The Look

Our second annual Cookie Countdown has come and gone
and I still can't believe we made it!
Wow.

To be completely honest I found it a little more difficult to get motivated this year.
Maybe because of my pregnancy {and the fun exhaustion that comes with it}
or the fact that our baking kept disappearing {which in part could fall under the pregnancy excuse, but also our three year old was really good at sneaking treats from the freezer} but I just found it hard to get into the kitchen most days.

But, there was one thing that no matter how tired, lazy, or grumpy I felt that kept me going and that was:
The look.
It was the look on that one man's face last year.
It was a look I still can't describe but a year later is carved so deeply into my mind and heart, that it's what got my butt in motion when all I wanted to do most days was take a nap.
I wanted to see that look again.
I wanted to see Jesus.

And I wanted my kids to see it too.

We spent a lot of time talking about giving our baking to the homeless men and women downtown. Each time we pulled out a recipe we talked about what we did last year and how we were planning on doing it again. About how for some of these new friends, it may be their only Christmas present.

I found that the kids were way more into it this year. Maybe because they are a bit older and could understand better or because they remember doing it last year, but whatever the case they talked about it a lot this month.
Especially our oldest daughter. She was very concerned about the people who don't have gardens {in her little 3 year old mind if you don't have a home, you don't have a garden. Logical, no?} She asked a lot of questions and I tried my best to answer them in a way that she could understand.

"Mommy, the people who don't have gardens are going to like our cookies!"
she told me one day while we were baking.
My heart nearly stopped right then and there at her preciousness.
{This must be how God feels when we come and share our excitement with Him.}

We planned to deliver our baking on the 23rd this year. So the kids and I packed up all our plates of baking the day before. This was a really fun part for them, seeing a whole months worth of cookies laid out on the counter...... and also really fun to get to sample a few of the extras afterwards!
;)
The next day, while we drove downtown I could feel myself getting nervous.
Really nervous.
I remember feeling the same way last year.
But as we got closer our son started explaining to his sisters that they needed to look out their windows and help find people to give our baking to, well, my nerves went right out the window.
My mama heart just grew excited by hearing his excitement.

We began handing out our baking and received lots of shocked smiles.
Lots of happy Merry Christmas'
Lots of humble thank yous
And just like last year,
there was
a
moment.

A moment that stopped my heart
and will forever be written in memory.

This time it was a lady.
A dear sweet lady.
Who's face gave away all her sweetness
and held the smile of the century.
Who received her plate of goodies with a surprised laugh,
and questioned if they were really for her.
Who called her friend over to show him and promised she'd share.
{when our 7 year old heard this he ran back to the van to fetch another plate for her friend}
And then her friend's face changed too.
His face was pure JOY.
He patted our son's head and said a loud Merry Christmas
while waving to the girls in the van {who happily shouted it back!}

When we were all back in the van our son's face was shinning.
He was grinning from ear to ear.
Oh how humbled I felt.
Could my heart take anymore?

We drove around and passed out a few more treats when we found ourselves doing a loop down the same street we had just been on. I didn't really notice.... but then I heard a squeal from the backseat....

"Hey! They're eating our baking already mommy! Look! Look, that lady and her friend are eating out baking!!! Mommy, did you see that?!"

Oh, how that did me in.
Has your heart ever hurt from too much J.O.Y?
Mine did.
In that moment.
It did.

Once we handed out the last of our baking we prayed for all the sweet people we met.
My two year old said it best "Thank you for the people. Thank you for the baking."

Yes Jesus.
Thank you for the people.
And thank you for the baking.
It changed me in a way that I could never describe.
And taught my kids something that I could never teach them with words.
It taught us all to love a little better.

All I want for Christmas....

The Tooth Fairy and Santa all in one week!!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!
{You'd think he won the lottery!}
;)

Christmas Cookie #21- Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

Wow.
I can hardly believe how quickly December has flown by.
What a crazy month of baking it's been!
I definitely sampled a few more tasty treats than I did last year,
but I'm sticking with the whole "I'm great with child" excuse.
;)
Today the kids and I packed up our baking tins
we talked {again} about who we were going to bless with our yummy treats
and tomorrow we will deliver our baking.

I am so excited to see Jesus in their eyes again.
I know He'll be there.....

Today was our last baking day.
Wow.
I can't believe we've made it.
Tomorrow we will hand deliver our baking and I can not be more excited!
Yippeeeeeeeee!

Our plans changed a little as far as who will be receiving our gifts but I think that God has perfectly directed our paths and knew from the beginning who would be eating our sweet treats.
(I promise to write more details on our baking delivery adventure soon.... sometime after the buzz of Christmas is over...)

So, for our last day we decided to make one of our family favorites.
Crunchy Caramel Popcorn. Yum.
We make it every year at Christmastime and munch on it after church while we sit around and visit or play fun games together.
This recipe truly makes the best Carmel popcorn and I am so excited to share it with you!

