Christmas Made in the USA

Going into the 2nd week of December and happy to be able to write to you and share some insight for the holiday season. I keep going back to EXPECTATIONS. One of the worst things we do to ourselves is setting the expectations of the season to unrealistic levels. Be REAL, Be HONEST. Keep in mind that whatever your personal beliefs are, the "reason for the season" is something other than commercial shopping marathons resulting in personal debt. Remember the reason!

After writing our family newsletter, I am finishing the Christmas Cards that I have been making by Stamping card stock. Those to be sent out this weekend.

I took on a personal challenge this year by buying items Made in the U.S.A.  It has been an eye opening adventure. Keeping this in mind, I have made the majority of the Christmas gifts that I will be giving this year. It has been really satisfying putting together items and actually looking for items that have been made or grown here in the U.S.A. Gifts this year are made with love!!

On previous pages of this blog, I have demonstrated how to make jelly and pies. I have been busy making cookies and putting together Gifts in a Jar with a girlfriend (Thanks for the fun Denise!) which by itself was a gift!!! I offer these to you now.
RAINBOW BEAN SOUP

Kerr or Ball Quart size jars - Made in the U.S.A.
Dry Beans:
Kidney 3/4 C
Pea 3/4 C
White 3/4 C
Black 3/4 C
Yellow 3/4 C
Dry Spices:
Parsley 2T
Basil 1T
Minced Onion 2T
Chili Powder 1T
Garlic Powder 1T
Oregano1 T
Beef Bullion Cubes 12

Put Beans in jar in order given. Put spices in zip lock bag, take out air and seal. Put on top of beans.

Cut out a 8" round piece of fabric and place on top of lid of jar. Screw on jar band and place ribbon around the band. Attach tag with instructions to put all ingredients in a crock pot with 8 cups of water and a can of diced tomatoes. cook on low 6 hours...enjoy!

Baking Gift
 My next really fun gift is a Cookie bag. I got a plain burlap bag and used fabric paint to put my granddaughters name on the bag. Using ribbons and cookie cutters found on sale during the year, I tied the cookie cutters on the ribbons and then safety pinned the ribbons to the bag. Inside the bag was a small wood rolling pin, measuring spoons and measuring cups sprinkles, candy and frosting. Also included was the dry ingredients to my sugar cookie recipe. All my daughter had to do was add the butter, eggs and extract. This is a really sweet gift! ** Make this easy and fun by putting Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix and Frosting in the bag.

 Sugar Cookie Recipe:
1 1/2 C Flour (all purpose)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C (1 stick) Unsalted Butter-softened
3/4 C granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Measure all dry ingredients together and set aside. With mixer on low, combine butter and sugar until creamed well, add egg and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy. slowly add flour mixture until blended. Use hands to gather the dough and pat into a round disk and wrap in saran. Let rest in fridge for at least an hour. Remove from fridge, to floured board. Flour rolling pin and beginning in center of dough roll out in even strokes until dough is 1/4-1/8 thick. Flour cutters for ease. Cut out shapes and place on cookie tray lined with parchment paper. Gather dough up and re-roll...continue as quickly as possible until dough is used up. (continue flouring board, rolling pin and cutters) Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 10 - 12 minutes just till edges are lightly brown. Cool cookies before frosting.

Frosting: 2 C Powdered Sugar (Confectioners)
1 T unsalted butter
2 tsp light corn syrup
2 1/2 T hot water

combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and using mixer, on low, mix until well blended. If it is to stiff, add a few drops of hot water. Use piping bags for special decorating. Frost cookies and sprinkle with variety of sugars, sprinkles and candy.