My grandparents have been visiting for the last two weeks, and are leaving at noon on Christmas, so this year we decided to have a big traditional dinner on Christmas Eve. Dad even saw geese at the grocery store and asked if we wanted one of those, just to make it even more traditional. (My parents’ tradition is to eat crab on Christmas Eve, so this is definitely a change!) However, they were sold out as of the night before, so turkey it was.
I baked all day. Want to see my contribution?
Yes, bread and cookies! My mom has been dithering all day as to what kind of dessert to have. She even baked a gluten-free brownie mix, but that didn’t work out too well. Then I saw Jeanne’s post and decided to take matters into my own hands when it comes to cookies. You see, just after I got home my aunt phoned to say that she was baking cookies and was mailing some to us, and I’ve been craving them ever since. They haven’t got here yet, but you know, Christmas sugar cookies are pretty traditional so I searched for a recipe and there we go. I can’t believe the cookie cutters we have — two music themed, two Chanukah themed, but no Christmas ones. Guess we know where my family’s priorities lie. Good thing tonight is also the fourth night of Chanukah.
The bread is the plain white French bread from one of my favorite books, Bake Your Own Bread by Floss and Stan Dworkin. Found it in the library one day over the summer. The only bread I’ve tried from it though is this French bread. Haven’t really had time for anything else. Oh well, we own it now to try it more often.
Also, the dishwasher broke last week, and the repairman can’t come out to fix it until Friday. And usually we have a HUGE mess of dishes at the end of a big meal like tonight’s. We’re trying to stay on top of it though.
You know what? I think I have the recession to thank for the fact that I had the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Kind of amazing. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah everyone.
Hey, I made sugar cookies too! We have more cookie cutters than we can ever use. We don’t even use most of them, with good reason.
I don’t know why, who wouldn’t want a cowboy boot, palm tree, or chili pepper cookie?
Ahhh, the cookies look pretty, and deelish too! ;) I now have an inclination to bake cookies oh so badly. (Although the only thing I have at home now is instant cookie mix from Betty Crocker’s.)
Merry Christmas Stephanie!
I think by the time all is said and done we will all have a lot to thank the recession for. I believe that people are sick of endlessly buying stuff they don’t need or really want and finally in this economic climate they feel like they are part of the larger group just doing more with less. Eating bread you’ve just bought vs eating bread you’ve just made are totally different experiences. By the way, your baking now has me convinced you are truly a “Renaissance” Woman!
The bread looks amazing – yum! And glad to help you out with the idea of the cookies – yours look good! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
That all looks so delicious. I am very jealous. This has been a great holiday, hasn’t it? I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself and relaxing after such a stressful semester!
Your bread is beautiful! Mine never look so nice.
Merry Recession holidays… wishes for the best in the new year!
Oh my gosh! Those looks so amazing. I feel like having a midnight snack now.
We had crab for New Year’s Eve dinner but traditional American and Filipino Christmas food for Christmas eve… and both nights were fun and filling.
Anyway, I hope you will have an amazing year ahead of you :)