Thursday, December 3, 2009

Slow Start: Recipe Included!



We are having a very slow start to Christmas this year. Yesterday I potted some narcissus bulbs and found our advent numbers that we hang each year. And Andrew and I hung 1 and 2 yesterday and 1 has since fallen down. I don't think we'll get our tree this weekend, but wait until next weekend so it isn't yellow by Christmas. Though, with the heat in our apartment, it very well could be yellow by Christmas. ;)

I am enjoying this slow start. This gradual buildup. This year I don't mind too much that I don't have the holiday all figured out. Like how exactly we are going to hang those advent numbers. And when to plan our trip into Manhattan with the kids to see the hubbub. It will happen. And it will be great.

Little by little Christmas and I will find each other.





I was planning on sharing the recipe for these cookies, which are my all-time favorite Christmas Cookies, but sometime between 6 o'clock last night and 7:30 this morning, I lost the recipe. Which, happens to me all the time with this recipe in particular. So, Mom? Tara? Can you send me the recipe? again? ;)

Good news! I just got this email from my mom! Thanks, Mom!

Pretzel Cookies

3/4 C.butter, softened
1/2 C. sugar
1 t. vanilla extract (sometimes I substitute w/ almond)
1 3/4 C.flour
2 T. milk
1 egg slightly beaten
colored sugar

In mixing bowl, cream butter. Gradually add sugar, then vanilla and beat until well blended. Gradually add flour and milk, mixing until well blended. Chill dough for ease in handling, then divide into 4 equal parts. Work w/ one part of dough at a time, refrigerating remainder. Divide each part in 8 pieces and roll piece into a 8" strand. Put on cookie sheet, twisting in a pretzel shape. Brush w/ egg, then sprinkle w/ colored sugar. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 8-10min. until lightly browned. Cool on racks. makes 32
Woman's Day Best Ideas for Christmas 1974
I now use parchment paper on the cookie sheets.
Enjoy! This never makes enough.
Love, Mom

17 comments:

Cat said...

Same for me...I don't feel in the Christmas spirit yet. It might be because we don't have snow yet (the only snow we got melted the next day) I think I'll put some Christmas music on, that always helps! Am looking forwatd to try the cookies! Please find the recipe!!!

firefly said...

The fact that you can declare Christmas to be getting a slow start by December 3rd is so funny to me. Even funnier knowing that you have some decorations/advent numbers up, have planned out which weekend you'll get a tree, sewn a quilted advent calendar for Vanessa and ornaments for yourself (and Sarah Reid) and have even started making Christmas cookies.

So, enlighten me: What does a fast start look like? ;)

For me, Christmas is ZOOMING right along. I have done nothing save put a bowl of chestnuts out on the living room table and mark all of the holiday invitations I've received on my calendar.

Cat said...

Robin, can these be frozen or do they stay fresh in a ziplock until Christmas?

Dave said...

Cat, eat them now. Seriously. Or make a batch now, eat it. Make another closer to Christmas and then eat that. ;)

Or...I suppose you could freeze them.

Cat said...

Unfortunately, I'm not as lucky as you... if I eat all these cookies now, I won't fit in my clothes for Christmas!!! These will mainly go out as gifts (I hope)!
Thanks!

sclafaniks said...

Hello Robyn, Aunt V and Tara...I'm Aunt Melodee's friend, Kris (from DCCS)I hope you don't mind me spying on you...what a delightful blog! Your professionalism and creativity is OFF THE CHARTS! Fortunately I don't have a blog so you don't have to view my "KrisMESS Sugar Doodles". (Tried to make Snicker Doodles with green and red sugar) Bad idea. But you already knew that! Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Dave said...

Hello Kris! Welcome! Off the charts! That's high praise, thanks!

JIW said...

I love that recipe -- it looks like even this non-baker could follow it!

Goes On Runs said...

thanks for recipes. this is going to be sundays activity... right after charlie brown christmas.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Thanks for the recipe

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Thanks for the recipe

Cheryl G. said...

Looks yummy!

Cat said...

Tried the recipe: the family loves them!!! I get it... they are very hard to resist! Will be making more before Christmas!

Dave said...

Cat! I'm glad you liked them!

scrappysue said...

Hi Robyn, I joined Shimelle's blogging class today (er, somewhat late), and have started checking out blogs. Yours is really great! My blog turned 3 on December 1st too! I can't cook at all (set fire to the microwave, yes, really!), but my 10 year old daughter loves to, so I may get her to try out your Mum's recipe. Thank you!

scrappysue said...

Oh sorry, I don't know why I am saved as a Blogger, since my blogs are in Typepad!

scrappysue said...

Sorry Robyn, its 10.40 in Dubai and I obviously need some sleep! I got the blog wrong again! No matter, I was also wondering if you sewed your pp for your December Daily, they look great. I failed miserably in my album and started a blog instead. Yours looks such a do-able project!