Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Month of Memories - December 7th

Today I am thinking about baking again.  Must be because I spend a lot of time in the kitchen in the month of December!  But what I am remembering is back when I was 17, I was involved with some friends in a ministry at a local nursing home.  We would go every few weeks and do a mini church service for them.  I would play some hymns on the piano and we would all sing, and a friend would share a few words.  Then, we would visit with the residents...and sometimes I would play piano some more.  Music is such a gift, isn't it?  I remember that Christmas I baked SOOOO many cookies to take to the nursing home.  I can't remember if we did a special program or something, but I do remember baking and baking those cookies! :)


I bake lots and lots at Christmas time because I love to give goodies away.  We seriously hardly eat any of it.  We save a few of everything, but every year I put together 5-10 tins or bags of a variety of goodies and give them to people (this year I have lots of bags...and lots of pretzels!, so who knows)  Who these people are varies.  One year it was mostly neighbors.  Last year it was mostly friends from church.  It depends a lot of when I get the baking done and who I see shortly thereafter!  :)  I always include chocolate covered pretzels (which I have been working on for the last two days over here.  I have done trays and trays!).  This year is extra fun because Utz decided to market its pretzels directly to me by making a special holiday edition.  The pretzels are shaped like Christmas trees, stars and bells.  Seriously, how was I going to say no to that.  And I must say, they look lovely covered in chocolate! :)  Maybe I should take a picture of them...they are delightful.  I also always include my  famous fudge and divinity. My dad loves my fudge and divinity and no matter how many batches I have made that winter, I always have to make some for him, too.

Philip isn't crazy about things that are super sweet, so his favorite Christmas cookie is actually called Lemon Coolers, and I make those every year for the tins as well.

I usually also include a mini (and I mean mini...it's about the size of two muffins) loaf of some kind of bread.  I've been baking Banana Sour Cream bread, but this year I have pureed pumpkin coming out the wazoo since our garden overachieved in the pumpkin department, so I may just keep it simple and go with that.

For the other kind of cookie, I may try something new this year...I kind of have the itch, so we'll see what that winds up being.  Historically, I have made something along the lines of chocolate mint.  But, who knows!

You know, if the readership of this blog were high enough, I should do something fun like a drawing for someone (local!) to win a bag of Christmas goodies.  Wouldn't that be a kick.  But, there may only be like 3 of you who read this (hi Mom!)...so maybe I shouldn't bother. :)

Ok, so it looks like there is enough interest to do a give away.  How fun! 

If you want to "win" the goodie bag, please leave a comment here on the blog. I'll doing the drawing on the 10th and the winner will be notified. :) You do need to be local enough to pick it up or meet me somewhere. :) Unless I am feeling extra generous and decide to mail...which could happen. :)

11 comments:

Stephanie Cutlip said...

it deleted my comment, but how "local" is "local" :) I always loved KP on our team. Your baking was such a blessing (which I know was limited b/c of the limited ingredients you had to work with). You are such a blessing to all those that you come in contact with. God Bless this Christmas season :) Miss ya!!!

Sarah Bergeaux said...

You impress me. I am thrilled if I make 2 items each year...your list goes on and on.

Happy Wife and Mother said...

I couldn't post a comment from my IPad but it looks like I can now. Sorry for the confusion on Facebook. I love reading about the Hines happenings and I am sure lots of people do.

Rach said...

always love the Hines' yummies! I need to get started on my baking this year too - :)

Phil said...

Note: It isn't that I don't like sweets or don't appreciate them, but I just can't handle too much at once and start to feel sick if I eat more than just a little at a time. If there are a lot of sweets around the house all at once, there is just so much that I can eat myself.

Stephanie Funck said...

I have to echo Stephanie. KP was lots of fun with many delicious meals. Now I just need to find time to be able to bake, hmmm...this week is out, maybe next week?

emma said...

I drop in on occasion - I love how your blog is real & grounded (I also love www.soulemama.com as well for that vibe). I "released" myself from the pressures of a cookie exchange this week (by opting in as a "socializer" - so I'll bring apps & drinks), and it released much of the stress I'd been feeling about fitting it all in (Ellie's birthday is next week, party this weekend...). Love that this post is about cooking & baking. Good to "see" you posting again :)
Emma

Carolyn, Matt, Madison, and Sydney said...

Ooh I want to see a picture of the chocolate covered Utz holiday pretzels! I've seen them around and have been tempted to buy them for that purpose, but I know I won't get around to making them. :) Maybe I'll win your goodie bag giveaway and try them myself. ;)

Unknown said...

I am also a faithful reader! I am always super impressed with what you accomplish, while taking care of your adorable boys. I only have one little boy and I applaud myself if I get the dishwasher loaded :)
I hope you all are enjoying this Advent season, and I will check my calendar for a date when we can all get together!!!

Tori said...

Just wanted to let you know that not only do I enjoy your blog, but Katie had a good time looking at it with me last night. She loved seeing the pics of your boys & was excited when she recognized them from MOPS.

Anonymous said...

Yes, your mom is reading your blog and enjoying it. Ah, to have so much energy again. Love, Mom

Ps grandma and I talked and talked since last Thursday when she began her visit. We never ran out of things to say.