What’s in your oven? There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit. Spend some time in the kitchen this week and create special memories for your children and share the bounty to fill the tummies and warm the hearts of those around you….
Week #3: WHAT’S IN YOUR OVEN?There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit! If you are involved in a cookie exchange you have a whole lot of one type of cookie to make. Resist the temptation to not want help during the baking and decorating process. I know it would be a lot easier to bake without little hands getting in the way, but these memories will last a lifetime to the little ones in your life! Make sure you snap a few pictures, as these photos will be greatly treasured in years to come.
There is nothing like a batch of homemade cookies baking in the oven to invoke the holiday spirit! If you are involved in a cookie exchange you have a whole lot of one type of cookie to make. Resist the temptation to not want help during the baking and decorating process. I know it would be a lot easier to bake without little hands getting in the way, but these memories will last a lifetime to the little ones in your life! Make sure you snap a few pictures, as these photos will be greatly treasured in years to come. This is also a great time to make a few sweet breads and muffins. These make great gifts, or you can put them into the freezer now and take out Christmas Eve and you’ll have delicious baked goods Christmas morning. You can make easy delicious spreads to go with your homemade breads such as mixing together preserves or apple butter with softened cream cheese. On a “Clutter Busting” note: make sure you check your cabinets before heading to the grocery store for your baking ingredients.
It can be very inexpensive to make a gorgeous baked goods gift presentation! Go to your local Dollar Store and pick up trays, baskets, and tins and fill with your homemade creations. Also, I am the first to admit that I reuse tins, baskets and trays that were given to me in the past! Have fun handing out your Holiday baked goods and make sure to include your children. Don’t forget those elderly relatives and neighbors who no longer have the ability to do their own holiday baking.
Look at this time not as a chore and have fun creating traditions with your children, nieces and nephews! In a blink of an eye the little ones in your life will be grown up and we will ache for these precious years! It is not the gifts that will be remembered rather the time spent creating memories!
Looking ahead to next year:
I normally make tons of sweet breads throughout the year and place them in the freezer for gifts. Zucchini, pumpkin, apple, banana (and many more) breads actually taste better after they have been frozen. In addition, I make pear butter and pear jelly and keep jars in my basement to give as gifts. A basket of sweet bread, preserves, and cookies is a gift you can be proud of, yet it does not break the budget.
Happy Baking!
Betsy
By Betsy on 12/15/08 in An Organized Life, Clutter Busting, Columns, Holidays
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