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 December is here and we're so glad you've joined us for our merriest edition of Feather Your Nest yet! It's officially winter, even if the calendar doesn't say so, and we're getting used to bundling up in scarves and mittens. No snowflakes swirling just yet but...any day now! |
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At this festive time of year, sometimes it's hard to slow down and enjoy the little things...twinkling lights, cookies for Santa and cozy evenings by the fire. Even though our shopping's not done yet (almost!) we're already savoring each day of the season. We've included a dozen little ways to celebrate, including lots of ideas for decorating, crafting and just enjoying time with friends & family.
With so many families going back to homemade gifts this year, we wanted to share four of our best books for giving something heartfelt from the kitchen. You'll also find a cookie recipe that Santa will surely love and a warm-you-to-your-toes soup recipe that's perfect for Christmas Eve, while you wrap those last-minute gifts.
We want to remind you how very important each of you are to our Gooseberry Patch family and we look forward to sharing lots more recipes and ideas in the new year!
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P.S. Want to keep in touch with us every day? Join us on our blog, our Page on Facebook and Twitter. Just click those links, or the buttons on the side of your screen below, and you'll be on your way to lots more recipes, giveaways, contests, stories and inspiration from us...see you there!
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This recipe comes from our newest collection of Christmas cheer, ideas, inspiration and more...Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 11! Originally shared by Pat Habiger of Spearville, Kansas, these cookies are a favorite of Santa himself.
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Holiday Gumdrop Cookies
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. margarine, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
2 c. quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked
1 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. gumdrops, sliced
sugar
Blend together butter, margarine and one cup sugar. Stir in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla until well mixed; set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the next 4 ingredients just until mixed; chill dough about one hour. With floured hands, roll dough into 1-1/2 inch balls. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Flatten cookies using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.
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Dress up a store-bought stocking in a flurry. Use a pencil to lightly draw a star on the front. With a needle and craft thread, sew buttons directly on the stocking over the star outline.
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Give gift cards or movie passes tucked inside easy-to-make pouches. Fold a length of 3-inch wide ribbon in half; stitch both long sides and one short side together. Trim with pinking shears and slip the gift inside.
Tuck a disposable camera into each stocking so everyone in the family can snap some Christmas photos. |
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A centerpiece that's as easy as 1-2-3. Arrange a greenery wreath in the center of the table, place a holiday plate in the wreath opening, then set a plump pillar candle on the plate and light. |
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For the quickest bite-size treats, arrange round pretzels on a baking sheet; place a chocolate drop in the center of each. Bake one to 2 minutes in a 350-degree oven, remove from the oven and place a candy-coated chocolate in the center of each. Refrigerate until chilled. Yummy! |
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Cookie cutters, shortbread cookies and sparkly ornaments tied up with ribbon look so festive hanging in kitchen windows. |
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Placecards with whimsy...tie a color copy of a tiny childhood snapshot onto each glass with a twist of ribbon!
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Fill a watering can with garden tools, seed packets and a gift card to a favorite nursery...a gardening friend will be so tickled!
Get together with girlfriends for a Christmas craft night. Ask each friend to bring along an idea and the supplies to share. It's such fun to make gift tags, bath fizzies and ornaments together! |
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Enjoy some family fun like Grandma used to have...stringing popcorn and cranberries together! The kids will love it and the strands are so pretty draped along a mantel, doorway and, of course, on the Christmas tree! |
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A pair of hinged shutters make a great spot for keeping track of holiday wish lists, get-togethers, church bazaar and classroom party dates...simply tack up notes with poster putty or tuck into the slats. |
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Filled with candies, a paper cone is a special way to spread glad tidings. Roll heavy paper into a cone shape and glue the edges. Once dry, ribbon threaded into holes punched on each side of the cone makes a handle. Left on a neighbor's doorknob or a coworker's chair, it's a sweet December surprise. |
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Christmas Eve Soup
You can find this recipe in our new book, 101 Christmas Recipes. We love it because
it can simmer on the stove while you're enjoying the day...and it warms you to your toes too! Jessica Heimbaugh of Gilbert, Iowa writes, "My mom and I wanted to share one of our favorite recipes. We always have this soup on Christmas Eve...we hope you'll enjoy it too!"
2 c. potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 c. carrot, peeled and diced
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. onion, chopped
2 c. water
1-1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 c. cooked ham, cubed
1/4 c. margarine
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. milk
8-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese
Combine vegetables, water, salt and pepper in a large soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until vegetables
are tender. Stir in ham; set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt margarine; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk; bring to a boil.
Cook and stir for 2 minutes, until thickened.
Stir in cheese until melted; add to vegetable mixture and heat through. Serves 8.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.
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