Christmas Cookies: Sweet Tradition

Christmas Cookies
Sweet tradition: 'The Gift of the Christmas Cookie' explores true meaning of the holiday tradition.
Last year a friend told me about a wonderful book. The Gift of the Christmas Cookie: Sharing the True Meaning of Jesus' Birth by Daley Mackall who is an award-winning author of over 400 books for children of all ages, with sales of 4 million copies in 22 countries. Enjoy!

In the distance Jack heard the lonely cry of a train whistle. He leaned into the icy wind and crossed the railroad tracks toward home. Home. Their house hadn't felt like a home since Jack's dad had hopped a freight train West to find work. Now, on Christmas Eve, word came that Dad couldn't make it home for Christmas. As Jack stepped inside, the heavenly scent of sweet bread and licorice wafted from the kitchen. Cookies! But it couldn't be. Mom put every penny Dad sent home straight into the cookie jar. There hadn't been a single cookie in that jar for over a year.  "Jack?" Mom called. She was in the kitchen, stirring something in a giant bowl  "You're really making cookies?" Jack still couldn't believe it. His mother smiled weakly. "They're for the needy at church." Jack tried to hide his disappointment.  He'd been feeling pretty needy himself lately. "Unpack the cookie boards, Jack," said his mother, not missing a beat, beat, beat on the dough. Jack unwrapped the carved wooden shapes -- shepherd, star, camel, king, man and woman kneeling, baby, and cross. The last mold was an angel the size of his hand. "It's so big!" Jack exclaimed. He could make a cookie like that last a whole week. Jack's mother helped him roll the dough into a smooth oval. It was hard work. "Why are we going to so much trouble to make Christmas cookies people are just going to eat anyway?" Jack asked. His mom picked up the big angel mold and dusted it with flour.
"Maybe it's time you heard why people first started making Christmas cookies." Jack watched as his mother pressed the angel board into the dough. "The story goes back hundreds of years," she began, "back to the Middle Ages. In the Old Country -- where your father's people lived -- times were hard."
Jack rolled another batch of dough and wondered if times in the Middle Ages had been harder than they were right now, and if boys missed their fathers like he missed his. The villagers couldn't afford school, so most couldn't read. As Christmas drew near, one family longed to help their neighbors discover the true
meaning of Christmas. "Let's carve figures to tell the story of Christ's birth!" the father, a woodcarver, suggested. "But the villagers are hungry," his wife pointed out. "We should bake for them." So the family worked together. The woodcarver whittled, scooping out wood until it formed the shape of an angel.
He finished all the figures. Then his wife mixed sweet dough to fill the molds. When the cookies were done, the children decorated them with berries and colored sugar. On Christmas Eve the woodcarver's family carried the cookies to the village. Soon a crowd gathered. As his daughter held up the angel cookie, the
woodcarver began: "Long ago an angel like this one brought us the most wonderful news: 'Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" They recounted the whole story of Jesus' life as they handed out cookies to the amazed listeners. Ever since that night, generations have passed down the art of making Christmas cookies and of telling the story of the true meaning of Christmas.
At the Christmas Eve service Jack thought of the woodcarver's family when the pastor read the same passage from Luke, the angel's announcement to the shepherds. As Jack stood to sing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," his gaze fell on the stained-glass window. All of the figures were there -- the star, the shepherd, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  And above them was the angel. The window told the whole story, just like the Christmas cookies. That night Jack dreamed of giant Christmas cookies. When he awoke, his mother was waiting. "Merry Christmas, Jack." She handed him the big angel cookie. "For me?" Jack hugged his mother. But before he could take a bite, there was a knock at the door. Jack froze. His mother raced past him to answer the door. It would be just like Dad to surprise them and show up on Christmas morning. An old man stood in the doorway.  "Could you spare a stranger a bite to eat?" he asked. Disappointment choked off Jack's words and made his eyes water.  Jack could tell his mother was as let down as he was, but she invited the man to come in from the cold. "You're  welcome to share our breakfast," she said. The stranger ate fast without saying much. When he'd finished every last crumb, he thanked them and left. Jack watched the man walk off toward the tracks. Jack hoped -- prayed -- that strangers had invited his dad to share their breakfast. Jack wished he'd taken the time to talk to the stranger, to wish him a Merry Christmas. "Jack, don't forget your cookie," Mom said. Jack ran his finger along the grooves of the angel's wings. He could almost hear the old woodcarver. "That's it!" he exclaimed. Jack tore out of the house and ran to catch up with the stranger. "What's this?" asked the stranger, taking the cookie Jack offered him. "It's yours," Jack explained. "And there's a story that goes with it." Then right there, beside the railroad tracks, under a gray sky that
promised snow, Jack began: "Long ago an angel like this one brought us the most wonderful news: 'Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' "

The book "The Gift of the Christmas Cookie" is printed  by  ZonderKidz Publishing.

