The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Sues Diner: Easy Santa Cookies
This week's recipe is perfect for last minute Christmas gifts, treats for holiday gatherings, or an all-age activity, since they are simple enough to prepare that even the youngest child can help.
This recipe isn't featured any BryonySeries cookbook. But we have made this recipe almost every year since my own children were young. In fact. my young grandchildren made the cookies in this photo.
Just so you know, the cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes
Two other fun cookbooks with recipes easy enough for children to make (with the help of an adult), have mouse and cheese-themed recipes and werewolf-themed recipes.
You can try the recipe Easy Santa Cookies on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.
But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.
If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.
Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).
For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Monday, December 22, 2025
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 13 through Dec. 19
Good morning!
I have eleven stories online to share with you today, including the three-part housing story I was asked to wrote.
More stories will go live over the weekend and next week (I'm off most of next week, except for half of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.
During this holiday season, please consider becoming a "Herald Angel" in Will County or Grundy County. The need for your help is high and - in some cases - truly unprecedented.
We are also still collecting BryonySeries children's books for Santa Services and the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.
We have a collection box for books at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
Or you can order BryonySeries children's books from Amazon (our BryonySeries store is being renovated) and ship to and to Denise M. Unland, P.O. Box 2789, Joliet, IL, 60436.
Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.
And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.
And have a great Friday!
BryonySeries/WriteOn Joliet Christmas/Holiday Books
Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise
Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season
Calendar
The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.
For December, all activities center around giving.
To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.
Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this month) - so far:
We have no more events scheduled until 2026 (but lots of exciting plans are in the works for next year!).
But please consider popping into The Book Market and donating a BryonySeries children's book (or two) to kids in need.
For details, please read this post.
What is the BryonySeries?
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.
Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.
Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."
Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.
Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.
Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.
Check out the weekly recipe here.
WRITERS
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.
Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way meet ‘unprecedented’ community need
Be a Herald Angel: Help Grundy County United Way meet high community need
Can’t afford a house in Will County? You’re not alone.
‘It’s not favorable’: Will County residents struggle to find
diverse housing options
From recent college grads to retired people, residents met
with affordability crunch
Can Will County fix its housing affordability crisis?
Leaders explore new solutions
Even when housing is available, funding resources are slim
Illinois food pantries receive $100,000 in missing money
through ICash
Troy 30-C School District honors bus driver for helping
Santa with annual gift giving
Joliet restaurant Joy of Eating closes its doors for good
Crest Hill business collecting toys for Westyn’s Wish
Joliet man arrested after robbery at auto parts store
Will County Pets of the Week: Dec. 15, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/15/will-county-pets-of-the-week-dec-15-2025/
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Sue's Diner: In Advance French Toast
This week's recipe for In Advance French Toast was submitted by Sarah Stegall, the BryonySeries web administrator emeritus.
It's also perfect for these busy days leading up to the holidays, when you need a hearty breakfast and don't have time to prepare one. It also makes a festive breakfast for Christmas morning.
This recipe is also featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permament fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.
Neither Melissa nor Brian felt at ease during the unfamiliar church services in memory of their grandmother. The array of delicious food at the potluck luncheon that followed was more appealing. This was especially true for Brian, who had heaped his plate high with the following dishes.
You can try the recipe for In Advance French Toast on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.
But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.
Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).
For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Free Gifts You Can Give This Holiday Season
For many of us, 2025 has been a tough financial year - and for those of us who like to Christmas shop, we've either trimmed that list in terms of people and/or things.
But the best gifts very often cost nothing than our time - and sometimes even very little of our time.
Here's an opportunity for you for you to give thirty-one unique gifts this month.
Simply visit the BryonySeries calendar, pick a date (any date or the current date), read the giving prompt, and follow the instructions.
Yes, each activity does link back to a BryonySeries book. But that's only for context. You don't need to click the link at all (unless you're curious).
Even one of these activities is a priceless gift you can give to the right person on your Chirstmas gift-giving list.