Our Lesson: Thank you God for the fun family time we have over the holidays. We can't wait to eat this yummy popcorn and visit with our loved ones. And thank you God for being with us through this month of baking. We are so excited to see you at work tomorrow! And we can't wait to celebrate your birthday.....only 2 more sleeps :D

Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

20-24 cups popped popcorn

Part 1:
1 cup margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 tsp salt

Part 2:
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Boil syrup (part 1) on a slow rolling boil for 5 mins without stirring.
Remove from heat and add part 2 and stir.
Pour over popcorn. Stir. (don't worry if it doesn't cover all the popcorn perfectly once it's in the oven it will be easier to stir)

Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 mins.
(I use a large roaster so that I can easily mix the popcorn)

Christmas Cookie #20- Skor Cookies

This past weekend the girls spent the afternoon with their auntie (my lovely sister). While they were there they got to help her bake some super yummy cookies (a recipe that I was assured made the most delicious cookies EVER!)

My sister is a teacher and she got this recipe from one of the mom's from her class, who brought them in for her during interviews. (Isn't that sweet? I'll have to remember that for our son's next interviews!)

Anyways, while we were over there yesterday celebrating an early Christmas dinner with our grandparents she let me sample them and yes, indeed they are wonderful!

Apparently these cookies have quite the reputation.... for all you single gals out there- the story goes that if you make these cookies for a man he will propose!
:)
And I'm thinking that for all your married ladies- if you make these cookies for your man he will clean the house, watch the kids AND send you out to the spa!

Just sayin'.

Our Lesson: Thank you God for our family. We are so blessed to have our beautiful Auntie who loves us so much and truly spoils us! She is always sneaking us candy and sweets (even if it's right under mommy's nose!)
:D

Skor Cookies

1 cup butter (not margarine)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
3-4 cups flour

1 pkg milk chocolate chips
1 pkg skor bits


Mix first 7 ingredients. Add in chips and bits.
Bake at 350* for 12 minutes.

Christmas Cookie #19- Mint Chocolate Tea Cakes {new for 2010!}

Another new recipe.
Light & fluffy tea cakes.
Full of minty goodness.
Squeal!

I have been wanting to try this one since last December but had a terrible time finding mint chocolate chips. And by terrible I mean I searched high and low, went to several stores and couldn't find them anywhere. Tear.
I thought that maybe they didn't exist up here in Canada. But then on friday the kids and I were picking up a few things at walmart and what did my eyes behold?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeee! I could hardly contain my excitement. I think the kids thought I was slightly crazy as I explained to them how excited mommy was that I would finally be able to make these cookies that I had been wanting to make since last year. I giggled and smiled as I stocked up on *several* bags (you know, just in case they disappear again from the store) so that I can bake to my minty hearts content all year round!

Ok. Back to the cookies. They are SO easy to make. And crazy yummy-possibly because of one ingredient- butter. The recipe calls for {ahem} 1 1/2 cups of it.
Umm. yikes, that's a whole lotta butta :-)
But butter makes me happy. And so do these cookies.

Try them. You will thank me.
And then we can plan out a buddy exercise program for the new year.
Sound good?

Happy Baking friends.

Mint Chocolate Tea Cakes
(from Jenni @ swimming in sugar and spice)

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups flour
2 cups mint baking chips
powdered sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Sift powdered sugar into large bowl. Beat together with butter, vanilla and salt until creamy.
Gradually beat in flour. 1 cup at a time. Once dough is thoroughly mixed, fold in baking chips.
Shape level tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 mins, or until cookies are set and lightly browned.

Remove from oven and sift powdered sugar over hot cookies on baking sheet. Cool for 10 mins and then transfer to cooling racks. Once completely cooled, store in airtight container.

Christmas Cookie #18- Triple Sour Cream Brownie Bites

This morning we made these mini-brownie bites.

You.
Must.
Make.
These!

By far better than any store bought brownies, that's for sure!
So moist, so rich, so yummmmmmy.

The girls had an especially good time eating the leftover frosting by the spoonful!
Yikes. I can't turn my back for a second with those two :)

Our Lesson: This recipe is call Triple chocolate, because there are three kinds of chocolate: chocolate brownies, chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. Mmmm...
When Jesus us born the wise men brought 3 gifts for him: Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh.

Triple Chocolate Sour Cream Brownie Bites
(recipe from Short Stop)

One (9x13") box brownie mix, prepared
1 cup sour cream (I used a little less maybe 3/4 cup)
1 cup chocolate chips (I used mini chocolate kisses)
2 tablespoons flour
1 can chocolate frosting

Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Stir in sour cream.

Pour chocolate chips and flour into a small bowl. Toss chocolate chips and flour. (This will keep the chocolate chips from falling to the bottom.) Add chocolate chips to brownie batter.

Grease mini muffin tins or line with mini-muffin liners.
Fill tins 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely.

Fill frosting bag or sandwich baggie with frosting. Pipe frosting in swirls onto brownies

Christmas Cookie #17- Rice Krispie Presents

Rice Krispie Squares are made in our house all the time. They are quick, easy and because they don't have eggs or nuts in them they are a treat that all the kids can enjoy.

