Dream Home & White Chocolate Kissed Gingerbread Cookies

I had such a busy weekend and didn't have time to make a wreath! This morning I I found myself daydreaming about a winter vacation and had a few minutes to write a quick post with photos of the HGTV Dream Home 2011. Every year my friends and I enter our names into the drawing for the HGTV Dream Home, we always talk about the design and what we would do to change it if / when we win! Here are a few photos of the 2011 Dream Home in Stowe, Vermont. This home was designed in a traditional Arts & Crafts style with sustainable and contemporary touches. I think it has just about anything you may want in a destination winter vacation home and look at that view...

The chimney is made of copper, such a rustic and beautiful material for this application.

The kitchen has all of the modern amenities. They made great use of the kitchen design triangle here. 

I love the stove on the island, with a view out the window at the incredible views.

There are two sinks! and an extra large range.

What an amazing fridge, I think it is genius to have a view through glass door and it saves energy too.

The ceiling panels are so incredible, first off every mountain cabin needs a vaulted ceiling and the wood paneling is very unique and modern.

This is the master, the doors are all made of aged wood to add to the rustic nature of the home. I think it works in a very industrial way! Great choice of color, the red gives a warm aesthetic.

The master has a view from the bed through the master bath to the outdoors, there are amazing soaring ceilings and such cool drapery dividing the space.

Master bath...

The guest bedroom is dark and moody. The use of symmetry gives a modern and formal appearance and the textures in the space give that rustic charm of a cabin in the woods. I love the pendants and mirrors on each side of the bed and the charcoal grey paint color.

 

Lovely!

Guest bathroom...

The living area has a one of a kind barn door and coordinating wood ceiling. 

The kitchenette is so practical, what great design!

Isn't this so cool? The rough wood and the smooth stainless steel are a match made in heaven. What a perfect place to entertain!

This is the "ski dorm" and a great way to accommodate guests. Children or adults alike would be able to use this practical dorm like living space. The reds and golds are perfectly warm and inviting.

This is the "ski dorm" bathroom. It is ready to host a multitude of guests with three sink bowls and separate shower stalls. The signage on the wall reminds me of a ski lodge!

Frosted glass shower doors give just the right amount of privacy needed in this dorm style bathroom.

Laundry room...double washer and dryer accommodate lots of laundry!

Back terrace...

This masonry used at the base of the house gives the look of an "old-world" stone facade.

This Vermont home is an example of outstanding design. I would love to spend my winter vacation here!

Cookie Of The Day: White Chocolate Kissed Gingerbread Cookies

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Ingredients:

3 cups flour
2 tsp. Ginger, Ground
1 tsp. Cinnamon, Ground
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg, Ground (I used fresh)
1/4 tap salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl.
Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add molasses, egg and vanilla; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Immediately press about 5-6 white chocolate chips into center of each cookie. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.

Adapted from McCormick and Company Inc.

Enjoy!