Tradition: it is my chosen word to describe December.
We have so many traditions in our family and seem to create more with each new year so as to add to the already mounting Griswold holidays that we share each month. This year, December is full of so many bright blessings and reasons for our family to celebrate. Birthday week is in full bloom, including my own. This Sunday, we will cut down a tree on the farm and decorate Granny's house for her 100th Christmas. 100 Christmases! One of my most favorite things about this life is having that remarkabe lady in our family. God blessed us beyond measure in the making of this family through the generations. She is a living example of grace, love, thankfulness, kindness, and beauty. I think I can speak for my entire family when I say that and our favorite thing about Christmas morning is a call to her. That’s how Christmas morning begins for us. When she answers, the first person on the phone to say, "Christmas gift!" gets a special gift. Really, we never exchange anything but it always delights my heart to hear that precious southern accent say, "Good Mawnin! Christmas gift!"
Decking the Halls at Granny's house has grown from traditional decorating to a friendly competition of who can find the most Christmas Vacation Clark Griswold-like tree. My cousin Paul, with the help of Chef Banjo, did a pretty outstanding job last year. This year it is Sallie's turn to select and cut down the tree. Like her hay bale racing abilities, I doubt she will let Paul outshine her. Did I mention that we are competitive? If she shows 1/10th of the determination she exuded to beat Paul in the 2015 Thanksgiving Hay Bale Race, we will be hearing one of my favorite quotes from Clark Griswold as he cuts the rope on his famous tree, "I give you the Griswold Family Christmas Tree. Lotta sap in here! Mmmm... Looks great! Little full, lotta sap." We have yet to have a squirrel jump out but there is rarely a dull moment in family events. As my Mama says, "Yes, we truly are the Griswolds and we are always on vacation."
Next week will kick off holiday parties with the most anticipated one taking place next Saturday afternoon as Peggy's baby brother, Vic, marries Joy. Joy has affectionately been named the "Joy of our Lives" by the Griswolds. You cannot be in her presence, have a pulse, and not feel a rush of happiness and energy. She is just one of those fabulous people and we must have been born under lucky stars to have her joining our family. Peggy and Jeff will be hosting the reception at their home and Chef Banjo will make sure everyone's belly stays warm and happy. Do you remember the caldrone of oar-stirred stew that I spoke about in June? It is the staple at the Griswold Family Reunion each year but will be making it's December debut at the request of the groom and we are all just as delighted as we are every summer to enjoy a bowl...or 5.
We hope your December is merry, bright, and SPROUTASTIC! Embrace your traditions and create many more! Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Peace, Love, & Sprouted Flour Power!
Another family tradition that we enjoy each December are Ginger Totsies. Totsie, of course, is a cousin and Ginger Totsies are her delectable holiday cookies! They are baked and delivered around the farm each year by Miss Jo, who is Totsie's brother, Bill’s, dear friend. Maybe next month I will draw a Griswold Family Tree for y'all to reference :). These cookies just taste like all things festive.
To compliment Ginger Totsie's, our sale this month will be 15% of To Your Health Sprouted Red Wheat Flour with the code HOLLY15 at checkout.
GINGER TOTSIES
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 cups rapadura or organic sugar
- 2 free-range eggs
- 4 cups sprouted red or white wheat flour (sprouted sorghum flour is a great gluten-free substitute)
- 4 tsp aluminum-free baking soda
- 1 tsp Celtic salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine in a mixing bowl
- 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 cups rapadura or organic
- 2 free-range eggs
Sift together in a separate large bowl
- 4 cups sprouted red or white wheat flour (sprouted sorghum flour is a great gluten-free substitute)
- 4 tsp aluminum-free baking soda
- 1 tsp Celtic salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Pour the combined wet ingredients into the combined dry ingredients and blend well.
- Refrigerate your dough for 2–3 hours. (optional)
- Roll dough into 1–inch balls then roll in additional rapadura or sugar to coat. Place on parchment–lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 375 degrees for about 10–12 minutes.
RecipeNotes
Note: If dough is very soft, keep chilled while making/baking.
For more recipes, check out our new online recipe library at healthyflour.com.
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