Cookie Swap Part 2

It’s time for the recipes! I have picked out ten Christmas cookie recipes which seem to be delicious. So, get your flour, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, baking soda, and what ever else the recipes call for. It’s time to BAKE!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

According to “General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the most popular Christmas cookie in the country; it’s the most-visited cookie recipe in seven states, which means it’s the most common favorite cookie in the U.S. That’s a pretty high honor! Jul 30, 2022”

I am a fan of PBB (Peanut Butter Blossoms), and they are in my cookie tins each year! So, let’s see what makes them YUMMY!

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies…have to admit, not really a fan. I have nightmares of millions and millions of cookies being made by my mother and aunts and our duty as children, my cousins, my sister, and I, was to frost said millions of cookies. We never thought the day would end when we had to frost the sugar cookies! Do you remember the dragees that were silver? Those things could zing your fillings like nothing else.

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Growing up, gingerbread cookies weren’t usually on the menu. We would get the ginger snaps through out the year, but back in the day, those gingerbread men were to tough to bite into. However, I have grown to like gingerbread cookies over the year. Can’t wait to try these out!

Both the Sugar Cookie and the Gingerbread Cookie can be frosted many different ways. Check out the links on some of the millions and millions of ideas out there!

Candy Cane Cookies

While I am reminising about childhood cookies, the CCC (Candy Cane Cookies) were my favorite! They were so yummy, sadly as I grew up, I found they were extremely hard to make. The dough would be too dry and fall apart, we would over bake them, it was a never ending struggle. But, here, we have an updated version!

Christmas Snickerdoodles

The Snickerdoodle, not on the childhood cookie list, however, it’s a must make in our house now and is usually one of the first cookies to run out! (Just a note, Snickerdoodles can be made with or without Cream of Tartar Pictured on the right)

Here we start the; Never Have I Ever part of the choice of cookies.

I choose the FCDC (Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies) as I have found I love cranberries, but not that nasty stuff out of a can (sorry to those who like it).

Frosted Cranberry Drop Cookies

Oreo Balls

Appears to be something in the neighborhood of a “truffle” or “cake pop”. Every single time I try to dip cake pops in the chocolate, they fall off the stick, fork, or anything else I try!

Raspberry Pistachio Linzer Cookies

I have never had a Linzer or raspberry and pistachio together, this should be interesting!

See, don’t they look yummy!!!

Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies

Can you even go wrong with Andes Mints? In a chocolate cookie? My mind suggests not!

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Kind of like the AMCC there is nothing wrong with peppermint and mocha together!

So there you have it. Ten of the most delicious looking Christmas cookies I have seen in a long time. Mine never look anything close to these pictured here, but when I make my cookies, I will make sure and share with you what they looked like. Share yours too, if you like!

“I sure do like those Christmas cookies, sugar
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe
The ones that look like Santa Claus
Christmas trees and bells and stars
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe”
George Strait, Christmas Cookies

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DK

Cookie Swap Part 1

Tis the Season…falalala lala LA

It’s that time of year, you know the time. Your pants get to tight, the cashiers are grumpy, the kids are acting like hooligans and the same obnoxious Holiday Carols are playing in every store you go! Ok, all grumpiness aside (for the moment), I’m gonna help you stir up some holiday joy! I’m talking friends and/or family and COOKIES!!! Let’s plan a holiday cookie exchange!? Seriously, what could go wrong?

Step One:

Read this entire post, make notes, grab ideas and get ready to get happy!

Step Two:

The “rules” or rather guidelines of engagement are: Everyone brings a big batch of (preferrably homemade), cookies to distributes roughly 6 – 12 cookies each to the other guests. Which will either result in a tummy ache or a grand assortment of delicious cookies.

Step Three:

Invite friends, family, co workers, neighbors, the possibities are endless. But, don’t over do!

Remember, you’ll be baking enough cookies for every guest to take home. Shoot for eight to 10 people who like to bake and will have fun spending an evening together.

AND…if you get ambitious, you and your group are, you could incorporate a Secret Santa gift exchange. If you decide on that option, have everyone bring a baking-related gift  under $20. Of course, this is going above and beyond the “traditional” cookie swap, however, besides really yummy cookies, you could end up with a really cool spatula! Or measuring spoons (that would be what I’d like, if I were to get a baking related gift). You may even want to have the guests print off their recipes so they can become your next favorite cookie!

