Christmas Kringler

So, the holidays have come and gone.  I should have posted this recipe a month ago BEFORE the holidays.  But, you see, I am just not always that on top of things.  Alas, the time must be right because this is when this post is taking place.  Now.  When I can think clearly and reflect on the wondrous creation that is Christmas Kringler, with nary a thought of gift wrapping or cookie baking to be found in my over-stimulated brain.

Kringler is a Scandinavian pastry and is, hands down, my all time favorite thing in the whole wide world.  It holds deep childhood memories for me, as it was tradition for my own dear mom to grace us with this delightful confection on Christmas morning.  My grandma made it for my mom, and my great-grandmother made it for my grandma.  I’m not exactly sure where the legacy begins.  I just know I love it and never want it to end.  So, I continue the legacy with my sweet family.  Kringler also contains the very same almond extract that always makes my heart go pitter-patter.  Oh almond extract!  Divine.  Delightful.  And did I mention that it’s IN the Kringler?  AND in the frosting?   Be still, my beating heart.  Without further ado, I introduce you to the renowned and glorious Christmas Kringler.

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Read through all directions before beginning, as there are three parts to the process.

But don’t be afraid.  It’s all very basic.  And DIVINE.

Kringler Recipe

 

 

 

I like to enlist my husband to help with the mixing in of the eggs (one at a time) portion.  It gives him the satisfaction of helping and saves my arm from the heavy stirring.

I have also used milk when I did not have any cream and it works just fine for the frosting.

We even shared this with friends once as dessert.  Although, usually it holds its sacred spot of December 25th.

I invite you to try this recipe and if it feels right, to add it to your Christmas morning tradition.

Happy 2014!

P.S.  If you get the urge for Kringler throughout the year, try these Almond Meltaway Cookies.

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Simple Holiday Treats

I wanted to take a moment to share a few easy holiday treats.  I know I’m a bit late in offering these (I apologize!) but I also know people oftentimes celebrate with family and friends after Christmas too.  Honestly, either of these could be made anytime with adjustments to their decorative offerings.  The first are these cute little sandwiches.

Ritz

You’ll need:

Ritz Crackers

Peanut Butter

Chocolate Almond Bark

Simply take a Ritz cracker and spread it with peanut butter, then top with another cracker.  In essence making a mini peanut butter sandwich.  Repeat until you have your desired amount.  I used two sleeves of Ritz crackers when I did it and copious amounts of peanut butter.  They are cute and yummy and you can eat one (or two!) if you need a little sustenance for the task at hand.  I make a bunch and stack them on a plate.  Then, I use the double broiler method to heat up the Chocolate Almond Bark.  Once the chocolate is fully melted, remove from heat.  You can dip these little babies to your heart’s content and then lay on a piece of waxed paper to cool and harden.  I just use a fork to drop them in, flip them so they are fully covered with chocolate, and then tap off the excess on the side of the bowl.

Ritz Close Up

To add to their cute-ness factor, you can add sprinkles if you like or just leave them as is.

I also wanted to mention these addictive little pretzel treats and share a photo of the red and green holiday edition.

Pretzel Treats

I originally shared these treats when I made them for Valentine’s day last year.  They are so versatile and can be made any time of year with regular M & M’s or your favorite holiday version.  Click Here for the full link containing details on the Pretzel Treats.

Do you have a favorite easy treat you make for the holidays?  I would love for you to share in the comments section!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Donuts

It is that festive time of year, to bring good cheer wherever you can. Last Saturday, I chose to infuse some fun into our breakfast. I baked some chocolate donuts and donned them with red, white and green sprinkles. Sometimes it’s the little things. The kids, of course, loved them. I am reminded by the events in the world that it is actually always the little things. Kisses, hugs, squeezes, and tickles abound at the Andersons in firework finale fashion. I see my kids through lenses that have been adjusted into a heightened state of awareness. I am reminded that the traditions we cling to each Christmas are more important than ever. I am grateful for each moment. I delight in the simple smile returned by a stranger and the way my children’s faces light up at the magic of Christmas. I will cherish each moment, tiny and gigantic, and know that some parents are not as fortunate. My heart has been sick for the families in Connecticut and I carry that with me as I go about my days. While there are tears behind my smiles, there is also a deep sense of meaning and purpose for my own life and the lives of my children. I find an ever-pressing need to bring God into every part of our day, because I need Him now more than ever. We have many great books about Christmas and this year we made the delightful discovery of a new favorite, God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren. (Lisa is also the author of God Gave Us You.)

GodGaveUsChristmas

The pages are beautifully illustrated and the story is endearing. One of my favorite pages and text:

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May God be with you this Christmas and each day of the new year.

May you find magic in His majesty and wonder in His love.

May you find His light in the darkness and may you be a light for others.

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Merry Christmas!