Text is written by by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrations are by Deborah Chabrian.

Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Every year the familiar pattern of the Holiday Season unfolds. Here in Florida, where the weather is always sunny and snow men are made from beach sand, locals celebrate with the annual Holiday Boat Parade.  The sights and the customs and festivities may seem very much the same from one year to another, and yet to friends and individuals each holiday festivity is slightly different. One of the best boat parades in the area is the Treasure Island Boat Parade.

http://www.ci.treasure-island.fl.us/boatparade.htm

For those who reside on the beach, the annual Christmas Boat Parades makes the holiday season just a bit brighter.  As with all parades it is the long planning of lights and designs for just a few hours of enjoyment for oh so many.  Is it worth it for the participants, you bet it is....and it is the perfect start of the holiday season.

Children grow and presents for them change. It may be the first Holiday for many as husband and wife, or the first Holiday with grandchildren. Some may be far from home, and others lonely or sick, yet this season of holidays remains the greatest family gathering time of the year. 

This holiday season we are also reminded that it is the time of peace on earth and goodwill towards men. Yet we are all only too well aware of the tragic fighting, hatred and ill-will in so many parts of the world.  Because of this, cynics may shrug off the many Holiday messages of Peace and Goodwill toward Mankind as a waste of time, but that is only the gloomy side of the picture; there are also brighter and more hopeful signs. We must have dreams and ambitions to include peace and goodwill and they must be practiced.

Perhaps the most practical demonstration of goodwill towards men is to be found in the growing practice among both the young and the old to meet and greet those we know and those who have yet to know. Living in a small beach community we see it every day we might not take note of the good mornings or the phrase “let me get the door for you” but they are there. The joy of seeing friendly faces at the local post office or just the smile you receive at your local grocery or dry cleaner.  There is joy in being a part of a small community and we should take pride in the joy of everyday life on the beach.   Each and every day we are reminded how very lucky we are to be living in such a paradise among such a wonder group of individuals who respect their precious community and give back generously.

At this time of year people throughout the world, from every walk of life come forward to help other people, a kind word, a simple gesture to let someone know you care, even if you do not know that particular someone it is just the holiday spirit.

"Peace on Earth" - we may not have it at the moment, we may never have it completely, but we will certainly achieve nothing unless we go on trying to remove the causes of conflict between peoples and nations and we have the opportunity everyday right here in our own community "Goodwill towards men" is not a hollow phrase. Goodwill does exist, and when there is an opportunity to show it in practical form we know what wonderful things it can achieve.

This Holiday is to remind us never to give up hope. It is a rejection of everything that makes life worth living, and what is far worse it offers nothing in its place. Our community, after all, is a blessed company of strangers held together by common interest, compassion and friendship.

 In fact it is just because there are so many conflicts in the world today that we should reaffirm our hopes and beliefs to make our Community a friendlier and more enjoyable place to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of your neighbors and your community.

This is just the moment to remind ourselves that we can all find some practical way to serve others and help to create a better understanding between people.

Some things never change and hopefully the local Holiday Boat Parades will always be one of those things that bring smiles to each and every one of us.

To each of you warm drinks and cool, clear nights for a great Holiday Boat Parade and very happy holiday season. 

http://www.ci.treasure-island.fl.us/boatparade.htm

the beauty in our backyard

This past summer friends arrived from the rainy and windy Northeast to visit their first request was to white sandy beaches and of all things they wanted to go snorkeling.  Well, snorkeling we did and all the while we looked around we could have been on a boat anywhere in the Caribbean. We were looking for a place to relax, enjoy a day at the beach, collect shells, and snorkel amongst the fish and manatees.  


This was found in my backyard, Fort Desoto and Egmont Key.