Next:

Determine How Much Everyone Should Make

Usually, guests bake a dozen cookies for each guest (that is why we don’t want to invite the entire neighborhood) or you could do a half dozen per guest if you decide on 10 or more guests. Don’t forget some of your treats for sampling.

Also:

Set Ground Rules

It is a “party” however, if you are a cookie artist and go to extreme lengths, you may not be happy if someone shows up with Oreos (still in the package). Let’s be fair though, should you want to go all out, go for it! Just don’t expect fancy cookies from the others, unless, those are the friends you invited. Then I would suggest Cookie Wars! The “rules” should be simple; cookies should be made from scratch and/or holiday-themed. Also…please! Ask guests to let you know of any food allergies so you can make everyone else aware.

What’s Next?

As the date gets closer there are some things YOU should be doing.

First:

Check RSVPs and Ask Who’s Making What

You really don’t want three different people making (almost) identical sugar cookies or everyone bringing chocolate cookies (which, let’s be honest, that may not be such a bad thing). Should you have a few duplicates you could, tactfully suggest someone switch if there’s an overlap. Picking the most experienced baker or may be the best idea and won’t be someone who gets frazzled by changing their plans.

Second:

Decide on What Cookie You are Making and Shop for Ingredients

Remember, this isn’t a competition (unless you go the Cookie Wars route) and you definetly want to make cookies everyone can be happy to receive.

Also:

Figure Out a Menu of Other Snacks and Drinks

Consider non-sweet dishes like vegetable dips, cheese balls or finger sandwiches. You could also request guests to bring a small contribution of the non sweet kind to help out.

And:

Designate Your Largest Table

For this, you will need to find your dining room table, or throw together some folding tables. This is going to be a long buffet where the guests will show off their wares. Grab a decorative table cloth from the dollar store, borrow one from the neighbors or cover the tables in wrapping paper, this is to help eliminate or reduce the chance of any damage to your tables.

It’s getting closer. Hopefully, you have heeded my advice thus far and followed everything to a T. Or you can be a renigade like me and fly by the seat of your pants! However, should you choose to be organized and prepared, here we go!

One week before –

1. Gather Serving Trays –

Make sure you have platters to display the cookies or let the guests know to bring their own. Kicking up the displays of goodness might include a festive basket, a holiday themed tray, a decorative box or inside a gift-wrapped box.

2. Buy Extra Plastic Wrap and Storage Bags –

You know there will be at least one guest who forgets to bring a container to take home their cookies, so… have supplies, like a box of 1-gallon plastic bags, simple gift boxes or throw away trays on hand. Again, the dollar store would be a great place to get these!

3. Bake Your Cookies –

If you’re cutting it close to find time to make the cookies, bake them when you have a day and then freeze them. Some recipes, you can even prepare the dough well in advance, some up to three months in the freezer.

Stress is setting (ok, maybe that’s just me).

The Day Before:

Set Up the Room

• Decorate the table with a festive tablecloth or a holiday centerpiece.
• Push furniture aside so it’s easier for people to cruise through the cookie buffet.
• Have the non-cookie food in the fridge ready to go.

Thaw Any Frozen Cookies

If you baked ahead and froze the cookies, set them out to bring them to room temperature overnight. OR…If you haven’t baked them yet, now would be a great time!

Finally!

The Day of the Party

Set Out Food and Drinks

• Have cocktails, mocktails, hot tea or coffee ready
• Make appetizers available early in the event.
• Turn on the Holiday Music (softly!)
• Have the guests choose a spot on the buffet to place their cookies
• Have index cards and pens available in case guests want to ID their cookies

I am NO Betty Crocker or Miss Manners by any stretch of the imagination, so here are some other ideas to help the party go smoothly

Welcome Guests and Direct Traffic

Ask for the group’s attention and thank them for coming. Go around the room and give everyone an opportunity to name their cookies, tell where they got the recipe, and describe why they love them. (No pressure: They can say, “Taste and see for yourself!”) OR…they can add that information to the index cards as well.

