Christmas Baking Is Upon Us

Christmas Baking is Upon Us

Decorations are up.  I live in a small house in Carlsbad. A traditional tree is impratical.  Instead I have put up a kitchen tree which will fit on my countertop.

Baking has begun here.  Cookies are of course the first priority.  I have chosen three recipes.  Two are traditional in my kitchen-  Holly Leaves and Peanut Butter Kisses.  The third cookie is a new one this year:  Eggnog Spritz.

Holly Leaves are cornflakes in a melted marshmallow coating with green food coloring added- a favorite of Grandson, Travis away at college.  The Peanut Butter kisses are a favorite of son, Tim.  The Eggnog Spritz are new this year but will be a keeper.  There was no eggnog in the recipe but rum extract was a flavoring and were pumped from a cookie gun making it easy and quick to get the cookies on the baking sheet. 

I am going up to L.A. the week before Christmas for an appointment and son, Tim will drive back down with me.  We will have an early celebration with my grandson, Paul and his family.  Paul's younger brother, Will (who was just married) and his wife, Amanda will be there from Albuquerque.

I planned to host dinner on Chistmas Day.  However "All Plans From Mice and Men"...  

Christmas Day turned out to be just son, Tim, son, Keith and his family and myself.  I served Honey Baked Ham with Green Beans, Cheese-baked Potatoes and Pumpkin Bread.  

The main point of the holiday was we were all together at one time or another and spirits were high.  

Happy Holidays to all my Readers.