Susan, this prompted me to get out an old large ,yellow, mixing bowl (you know the kind, with blue stripes near the top) that is filled with my mother's christmas cookie cutters. After a bit of a good cry, I happily sorted through them, remembering many pleasant Christmases baking together. Thanks for prompting that!
Love that little story, Jude--a reminder that things are precious to us because of the memories they hold. Without that very private meaning, they're just . . . things. A bit of personal magic there.
Great motivation to get the gingerbread house done in time to celebrate on the 12th. I'm not terribly ambitious about them anymore, but I still pick a different kit every year. This year is a Harry Potter castle. It's not as fancy as it sounds. It just looked like fun.
I'm not sure why my comment posted twice, and when I deleted one, they both disappeared. That is the right one. I post pics for the great grandkids, but I don't try to store them. No space. Depending on the size and surroundings, the landscaping may have to be recreated too.
Thanks for persisting--this comment space works surprisingly well, but sometimes loops into tangles or mysterious little tricks. The photos sound like a great idea. A nice way of sharing with the little ones.
This newsletter may be one of the best! Loved the Charles Dickens section. I read A Christmas Carol every year, favorite Scrooges are Reginald Owen and Alistair Sim. Happy Holidays to all, however you celebrate!
Thank you, Carol--these are always fun to compile. I've heard from several people about the Dickens. I should include more books/reading suggestions in these.
Cookie cutter week and cookie day got me thinking about my cookie cutter collection. Somehow the next thought was "I need a sea otter cookie cutter." And it turns out I have about a dozen choices to order -- the internet can be a wonderful thing!!! While I think about which one Santa is going to bring me, I think I'll make some cookies with the shapes I do have. And I also suddenly thought that tying cookie cutters onto the holiday tree would be sweet! You have me in a holiday mood.
It has also occurred to me that I might order several sea otters and gift them to sisters and nieces, and son. I'm a big advocate for sea otters and have been supporting the effort to re-introduce them to the Oregon coast. That is likely to happen in the next few years. Meanwhile, when there are opportunities to contribute, I do, and we have otter-themed stuff around the house.
The book sounds great! Thank you for letting me know of it. Will hunt it down as it is not available through my library or Libby. No worries, I have a critical mass of books to read! LOL🥰
If you are referring to Christmas Carol, I bet you will enjoy it. In true Victorian fashion it is both spooky and has a bitter side, showing up the poverty and disregard to the low income families. Dickens was a master storyteller. Let me know what you think of it when you get to the book.
Dec 5, 2023·edited Dec 5, 2023Liked by Susan Wittig Albert
Hi Elizabeth,
Actually I was replying to Susan's suggestion of a book about nutmeg that I might like to read, " Nathaniel's Nutmeg: or, The True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History, by Giles Milton. Looking forward to it when I get my stack whittled down!
Quite love Dickens' A Christmas Carol and many of his other books, with A Tale of Two Cities being a favorite. (One of the few books that I can quote the opening sentence of.) I try to fit in a reading of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales at this time of the year! It makes a nice presents, too. Best of the Season to you! 🥰
I'm going to surprise my daughter with those eggnog cookies. It's her favorite flavor, and this will be something I can make year-round. Thank you so much!
Oh, the temptations!! Can I actually smell eggnog in memory? Yes, I think I can!! This is National Cookie Cutter week? And tomorrow is National Cookie Day! With National Chocolate Brownie Day soon to follow!?! How does anyone survive till the end of the year?
Truth be told I am not the biggest of sweets eater, but that said, I do like. make that love eggnog, with a dash of fresh grated nutmeg, please. Booze or not, it is the nutmeg that is a must for me. Alton Brown once revealed that he carries a nutmeg with him at all times! Always liked him but that cinched it! He's a keeper!
Many thank for guiding me into the holiday spirit Susan! May you and Bill and all of the regulars here eat drink and be merry through the holiday season!
Sandy, since you're a nutmeg lover, here's a book for you: Nathaniel's Nutmeg: or, The True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History, by Giles Milton. Guaranteed to give you a new perspective on nutmeg and its place in international history! (If Alton Brown carries a nutmeg, he's bound to have read this book. 😀) Thanks for the holiday wishes--and to you, too!
I remember making homemade eggnog as a kid. So many fond memories of family gatherings at this time of year. Hope all have a safe and happy holiday season and beyond! And I echo Georgeann's comments to you, Susan!
I wonder how many of us remember making it, Judy--versus pouring it out of a carton. I think we are the lucky ones. Thanks to you for your special support and for jumping over here to Substack with me last summer!