Then it’s ready, set, and go!

Enjoy, Relax and Have Fun! Make Memories and don’t forget the photos!

I’ll be back soon with cookie ideas

Cookies!!! Umm num num num num!!! (Cookie Monster)

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DK

Is It Too Late For Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas?

Well, I have to tell you, this year has certainly gone by fast! I mean it was just Jan 1 like three minutes ago. I guess that’s what happens when you get stuck in a rut and you are “old” on top of that!

I have wasted enough time, let’s get this party started!

Appetizers:

If you have followed me (or tried to follow me) you know, the Deviled Egg is always a must at our house. I don’t know what it is about it, maybe nostalgia, maybe the ease of making them, or…maybe just cause they are so darn good!

I have switched it up just a bit this year and chose a recipe which included different ingredients than the “classic” egg mixture.

Check out this recipe:

Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs:

The Dried Beef Cheese Ball:

My dad used to make this cheese ball, however he used crunchy bacon!

Sausage Balls:

Side Dishes:

Sweet Potatoes are always on the buffet table at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Streusel:

There is no way my family would ever consider anything else than the ol stand by, mashed potatoes. But, I like to experiment with new recipes, however, often to the shegrin of the victims of my not so everday “normal” food, they don’t like whatever it is I make.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole:

Corn just goes with mashed potatoes, so when you try new potato recipes, try new corn recipes too. I admit, this one sounds absolutley fabulous!

Honey Butter Skillet Corn:

The Main Dish:

I am sure many of you are in the same boat our families are. Money is a bit tight and so I looked for alternatives to the tradional Turkey.

I believe you can use this chicken recipes on a turkey if you like!

Roasted Chicken:

Citrus Herb Roast Turkey Breast:

Apple Butter Glazed Ham:

Desserts!

Now, to my favorite time of the dinner. However, I am not a fan of pumpkin, nothing pumpkin, aside from the smell of it. But, for those of you who love pumpkin, I did include one recipe.

Sweet Cherry Pie: (Comeon, you know you are now singing that song in your head right now)

Divine Chocolate Cream Pie:

Easy Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

I hope you have enjoyed my ideas for a bit of a non stressful Thanksgiving dinner. Many of these recipes can be make ahead of time, so you are able to enjoy YOUR Thanksgiving day!

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions.

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DK

St Patrick’s Day

Welcome back and HAPPY, almost, Spring!

St. Paddy’s Day or St Patty’s Day?

Saint Patrick’s Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick?

However you look at it,  St Paddy’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland.

But who WAS St. Patrick? Let’s take a look into the man, the life and the legends!

The Man :

St. Patrick, can be credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and probably responsible in part for the Christianization of the Picts and Anglo-Saxons. We get to know St Patrick from only two short works, the Confession, which is a spiritual autobiography, and his Letter to Coroticus, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians.

The Life:

Patrick was born in Britain to a Romanized family; at 16 he was taken from the villa of his father, Calpurnius, a deacon and minor local official, by Irish raiders and carried into slavery in Ireland. For six long years he was a herdsman, during which he turned to his faith with a passion. Dreaming the ship in which he was to escape was ready, he fled his master and found passage to Britain, where he nearly starved and suffered a second brief captivity before he was reunited with his family. According to tradition, Patrick returned to Ireland where he spent many years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland and converting “thousands” of pagan Irish to Christianity.

The Legends:

By the end of the 7th century, Patrick became a legendary figure. One of the legends claim he drove the snakes of Ireland into the sea to their destruction. Patrick wrote he raised people from the dead, a 12th-century hagiography (what the heck is hagiography? According to Webster it’s “the writing of the lives of saints”) states the number to be 33 men, of those some were claimed to have been deceased for many years. Patrick, also, reportedly prayed for food for hungry sailors traveling by land through a desolate area and a herd of swine miraculously appeared.
Probably the most popular legend, is that of the shamrock, which has him explaining the concept of the Holy Trinity (three persons in one God) to an unbeliever by showing him the three-leaved plant with one stalk, since then the Irishmen have worn shamrocks (Ireland’s national) in their lapels on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

The Celebrations:

