Everyone looks forward to it....

[VeraBlue]

Every year I make oodles of cookies too, Vera.

My favorites (and everyone else's in the family) are my Grandma's Monster cookies. I've mentioned them here before, but the recipe's one of those family things.

However, all look forward to the Martha Stewart Thumbprint cookies I make every holiday (what's a holiday without cookies?)

Every year someone suggests that I take it easy, make less, give myself a break. Yeah, right, hahahahaha...

 

[VeraBlue]

My "thing" is different every year and that's what my friends look forward to. One year I may give a homemade hot chocolate gift basket, complete with chocolate mix, a parcel of mini marshmallows, chocolate-covered spoons, etc.

Another year it may be a basket full of homemade pasta, homemade canned pasta sauce, a baguette, etc.

Other years, it could be a mix of savory and sweet breads for breakfast or dinner.

I always "mix" things up and have a great time doing it. My only problem is remembering what I gave to whom.

I've even baked goodies to give to my friend's pets as part of their gift basket.

P.S.
Buck says I'm the best cook in the county. I don't know, I just know he always eats what I cook.

Katie, that sounds wonderful. I'd wager it's more time consuming than most people realize. You know, of course, the best way to remember who got what is to write it down...

 

[VeraBlue]

I had a job once that had 2 "goodie days", one near Thanksgiving and one near Christmas.
By decree of the Boss, I was to bring egg rolls and my special dipping sauce, which she thought was something special.

Soy sauce, ginger powder, red pepper flakes and chicken bullion powder, LOL!

Never ever tell anyone how easy some things are...

 

[VeraBlue]

Mine is crackerjack. It's my grandpa's recipe. I don't make it every year but someone in the family always makes it every holiday. We take turns. It makes quite alot (5 gallons) so there is always plenty to share from a single batch.

ohhhhhhh, you've brought back such wonderful memories. I haven't had that in years. Do you give little prizes in yours?

 

[jerseyjay14]

Strufoli!!!! my grandmother only makes it for easter

 

[Michelemarie]

Oooohhh, yum Jersey!

Mom and I always make italian anise cookies - my great grandma made them, then grandma and now mom and me - everyone loves them - they are like gold. We only make them at Christmas.

I made peanut butter bon bons one time about 16 years ago and they were a huge hit - so now that has become tradition too.

 

[YT2095]

nothing fancy here, but my Sausage/bread stuffing balls that I do with Christmas dinner are a big hit. although Most of them get eaten Afterwards cold and sliced on a sammich, by my wife.
I have to Hide a couple in the fridge behind stuff so I get a chance too

 

[jerseyjay14]

Oooohhh, yum Jersey!

Mom and I always make italian anise cookies - my great grandma made them, then grandma and now mom and me - everyone loves them - they are like gold. We only make them at Christmas.

I made peanut butter bon bons one time about 16 years ago and they were a huge hit - so now that has become tradition too.

that sounds great.... i love any kind of cookie/cake that has anise or rum in it... cant wait for the christmas!

 

[GrillingFool]

I almost forgot... I also make a batch of Old Yeller's Roadkill Jerky
and give that out to family members and friends.

OK, I DID forget, and it is good someone asked me if I were making
it this year.

Better go gas up and find me some roadkill!!!!

 

[kadesma]

My family expects my focccia every Christmas and holidays,birthdays..They also wait expectantly for stuffed onions and zucchini...The sweet they love best is my cream puffs,big ones and little pop them in your mouth ones...It's all part of the ritual of the season and now, we are giving lessons and recipes are being printed so this will continue on.
kadesma

 

[GotGarlic]

I'll bet they are wonderful. Ever dip the ends in white chocolate?

No, I hadn't thought of that, but it sounds great. One of the other recipes in the book does that with spice cookies, so I can try that this year. Thanks for the suggestion

 

[Fisher's Mom]

My "thing" is different every year and that's what my friends look forward to. One year I may give a homemade hot chocolate gift basket, complete with chocolate mix, a parcel of mini marshmallows, chocolate-covered spoons, etc.

Another year it may be a basket full of homemade pasta, homemade canned pasta sauce, a baguette, etc.

Other years, it could be a mix of savory and sweet breads for breakfast or dinner.

I always "mix" things up and have a great time doing it. My only problem is remembering what I gave to whom.

I've even baked goodies to give to my friend's pets as part of their gift basket.

P.S.
Buck says I'm the best cook in the county. I don't know, I just know he always eats what I cook.

I wanna be your friend, Katie!

 

[Fisher's Mom]

I almost forgot... I also make a batch of Old Yeller's Roadkill Jerky
and give that out to family members and friends.

OK, I DID forget, and it is good someone asked me if I were making
it this year.

Better go gas up and find me some roadkill!!!!

I'm soooo afraid to ask, GrillingFool.

 

[VeraBlue]

Strufoli!!!! my grandmother only makes it for easter

I'd love to compare recipes with you! I'll only make it for Christmas Eve. My little balls seem a bit larger than yours. I added a touch of baking powder to the recipe so they'll puff up a bit more. Do you put orange zest into your honey?

 

[VeraBlue]

Oooohhh, yum Jersey!

Mom and I always make italian anise cookies - my great grandma made them, then grandma and now mom and me - everyone loves them - they are like gold. We only make them at Christmas.

I made peanut butter bon bons one time about 16 years ago and they were a huge hit - so now that has become tradition too.

Your recipe looks like it makes lots and lots of cookies, too. Plenty to go around, for sure.

 

[jerseyjay14]

I'd love to compare recipes with you! I'll only make it for Christmas Eve. My little balls seem a bit larger than yours. I added a touch of baking powder to the recipe so they'll puff up a bit more. Do you put orange zest into your honey?

sorry its not my recipe its my grandmothers... i've never actually made them(not much of a baker) but i will ask her next time i talk to her and shoot you a pm.

 

[babetoo]

on christmas for 25 years. made 25 dozen assorted cookies and bars. gave each of kids and grandkids a big take home plate.

i decided this year to not do it. at almost 70 it just wears me out standing for three days or so to make this stuff.

also everyone seems to be on a diet. lol

so this year only sugar cookies for my neighbors.

babe

feels strange not to be baking my buns off.

lol

babe

 

[Caine]

Okay, I have to ask...what do you spread red pepper jelly on??

Cinnamon toast.

 

[VeraBlue]

on christmas for 25 years. made 25 dozen assorted cookies and bars. gave each of kids and grandkids a big take home plate.

i decided this year to not do it. at almost 70 it just wears me out standing for three days or so to make this stuff.

also everyone seems to be on a diet. lol

so this year only sugar cookies for my neighbors.

babe

feels strange not to be baking my buns off.

lol

babe

Babe, that's why I still do it, every year....I think it would feel strange not to do it. Hope you enjoy the time you'll have for yourself, this year!

 

[VeraBlue]

Chocolate kahlua mousse pie. Every year for Christmas.

Some day, would you please post that recipe. I have a feeling Lou would love it!