The trip from Fort Desoto to Egmont Key aboard Hubbard Marines Ferry is a trip for young and old.  The beauty of the shoreline, the dolphins, and the many, many pelicans everywhere was so very relaxing. If you did not know better you will think you are on vacation in the Caribbean. Once the Ferry docked onshore at Egmont Key you are free to roam the island, walk along the white sandy beaches and splash in the crystal clear water or just relax and enjoy the breeze. Head inland and step back in time among the 19th century ruins of the dilapidated buildings from the Spanish-American War that have succumbed to years of abandonment and the fury of Mother Nature. Buildings that were once yards inland but now merely hang onto any portion of beach they can, some even serving as artificial reefs.

Egmont Key is Approximately 400 acres, 1.6 miles long, and less than 1/2 mile wide.

Sea grass beds on the east beach nurture marine life. The southern end of the island a bird sanctuary and the
site for twice-yearly Audubon migratory bird count.  Parts of the interior are designated as a wildlife refuge where you will find a prolific population of the gopher tortoise.  As you walk among the ruins remember, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In 1898, as the Spanish - American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923.

For more information, visit http://www.egmontkey.org/

Please remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen on your visit to the historical island of Egmont Key truly a day for relaxing and enjoying the beauty in our backyard. 

http://www.hubbardsmarina.com/um/egmont.html

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm

http://www.pinellascounty.org/virtual_tours/fort_desoto_gulf_pier.htm

http://www.floridastateparks.org/

the way i feel today.....

May your troubles  
be less, 
may your blessings  
be more, and
may nothing  but happiness 
come through your  door.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Southern Thanksgiving Recipes

While we can’t support all Southern culinary traditions wholeheartedly a fried turkey and apple pie are two traditions that are truly a find in the South. As families gather this Thanksgiving we will assert without a twinge of regret that a Southern Thanksgiving with fried turkey and apple pie beats all others hands-down. Not only do Southerners feel compelled to create a meal that covers every inch of the dining room table, they take the event into the yard and fry the bird. The frying of the bird is an event, the turkey frying attendant wears a rubber apron, yes, the same type one would use when gutting fish, then you add elbow-length leather mitts, the kind welders use and then safety glasses from a high-tech lab and then and only then is the bird is lowered into the oil. After all the ceremony of the frying of the bird, the planned dinner hour has finally arrived.
The Southern Thanksgiving also honors the one our forefathers are said to have enjoyed, the Southern's just like our forefathers graciously accept everyone’s contributions without reservation sort of like the pot luck dinner we enjoyed as youth at our church. As a result of all these wonderful southern dishes, the guest strain for space at the table to place their fork and knife. What a wonderful day to count our blessings.
Enjoy the wonderful day of Thanksgiving with your family and friends and maybe try one or both of these wonderful southern recipes.
Best Ever Apple Pie and the Southern Fried Turkey Recipe my family has enjoyed for the last 10 years.

BLUE RIBBON APPLE PIE recipe by Land O Lakes
Preparation time: 1 hrs
Baking time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings

Crust Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup cold LAND O LAKES® Butter, cut into chunks
1/3 cup shortening
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

Filling Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 medium (6 cups) cooking apples, peeled, sliced 1/4-inch
1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1 teaspoon sugar


Heat oven to 400°F. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in large bowl; cut in 1/3 cup butter and shortening with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water just until flour is moistened.

Divide dough in half; shape each half into ball. Flatten slightly. Wrap 1 ball of dough in plastic food wrap; refrigerate. Roll out remaining ball of dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into 9-inch pie pan; unfold dough, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan; set aside.

Combine all filling ingredients except apples, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon sugar in large bowl. Add apples; toss lightly to coat.

Spoon apple mixture into prepared crust. Roll remaining ball of dough into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough over filling; unfold. Trim, seal and crimp or flute edge. Cut 5 or 6 large slits in crust. Brush with melted 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Cover edge of crust with 2-inch strip aluminum foil.

Bake for 35 minutes; remove aluminum foil. Continue baking for 10 to 20 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Cool pie 30 minutes; serve warm. Store refrigerated.


Recipe Tip
If desired, remove pie from oven when lightly browned and bubbly. Run knife through slits in crust. Pour 1/2 cup whipping cream evenly through all slits. Return to oven for 5 minutes to warm whipping cream.