When we were maintaining a dairy-free household (we've let it back in, in moderation), I did a lot of experimenting and came up with a couple of formulas that worked using soy milk. I know they also sell dairy-free options, but we didn't like any of them. Since we usually have eggs from the ducks, I enjoy making it from scratch, even out of season.
I love your monthly All About Thyme newsletters, Susan. They're always so informative. Thank you for continuing to do them for us to enjoy. Look at those old illustrations in The Christmas Carol. They will make any Scrooge behave. Eggnog cookies with eggnog icing, oh my! I must not look at the recipe - but I know I will go back and click on the link. It's bad enough I'm considering making crinkle cookies for one of my friends for a present.
Thanks Pamala, They look great, Sadly if I made them, (and I would love them!) my Diabetic husband would never leave them alone. Its going to be a different Christmas for us this year, as much as I can will be no sugar or reduced sugar, boohoo! , but I did make the Christmas cake and he can have a little bit of that. I feel really sorry for him, he cannot have all the candies, and cookies he so loves at this time of year. Thanks again
I'm always reluctant to join the food porn gang, Pamela, so I try to stay away from links to that kind of production. But I notice that there are always more clicks on those links than on the less sexy plant info. 🤔 I have to agree those eggnog recipes are simply irresistible--eggs, cream, booze--nothing more tempting in the dark/cold season. And I'm glad to see Dickens getting his share of clicks.
Good to have you with us, Nancy! Wormwood was one of my favorites (I'm a big fan of story lines that incorporate the history of real people, like the Shakers).
When you get a chance, check out "Fannie and the Back Fence Gang" (on the Short Reads tab). I'm thinking there'll be more of that kind of work.
Susan, this prompted me to get out an old large ,yellow, mixing bowl (you know the kind, with blue stripes near the top) that is filled with my mother's christmas cookie cutters. After a bit of a good cry, I happily sorted through them, remembering many pleasant Christmases baking together. Thanks for prompting that!
Love that little story, Jude--a reminder that things are precious to us because of the memories they hold. Without that very private meaning, they're just . . . things. A bit of personal magic there.
Great motivation to get the gingerbread house done in time to celebrate on the 12th. I'm not terribly ambitious about them anymore, but I still pick a different kit every year. This year is a Harry Potter castle. It's not as fancy as it sounds. It just looked like fun.
Is this the one, Penny? https://www.joann.com/create-a-treat-harry-potter-hogwarts-castle-cookie-kit/19763838.html I agree--looks like fun. Do you try to store these over the year for use the next holiday season?
I'm not sure why my comment posted twice, and when I deleted one, they both disappeared. That is the right one. I post pics for the great grandkids, but I don't try to store them. No space. Depending on the size and surroundings, the landscaping may have to be recreated too.
Thanks for persisting--this comment space works surprisingly well, but sometimes loops into tangles or mysterious little tricks. The photos sound like a great idea. A nice way of sharing with the little ones.
This newsletter may be one of the best! Loved the Charles Dickens section. I read A Christmas Carol every year, favorite Scrooges are Reginald Owen and Alistair Sim. Happy Holidays to all, however you celebrate!
Thank you, Carol--these are always fun to compile. I've heard from several people about the Dickens. I should include more books/reading suggestions in these.
Cookie cutter week and cookie day got me thinking about my cookie cutter collection. Somehow the next thought was "I need a sea otter cookie cutter." And it turns out I have about a dozen choices to order -- the internet can be a wonderful thing!!! While I think about which one Santa is going to bring me, I think I'll make some cookies with the shapes I do have. And I also suddenly thought that tying cookie cutters onto the holiday tree would be sweet! You have me in a holiday mood.
What a . . . yes, sweet idea, Patricia. Enjoy your bakefest. And your gift!
It has also occurred to me that I might order several sea otters and gift them to sisters and nieces, and son. I'm a big advocate for sea otters and have been supporting the effort to re-introduce them to the Oregon coast. That is likely to happen in the next few years. Meanwhile, when there are opportunities to contribute, I do, and we have otter-themed stuff around the house.
A sea-otter Christmas. Makes sense.
The book sounds great! Thank you for letting me know of it. Will hunt it down as it is not available through my library or Libby. No worries, I have a critical mass of books to read! LOL🥰
Hi Sandy,
If you are referring to Christmas Carol, I bet you will enjoy it. In true Victorian fashion it is both spooky and has a bitter side, showing up the poverty and disregard to the low income families. Dickens was a master storyteller. Let me know what you think of it when you get to the book.
Liz, do you know the story behind the publication? There's a good short piece about that here (with a link to a longer book): http://davidabramsbooks.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-greatest-self-published-book-world.html He sold it for only 5 shillings--and sold out his first printing in just a few days.
