Xmas Baking

For the first time in many years, I baked Christmas cookies as little thank you gifts. Standing at the kitchen counter, mixing and measuring, I thought of all the Christmas baking I did as a young girl with my mother and sister. It was a big part of celebrating the holidays-- sprinkling colorful sugar on some, rolling others in confectioner’s sugar, making elaborate designs on the cut-out kind, and, of course, licking the icing bowl. It was a big but fun production.

I continued Christmas baking when my kids were small, but as they grew up and away, I stopped. There was no one to help and everybody I knew was watching their weight. Bah! Humbug!

This year I needed to thank a whole bunch of people (associated with my husband’s work) for their many kindnesses. We decided the homemade touch would be just right. So we’ve put together a platter of assorted homemade cookies and guess what? The Christmas spirit is alive and better than ever!!

The recipe below is easy and fun…

Thumbprints:

1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, separated
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped nuts (I prefer Pecans)
1 tsp. vanilla
Jelly - I use Current jelly

Cream butter, blend in sugar. Add egg yolks, beat well. Blend in flour. Roll into balls the size of a walnut. Dip in egg white, then chopped nuts. Place on cookie sheet. Use thimble to make depression. Bake 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees. Fill with jelly when cool.

Enjoy!!!