I find this time of year leading up to the holidays to be the busiest, and then once school is out and the holidays actually start, it slows down bit. Meanwhile, somehow I have done the usual Janie-o-lah maneuver and this week is super nutty with raffles, sports, concerts, Xmas baking, dinner club cooking, and of course, there is my attempt at making homemade dog food . (they love it by the way, but I need to fiddle with it some more). We have had a car accident involving my sister (she is ok, but miraculously so, though she has a concussion and is banged up), a court meeting for another family member and his ex, plus smaller things like trying to train our pup not to eat all our custom made wood work, etc, etc. Whatever- when is something not happening in our lives, right? No matter, it is time to take a breath, step back and enjoy one of my favourite months of the year.
So, on that note, Christmas isn't Christmas without some special recipes! I have a few, but these are just some. Cause I am in baking mode, I thought I would share the recipes:
Nanaimo Bars http://www.bestofbridge.com/Recipe207.aspx
You must make these. They are not the same as store bought. Score the top before the choc hardens all the way and you will be able to cut them better later.
Best Ever Banana Bread http://www.bestofbridge.com/Recipe176.aspx
ok, so this is not a Christmas recipe, but it is really good. If your kids are like mine, and don't eat a banana at the first sign of a freckle, you will have lots of bananas in your freezer. I throw in blueberries, or choc chips, or sometimes both... Cut the sugar in half- I always do, plus i have made it with all w/w flour or sometimes 50/50.
Whipped Shortbread http://www.bestofbridge.com/Recipe157.aspx
These are super quick if you have a stand alone mixer. If you don't, it is kind of a pain to stand there and whip for 1 mins. I have done that before, as these cookies are really that good. The other day I threw in choc chips and a bit of vanilla- very, very yummy.
There are still the mincemeat pastries, butter tarts, gingerbread men, and sugar cookies, but I won't go on and on here.
Tell me what your fave Christmas goody is, and then go make those Nanaimo Bars!
9 comments:
I've heard of Nanaimo bars. I'll have to check out that recipe.
Regarding your comment on my blog: You're not ignorant! You're quite right that he is the actor from Law & Order. He was a Senator first though, and ran in the Presidential Primaries, but lost to McCain.
I'm glad that you're more encouraged, and will continue to pray for you. Busyness plus stress & drama is no fun! Praise the Lord your sister is alright!
OMG, I think I just gained 5 pounds reading all your yummy talk about food!!! Those Nanaimo bars look awfully tempting... if I had custard powder I'd probably go mix them up right now, but I don't have it. What is it, where can I buy it, and what section of the store is it in?
know why i like you?...cuz you acknowledge the tough stuff going on and then you make it all easier by thinking about delicious food. well, at least that's how i operate! ☺ i have a banana bread recipe i love and wanna know the BEST trick evah? sprinkle sugar on all sides of the pan and even on top of the batter then bake. you'll love it, i promise!
am i a comfort food queen or what?!
oh that naughty word vertication...giving me "REARphi" as mine, way to make me feel guilty at overeating already!
Oh, my, maybe I should have checked in before taggin you. Do not feel you must, but I would love to know some of your thoughts on books.
I can't wait to try some of your recipes.
Oh, and if it helps, I eat choc chips out of the bag, and can't fit into my closet. Hope things are better for you. :)
how about INSTEAD, you come over to my house and BRING Nanamio bars?
sounds like a plan. thanks.
jane, I just had to pop back and tell you that I just read another recipe for Nanaimo Bars on Mennonite Girls can cook. I found some humor in this, and wanted to share.
Oh, and I forgot. The treats I enjoy making myslf are pecan tarts. I use sugar cookie dough, press into mini muffin tins, and add the filling. I think I am the only one at my house that eats them, and I still make them. :)
You know as much as I love Nanaimo bars I have NEVER made them. I know they are easy but I'm afraid that I'd just eat the custard layer with a spoon and have to make more. Not a good thought.
It's late and now you made me hungry but I'm too tired to go downstairs and get something to eat. Sigh...
Those Nanaimo bars look great. What is custard powder? Is it a native Canadian ingredient or some common American kitchen staple with a foreign name?
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