To add a little festive flare to our squares we simply covered them with Christmas sprinkles and tied them up with licorice to make them look like little presents.

Our Lesson: Christmas is about giving. We are so excited to celebrate the greatest gift of all - Jesus! Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Rice Krispie Squares

1/2 cup butter
10 cups mini marshmallows
11 cups rice krispie cereal
3 tsp vanilla

Melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and heat until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add cereal. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan.

Christmas Cookie #16- Hot Chocolate Cookies {New for 2010!}

I thought it was time to shake things up around here and try out a new recipe.

So, this morning the girls and I used our brand new KitchenAid Mixer {squeal!} (an unexpected and extremely extravagant gift from friends that completely took me by surprise and actually made me cry) and we whipped up a batch of Hot Chocolate Cookies. Yes, that's right, there's actually hot chocolate powder in these babies.

Verdict: They are awesome. Especially with a tall glass of milk. Mmmmm! Ok, I'd better go banished them to the basement freezer now. Maybe that'll keep me from sneaking a few {more!}

p.s- how did I ever survive baking without a fancy mixer?! Oh my word. It is such a beautiful thing. Amen.


Hot Chocolate Cookies
(recipe from bakedbree)

2 sticks room temperature butter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
4 packages Hot Chocolate Mix (not sugar free)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup each milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-2 cups mini marshmallows

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter and sugars until smooth.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, salt and baking soda. Add to wet ingredients in 3 to 4 parts, making sure all is incorporated.

Fold in chips. Chill the dough for an hour or so. Scoop dough {I used an ice cream scooper} onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. {I didn't have parchment paper and instead just greased my cookie sheets}

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
**During the last two minutes of cooking time, add the marshmallows to the tops of the cookies. You will need to press them in a bit and let them bake for another 2 minutes or until they start to puff.

Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Christmas Cookie #15- Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Frosting

{I totally remember this day last year. Thanks again Liane for saving the day :)
And, yes, it's still one of my favorite cookies from the countdown. Mmmmm.}

Yesterday the girls and I made these amazing pumpkin cookies. They just might possibly be my new favorite cookie. Yup. Pumpkin. My favorite..... shocking since there isn't a trace of chocolate in them!

If you were going to do just one more recipe for the holidays I would highly recommend this one. They are melt in your mouth soft and the maple icing is perfectly sweet. Yum!

Now, here's where I keep it real....
The reason I am late posting this one is because I ran into a bit of a problem while making the icing. I had already finished the first part of boiling the butter and brown sugar and was ready to finish it up when I looked in my pantry and realized I had no icing sugar. Ugh. Has this ever happened to you?

I had absolutely no motivation to run out to the store, so instead I decided to complain on facebook and put this as my status:

"made super yummy pumpkin cookies..... but got halfway through making the icing when I realized I have no icing sugar.... Grrrrr"

And just a few minutes later I got a comment from one of my sweet friends offering to come drop some off. (Thanks again Liane for saving me a trip to the grocery store. You rock!)

By the time I got myself organized to make our second attempt at the icing it was time to make dinner and then rush off to enjoy our son's Christmas concert.

Needless to say I decide to save our icing making adventure for this morning.

But let me assure you, this icing was well worth the wait.
(In fact to be completely transparent here, the girls and I enjoyed sampling the first batch too.... you wouldn't think it, but melted butter and brown sugar taste a little like heaven. Yummy toffee-like-buttery-sugary-goodness!)
Anyways, this second batch is even better. I am definitely going to be using this recipe to ice more cookies in the future and oh, it would taste great on cupcakes too!

Our Lesson: Always be prepared. (ie. check your pantry BEFORE you start baking) Ha!
AND thank you God for the wonderful people you have surrounded us with. We are so spoiled by our friends!

Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Frosting
(from Your Homebased Mom)

1 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Cream sugars and butter. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients. Drop spoonfuls onto non-greased cookie sheet. Cook at 350* for 10 to 12 minutes.

Frosting:
Boil 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until mostly smooth. (Approx. 2 to 3 min.) Cool and add 1/4 cup milk and 2 cups powdered sugar or until desired consistency, and whip with hand mixer until smooth. Spread onto cookies.

Christmas Cookie #14 - Mars Bar Squares

Mars bars were one of my favorite chocolate bars growing up. When I was little, I played Ringette and after every game my Dad would stop at 7-eleven and treat me to a drink and a chocolate bar. Most days I would choose an iced tea and the chocolate bar was always either Mars Bars or Areo.

Which is probably why I love this recipe so much. Melted mars bars and chocolate topping. Yup, that's my kind of combo.
The kids also love this recipe. As we were cutting them into squares this afternoon, I could barely keep their little fingers out of the pan and they had absolutely no problems eating all the leftover edge pieces.