These generally involved parades and festivals, traditional Irish music sessions and the wearing of green or shamrocks. There are also gatherings like banquets and dances, although these were more common in the past. St. Paddy’s Day parades started in North America during the 18th century but did not spread to Ireland until the 20th century and the week of Saint Patrick’s Day is known “Irish language week”.
Christians may attend church services and the Lenten restrictions of eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day. This could be why drinking alcohol, particularly Irish whiskey, beer or cider has become an integral part of many celebrations. Another popular St Paddy’s Day custom, especially in Ireland, is “drowning the shamrock” or “wetting the shamrock” . At the end of the celebrations, a shamrock is dropped to bottom of a cup, then filled with whiskey, beer, or cider. This then becomes a toast to Saint Patrick, Ireland, or to those present; the shamrock is then either swallowed with the drink or taken out and tossed over the shoulder for good luck.

The Green:

On Saint Patrick’s Day, it is customary to wear shamrocks, green clothing or green accessories.

But why?

The color green has been associated with Ireland since the 1640s, when the green harp flag was used by the Irish Catholic Confederation, representing “the scared emblem of Ireland’s unconquered soul”. Green ribbons and shamrocks have been worn on St Patrick’s Day since the 1680s, where The Friendly Brothers of St Patrick (an Irish fraternity) adopted green as its color. During the 1790s, green would become associated with Irish nationalism, due to its use by the United Irishmen; a republican organization, led mostly by Protestants but included many Catholic members, and who launched a rebellion in the late 1700’s against British rule. Finally, in 1795, Ireland was described as “the Emerald Isle” for the first time in print in “When Erin First Rose”, a poem by co-founder of the United Irishmen William Drennan, stressed the historical importance of green to the Irish.

That was then….what about now?

Well first off, Ireland is an island, filled with green leafy trees and grassy hills and is referred to as the Emerald Isle. In the 18th century, green was introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities, when the shamrock became a national symbol and because of the shamrock’s popularity and Ireland’s landscape, the color stuck to the holiday

Maybe, most importantly, green is also the color of the mythical fairies, otherwise known as Leprechauns and the one reason you’re supposed to wear green on St. Paddy’s Day.

This tradition or folklore says wearing green makes you invisible to Leprechauns: which is good news, since they like to pinch anyone they can see. Many think sporting the color green will bring good luck and still others wear it to honor their Irish ancestry. No wonder green can be seen all over, even the Chicago River in Illinois is dyed green each year to celebrate the holiday.

Let’s not forget the tradition of eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. This likely grew out of the fact those foods were less expensive for immigrants who came to America, so they substituted beef for pork and cabbage for potatoes.

However you celebrate, here’s hoping it’s a lucky day!

“in a single day I have said as many as a hundred prayers, and in the night almost as many;”
― St. Patrick, The Confession of St. Patrick

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New Orleans Mardi Gras

Laissez les bons temp rouler 

 

So the task at hand today is to figure out what is Mardi Gras; besides the chest baring, bead slinging, week of drunkenness. Hold on tight, cause we are going to Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)! Which, by the way, there is really no reply to that saying!

 

 

 

Mardi Gras began as a Christian holiday and cultural phenomenon, dating back 1000’s of years to the pagan spring and fertility rites. Often referred to as Carnival and celebrated in many countries all over the world with large Roman Catholic populations, is the day before the beginning of Lent: the season of fasting. Binging on the meat, eggs, milk and cheese which remained in their homes, they were preparing to fast. And if you wanted to know what the French called the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, well, they called it “Fat Tuesday”! Which is the day the huge parades are held!

 

Many historians believe the first American Mardi Gras was on March 3, 1699, celebrating the landing of the French explorers Iberville and Bienville in Louisiana. They held a small celebration and dubbed it Pont du Mardi Gras. Since then, the Orleans and French settlements have began to celebrate with road events, masked balls and lavish dinners. Sadly, when the Spanish took control of New Orleans, they abolished these festivities and remained in place until Louisiana became a state in 1812.

