Holiday Traditions: Family, Food and Fun

Gatherings with family and friends are some of the most special times of the holiday season. Food tends to make these celebrations even better. For many, a holiday dish brings back memories of someone dear.

For my husband Brent, his grandmother’s carrot cake is a holiday favorite. Granny Green did not go by a recipe when she cooked. She would use a handful of this and a pinch of that to create her delicious treats. My mother in law, her sister, and the rest of the family are very thankful they took the time to write down the carrot cake recipe while Granny was still alive. One day, as Granny measured out her handfuls and pinches for the cake, they had her put each ingredient into an individual bowl before mixing them together. After measuring each bowl with cups and spoons, they wrote it all down in recipe form for future generations to enjoy.

Growing up, my family always made lots of different kinds of Christmas cookies to enjoy and share with neighbors and friends. It always felt magical to turn the knob of the cookie press and watch the shapes appear. Listening to Christmas music, decorating cookies with sprinkles and colored sugar, peeking in the oven door as they baked, smelling their warm sweetness, and finally eating one with a glass of milk created such special memories.

As parents, we have worked to create memories for our children that they may one day share with their own families. We have carried on some holiday traditions from our youth and developed others of our own that continue to evolve. Our daughter has perfected making deviled eggs. Our son enjoys making peanut butter balls with my mom. Our daughter in law has learned to make delicious sugar cookies from her grandmother.

Homemade yeast rolls are another holiday favorite in our family, and they also make wonderful gifts. Siloam Extension and Community Association member Carole Simpson shared this recipe with me many years ago when our kids were young. Baking is a great family activity. Even small children can help with the measuring, mixing, and kneading. And food is a gift anyone can use. There is no need to worry about where the recipient will put it or if the size or color is right. Homemade gifts from the kitchen are always appreciated.

This season, think about what makes the holidays special for you and your family, and work to preserve those memories. If a dish is part of those memories, make sure to ask for the recipe, or better yet, have the person show you how to make it. The time spent together and the memories made are better than any gift you could buy.
Easy Yeast Rolls

Crescent shaped rolls are easy and fun to make. When the dough is ready to use, divide it into three equal pieces. A pizza cutter works well. Roll each piece into a circle and brush with melted margarine, butter, or oil. Then cut each circle into eight triangles like slicing a pizza. Roll each triangle beginning at the wide end and place it seam side down on a baking pan.

Ingredients

• One quarter cup sugar
• Two and a half teaspoons or one packet yeast
• One teaspoon salt
• One cup plus two tablespoons warm water at 115 degrees
• One quarter cup softened margarine, butter, or oil
• One egg, well beaten
• Three and a half cups plain flour

Directions

1. Mix sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and stir. Let stand until foamy, about five minutes.
2. Add margarine, butter, or oil and the egg. Mix well.
3. Add flour all at once and stir until combined. Dough will be sticky and does not require kneading.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about one to one and a half hours.
5. Place dough on a floured surface and knead gently two or three times until manageable.
6. Dough may be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, covered tightly.
7. When ready to use, allow dough to rest fifteen minutes before shaping.
8. Place rolls on a pan and let rise two hours before baking at 375 degrees for twelve to fifteen minutes.

Makes 24 to 32 rolls.

For Cinnamon Rolls

Perfect for Christmas morning

• Increase sugar to one half cup
• Mix one half cup sugar with two teaspoons cinnamon

1. After dough has doubled in size, divide into two pieces and roll each one into a rectangle.
2. Brush with margarine or butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Roll tightly and cut into pieces using a serrated knife.
4. Place on a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for ten to twelve minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze if desired.