Christmas Baking 2008

I've been baking for over a week now: Dried Fruit Macadamia Nut Fruitcake--23 small loaves plus 15 minis for Clifford. He eats them like a cookie. One a day. He can't have the small loaves, they're for giving away (but he had one anyway); Ginger Crinkles--4 batches; Christmas Icebox Cookies--a double batch; a pan of The Best Date Bars--from Waioli Tea Room (Mom's favorite). I still will make Oatmeal Toffee Cookies (from the Heath Toffee Bits Bag) to take over to Matt & Clarissa's on Christmas eve (a tradition--4th year?) & Chip Dreams--a recipe from Carlie Sever. It's a good way to use the egg whites I have left over when I make my Chantilly Frosting. Picture to follow on another posting.

CHIP DREAMS

2 egg whites

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. vanilla

Beat until peaks form. Add:

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Bake on brown paper sack (or parchment) on cooky sheet in 280 degree oven for 25 minutes. Cool & remove. Light & yummy. Melts in your mouth.

As I spend many hours in the kitchen baking, washing the dishes, I have a lot of time to ponder & savor the memories of mom as she gave of herself in everything she did. I am only now realizing that was her gift to us. The love & prayers that accompanied her cooking, sewing of quilts--every day joys that come back to bless me again & again.

This year, I chose to make capes for the kiddies. Each is in various stages of completion. It's the 21st. As I sew I think of each child & pray that my love will come through; they'd enjoy playing for many hours.

We went to MMC today for the Christmas Program & it was great to have all seven of the kiddies there. Keoki came over with the boys yesterday & I invited them to come. Ashley was to come home on Monday from the Big Island, but she came home this afternoon. Yay! Matthew quickly recruited him to shoot video on one of his two cameras. Clarissa was on the other. The children did well. Logan & Mason sat with us & I held Kwyn so Alisa could do her photography. Nysa & Avery danced Jingle Bell Rock Hula with bells on their wrists. Austin was a Wise Man who brought Myrrh & Ayva went from seat to seat. Tony's Dad & Ron came. It was great to see everyone.