And these gifts are the types of gifts that really underscore the adage, "It's more blessed to give than to receive."
If you've had recent challenges - or are experiencing challenges (I certainly have) - the reflections are a wonderful way to remind you of the blessings you've experienced - now and in thet past - and give hope of the blessings that await you in the future.
Now, if you do have a few dollars to spend, and if you'd like to give a gift of lasting value, here's a way to give children the gift of reading this year.
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, December 15, 2025
Four Locally Authored Christmas Books You Can Buy Now
The days leading up to Christmas and beyond are perfect to snuggle into a warm blanket with a warm drink in one hand and a good Christmas story in the other.
Here are four locally authored Christmas book you can enjoy now.
All four are available on Amazon.
The first three are also available at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
The first two are also available for immediate reading on Kindle.
The last is only available in print on Amazon.
So although that fourth book may not arrive in time for Christmas, it's still sweet reading for the holiday season.
And if you'd like more local author suggestions, check out this list I assembled in late 2019.
And remember, even if you don't want to read the books yourself, you can make the holidays brighter for a child who does.
Happy reading!
Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise
It's Bertrand's first Christmas, and he can't wait to
meet Santa. But instead of the man in the red suit, Bertrand comes face to face
with a bit of Christmas magic.
It’s Christmas Eve and a very sick Cornell Dyer is stuck in the hospital, frustrated because he can’t find the vending machine and because he’s too sick to solve his latest supernatural mystery. Another patient tries to help Cornell, not with food and medicine, but with a journey into realms Cornell doesn’t want to go.
Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season
Nearly everyone has traditions. For the last eight years, Write On Joliet has assembled an anthology of our members’ works, published and offered to the public as a way to share our passion with the community.
This year, we are offering a special holiday edition of Write Where We Are. We hope this collection of stories, essays, and poems that touch on many aspects of the holiday season, will become a new tradition for your family: a chance to lose yourself in a memory, take a break from the holiday hustle, and enjoy something a little different and home-grown.
Write On Joliet is comprised of writers from across the southern suburbs who share a passion for creative writing. In addition to publishing an annual anthology,
WriteOn Joliet produces a live theatrical reading performance each spring, and its members participate in other community arts events throughout the year.
A heartwarming Christmas story about a seven year old girl living in an orphanage with her two best friends. Her dream is to find a home with parents for herself and her friends. The orphanage is not one of warmth or compassion but it doesn't stop Sarah's dreaming and good nature.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
New Santa Photos
For many people growing up today and in the past few decades, photos with Santa is a cherished part of the holiday season.
I'm very blessed to know Santa's two best incarnations, so it's important to update my BryonySeries Santa photo every year at WriteOn Joliet's annual member-only Christmas party.
Today I'm sharing the two most current ones, along with links to past blogs that explain why this Santa incarantion is so special.
Duanne Walton, charter member of WriteOn Joliet, is pictured with us.
May the photo make you smile - and make the "Moonlighting" and "A Christmas Gift for Ed Calkins" inspire you today.
For more Santa photos, visit "Updating the Ed Calkins Santa Photos."
And if you'd like to help my other favorite Santa, please read "Give Kids the Gift of Reading this Holiday Season."
Friday, December 12, 2025
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 6 through Dec. 12
Good morning!
I have thirteen stories online to share with you today (I've been working on a huge three-part project about the housing crisis in the background and the first two installments are posted for you to read today).
More stories will go live over the weekend, especially since I'm working this weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.
During this holiday season, please consider becoming a "Herald Angel" in Will County or Grundy County. The need for your help is high and - in some cases - truly unprecedented.
We are also still collecting BryonySeries children's books for Santa Services and the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.
We have a collection box for books at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
Or you can order BryonySeries children's books from Amazon (our BryonySeries store is being renovated) and ship to and to Denise M. Unland, P.O. Box 2789, Joliet, IL, 60436.
Before the stories, I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.
And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.
And have a great Friday!
