SOON - Will be Baking Time!

 Many may have started doing their Christmas baking already, but I believe most wait until after Thanksgiving.  Gosh, I remember mom making cookies and candies and little cakes before Thanksgiving - and storing them all in airtight containers.  That way there was always something good to be put out whenever company dropped by.  They could all be presented as a 'sudden' gift - when mom felt she needed to gift someone something.  It was always appreciated.

A couple of cookie recipes will be presented here today that I promised.  These are both very old recipes and are staples for many homes.  The Springerle recipe came to my mom from my grandparents that came from Europe.  Grandpa was from Bavaria and grandma was Swiss.  This is a family favorite (for most) of the family.  Now I have to say I do NOT like licorice AT ALL - but I love these cookies.  The taste of anise is different than licorice to me.

Hope these help someone enjoy a fun goody this year - maybe something from the past.

SPRINGERLE

4 C flour

2 tsps.  baking powder

4 eggs - well beaten

2 C sugar

2 tsp. boiling water (I always use 3 or 4)

2 tsp. anise seed

Sift your flour and add baking powder.  To the well beaten eggs gradually add the sugar, beating until very thick and creamy looking.  Pour the boiling water over the anise seed (releases flavors) and add to the egg mixture.  Stir in flour.  Mixture will be dense.  Chill

Roll on a lightly floured board to a thickness of about 1/4".  Press with your design board or springerle roller to make designs. (make sure your board or roller is floured).  Cut the cookies at the marked outlines and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Let these dry at room temperature for 6-8 hours.

Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Makes about 4 dozen.

***I do these over 2 days.  I mix it all up late one afternoon and then refrigerate.  I remove when I get up and it is ready to roll out early.  Let the cookies rest and bake late that afternoon.

These are not overly sweet like many cookies and not overly strong.  IF you want a little stronger taste - also add a teaspoon of anise flavoring.  I DO THIS!

You can roll and cut plain - if you do not have a design board or rolling pin!

These are always part of Christmas baskets I make - everyone looks forward to this bit of mom/grandma each year.

SPRITZ COOKIES

I don't remember a year growing up that these weren't available.  Just such a lovely bite.

2 C flour

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 C butter flavor shortening***

1/2 C sugar

1 egg yolk

1/2 tsp. almond extract

Sift flour with salt.  Cream shortening, and gradually add sugar, continue to beat until light.  Add egg yolk and almond.  Combine dry ingredients to creamed mixture.  Mix until smooth.

Place dough into a cookie press (I use a manual type - moms).  Works best when dropping onto cool or cold pans - never on a hot one! (cookies don't release on to a hot pan!!!)

You can make any shape you wish.  I like to use the little star on many - as it is just a bite of cookie! (about the size of a quarter).

Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes on a greased cookie sheet until slightly golden.

To decorate you can add a piece of a cherry or half a nut to the center of each cookie before baking.  You can also add sprinkles or even add food coloring to part of the dough.  Makes about 3 dozen.

*** If you use plain shortening or Crisco - mix with butter (about half of mixture).  I have never used all butter.

            Just small lovely little creamy bursts of flavor!  I just love the almond flavor.

I hope this helps a few of you.  I have such fond memories of all the cookies and fudge and such during the holidays.  There was always a plate of goodies around and when company came by - there was a Christmas platter that was filled with an array of yummy bites.  Mom made so many types of cookies.  I think these two along with the iced sugar cookies were my absolute favorites - although I liked them all.

Baking and the smell of the house is such a warm memory.  I can close my eyes and almost feel like I am back in the kitchen with mom.

I don't remember a lot of toys or things that I got as a child - but I remember the baking and the smells.

Aaahhhhhh  - memories!!!!!

Have a wonderful day to you all.