Don't worry.... I am planing a non-chocolate recipe for tomorrow. I do realize that this countdown has been super chocolate heavy :)

Our Lesson: Thank you God for Papa. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. He spoiled me back when I was little and he most certainly spoils the kids now! (He even has a "candy counter" at has house that the kids love to visit. Yup, that's right, a counter in his kitchen dedicated to displaying all kinds of sweet treats. Think old fashioned candy shop and you'd be picturing my dad's candy counter :)

Mars Bar Squares

3-58g Mars Bars
6 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup Margarine
Topping:
1/2 cup Margarine
2 cups Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

Slice Mars Bars into bite size pieces. Combine with margarine and microwave on high for approximately 1 1/2 minutes or until melted.
Stir in Rice Krispies and press into a 9X13 pan (greased).

Melt margarine and chocolate chips and pour over squares. Set in fridge and cut into squares.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I have really been enjoying our cookie countdown again this year. I think the reason I love baking with my kids so much is because I can vividly remember baking with my mom. I truly pray that this time we spend together will be etched in their little memories the way my baking times are with my mom.

The only problem I'm finding this year is that my growing belly seems to be getting in the way- a lot. Just today I had to change yet another shirt because I always seem to misjudge just how close I am to the stove and that pot of bubbling sweetness.

2. Speaking of my belly. I realize I haven't given much of a pregnancy update in awhile. But I suppose that's a good thing. No news is good news, right?
I am just about 30 weeks along. The contractions I was feeling last month seem to have disappeared (hallelujah) and I feel great.
Although, I could do with a little more sleep at night. Babe seems to enjoy kicking me when it's bedtime, and I'm also finding it harder and harder to get comfortable at night. Poor Chris. We need a spare room so that he can get a decent night's sleep. Sigh. I suppose it's preparing us for what's to come in a couple of months :)
I am also gaining weight rapidly. I can already see it in my face. Not a good sign. Might be because I keep giving into those cravings...not to mention all the baking. Oh, the baking. I figure I might as well milk this pregnancy for all it's worth and deal with the weight later. Make sense, no?

3. Have you been watching the Sing-Off? Ack. These people are all so crazy talented. Seriously. Best show EVER! Amazing singers and so fun to watch. I think Chris and I love it so much because it's impossible to choose a favorite group because they are all so incredible.

4. As part of advent this year we have been listening to the Jesus Storybook Bible every night with the kids. They LOVE it. I must admit it took a few nights to figure out a way to get them all to settle down and pay attention (the first few nights were a little exhausting- picture our littlest dive bombing into Chris on the bed, our three year old signing random Christmas tunes and our 7 year old trying to pay attention, following along in the book but easily being distracted by his sisters.)
Happily they are now all so into it and look forward to it every night. It is a wonderful Bible for kids and since the deluxe edition comes with a CD narrative (which is a big part of what has them all so captivated now) we simply put on the CD and listen as a family to the words meant to be sewn so deeply into our hearts. I especially love how at the end of each day it always foreshadows the coming of Jesus and how after we listen we talk about the story a bit and then pray together as a family. I also think it's really cool that we will end up reading about Jesus' birth on Christmas eve :)

5. This weekend we went to our community Christmas party at the lake. Fun, fun, fun!
Our 2 year old was scared of Santa (even though it was secretly her papa :)


6. I have always said that it is my three year old that gives me the most....well, "challenge". She is spunky and strong willed and while I absolutely love her beautiful spirit....sometimes her craziness drives me CRAZY.

Well, her little sister has proven that she can give me a run for my money as well. The other day I sent her upstairs to get dressed. Something that she's been doing for months now on her own. She was up there for a little longer than normal so I decided to investigate. And what do I find? My sweet, innocent two year old skipping happily up and down the hallway squeezing the entire bottle of kid's shampoo onto the carpet. Picture it people. Blueberry {read- it's actually blue!} gobs of shampoo all down my cream colored carpet. It took almost two hours to clean. Think bubbles friends. Lots and lots of bubbles.
Oh Joy.

7. Speaking of joy the beautifully talented Sarah Markley has been doing a 100 Joys series through December. She is intentionally looking for the everyday joys all around her, allowing Joy to transform her heart. And challenging us to do the same.
I have wanted to join in since the beginning of the month. I started looking for joy and can truly see how being conscious of it around me can really change my perspective. I am going to try to get some of it written down... but I do know in reality that may not happen... I am trying to accept the fact that I just can't do it all ;)

8. Last week I had a lovely skype date with Kristen. She rocks. She is so sweet, crazy easy to love and such a fun mommy. She's doing an awesome advent activity calendar with her family this year. Check out her ideas. So fun!

9. Have you seen this video yet? Amazing...

10. Speaking of amazing videos I'm going to leave you with this one:

This guy is my hero. Oh, how I am crazy humbled....

