How many days until Christmas? Can Santa really see us? Does he have eyes in the back of his head like you, Mom? Did he get my list? Is there really a Santa? Where did you hide my presents?
Have you been bombarded by these questions at one time or another?
Did you come up with good answers?
My responses are becoming repetitive, but the questions are, too. It is all part of the fun of the season, the excitement and the anticipation.
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My daughter, Jada, is having trouble sleeping already. And like every child, she would like to find a way to sneak a peek at Santa.
Everyone deals with the busy holiday season their own way. I hope that we can all continue to perform valuable traditions, to strengthen relationships with friends and family, to give to those in need and to enjoy the wonderful food.
I use my childhood memories to guide the way for my children so that they too shall have good memories, remembering not just the presents they received but also the good times. I hope that their most treasured gifts will be the ones that did not cost a fortune.
Here are some of my most memorable gifts.
In 1994, for my birthday, which is just before Christmas, my grandfather called to wish me happy birthday.
After the usual, “I’m proud of you, sweetie, you are doing good,” he started to sing Happy Birthday and told me he would see me at Christmas.
The next day, he passed away.
Our family celebrated Christmas solemnly that year, but to our surprise, left for us were Christmas cards from him.
After losing someone, the gift inside did not mean nearly as much as my last visit with him the day before, or the hand written message on the outside of the envelope. I often pull out that envelope.
I have also kept a bright red envelope given to me by my grandmother.
When I was young, she would read to me a story called Mr. Tidy and Mr. Untidy, which is a story about two elves who lived together but did not get along.
By learning to compromise and take criticism lightheartedly, in the end they agree to disagree about opposing points of view.
What a great life lesson my grandmother taught me through reading that story.
The Christmas after I had my first child, she gave me a photocopy of the story, all done up and decorated on a piece of brilliant red bristol board.
I cherish it, and I am sure that she had hopes of me passing this lesson along to others.
The best part is on the bottom of the page, where in her own writing she signed, Merry Christmas with Love Grandma.
Take the time to reflect on some of your most memorable gifts.
And remember, to fully appreciate the season, we must eat.
Zesty Cranberry Chicken
Served with rice and a crisp salad or vegetable, this chicken is festive but easy.
1 c. sliced red onion 250 mL
8 to 10 chicken breasts or pieces
1 c. cranberry sauce 250 mL
1 tbsp. beef bouillon 15 mL
1 tsp. vinegar 5 mL
1 tsp. mustard mL
1 1/2 tsp. salt 7 mL
Place onion in slow cooker. Arrange chicken over the onion. Combine cranberry sauce, bouillon powder, vinegar, mustard and salt.
Spoon over chicken. Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four.
You can also roast the chicken in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for one hour.
Easy desserts
I want to share two easy desserts that can be prepared ahead of time for holiday guests.
The first is an elegant sauce for an angel food, or as I call it, food for angels.
The second, for those who crave a chocolate dessert.
Angel cake
1 angel food cake
2 pkgs lemon pie filling 226 g(not instant pudding)
4 c. whipped cream 1 L
2 c. strawberries, fresh if available, or thawed 500 mL
Prepare pie filling according to the package, but use only 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) water per package. Cover filling and cool to room temperature. Add whipped cream to lemon mixture. Serve over angel food cake.
Top with strawberries.
Chocolate dessert
1 chocolate cake(done in a bundt pan)
1 can cherry pie 540 mL
filling
4 c. whipped cream 1 L
Scoop cherry pie filling over a piece of chocolate cake. Top with whipped cream. Delightful.
Overnight French Toast
Good for busy mornings when you don’t want to be preparing food.
1/4 c. butter or margarine, 60 mL
melted
7 eggs
2 c. milk 500 mL
1/3 c. sugar 75 mL
1/2 tsp. nutmeg 2 mL
1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 mL
1/4 tsp. salt 1 mL
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 7 mL
1 french bread loaf or Texas toast, cut into slices icing sugar
Pour melted butter into a baking pan. Beat in the next seven ingredients. Dip both sides of the bread into the mixture and place in the pan. Pour any remaining mix over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 450F (230 C) on the bottom rack for 20 to 25 minutes. Dust with icing sugar.
Source: Company’s Coming for Christmas by Jean Pare
Cut Out Cookies for Santa
What is Santa going to eat?
My children and extended family agree that this recipe is a family favourite. We have had so much fun over the years decorating these cookies for Santa.
Making them is a tradition. Apparently, Santa is fond of our cookies too, because each year he eats them all.
1 c. butter or margarine 250 mL
1 1/2 c. sugar 375 mL
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla 5 mL
3 c. flour 750 mL
2 tsp. baking powder 10 mL
Cream butter or margarine and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt. Roll out to a pastry thickness on a floured surface. Cut out Santa or other Christmas figures using Christmas cutters.
Bake at 350 F (180 C) for eight to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 5 dozen cookies. Cool and decorate – the best part.
Icing for cutouts
1 1/2 cups icing sugar 375 mL
2 tbsp. butter or margarine 30 mL
1/2 tsp. vanilla 2 mL
2 tbsp. water or milk 30 mL
Beat all four ingredients together in a bowl to desired consistency. Add more liquid if the mix is too thick or icing sugar if too runny.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and a member of Team Resources. Contact: team@producer.com.
