Stormy Day

Driving in from Medicine Hat last night, there was no indication of the wintry weather we would be waking up to this morning.  I had forgotten just how icy the wind can get when blowing across open prairie.

It's a good day for staying indoors and baking cookies.

Which brings Christmas to mind.  Do you have any favourite memories, traditions or recipes you would like to share?  Will family be coming to visit you - or will you be going away for a vacation?

Send in your thoughts, memories, pictures, recipes, etc.  by using the Contact form, or by adding a comment below.  Let's share some warm thoughts this festive season.

Snowman Craft 

In honor of my Mom, Grete Bubbel, here is a favourite family recipe that is good for any time of the year.  Since it's a refrigerator dough, it can be kept in the freezer - readily available should unexpected guests arrive (or if you just need some quick, warm cookies on a frosty afternoon).

Grete's Christmas Nut Cookies

2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. soda 1 c. soft butter 1/2 c. brown sugar

2/3 c. white sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 c. chopped almonds

1. Sift flour with salt and soda.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until well blended.
3. Add flour gradually, mixing well. Stir in nuts.
4. Chill dough until stiff.
5. Divide dough in half and form into 2 uniform rolls approx. 2" in diameter.
6. Wrap in wax paper and freeze; or store in fridge overnight.
7. Cut with a sharp knife into 1/4" thick slices.
8. Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes.

    YIELD: approx. 40 cookies       
    

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FUN STUFF!

For kids big and small, you can find some gorgeous coloring pages by clicking this link .  Here's just one example.

Be sure to use the link above for printable copies of all the coloring pages.

And for those of you who love to make your own gifts and decorations, here are some great books.  Just click on the picture for more details.

• 2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. soda
• 1 c. soft butter
• 1/2 c. brown sugar

• 2/3 c. white sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 c. chopped almonds