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Christmas Cookie #13- Pea(nut) Butter Squares

This recipe is a family favorites. Sadly, I stopped making these a few years ago because of my son's allergy to peanuts.
But this year Chris suggested making them using Peabutter (the alternative we use to peanut butter.) Yes! Why hadn't I thought of that sooner? They turned out great! I can't even taste the difference. I guess a bunch of sugar can mask anything :)

Here's my assistance showing you with a very serious face our "No Nut" peabutter:

And while Mommy stirred the ingredients on the stove, the little elves did some painting:


Our Lesson: Just like all the different colored marshmallows, we are all different and all special. God made each of us unique and we are thankful for our differences :)

Peanut Butter Squares

1/4 cup butter
1 pkg butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter (or in our case PEAbutter)
3 cups marshmallows

Melt butter, peanut butter and chips. Remove from heat. Add marshmallows. Pour into greased 9X9 pan.

Christmas Cookie #12- Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes & Oreos

We have been busy today, making a few treats for our teacher's gifts (another post with more details on that to come) as well as baking for our project.

Yup, we have been all about the dipping. Yesterday pretzels, today Candy Canes and Oreos!
Don't they just look so yummy?
:)
My favorite part of making these simple recipes is how involved my kids have been. From unwrapping the Candy canes (with a few broken pieces) to dipping, to sprinkling. It is so fun to have them in the kitchen with me!

Our lesson:
Last week our son brought home this poem from school...
The True Meaning of the Candy Cane
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior
Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me

Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes & Oreos

Chocolate
Candy Canes
Oreos
Christmas sprinkles

Melt chocolate in a heat safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Dip half the candy canes/oreos in melted chocolate and sprinkle some festive sprinkles all over :)

Christmas Cookie #11- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Today we made a very simple recipe. I first made these the year after we were married. I remember making them in our little condo and how quickly they disappeared... hmmm... hopefully they'll last until Christmas this time!

Normally I tend to stick to my "bunny trick" when it comes to melting chocolate, but this time I decided to try something a little different. I bought two bags of Hershey Kisses. One original and the other candy cane flavor. I love the taste of them, but was a little surprised at how they candy cane one turned out pink! I guess it makes sense..... white chocolate with red stripes... yup I should have guessed as much :)

My son and I made this one together and I have to say having him in the kitchen was especially helpful today. He had a ton of fun unwrapping the chocolates. A task that I would have found a little annoying :)


He was also a big helper in the dipping process, spelling out the message... oh, and the sampling. He was VERY good at that part!

Our lesson:
As we were dipping each pretzel I pointed out that a pretzel is in the shape of a heart. My big boy was quite surprised by this. We talked about all the people we love and about how much God loves all of us, which is the reason why He send His son Jesus to save us.
These pretzels remind us how much God loves us!

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

1 bag white chocolate (Hershey Kisses- candy cane flavor)
1 bag milk chocolate (Hershey Kisses- original)
Pretzels

Chop kisses in quarters (to help melt faster.)
In a heat safe bowl, melt white chocolate over a pot of simmering water (to keep chocolate from burning.)
Dip one half of pretzel in chocolate and lay on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper to cool.
*I ended up putting them outside (after about an hour) for just a few minutes because they were taking forevvvvvvver to cool.

Melt milk chocolate using the same method. Dip the other side of pretzel and lay on wax paper to cool.
*Again I put them outside to quickly harden the chocolate. It took less than 5 minutes!

Christmas Cookie #10- S'mores

Some of my favorite memories growing up are the ones of us camping together as a family. Both my parents were teachers, so we were able to escape to the mountains for at least a month every summer.
Many nights we would sit by the fire and makes the most delicious s'mores. They were my favorite part of the campfire.

And now, I'm happy to report, we don't have to wait for the summer to enjoy the yumminess of camping.

These s'mores are so delicious. The kids and I had a great time making them... especially eating the marshmallows that "dropped" out of the bag!

Our Lesson: As we were making these we started talking about camping and how you make traditional s'mores. (our kids have yet to try them- eek! I know!)
After remembering a few camping stories together our son piped up with "I want to go camping so we can see a bear again!" (yup, we had a bear in our campsite the last time. Very exciting for a 4 year old to be woken up by a bear outside his window while his Daddy and Papa try to scare it off.)
After hearing her brother tell the story, our two year old quickly yelled out "I wanna see a bear too!" and then our littlest started growling....
:)
Thank you God for all your creation. Thank you for the memories we make as a family.
How fun it will be eat some of our s'mores tonight and dream of camping.... even while we look outside at the wind blowing in -15 degree weather :)

S'mores
(from The Joy of Baking)

6 tbsp butter (melted)
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Topping:
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows

Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter until all the crumbs are moistened.
Press firmly into a foil lined 8X8 pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the crust begins to turn golden brown.
Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Bake for another 10 minutes or until marshmallows are soft, lightly golden and begin to meld together.

Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Once cooled remove from foil and cut into pieces.

*Note: my crust turned out a little crumbly. Not sure if I didn't add enough butter or maybe didn't cook the crust long enough in the first step. They still taste wonderful though and I have absolutely no problem with "practicing" this recipe until I get it just right :)

Christmas Cookie #9- Peppermint Bark

See, I promised you another minty one.
And I just refuse to disappoint you :)

I love this recipe. So easy and so delicious.

Annnnnnnnd I have a little trick for you too! Only, you'll have to implement it next year, I'm afraid, because you can't really find this type of chocolate in stores now....

