Santa's Favorite Christmas Crunch Cookies!

This is a re-posted idea I did this year for my family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you Blue-Eyed Bakers!  I love this idea and think it's an excellent, economical gift that appeals to most people. Cookie mix in a Christmas jar! It's not a new idea but it's something that a lot of people just don't seem to take the time to do.  If you just take a little time, this gift is a fun item to add to anyone's Christmas present bag.  It gives your gift an extra something that people really appreciate and love.  Making these jars is definitely worth your while, and here is how I made mine:
 

P.S. Don't forget the carrots for the reindeer!

Layer Ingredients in a 1 quart jar in this order:

For the jar:
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Rice Krispies
1/2 cup red and green M&M’s ( I used green and red colored white chocolate)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

***NOTE: I mixed the white chocolate chips in with the red and green white chocolate, and layered that at the top.  I feel it looks better.

To make the cookies recipients will add:

Jar contents plus:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

***NOTE: Cookie mix might seem a little dry at first, but keep working the dough and they turn out just fine.

Directions:
In a jar layer the "jar ingredients" in the order listed.  Using a spoon or something with a flat bottom  pack each layer down as much as possible before adding the next.

To decorate, and finish off the jars you will need to: take Christmas fabric and cut out fabric rounds just slightly bigger than the jar lids. Place and position prepared fabric round on top of the lid, and screw the band over top of it. The band should be screwed on tightly.  Next attach a recipe card, with directions, to a piece of Christmas ribbon, using an ornament hook ( you can also put a jingle-bell on the hook).  Lastly, tie the ribbon around the jar making it into a bow.  

To make the cookies, preheat oven to 350.  Beat together the butter, vanilla extract and egg in a large bowl. Add the contents of the jar and stir until well mixed (dough will be crumbly). Drop rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and golden.  Enjoy with a large glass of milk or hot cocoa.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, Especially If You Are Sleeping Outside...

Imagine being homeless at this time of year...

The weather outside is frightful, especially if you are sleeping outside.  I can't fathom being so cold for so long.  And hungry, hunger is also something they face on a daily basis. Imagine all winter long feeling the tightness of hunger pains, being chilled to the bone, and feeling isolated, day in and day out.

Family is such a huge focus during the holiday season, and to know that most of them are estranged from their own is heart wrenching.  Everyone longs to be with people, no matter who they are, it is part of what makes us human beings.  People want to belong.  In our society the homeless are like the "misfit toys" in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  No one wants them, they go through life being ignored, ridiculed, and looked down upon by the masses. 

Let them know they are not alone, we are all people, we all connected.  Have a heart this holiday and show them you care.  There are many, many ways to do this: share a friendly chat, offer your support, give a gift, volunteer at homeless facilities, etc.

My favorite idea is to keep a couple dozen, ready-made gift bags in the car to give to each homeless person you see.  Here is a list of what I would suggest including in the bags:

Cute Reusable Gift Bag

My Gift Bag Supply List:

Hand Warmers
A pair of Sturdy Gloves
Pack of Thick Winter Socks
Healthy Packaged Food
Toiletries: Soaps, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Lotion, Chapstick, etc.
Hand Written Card, That Tells Them They Are Important


...God be with them this season...

   

It's That Time of Year

Sweaters, pea coats, fireplace stoked

scarves, gloves, windows 

cloaked

rain drops fall, the wind does call:

"Winter is coming, let it be know to all!"

The Start Of November

Apple Pie!

Ingredients

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (below)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

 

 

Ingredients for CRUST:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 tbsp. pieces, very cold
• 1/4-1/2 cup cold water 

 

 
 Directions for CRUST:

1. Put the flour, salt and sugar into a food processor and pulse once or twice.
2. Add the butter and process until the mixture looks grainy.
3. Then slowly, while pulsing, add the water until you can form the dough by pressing it between your fingers.
4. Decant the loose dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
2. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

The Good Toys

For Boats: Halved Walnut shells, dot of hot glue or wax, flat toothpicks, fabric (cut out to make a flag.)

Toys do not have to be fancy.  In my experience, the simple toys are usually the most fun.  They promote the use of one's own imagination.  Moreover, homemade toys (especially those that the children help make) mean more to them as time passes. Artificially colored, technology infused, electronic noise making toys, simply do not appeal to me.  What is appealing, are toys made from the heart.

I have a hand sewn bunny-rabbit that wears a red and white lace dress, with matching bloomers. A long time family friend poured her heart and soul into making it for me. She stitched the entire outfit, and animal just for me.  Although I did not help make it, that homemade bunny-rabbit is one of my most cherished possessions.

We should be aware that the "latest and greatest" gadget consumed toys are not the best.  They are often overly expensive, and not worth the money.   When children make toys that they can keep and use; it results in proud memories that can last a lifetime. Toys adorned with love and warmth, are a wonderful alternative to plastic toys that come out of a cold, factory-made box.