Christmas Dinner Leftovers

I hope your Christmas was wonderful! We had a very special time with our family. It was sweet to be together and celebrate the birth of our Savior. We enjoyed a delicious lasagna dinner at my sister's on Christmas Eve, a special breakfast Christmas morning prepared by my daughter-in-law, and we had a great meal Christmas evening with all of my husband's family.

We served country ham, a Kentucky favorite, as well as turkey. If you happen to have turkey and ham leftovers and need an idea for how to use them, I thought I would share a favorite dish of our family's--Kentucky Hot Browns. If you've never had a hot brown, you're in for a treat. The recipe originated from the Brown's Hotel in Louisville. There are many varieties of the hot brown but most include toast, turkey, tomato, cheese sauce and bacon. It's not a low-fat dish but the diets don't start for a few days which gives you enough time to do something creative with those leftovers! Enjoy!

Christmas Morning Tradition

I believe traditions are so important in a family. They are what make your family unique and what makes holidays and special days memorable. Christmas seems to offer an especially great opportunity to host family traditions. As a child, one of our traditions was that we opened our gifts on Christmas Eve. We usually got pajamas or night gowns and robes that we opened early so we could wear them to bed that night. Traditions don't have to be major things--they are just what makes the holiday special for your family.
One of the things we always did in our family was have a special breakfast on Christmas morning. It always included Orange Julius, some type of breakfast casserole, and some type of sweet bread. Christmas breakfast was something we all looked forward to and it tided us over until our Christmas dinner which was usually served around 2:00 in the afternoon.

This year one of my daughters in law offered to make breakfast for us. (What a treat!) A tradition in her family that her mother started was cooking sausage with apples and serving it with biscuits. Emily has continued this tradition for her and Jared during the three years they have been married. I love that they are making the holidays special in their own way.

I offered to help out and she asked that I make the Orange Julius and coffee. I also plan to make sticky buns to add to the meal. They are so good, but a little work. If you want an easier recipe for a sweet addition to breakfast, I would suggest these cinnamon rolls. They are so easy and can be made in about 15 minutes plus baking time.

If you have a tradition in your family, I encourage you to keep it up. If not, why not start one this year?

Cinnamon Rolls

1 package crescent rolls
soft margarine
sugar
cinnamon
raisins and nuts (optional)
1 c. confectionery sugar
milk

Remove rolls from package and leave two sections of four rolls connected. Set one section of 4 aside. With long edge closest to you, lightly press the seams together to seal. Spread rolls with soft margarine, sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Sprinkle sugar, nuts and raisins over cinnamon. Beginning on the end closest to you, roll tightly. Cut into 1 1/2" pieces and place cut side up on small pan (I use the Pampered Chef mini bar pan). Proceed with the other section of crescent rolls. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Make a confectionery sugar glaze by stirring enough milk into sugar to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately. These warm up nicely in the microwave.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Traditions That Live On

Marrying into the White family brought new Christmas traditions and new recipes. Jeff's mother, Katherine, and grandmother, known as Grannie, were both wonderful cooks. I learned many secrets from each of them. Grannie made the best fried apples and creamed corn. Katherine's cornbread was always crisp and delicious. One of the Christmas traditions Katherine made every year was custard. I'll have to admit that at first, the egg smell was a bit too much for me, but over the years I have come to appreciate the thick, creamy taste of her custard. Her secret ingredient was marshmallows. After the custard had coated the back of the spoon, the sugar and vanilla had been added, she stirred in a bag of marshmallows that lended a wonderful texture to the custard.

Katherine is enjoying her first Christmas in heaven this year, so it's up to me to make custard for those in the family who have also acquired the taste for this labor of love. What Christmas traditions has your family handed down from generation to generation? I would love to hear from you!

Custard
1 dozen eggs
1 gallon of milk
1 T. vanilla
2 c. sugar
1 10-oz. bag of miniature marshmallows

In a large pan that can be placed over a double boiler, beat eggs well. Add milk and stir well. Place over double boiler that is on medium heat. Cook slowly. As mixture begins to warm, add sugar. Stir constantly until mixture thickens and coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove from heat and add vanilla and marshmallows. Place pan in ice water and stir 2 minutes to cool.

