|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Creating Timeless Traditions It is with great anticipation that we look toward the Fall Holidays – those accelerated days and nights of bustling activity between Halloween and the New Year.  Usually, Halloween means candy purchased at the store rather than the personal touch of a home-baked treat. This year, however, there is an added sense of somberness as we cherish loved ones more than ever. So, for your own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and for favorite little neighbors, there is nothing like the gift of something home-baked to remind them how special they are to you. Think how festive treats like pumpkin-shaped Crisp Cookie Cutouts, Caramel Apples, or Popcorn Balls are for children! For the adults, an offer of a warm Apple Crisp with Hot Spiced Punch is perfect on a cool autumn night when a short respite from trick or treating with excited children is so appreciated. Such a treat is more than just a ‘neighborly nicety.’ Thanksgiving, the day that stands out among all culinary feast days, is next. From the appetizers to a scrumptious Cold Pumpkin Soufflé, it is the day where food commands center stage. Children think a marvelous feast like this miraculously appears. However, those in the kitchen know the truth about all the hours of preparation required to make this meal happen. To make it a day enjoyed to its fullest by everyone – including the cook – try some make-ahead foods, like Candied Sweet Potatoes, Mint or Cranberry Jelly, Pumpkin Bread, or Cocoa Apple Cake. As December, “the month of traditions” dawns, the preparations become more hectic. A hot liquid treat helps to slow the pace so we can reflect on our blessings. While decorating, take a well-deserved break with family or friends over Hot Buttered Rum.  Start your baking early with make-ahead treats such as Gingerbread Cookies, Biscotti Marone, Cut-Out Cookies, Candied Rind, Golden Thumbprint Cookies, Hazelnut Amaretto Balls and Sugared Walnuts. Throughout the season, your visitors will delight in this wonderful array of holiday cheer, and your kitchen will soon become the touchstone for gatherings of family and friends. Top off your Christmas dinner with an extra special dessert to share. Although this can be a challenge for even the most experienced baker, it doesn’t need to be a stressful undertaking. A Chocolate Cream Roll isn’t very time-consuming and the visual appeal and delicious flavor defy its easy preparation. Place a Chocolate Cream Roll on a festive plate and toss a wooden log on the fire, and you’ll soon rekindle the magical days and nights of Christmas you remember from childhood. This year will truly be a time of reflection and anticipation. We hope you gather with loving family and close friends to bring in another year as the holidays – those accelerated days and nights between Halloween and New Year – end once again. Our wish to you this season is that your holiday traditions, whether started long ago or just this year, become a part of your treasured past. |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