Hi Elizabeth,
Actually I was replying to Susan's suggestion of a book about nutmeg that I might like to read, " Nathaniel's Nutmeg: or, The True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History, by Giles Milton. Looking forward to it when I get my stack whittled down!
Quite love Dickens' A Christmas Carol and many of his other books, with A Tale of Two Cities being a favorite. (One of the few books that I can quote the opening sentence of.) I try to fit in a reading of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales at this time of the year! It makes a nice presents, too. Best of the Season to you! 🥰
Sandy, I love A Child's Christmas. Here's a delightful excerpt (not nearly long enough!) by Michael Sheen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVunVzveQd4
Oh thank you Susan! Just what I needed this morning to stay the course with a happy heart! Bless you!
God forbid we should run out of reading material! 😍
I'm going to surprise my daughter with those eggnog cookies. It's her favorite flavor, and this will be something I can make year-round. Thank you so much!
You're welcome--happy holidays!
Happy holidays to you too!
Oh, the temptations!! Can I actually smell eggnog in memory? Yes, I think I can!! This is National Cookie Cutter week? And tomorrow is National Cookie Day! With National Chocolate Brownie Day soon to follow!?! How does anyone survive till the end of the year?
Truth be told I am not the biggest of sweets eater, but that said, I do like. make that love eggnog, with a dash of fresh grated nutmeg, please. Booze or not, it is the nutmeg that is a must for me. Alton Brown once revealed that he carries a nutmeg with him at all times! Always liked him but that cinched it! He's a keeper!
Many thank for guiding me into the holiday spirit Susan! May you and Bill and all of the regulars here eat drink and be merry through the holiday season!
Sandy, since you're a nutmeg lover, here's a book for you: Nathaniel's Nutmeg: or, The True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History, by Giles Milton. Guaranteed to give you a new perspective on nutmeg and its place in international history! (If Alton Brown carries a nutmeg, he's bound to have read this book. 😀) Thanks for the holiday wishes--and to you, too!
I remember making homemade eggnog as a kid. So many fond memories of family gatherings at this time of year. Hope all have a safe and happy holiday season and beyond! And I echo Georgeann's comments to you, Susan!
I wonder how many of us remember making it, Judy--versus pouring it out of a carton. I think we are the lucky ones. Thanks to you for your special support and for jumping over here to Substack with me last summer!
When we were maintaining a dairy-free household (we've let it back in, in moderation), I did a lot of experimenting and came up with a couple of formulas that worked using soy milk. I know they also sell dairy-free options, but we didn't like any of them. Since we usually have eggs from the ducks, I enjoy making it from scratch, even out of season.
Susan - thank you for all your efforts this year. Your stories, your research resulting in various links and your good spirits brighten my day.
May you and yours enjoy the holiday, celebrating family.
Georgeann
Thank you. And special thanks for making the move to Substack with me, Georgeann, and for being a founding member. You are much appreciated!
I love your monthly All About Thyme newsletters, Susan. They're always so informative. Thank you for continuing to do them for us to enjoy. Look at those old illustrations in The Christmas Carol. They will make any Scrooge behave. Eggnog cookies with eggnog icing, oh my! I must not look at the recipe - but I know I will go back and click on the link. It's bad enough I'm considering making crinkle cookies for one of my friends for a present.
Hi Pamela,
what are crinkle cookies?
By the way, Happy Holidays to everyone, Eat and be merry and leave the washing up to someone else!!
Hi Elizabeth,
Haha, I agree with leaving the washing up to someone else!
Here's a link to a crinkle cookie recipe (not the one I use, but it looks good!) https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/double-chocolate-crinkle-cookies/
Happy Holidays to all!
Thanks Pamala, They look great, Sadly if I made them, (and I would love them!) my Diabetic husband would never leave them alone. Its going to be a different Christmas for us this year, as much as I can will be no sugar or reduced sugar, boohoo! , but I did make the Christmas cake and he can have a little bit of that. I feel really sorry for him, he cannot have all the candies, and cookies he so loves at this time of year. Thanks again
Thanks for the link, Pamela. Looks yummy!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'm always reluctant to join the food porn gang, Pamela, so I try to stay away from links to that kind of production. But I notice that there are always more clicks on those links than on the less sexy plant info. 🤔 I have to agree those eggnog recipes are simply irresistible--eggs, cream, booze--nothing more tempting in the dark/cold season. And I'm glad to see Dickens getting his share of clicks.
Good to have you with us, Nancy! Wormwood was one of my favorites (I'm a big fan of story lines that incorporate the history of real people, like the Shakers).
When you get a chance, check out "Fannie and the Back Fence Gang" (on the Short Reads tab). I'm thinking there'll be more of that kind of work.
And holiday wishes to you, over in beautiful Brittany!