(Note: Cooking this amount takes patience and time! Don't try to hurry the process or you will end up with scrambled eggs.) When you are ready to pour into a jar to store, I would suggest straining it with a sieve to eliminate any small pieces of egg that may have cooked up. Stir custard each time you serve it.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

A Light Worth Celebrating!

(Please indulge me a little today. This is a longer than normal post, but I feel inspired!)

This past Friday evening the snow started falling in what looked like layers. Looking out my living room window, it seemed as though I was standing in front of a stage as the backdrop of snow was put into place. It was beautiful as evidenced by this picture Jeff took from our carport. What we didn't know as we drifted off to sleep that night was that the snow continued to fall in sheets and by the time we woke up Saturday morning, we had accumulated 8"! Many power lines were down from the weight of the wet snow and the temperature in our house attested to the fact that the heat had been off for several hours as we nestled obliviously under our blankets.

Jeff quickly set about lighting the gas fireplace and turned the chairs so we could sit close. They say necessity is the mother of invention and the necessity that morning was for hot water for a nice cup of hot tea. Jeff patiently held a pot of water over the flames and in no time, we were both sipping our hot beverages. Ahh, what fun . . . at least for a little while! We spent the day watching cars maneuver down Little Paint Road and even managed a short trip to the church where we discovered the electricity was still on. We headed home and after an attempt at sledding down the neighbor's driveway and making a snowman and a snowball or two, we set about the task of finding candles in preparation of the night ahead. As the minutes ticked away, darkness fell very heavily. There was not a light to be seen outside which almost seemed a little eerie. We were thankful for the many candles we had placed around the house earlier which helped us as we made trips down the hallway to the bedrooms and bathroom. We received several phone calls throughout the day from friends and family who wanted to see how we were doing, offered a room, a shower, a meal.

After passing the evening playing Skip-Bo, we decided to sleep in the living room close to the warmth of the fire and thankful for the candle sconces on the wall that lit the hallway for those middle-of-the night trips down the hall. The morning light was welcome and still very cold. We chose our clothes for church and while Jeff headed off to the home of a nearby church family to shower, I locked myself in one of the bathrooms at church to make myself presentable.

We had a sweet service with those who were able to make it to church. Most were surprised when they heard that we were still without power. We were honored to be guests of one of the sweet families from church for lunch afterwards then returned to the cold of our home and the looming darkness. What had started out as kind of fun was beginning to be dreaded. Thankfully, one of our friends offered the use of a generator which powered a couple lamps and Jeff's laptop computer. We spent a couple hours reading and enjoying the ability to function somewhat normally. Be it ever so quiet, I heard a "beep, beep, beep." "What was that?" "It's the phone! The lights are on! The electricity has been restored!" Yahoo! Celebration!

As I began to put away the candles, mop up the water from the now-thawed freezer, and wash the dishes, the Lord touched me so tenderly about all we had just experienced. This morning this was the Bible reading that went along with a devotion I read. It is 1 John 1:5-8:

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. " Here were a few analogies from our experience in the darkness:

• Our Heavenly Father sent his son Jesus into the world to bring light to a sin-dark world. How I rejoice in the Light he is to me!

• There are many in the world who are still in darkness, fumbling around, trying to make it with light substitutes. Nothing can replicate the Light of God.


• We can fool people and make them believe we are in the Light when in reality, we are stumbling around in darkness. Why? ? There's nothing like the Light Christ brings!


• Those of us who have the Light need to be concerned about those in the darkness. Just as many called and offered encouragement and were a blessing to us, those of us who are walking in the Light of God can be used by God to encourage those who have yet come to know Him. Your influence, my influence in their life cannot be underestimated.


• Some of us are small instruments, some larger (candles vs. generators) yet all have their purpose and are needed. Am I fulfilling my purpose to encourage others to come to the Light of the World?


• When the Light comes, when one comes to Christ and finds the true source of Light, there should be great rejoicing!

