-10 years ago I stumbled onto your site when I googled ‘best banana bread’. We were in food hostage by our preschooler eating separate little piles of plain chicken, cubed cheese and toast soldiers. When we found your site- our lives changed and here we are 10 years later with a 10 and 14 year old who eat every single thing we make- and our meals are exclusively Mels! From my Bosch to our griddle to every single recipe we make – you are life changing and we rely on you daily! Love you and sooooooooo thankful!
You are a total long-timer and I LOVE it, Rachel! I have loved hearing from you over the years. Thanks for still being here!
I’ve been following your blog for about 4 years now. I can honestly say not one of your recipes has ever failed me. If I ever need a recipe I search your blog before anywhere else because I know you only share the best! I want to thank you not just for your recipes but also sharing the little snippets of your life outside of the kitchen. It makes me feel like we truly are friends. If we ever crossed paths I’m pretty sure I’d just introduce myself and proceed to ask you for a hug. I’d love to just hang out with you in your kitchen for a day, helping prepare some yummy goodness, and sneaking chocolate bits of happiness. I could write a short story about how much I adore you and your family. But I’ll cut it short and wish you and all the readers a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! Here’s to the Almighty God who’s granted us another precious year of life here on earth. God Bless always!
Haha, I’d totally give you a hug so you better introduce yourself if you ever see me! 🙂 You are so sweet. Thank you for the kindness…it means so much to me!
Merry Christmas, to you and your beautiful family! I too, act like you’re a friend in real life. All my family and close friends know who you are, thanks to the hundred or so delicious recipes I’ve made from you.
I’m so so thankful you still have this blog going, you’re a trooper!! Enjoy your much deserved break from the blogging world! Enjoy a peace-filled Christmas!
I wish all you cute gals lived in my neighborhood and we really COULD be friends in real life. 🙂 Thank you, Courtney!
Mel, I feel like we’re friends irl too. Merry Merry Christmas to my go-to recipe girl. Every. Single. Time. If you don’t have it, I don’t need to make it. You’re like my amazon of killer recipes.
That Amazon reference is prolly the highest praise anyone could give me (haha!). Love your guts, Shanell – thank you!
Mel, I feel like we’re friends irl too. Merry Merkley Christmas to my go-to recipe girl. Very. Single. Time. If you don’t have it, I don’t need to make it. You’re like my amazon of killer recipes.
Merry Christmas to you! Thank you thank you for all you do! You make our holidays (and every day, frankly…) tasty!
Thanks, Nicki!
Hi Mel. Like many other readers, I tell my friends about you as if I know you personally. I have cooking disasters like you wouldn’t believe, but people think I can actually cook when I make one of your recipes. I am always referring friends and family to your blog. You are the best! Thank YOU for helping me to serve my family and friends in far better ways than I could do on my own. I am your biggest fan…hopefully that didn’t sound too stalkerish. I bought a Camp Chef grill, read the books you recommended, sent your gift guide to family as a wish list because I was too overwhelmed to think of gift ideas for my kids, etc. etc. etc. Thank you for using the gifts that God has given you to bless others!!
Thank you, Jen! That comment means so much to me. I so badly want to be the girl that you all can turn to for great recommendations – kind of like your BFF next door. Yeah, that’s how I want to be. Except it’s a virtual “next door.” Merry Christmas!