 

In 1827, a group of students donned colorful costumes and danced through the streets New Orleans, imitating the festivities they had seen while visiting Paris. 1837 marked the first Mardi Gras parade, a tradition which continues nowadays. In 1857, a secret society of New Orleans, referred to as the Mistick Krewe of Comus, geared up a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching bands and rolling floats, setting the tone for future celebrations within the city. Many customs which remain today, including throwing beads (see, I told you there would be bead slinging) and other trinkets, carrying masks, adorning floats and eating King Cake.

 

 

Let’s just check out what that King Cake is all about. King cake is eaten January 6th, in honor of Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, which marks the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem, delivering gifts to baby Jesus. (The plastic baby hidden inside king cakes today is a nod to this story.) King cake also appears on tables throughout the Carnival season, which runs from Epiphany to Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent), at which point practitioners typically abstain from such indulgences as cake.

 

Back to the story of Mardi Gras…

Louisiana is the only state Mardi Gras is considered a legal holiday and plays host to one of the biggest public festivities,  drawing 1000’s of tourists and revelers each year. This year Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 13th (stay another night and celebrate Valentines in the Big Easy).

 

  So, let’s take a look at the main traditions of Mardi Gras:

 

Tossing of the Beads

 

Just what are these beads that are flung about? Traditional Mardi Gras beads are purple, green, and gold colors. The purple symbolizes justice; the green represents faith; and the gold signifies power. Just to let you know how many beads are flung…New Orleans gets around 25 MILLION pounds of beads. Given those little beads weigh next to nothing, that’s a LOT of beads! Now, ladies, baring your chest is a “recent” addition to the festivities; not really becoming a thing until the 1970’s, you know, Women’s Lib! It is has been said the parties on the floats throw beads to those how show off their goods. Guys, let’s be clear here, you can bare your chest, however, dropping your drawers for more beads is not a good thing and may land you in a jail cell.

 

One of the many bead trees

Traditional Beads

Beads left over from the parades

 

Tradition of Masks

 

Those Masks! Have you seen them! Oh my goodness! Some of them are insane! This would be one thing I would partake in!  Masks are a huge part of the Mardi Gras culture. During early Mardi Gras celebrations, masks were a way for their wearers to escape their social rankings and demands. Mask wearers would mingle with people of all different classes and could be whomever they wanted to be, at least for a few days.

Note to self: In New Orleans, float riders are required by law to have a mask on. On Fat Tuesday, it is legal for all Mardi Gras attendees to wear masks, however, many store owners post signs requesting those entering to remove their masks first.

 

 

The Flambeaux Tradition

 

Flambeaux, means flame or torch and was the tradition of carrying shredded rope soaked in pitch through the streets at nighttime so revelers could enjoy festivities after dark. Slaves and free African Americans were the original carriers of the torches as they were trying to earn a little money. Revelers tossed coins at the carriers, thanking them  for lighting the way for the floats.

Today’s flame carriers have turned the tradition into a performance, dancing and spinning their kerosene lights, something the original parade planners hadn’t done.

 

 

Rex, The King of Carnival

Every year a king is crowned by the Rex Organization, and is always a prominent person in New Orleans. He is given the symbolic Key to the City by the Mayor. Who is this Rex? Well, Rex, was the first king of the Carnival ascending to the throne in 1872. History has it that the first Rex was actually the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia who, befriended U.S. Army officer George Armstrong Custer during a planned hunting expedition in the Midwest. The Duke’s visit to New Orleans was organized by businessmen hoping to lure tourism and business to their city after the Civil War.

Handing Out Zulu Coconuts

The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is one of the oldest traditionally black krewes (parade hosts) in Mardi Gras history. 1910 is the first reference of these treasures, the Zulu Coconuts or Golden Nuggets, were left in their original hairy state, but years later, Zulu members started painting and decorating them. Getting a Zulu coconut is one of the most sought after traditions during Mardi Gras.

Finally…

Krewes (especially in New Orleans) a private social club that sponsors balls, parades, etc., as part of the Mardi Gras festivities.

Just to finish it up, let’s take a look at some more of the costumes

Sorry this one was a bit longer than most, but there was so much information! After learning all I did, I am still not hip on going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans; I do know that Walt Disney World does have a Mardi Gras parade, I may go there instead.

“It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.”

 Mark Twain

 

 

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DK