Behold:
The Chocolate Bunnies!

That's right. I always stock up on the solid 1 lb bunnies just after Easter when the stores are clearing them out. They are perfect for these types of recipes!

So don't forget next year when you see a bunch of chocolate bunnies being sold super dirt cheap and you wonder why anyone would want more chocolate after Easter....now you know why.
Pick them up and save them for your Christmas baking!

Our lesson: It's fun to take something yummy and re-purpose it into something even better. Just like these bunnies, God wants to take us and mold us to be even better than we can imagine!

Peppermint Bark
(adapted from joyofbaking.com)

1 lb milk chocolate (chopped into bite sized pieces)
1 lb white chocolate (chopped into bite sized pieces)
12 candy canes (crushed)

Melt milk chocolate in a heat safe bowl over a saucepan of boiling water (this will prevent chocolate from burning). Pour melted chocolate onto a foil lined cookie sheet to make an even layer. Refrigerate until firm (about 30 mins.)
*I put mine outside for 10 min and it was hard as a rock. Thank you winter.

Melt white chocolate using the same method. Pour over top of the milk chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and refrigerate until firm (again another 30 mins).
*Or 10 min if you live in the freezing cold :)

Peal back foil and break into irregular shapes and enjoy!

crazy hormones...

I was driving this morning and this song came on the radio.
I cried bawled through the whole thing....

Christmas Cookie #8- Toffee Bars

The girls and I made (and sampled) these this morning and I've already had to put them in the freezer downstairs in the hopes that "outta sight, outta mind" will help with my willpower dilemma.
Ha! Who am I kidding?
I tried that tactic last year and discovered that they taste even better just out of the freezer!

This morning we enjoyed a visit over at our friends' house.

My friend Sheri is so sweet. When I talked to her last night about coming over she asked what I was going to do about my baking if we weren't home in the morning (knowing that the morning is typically when the girls and I have found ourselves in the kitchen) and offered to have us come bake at her house.
And I am so glad she did because she introduced me to the MOST AMAZING recipe ever!

Yup, Toffee Bars are definitely my new favorite dessert.
What do I love about them?

*They call for ingredients that I always have on hand.
*They are super duper easy to make.
*AND.....they just taste unbelievable- just like eating a homemade Skor bar. Mmmmmmmm!

Now go right now into your kitchen. Pull out these ingredients and make the most delicious Toffee Bars EVER!

Now!
I mean it!
GO!
(you'll thank me for being so bossy once you take your first bite!)

Our Lesson: We are so thankful for the friends that God has given us.
Friends who share their home, toys, snacks and yummy recipes with us :)

Toffee Bars

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups chocolate chips
24 crackers (we used Breton, but you can used saltine or whatever you have in your pantry!)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Cover the bottom with crackers.

Melt brown sugar and butter in a saucepan, bring to a boil for 4-5 minutes until caramelized.
Pour sugar mixture over the crackers & put in the oven for about 5 mins (until bubbly).

Remove and cover with chocolate chips. Put back in the oven for a minute to melt the chocolate.
Remove and spread chocolate with the back of a spoon.

Place in fridge (or if it's -20C, outside!) to cool.
Break into pieces.

And..... I DOUBLE DOG DARE you to only eat one!

Christmas Cookie #7- Chocolate Mint Squares

Today we made Chocolate Mint Squares. The girls loved this one because three layers meant three bowls and three sets of spoons to lick clean!


I don't know about you, but for me, the holidays aren't complete without the taste of mint. I LOVE mint as you will notice throughout this countdown. This is now minty recipe #2, and yes, I have a few more minty recipes to come before we're through :)

The girls and I were up baking this morning when Chris came downstairs to go to work. This is what he saw:

He took one look at our youngest and said:
" Sometimes you just need to get dirty to enjoy the full extent of it!"

So that's Our lesson for today.
Our kids don't really need to learn this one as much as I do. They come by it naturally :)
Thank you God for the opportunities we have to get dirty. And thank you that You came to make us clean again.

Chocolate Mint Squares
(slightly modified from joyofbaking.com)

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut

Filing:
1/4 cup butter
2-3 tbsp milk
2 tbsp vanilla custard powder or vanilla pudding powder (I used the pudding)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups icing sugar
green food coloring

Topping:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Bottom Layer:
In a saucepan on low heat melt the butter. Stir in sugar, cocoa and gradually whisk in the beaten egg. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, coconut. Press evenly into 9X9 greased pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm (about an hour).

Filling:
With a mixer cream the butter. Beat in the remaining ingredients. Add green food coloring to make the desired color. If mixture is too thick add more milk. Spread the filling over the bottom layer and refrigerate until firm (about 30 mins)

Topping:
Melt butter and chocolate chips over low heat. Pour over the filling and refrigerate.
When cool bring the squares to room temp before cutting to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
Cut into pieces. Makes about 25 squares.

Christmas Cookie #6- Molasses Cookies

When I was in grade six I remember my best friend bringing the BEST cookies in her lunch nearly everyday around Christmas time. I also remember her sharing them with me and how I loved every bite.