The candles are back in the drawer, the food is all back in the refrigerator, and the Christmas lights are shining brightly. As life returns to normal, I'm thankful for the opportunity as we approach the week of Christmas to truly appreciate the light that was born into the world in the form of a baby. I pray you too know him--he is a light worth celebrating!

If you need a good appetizer for a celebration this week, here's one of my family's favorites.

Hot Artichoke Crabmeat Dip
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water drained and chopped
1 1/2 cup crab meat
3/4 cup (3 oz) grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions with tops
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 zest of lemon
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper (optional garnish)

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise, mix well. Add artichokes, crab, parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, lemon zest and black pepper; mix well. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Garnish with additional green onions and or bell peppers.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Cappuccino Flats

As promised earlier this week, here is one of the cookie recipes I made for our open house. This cookie is a coffee-flavored dough that is ultra-rich half-dipped in chocolate. The dough mixes up easily then you refrigerate it to let it set up, shape it into 2 rolls and chill until you are ready to bake. You then simply slice and bake. They are a little time consuming due to the chilling process, but I think they are worth the effort and so pretty dipped in the chocolate.

Cappuccino Flats
2 squares (2 oz.) unsweetened chocolate
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 T. instant coffee crystals
1 t. water
1 egg
1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate pieces
2 T. shortening

• In a heavy small saucepan heat and stir unsweetened chocolate till melted. Remove from the heat and cool slightly. Meanwhile, stir together flour, cinnamon, and salt.
• In a large mixer bowl beat 1/2 c. shortening and butter or margarine till butter is softened. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat till fluffy. Stir coffee crystals into water till dissolved. Add coffee mixture, melted chocolate, and egg to butter mixture and beat well.
• Add flour mixture and beat till well mixed. cover and chill about 1 hour or till easy to handle. Shape into two 7-inch rolls. Wrap and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or till edges are firm and lightly browned. Remove and cool.
• In a heavy small saucepan heat chocolate pieces and 3 T. shortening over low heat till melted, stirring occasionally. Dip one half of each cookie into chocolate mixture. Place on waxed paper to cool till chocolate is set. Makes about 55.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Hot Cider

Today's recipe is for a hot beverage, perfect for a cold day or night! This recipe was actually given to me by Dr. Tom Cheatham, the dean of Basic & Applied Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University, who I was privileged to work for. I told Dr. Cheatham he was the most hospitable dean I had ever met. He often brought in homemade banana bread which he had made (I'll share that recipe some time!) and this hot cider. Both were consumed quickly and very much appreciated by the staff. He used a peculator to brew this, but since I don't have one, I simply put the all spice and cinnamon sticks in a coffee filter and tie it up with a twist tie and place it in the liquid while it simmers.

Here's to you, Dr. Cheatham!

Hot Cider
4 c. apple cider or apple juice
2 c. orange juice
2 c. cranberry juice
1/2 c. sugar
1 t. all spice
3 sticks of cinnamon

Combine all of the juices and sugar in a large Dutch oven. Place all spice and cinnamon sticks in a coffee filter and tie with a twist tie. Simmer.

Peppermint Punch

As I mentioned yesterday, Sunday we hosted our church family in our home for a Christmas open house. Jeff and I were so pleased that my parents joined us for the weekend. I was anxious for them to meet our church and anxious for our church to meet them. They didn't just come--they worked! They both were so helpful as we prepared for the open house and were so willing to serve as our guests arrived. They kept the punch bowl filled and the hot cider ladled up for those who wanted a cup.

The punch we served is a favorite of my sons. I discovered it not too many years ago and it is now the official Christmas punch. The best part is that there is no advance preparation. That is, unless you want to make an ice ring for the center. I had written a note on my recipe to make a ring of ginger ale and peppermint candies. I didn't make one for the open house but it would be a nice addition. Stir up a punch bowl of this delicious punch--and find a handsome couple to serve it for you!

Peppermint Punch
1 quart peppermint ice cream
1 c. milk
2 liters of ginger ale

Spoon ice cream into punch bowl and allow to soften. Blend in milk and ginger ale.