Nutrition Facts (1 serving): Calories: 400, Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 170mg, Carbohydrates: 60g, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Protein: 4g
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DEEP FRIED TURKEY the southern way
Deep-fried turkey is a delicacy traditionaly served during Christmas and Thanksgiving in the southern United States. Deep-frying is a method of cooking a turkey using a specially made turkey fryer. The fryer is filled with oil and the turkey is submerged for approximately one hour, depending upon the weight of the bird after being injected with liquid seasoning. Cooking time: 4 minutes per pound. Oils to be used: canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil.
Use a water displacement method to determine how much oil you need. Place the turkey in the pot, add water until covered by about 2 inches, remove the turkey and measure the amount of water. That's how much oil you need. Be sure to stand the turkey upright, as in frying.
Season with injectable Marinades or dry rubs.
12-14 lb. turkey, thawed, giblets removed from body cavity and neck

3 to 4 gallons of oil

Bottle of marinade (comes with injector syringe), about 2 cups

Turkey fryer (pot, turkey stand, propane burner, hook, thermometer)

Wash, drain and dry turkey. Using a prepared marinade, inject into bird according to package directions or as desired. Bird also can be seasoned outside and inside cavity with rub, spices might flavor the oil. Take than into account if trying to fry other things, too. Tuck turkey wings under body. Turkey legs can be freed or held together with a skin band or wire clip. Never stuff a turkey that is to be fried.

Heat the oil, check thermometer, it should read 350-375 degrees. Gently and slowly lower turkey into hot oil. Stand back from the pot for the oil does splatter. Oil temperature will drop about 20-30 degrees when turkey is added. Cook about 3-4 minutes per pound. Watch thermometer. A 12-pound turkey might take just a little more than 30 minutes. When the turkey appears done, remove carefully and place on rack or on a cookie sheet. Check for doneness. Juices should run clear, the thermometer should have reached 170 in the thickest part of the thigh.
Disclaimer:
As noted preparing deep-fried turkey can be a dangerous endeavor. Due to the high number of house and garage fires reported each year from deep frying turkeys, James M. Shannon, the President of the National Fire Protection Association, released a press release in November of 2004 proclaiming,
Take NOTE:
"Turkey fryers are far too risky for consumers." NFPA Press Room: NFPA and ABA discourage use of turkey fryers, citing burns, fires (November 9, 2004)
So Note These Safety Precautions
Only deep fry turkey outdoors and at a safe distance from anything flammable
Carefuly measure oil; too much oil can result in overflow and fire when the turkey is added
Fully thaw the turkey; ice in turkey can react with the oil and lead to overflow and fire
Have a fire extinguisher handy.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

For us Floridians the month of November means the wonderful season of fall is just around the corner and Thanksgiving and Christmas are only a few days away. With the passing of summer we reminisce of the cookouts and fireworks and the celebration of one of our most famous holidays “the fourth of July” and as we look toward the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays we should remember the reason for the celebration perhaps we should think back not only to the founding of this country, but to the difficult years before that. Back to 1630, when John Winthrop and his fellow immigrants to the new world were still aboard their ship, about to set foot on the Massachusetts Bay Colony, not even sure they could survive in the harsh New World. Winthrop spoke up with worthy, and memorable, wisdom and encouragement. He urged them to “follow the Counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God.” Winthrop added, “We must knit together in this and work as one, we must delight in each other and rejoice together, morn together, labor and suffer together.” These were inspiring words. These words help define what the people that settled our great nation were made of. In those spoken words Winthrop predicted that the new land would become the city upon the hill. Those words were from the book of Matthew, in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus called upon his flock to be the light of the world a shining example. In these troubling & trying times think about volunteering; find a place to share your time and your talents, find a place to serve, not to be served. Whether at Plymouth, Berkeley Plantation, or anywhere in America, celebrations of thanks hold great meaning and importance. The legacy of thanks, and particularly of the feast, have survived the centuries as people throughout the United States gather family, friends, and enormous amounts of food for their yearly Thanksgiving meal.

Sharing the Holidays

Each and every day we have the opportunity to give of ourselves and the upcoming holiday offers each of us an opportunity to become a greater part of our community through embracing those that have come before us and lending a listening ear and a open heart to all those that will follow us and work towards attracting the interest and investment of the next generation of our community.