When we were first married I tried to make the cookies like I remembered them as a little girl. Chewy, yummy, spicy Christmas-y cookies. Yet, every time I tried a recipe they came out hard as rocks.
I think my problem was that I couldn't remember what my friends' cookies were called. I was making gingerbread recipes rather than molasses ones.
It wasn't until last year that I finally found this amazing recipe. Now and forevermore my holidays will not be complete without them.
They are super crunchy on the outside and super chewy on the inside- just like the cookies in my friends' lunchbox.

Our lesson: God loves it when we share what we have. And just like my friend shared her cookies with me, we are excited to share our cookies with others too :)

Molasses Cookies
( joyofbaking.com)

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Garnish: white sugar

In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices.

In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 mins.) Add the oil, molasses, egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Beat in the flour mixture until well incorporated. Cover and chill the batter until firm (about 2 hours or overnight).

Place about a cup of sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Then roll balls in the sugar, coating them thoroughly. Place on baking sheet and with the bottom of a glass flatten them slightly.

Bake at 375 degrees for 9-10 minutes, or until the tops have crinkled (they will look a little underdone.)
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

"Quality Christmas" gifts

Our kids are crazy spoiled.
CrAzY SpOiLeD!!!
They have papas and grandmas,
aunties and uncles,
great-grandmas and great-grandpas,
who all LOVE to spoil them.

So rather than buying more toys for our kids, the last few years we have thought a little outside the box when it comes to Christmas. We've done a family trip to Edmonton the last couple years, but this year Santa is on a little tighter budget :)

So rather than toys or a family trip.
This year Santa is bringing our family "Quality Christmas" gifts.
Gifts that will bring fun memories for our little family throughout the holidays.
He's giving us:

A family bowling night

A night out at the Movies

Dinner to a kid-friendly restaurant

A movie night at home complete with popcorn

And a trip to the Science Center.

To make them, we simply ordered gift cards using our airmiles points {translation= FREE!} Bought a few sheets of scrapbook paper, a couple packages of Christmas stickers and Voila!
Our Quality Christmas gifts were made in no-time. Easy-Peasy.

Can't wait to enjoy them over the holidays!

Christmas Cookie #5- Santa Crackers

This afternoon was the first time I had all three of my little elves together in the kitchen with me. We had a great time making our Santa cookies and only managed to eat about half of our supplies :)

It was a little crazy.... no make that A LOT CRAZY!

But the kids had A TON of fun!
I'd say that this one was by far their favorite baking time.

Our Lesson: Everyday I have intentionally been taking the time to teach a lesson to our kids to go along with our baking project.
Today that didn't happen. In the craziness of trying to make our cookies while at the same time keeping my little elves from devouring all of them I missed the opportunity. But, that right there is my lesson. I sometimes need to simply enjoy the process. It's ok that we missed our lesson. It's the time spent together as a family that's important. Sometimes I need to let go of my OCD and just enjoy the moment :)

Santa Crackers

Graham crackers
Icing ( I made my own buttercream icing but store bought would work great too)
Red Food coloring
Mini red cupcake sprinkles (for the eyes)
Red skittles (for the nose)
Mini marshmallows

Frost the entire cookie with pink frosting. Place a small dab of red icing on one corner and smooth out to make the hat. While frosting is still moist add 1 mini marshmallow for the tassel.
Add mini marshmallows for the beard, red candies for the eyes and red skittle for the nose.

Easy and fun for the kids to do all on their own!

Christmas Cookie #4- Chocolate Clusters

Last night, after the girls were in bed, my big boy and I had ourselves a little baking fun together- just the two of us.
Poor guy has had school all day and hasn't had the chance to join in our baking adventure yet.

We chose a recipe that he could have (one with no nuts and no eggs) so that he could lick the spoon :)
I mean, come on, licking the spoon is the best part of baking! Right?!

I loved spending this time with him. He is growing up so fast I really need to stop and soak him in as much as I can. He is so sweet and a great helper. He made most of this recipe all on his own.

Theses cookies are ones that I can remember making with my mom. They are a staple in our home around the holidays... possibly because they are Chris' favorite. He's already warned me that I will likely have to make another batch (or two) before Christmas. They seem to just mysteriously disappear....

Our lesson: Spending quality one on one time together is so important....and Oh, how fun it was to surprise Daddy by making his favorite cookie! Thank you God for our family!

Chocolate Clusters

Part 1
Mix in a large bowl:
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts ( if you don't use nuts, increase coconut)
6 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp vanilla

Part 2
Boil together for 1 minute only:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 3/4 cups white sugar

Pour part 2 over part 1 and blend well. Drop from tsp. onto wax paper. Cool.

Christmas Cookie #3- Grandma's Fudge

This recipe is one that I can vividly remember my Grandma teaching me how to make. I was 12 years old standing in our kitchen and she put me in charge of stirring the boiling sugar/butter/milk mixture. I can still hear her saying over and over "Stir, Sara, stir!"

