Christmas Cookies

Made Chai Krumkake, Date-filled Oatmeal and Gingerbread cut-outs(decorated with apricots, raisins and mini chocolate chips), plus Cherry-Coconut Bars today with Edith.

Warming Up!

So, we're all better and back on track with some holiday cheer. I wrapped some presents yesterday, and went in to work today (didn't want to infect anyone earlier in the week), but when I got home we had an excellent lunch and then made gingerbread houses with the kids. You can get gingerbread-flavored graham crackers this season... I think the brand is Honeymaid... Madeline and Gavino did a great job decorating with just a little help from the Mamas "gluing" with icing (Wilton ready-made baby!) Oh, and they both ate a decent quantity of candy too. Two-year olds are so fun, and creative, and... always full of surprises!

Happy Birthday Grammy!

Today was my Lil' Grammy's birthday—I know I've posted this pic before, but it's one of my favorites, and she was (and continues to be) one of my favorite people ever. She did things from teaching me cool words like "davenport" to how to really have fun. She also did crazy things like driving herself to the hospital while in labor (but she had to since no one else was handy-Grampa was working). She's dearly missed, but Madeline's definitely got her spunk, and will learn lots of cool things about her as she grows up. Here is her excellent recipe for fudge. Mmmmm...

Grammy's Fudge

3 c. sugar
3 T. cocoa
1 t. salt
1 c. whole milk
1 T. butter
1 t. vanilla

Mix dry ingredients well, dry mashing out lumps. Add 1 c. whole milk and boil, but don't stir, until it forms soft ball in cold water. Remove from heat. Add 1 T. butter and 1 t. vanilla. Cool just until you can stick your finger into it. Stir until it loses its gloss. Spoon on a buttered plate and spread fast with a knife.