A debt of gratitude goes out to all the men and women in my past, who have shown their fierce determination to thrive, survive and live lives of great meaning. Through the years, many of us have been blessed with exceptionally close friends and meaningful relationships with who made sure we knew what RIGHT was and that we did what was RIGHT.

We are all lucky to have been inspired by individuals who have touched our lives in so many different ways. All of whom have taught some very important lessons about strength, grace, adversity, growth and the power of friendship. Individuals whose paths, not sure by chance, or if it was destiny have showed each of us how our lives can shine everyday even when faced with life’s most difficult challenges. Never once did these individuals betrayed there essence, or there ethics even when faced with the challenging moments of everyday life and through each challenge they all said to me that they would find the answers with the support of their friends and family.

If there's one thing everyone can learn from the relationships in life is that we as individuals are strong and compassionate, it's the friendships we seek that is critical to all of us moving ahead. We can't progress, evolve and grow in a vacuum. We need each other's support, guidance and inspiration to soar and we need each other's appreciation of the great power that resides in our diverse and collective hearts and voices to succeed. Each of us needs to listen to hear when that voice inside out head is speaking to us so we will know which direction they wish for us to follow. “Listen with both ears and pray with your heart” was one friend’s advice to me so, embark on this upcoming holiday season with an appreciation for all the friends that have crossed our paths in life. Celebrate and embracing the men and women that have come before us and was there to lend a listening ear and a praying heart. Embrace all those that will follow us and work towards attracting the interest and investment of the next generation, all as a part of a wonderful community of friendship.

Send a Friend a Greeting Card: http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/ecards

Join St. Petersburg for a Great Evening of Fun

The Boley Centers' 27th Annual Jingle Bell Run

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:30 PM

You will soon be able to register for this event at:

http://www.boleycenters.org

PUMPKIN PIE DREAM SQUARES

Combine :
1 pkg. yellow cake mix, minus 1 cup
1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg

Press in bottom of greased 9x13 (oblong) pan.

FILLING:
Combine:
large can of Pumpkin Pie mix ( 1 lb. 14 oz)
2 eggs
2/3 c milk ( did this with regular milk, may try condensed next time for a creamier consistency)
pour into pan over cake

TOPPING:
I cup of reserved yellow cake mix
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
Combine and crumble over filling

Bake at 350 for 45-50 min.
cool, cut in squares..
I put mine in refrigerator to cool so squares will cut better.

A recipe from my dear friend Nina Crawford

The Don Cesar Pink Hotel St. Pete Beach, Florida

For all you Bulldog lovers...
Ron White and his Bulldog Sluggo enjoy the amenities at the "Don" so we figure if it was good enough for Sluggo...our
English Bulldog, Mr. Belvedere would love the attention...and he did. Great relaxing resort for you and your pet!

Participating in the "Indoguration" celebration to celebrate the Inauguration of President O'bama during the first 100 days of his presidency. The Don Cesar Special additional pet amenities included patriotic themed items.
Regular Pet Guest Amenities Loews Loves Pets welcome amenity upon arrival; food and water bowls, mat, pet bed, toy or treat. There is a pet massage available for your pet.


http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/St-Pete-Beach-Resort/Overview.aspx?cm_mmc=Google-_-St.%20Pete-_-Paid%20Search-_-Keywords&gclid=CL3dvOP-zp0CFRwhnAodAy3Psghttp://www.petfriendlyaccommodationsworldwide.com/content/don-cesar-beach-resort-a-loews-hotel

The Largo Central Railroad Largo, Florida

The Largo Central Railroad (LCRR), Largo, Florida. Founded in 1991, was built and is now maintained through the work and dedication of the LCRR club members and through generous donations from the people of Largo, Florida. They currently have approximately 1.2 miles of main line track with numerous passing sidings running through beautifully landscaped Largo Central Park. Public runs are held on the first full weekend of each month. Second and fourth weekends are "FUN Run" weekends for members and associate members. Third weekends are work weekends. Fifth weekends are mini-meet weekends. If you have any questions, contact us at (727) 585-9835. Membership in the Largo Central is open to anyone with interest in large-scale model railroading and the hobby of live steam. A Great place for riding the rails at the holidays.
http://www.lcrailroad.com/

The very best chocolate cake ever....

From the website...www.allrecipes.com
Too Much Chocolate Cake
reviewed by over 1,655 and rated five star.
Yummy!

INGREDIENTS
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.