The trick, she says, is to NEVER STOP stirring while boiling.

I can say that this is probably the best homemade fudge I've ever had! This time I added peppermint extract to it and oh my word. Growing up I never though that this fudge could get any better. But this minty version is my absolute favorite!
Yum!

Our Lesson: After cutting out the shapes for our fudge the girls (and I) enjoyed eating the leftover pieces. We talked about all the different symbols that can be associated with Christmas, and how each one can speak to us about the greatest gift of all- Jesus!

Grandmas' Fudge

3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup margarine
1 pkg marshmallows (11oz) or 6 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 tsp peppermint extract (optional)

Combine sugar, margarine and milk in saucepan. Bring to full or rolling boil.
STIRRING CONSTANTLY.
Continue boiling for 5 mins over medium heat- stir, stir, stir!
Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips until melted. Add marshmallows and mix.
Add vanilla and peppermint OR vanilla and nuts OR just vanilla depending on what you like.
Beat until well blended.
Pour into greased 9x13 pan.
Leave on counter at room temperature to cool.
Cut into squares.
Enjoy!

Christmas Cookie #2- Chipper Crinkle Cookies

{Boy, do I remember this day from last year. My three little helpers were so excited!
I can still picture their cute chocolate smiles}

Today I had three little bakers in the kitchen. My cousin's little sweetie joined us this morning and was an excellent little helper.
(We only had one egg dropped on the floor and 1/2 of the chocolate chips dumped in the bowl before they we were suppose to- BOTH done by my two year old! Ha! To be honest, it really just made me laugh. Having them in the kitchen with me is so fun.... never a dull moment!)

We decided to try out a new recipe and it got three chocolate smeared smiles from three cute little girls.
These chocolate cookies will definitely be made again in this house!

Our Lesson: These "snow kissed" cookies remind us to be thankful for all the beautiful snow that has fallen.

Chipper Crinkle Cookies
(Company's Coming- Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen)

6 Tbsp margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Icing Sugar, for dusting

Cream margarine and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Heat first amount of chocolate chips in small saucepan on lowest heat, stirring often until almost melted. Remove from heat. Stir until smooth. Add to margarine mixture. Beat until smooth.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Add to chocolate mixture.
Add second amount of chocolate chips. Mix well.

Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until edges firm (centers may be soft.)
Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Dust cookies with icing sugar. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

Christmas Cookie #1- Oatmeal Raisin

This morning we started our Christmas Cookie Countdown with a fairly common (but super yummy) cookie.

I had hoped to start off with a much fancier recipe but my pantry is looking pretty sad these days. I really need to get to the grocery store for some baking supplies. That was the plan for this morning, but the blizzard that blew in yesterday kinda made me want to just hibernate inside today with the girls.

So, we had to begin our adventure with a recipe that called for ingredients that I had on hand and it was Oatmeal Raisin that won out. The girls certainly didn't mind, they had a great time making and tasting these cookies.

I love this recipe because it's a one bowl recipe. I {heart} one bowl recipes. The less to clean up the better!

Our Lesson: Sometimes it's nice to just throw out the plans you have for the day and snuggle in with your family and be creative.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 1/3cup oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup raisins
1 1/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all together and drop by spoonful(tsp) onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Note: You can substitute chocolate chips for raisins if you want.

2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Countdown

Last year we started a new tradition in our home.

A tradition that I am so excited to continue.
We set out to bake something everyday in the month of December.
Our first ever Christmas Cookie Countdown.
Some people though we were a little crazy.
And to be honest, there were a few days when I felt like maybe we were too.
Lots of patience was required.
{especially for all those dishes!}
But we pressed on and in the end it was worth it all.

It was MORE than worth it all.

See, what started out as a fun little baking adventure with my kids
{which truly it was, we had so much fun in our kitchen last december!}
turned into

purpose
connection
love
humility
realness
grace
joy
Jesus.

It taught me more than I can ever say about what Christmas truly is all about.
It touched me in a way that I will forever remember.
Because we didn't just bake our way through December.
We purposed in our hearts and taught our kids that with each recipe,
while we would enjoy a few little tastes here and there,
most of our baking was going to be given away.

And it was.
To the perfect people.
To the ones that Jesus wanted us to give to.
I had my own little plan from the beginning, but in the end Jesus surprised me.
In the most amazing way.
He's cool like that.

See, he lead us to deliver our baking to the homeless men and women living in our city.
And I'm not convinced it was mostly for them.
I think I needed to see Jesus just as much as they did.
Truly.
I can't remember a more tangible time when I've seen Him.
{you can read about last year's delivery here}

So, this year we are going to continue our tradition.
We will bake.
{maybe not everyday... but we'll try!}
We will pray.
We will deliver.
And once again,
we will see Jesus.

I can't wait!!!

Since many of you are new around here I thought I'd re-post our cookie recipes from last year each day,
along with any new ones we decide to try this year.
Hoping that you will enjoy them and maybe try some of them with your families too.

Happy Baking Friends!