Christmas Holiday Musings

As seasonal cooking, food preservation, and seed saving become second nature, our homes can once again be centers of joyful self-sufficiency and a wonderful place of love.  It is reassuring to have most of the ingredients to make fabulous food already in the pantry.  There have been opportunities to serve others or give as gifts, a meal or some of our extras that have been made and preserved.  We have been very blessed this year with a full canning closet, pantry and a productive garden.  These along with many other blessings we are eternally grateful for.

As our home is getting fuller and fuller with loved ones coming for Christmas.  Grandchildren have filled our home with lots of glee and the excitement of what we can do, make, taste and the fun of the next moment. They already helped make three Gingerbread Houses. We are still doing regular bread baking and even made a batch of Chocolate Chip Raisin Oatmeal Cookies today. The college kids will be here this weekend and then we will start some real Christmas baking.

Here's the list of some family favorites:
-Baking: Snowballs,  Peanut Butter filled Chocolate Cookies, Saltine Toffee,  Kris Kringle Puff,  Butterflake Rolls, Pecan Pie
-Snacks: Cheese Ball, Deviled Eggs, Parmesan Artichoke Dip, Onion Dip

Some of the kids are already adding to the list of things to make.  They want to learn to cook more and have their own recipes.  This is going to be a great holiday!  Have lots of fun with your family too!!!

 

Mrs. K's Cookies 

Makes 3 dozen. ~ This cookie is a household basic.

It easily doubles and all the variations of this recipe make it a winner for everyone.

2 cups brown sugar or 1 1/2 cups honey

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup milk or water

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- Cream together.

3 cups whole wheat flour

3 cups oatmeal

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons cocoa (optional)

- Combine and add to wet ingredients.

Add any or all of the following:

2 cups chocolate, carob or butterscotch chips

2 cups raisins or other dried fruit, chopped

1 cup walnuts or other nuts, chopped

1/2 cup coconut

1/4 cup sesame seeds

Mix well and drop onto greased cookie sheets.  Bake at 350' for 10 minutes.  Let cool slightly before removing from cookie sheets.