Blue Cheese Ball

If you've been following my blog this month, I apologize that I have missed a couple days over the weekend. We were out of town for a couple days cleaning my husband's childhood home in preparation for Christmas. Since his mother passed away this summer, all three sons and all of the the grandchildren have agreed to meet one last time at her home to celebrate Christmas. This will be the last gathering of this sort in this home before it will be sold. It will be a bittersweet time. Many sweet memories line the halls of that home that was lived in my my husband's family for right at 50 years. I'm sure there will be some funny stories relayed as we gather together as well as some reminiscing that will bring a tear or two. But it's all good. It's what Christmas is all about. We know that Jeff's mother, along with his dad and grandmother who also lived with them, are in heaven rejoicing in the promise that the Christ child brought that first Christmas.

The celebrations have begun in our home, as they probably have in yours. Last night we hosted an open house for our church family which was a joy. We are blessed to have a very nice parsonage and have enjoyed making it ours, but the real blessing is in sharing your home with others. It's such a great feeling to see your home filled with people who are special to you and watch them laugh, share together and enjoy food around your table. Last night I served several different types of cookies along with a cheese ball and crackers, relishes and Chex mix. This week I'll share some of the recipes from our evening. This cheese ball is a new recipe for me but certainly won't be the last time I make it. The flavors of the three cheeses was delicious. If you have a Kitchen Aid mixer, it makes light work of combining the cheese.

Whether you are hosting or being hosted, this would be a great item to try at a get-together!

Blue-Cheese Ball
2 8-oz. packages of cream cheese
1 c. crumbled blue cheese
1 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 c. minced onion
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, blue cheese, Cheddar cheese, onion and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer to a separate bowl that has been lined with plastic wrap. cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, gather the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Roll in nuts until covered. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Cinnamon Candy

The ladies at our church have a tradition of sorts. Every year for quite a few years now, they make hard cinnamon candy as a fundraiser for a special Christmas offering that goes directly to missionaries. This year they sold one-pound bags for $6. I'm not sure the exact number of bags sold but I do know they have worked at least four separate days filling orders. The candy turns out beautifully and each person seems to know their job. Some measure ingredients for the pot, some are stirrers (a very hot job that requires much patience), some are flippers once the candy has reached hard-ball stage and is poured out onto the marble slab, and some are cutters cutting the candy into bite-size pieces. Beautiful powdered-sugar coated cinnamon candy isn't the only thing that is produced, because along with the candy, there is some sweet fellowship that occurs during the process. There is much laughter, sweet sharing, and cares relayed.

There is so much more to cooking than what meets the eye. It is what happens in the process that draws our hearts together. It may be during preparation, it may be at the table as a meal is eaten. It can even happen during cleanup for those precious folks who linger to help! Regardless of when it happens, it is sweet. I hope as you spend time in your kitchen during these days leading up to Christmas you experience fellowship as sweet as your goodies.

My recipe for today is for the cinnamon candy our ladies make. Gather a couple friends and stir up a batch to share with neighbors. While you're at it, stir in a little laughter. It'll make the candy taste that much better.

Cinnamon Candy
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. Karo syrup
1/2 c. water
Cinnamon candy flavoring
Red food coloring

Combine the sugar, Karo and water in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat and boil to hard crack (300 degrees), stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add cinnamon candy flavoring and red food coloring. (Be careful because this will cause steam and burn your face.) You can pour this onto a marble slab, flipping occasionally with a metal spatula to cool. Continue to flip until the candy no longer "runs." Cut candy into bite-size pieces. (Or, you can pour candy mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Crack into pieces after candy has cooled and is hard. Pour powdered sugar on candy and shake in strainer.)

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Brownie Mix

Brownie mix in a jar--as pretty in the jar as they are are delicious when they are baked. Include a tag with instructions for how to make the brownies. Be sure to wipe out the inside of the jar with a dry paper towel after adding the cocoa powder so the other layers will show through the glass.

Brownie Mix
1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions: Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt in a quart jar. Layer remaining ingredients in the order listed. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next layer.

