Saturday, December 24, 2011

Baked Tradition

Traditions were not something I grew up with, unfortunately.  Maybe that's why I feel so strongly about having them now.  I can't wait to create all kinds of traditions with my new family.  In a world that's constantly changing, it's nice to know that there are some things you can count on year after year, like....annual camping trips, family vacations, painting Easter eggs, family game nights, holiday baking, etc.

One tradition that I started a few years ago is to bake cookies before Christmas for friends and family and then deliver them door to door.  I LOVE to bake and I'm pretty good at it, if I do say so myself.  Every year I keep the few delicious must-have recipes like chocolate chip, peanut butter, and brownies.  Then I find a few brand new recipes to test on my cookie-recipients :)

This year, I spent all day Thursday baking 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies, 2 batches of double chocolate chip & walnut cookies, and 2 batches of sugar cookies cut out like Christmas trees, ornaments and holly.  My mom spent Friday baking 2 batches of peanut butter cookies, a batch of chocolate glazed brownies and a batch of chocolate glazed brownies with walnuts.  Friday night, I put on a festive outfit and Dominic wore a fun holiday sweater, red scarf and a Santa hat before heading out to deliver the treats to 8 different homes.  That's our way of spreading some holiday cheer.
chocolate chip (recipe via Nestle Toll House) & peanut butter (recipe via Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book) cookies

Ghirardelli Ultimate Double Chocolate Cookies (recipe via Ghirardelli)

Cutout Sugar Cookies with sprinkles (recipe via Better Homes & Gardens 2009 magazine 100 Best Cookies)  *I add fresh squeezed lemon to the powdered sugar frosting*

Chocolate Syrup Brownies (recipe via Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book)

Here are just a few of the many containers we put together.  I signed most of them from Dom, Misty, Mia, and a little paw print (Roxi, the dog).

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