BryonySeries/WriteOn Joliet Christmas/Holiday Books
Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise
Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season
Calendar
The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.
For December, all activities center around giving.
To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.
Events (or where to find the BryonySeries this month) - so far:
Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Please note the time change.
What is the BryonySeries?
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.
Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 2026.
Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."
Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.
Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.
Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.
Check out the weekly recipe here.
WRITERS
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.
Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way meet ‘unprecedented’ community need
Be a Herald Angel: Help Grundy County United Way meet high community need
Can’t afford a house in Will County? You’re not alone.
Babe’s restaurant in Joliet up for sale with owner retiring
Joliet Chamber to celebrate Joliet nonprofit’s 70th
anniversary
Chipotle Mexican Grill opening new Joliet location Wednesday
Yankee Candle to close 20 stores
https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/12/09/yankee-candle-to-close-20-stores/
Joliet Noon Lions collecting items for Cornerstone, Daybreak
Center
Silver Cross Hospital New Lenox celebrates 130 Years
Lockport Chamber honors members, first responders
Tax strategies among topics at Joliet Junior College
year-end business forum
Will County Pets of the Week: Dec. 8, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/08/will-county-pets-of-the-week-dec-8-2025/
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Photos: Here's the Food You Missed at WriteOn Joliet's 2025 Anthology Release Party
Good morning!
WriteOn Joliet will hosted its 9th Annual Anthology Release Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.
The event was free to attend and open to the public.
The chef-created heavy appetizers, coffee, water and hot chocolate, along with photos with Santa, were also free.
In fact, we had ten great reasons why we wished you could have attended.
Here's what Chef Tim of the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team prepared for attendees last Thursday.
If you missed the party, you can at least feast your eyes on the photos.
And if you braved the bitter cold, parking challenges, respiratory illnesses, and scheduling challenges this time of year, you can visually relive the delectable experience.
Happy scrolling!
Beef Tenderloin Sliders
Marinated and roasted beef tenderloin, slow cooked onion, garlic aioli
Chicken Ceaser Salad
Applewood smoked chicken breast, lightly toasted croutons, creamy caesar dressing
Kale and Cranberry Salad
Peppered pulled pork, buttered crumbs, carrots, cabbage, and a creamy mustard dressing
Key Lime Bites
Lime Juice, lime zest, lime syrup, whipped cream
Cream & Berries
Fresh vanilla scented whipped cream, assorted berries, vanilla wafer, raspberry sauce
Cookies & Cream
Cocoa crisp, white chocolate, flake salt
(My year-old corgi is serving for a placeholder for this item, while Timothy looks for a photo).
Now, Timothy purchased all the food from his own pocket and prepared it fresh that day, too. He and Daniel (who worked all day in Chicago) set it everything up, did all the serving and replenishing, and took it all down, too, loading and unloading the entire setup from their vehicles multiples time that day.
So they do look understandably tired.
However...
It is my humble opinion that of all the competing events in Joliet last Thursday night, none had a spread quite so delicious or pleasing to the eye than we did.
Enjoy scrolling through the remaining photos!
For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com and bryonyseries.com.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Sue's Diner: Spiced Hot Chocolate
Snow, cold temperatures, and the holiday season is upon us - and for some of us, the first two are happening today.
So this week's recipe is perfect for all three. Furthermore, this recipe even serves up a touch of nostalgia since it's more than one hundred and fifty years old.
The weeks' recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy,
This recipe is also featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.
Melissa, as Bryony, had a close relationship with the housemaid’s little daughter, Anna, much to John’s chagrin. They shared spiced hot chocolate at bedtime, and Melissa looked the other way when Anna sneaked candied orange peels.
You can try the recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.
But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.
If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.
By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?
Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).
For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks bryonyseries.com/merchandise.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Give Kids the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season
Please check out a very unique display at The Book Market in Crest Hill - and then consider celebrating gratitude with us and blessing a child with a BryonySeries book this holiday season.