Attach a tag with the following instructions: Brownie Mix in a Jar
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9x13inch baking pan.
2. Empty jar of brownie mix into a large mixing bowl, and stir to blend. Mix in 3/4 cup melted butter and 4 eggs. Mix thoroughly. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely in pan before cutting into 2 inch squares.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Hot Spiced Tea Mix

If you know someone who loves a hot cup of tea, this would be the perfect gift for them. It's quick to mix up and with the cinnamon and cloves, the enjoyment begins with the aroma.

Spiced Tea
2 c. Tang
1 envelope of lemonade mix
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. instant tea
1/2 t. crushed cloves

Combine ingredients well and store in air-tight container.

To make an individual serving, pleace 3-4 t. of mix in mug and add hot water. Stir well.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Jar Recipes - Hot Chocolate

This week will be filled with suggestions for gifts you can give in a jar. These homemade gifts are thoughtful, pretty, and each deliver a comfort factor. What's better on a cold night than a hot mug of hot chocolate? Spoon the mix into pint-sized jars. Place a square of Christmas fabric cut with pinking shears over the lid and tie with a coordinating ribbon. Tie a tag around the jar with instructions for making each cup.

Hot Chocolate Mix
1 box (20 cup) dry milk
1 1/2 jars (16 oz) coffee creamer
1 large can Nestles Quick (28 oz)
1 cup powdered sugar

Directions: Mix ingredients together in a large pot or dishpan. Store in containers with tight fitting lids.

To Serve: Add 4 heaping Tbsp of cocoa mix to a cup. Add hot water and stir.

Makes 25 cups mix

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

A Cookie Jar Full

I have recently become familiar with Susan Branch's beautiful books and art. She has some darling books for the seasons filled with many creative ideas for making each one special. She also has a profile on Facebook, a web site and a monthly newsletter you can have emailed to you. (You will find links to Facebook and her newsletter under the cookie jar.) This post was on her Facebook page this week. If you click on the names of the cookies , treats, or beverages, it will take you to the recipe. There's so much there, you won't know which one to try first. I'm hoping Santa is reading this blog so he can put one or two of Susan's books under my tree!

And You Think You're Busy!

With everything that there is to do in order to be "ready" for Christmas (see my December 1 post), most of us would agree that our days are very busy this month. Imagine adding to that busyness being the parent of quadruplets! I had the privilege of meeting Suzy and her husband Ted last year after she gave birth to their precious babies December 24. I became acquainted with them through a friend at church who was coordinating helpers for this now very busy family. Having some time to spare, and loving babies as I do, I went to their home several times and tried to be of some assistance. To say that I was impressed with this young couple would be an understatement. The way they handled the demands of parenting four newborn babies was incredible. When faced with dilemmas such as illness, intolerance to formula, sleeplessness, etc., they handled each situation calmly and so lovingly cared for their precious family. Soon the babies will celebrate their first birthday so you can imagine the activity that is bustling about in their home. The babies are crawling, discovering each other, and enjoying their mobility. Yet Suzy still manages to find time to cook and even make goodies for the holidays. I told you--she's incredible!

This recipe for peanut brittle was one she posted on Facebook this week and was a recipe from her aunt. I used to make this years ago and had forgotten how good (and easy!) it is. Suzy said she made this in ten minutes. I guess if Suzy can take the time to make the holidays special, we have no excuse! Thanks Suzy and Ted for your inspiration and for the recipe. Hugs to you both and the babies!

Peanut Brittle

1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 c. unsalted peanuts
1 T. butter
1 t. vanilla
1 t. baking soda

Butter a cookie sheet and set aside. In a 1.5-quart casserole, combine sugar and corn syrup; mix well. Microwave on high 4 minutes. Add peanuts; mix well. Microwave 3minutes. Add butter and vanilla; mix well. Microwave 2 minutes. Add baking soda; mix well. Pour onto cookie sheet and cool. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

The Smell of Christmas

Each season has smells that just seem to make them special and unique. In the spring, it's the fresh small of rain. Summer conjures up smells of freshly-mowed grass. Christmas has several smells. There's nothing like the smell of a fresh evergreen tree or pine branches. (Yes, they are messy but you have to admit, they smell wonderful!) Another aroma that seems to belong to Christmas is the aroma of spices--cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg. I remember my mom always enjoyed desserts that had that old-time Christmas taste. Plum pudding, molasses cookies, gingerbread, etc. I used to love to watch my maternal grandfather eat. His teeth clicked when he chewed, thanks to his dentures, but that just added to the allure of his food. He always made everything look so good. I recall watching him mix soft butter with molasses then carefully spreading it over the last biscuit for dessert. I tried it once because it looked so enticing, but obviously Grandpa had a different palate than I did!

BUT, if you take that molasses and put it in these ginger cookies--now that's something else. The recipe calls for coarse sugar to roll the dough in. I finally found that Wilton makes a coarse sugar which you can purchase at most stores that carry Wilton products. I found it in the baking aisle at Wal-Mart rather than in the craft area. (It is also fine to simply use granulated sugar.) This makes about 5 dozen cookies which is another reason it's one of my favorites.

Bake a batch and take in the smell of Christmas!

Ginger Cookies
4 1/2 c. flour
4 t. ground ginger
2 t. baking soda
1 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground cloves
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses
1/4 c. coarse sugar

In medium mixing bowl stir together flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl beat shortening until softened. Gradually add the 2 c. sugar; beat until fluffy. Add eggs and molasses; beat well. Add half of flour mixture; beat until combined. Stir in remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Roll 1 T. of dough into a ball (or 2 T. for a larger cookie). Roll in the sugar. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes (don't overbake). Let stand 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

Better with Time!

If you would like to get a head start on your holiday baking, the cookie for today is a great choice. These pecan shortbread cookies get better as they age which means you can make them early in the month and enjoy them for the next few weeks. You can also make the dough, place it in the freezer, then bake them when you're ready. The almond extract gives this dough a great flavor. Enjoy!

Pecan Shortbread Cookies
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. sugar
pinch of salt
2 drops of almond extract
1 c. pecans
1 c. butter at room temperature

Cream butter in mixer with sugar and vanilla. Add flour in small additions. Don't beat dough too much. Scrape down bowl during mixing. Add pecans. Add almond extract. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Press dough into a flat rectangle. Chill 1 hour or more.

Preheat oven to 325 bake 15 to 20 minutes. Lightly flour surface and rolling pin. Roll 1/4" thick. Sprinkle w/sugar, press into dough with rolling pin. Use 2 1/2" cutter. Bake on parchment covered cookie sheet. Don't brown, bake just until lightly colored. Makes 22-24 cookies.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

December 1!

The sun is shining, the grass is green . . . well, I guess I'll have to stop there because as I look out my window, there are no orange or palm trees swaying. But, really--can you believe it's December 1? In two weeks my youngest son and his wife will celebrate their first wedding anniversary. It seems impossible that a year ago, we were in the midst of preparing for their wedding. But regardless of what it seems, it truly is December which means getting ready for the one of the most wonderful holidays of the year. Without Christmas, where would our world be? We would be without hope, without joy, without redemption.

Jeff's sermon Sunday was titled, "Are You Ready for Christmas?" In our minds we are all screaming, "NO!" The encouragement was in preparing our hearts for Christmas--not just our homes and gift lists. Are we ready to reflect and remember the blessing of the birth of our Savior? I hope you will take time each day as you work on preparing physically for the holidays to ready your heart as well. I have a feeling that as we do that, regardless of what we do or don't accomplish on our to-do list, this year's Christmas will be filled with joy.

As promised, each day I will share recipe and gift-giving suggestions from my recipe box. Today's is Oreo truffles. If you've never had them, you're in for a treat! They are extremely easy to make and oh, so good! Try this recipe. I recommend chilling the balls about an hour or so before proceeding to dipping. I would also like to suggest adding different flavorings such as peppermint extract or vanilla for a twist. You could also dip some in white chocolate and drizzle them with dark chocolate or visa versa. Instead of dipping in chocolate, you can roll them in coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or cocoa.

Are you ready for Christmas? You're one step closer!