Christmas Sugar Cookies

Part 1

1 ½ cups if sifted confection sugar

1 cup of butter (soft)

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla (real)

½ tsp. almond flavor

Part 2 

2 ½ cups of flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tartar 

Directions:

• Mix sugar and butter well then add egg, vanilla, and almond flavor.  
• In separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, and cream tartar. Stir.
• Combine the two mixtures and mix well.
• Divide dough into 2 balls and allow cookie dough to chill overnight.
• Butter the cookie sheet with butter and bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes. 

Duddie 

Grandma Webber's Plum Pudding

Another of Lillian Webber's traditional English recipes.

2 lbs suet

Separate, remove skin and threads from suet. Cream with hands

2 lbs stale bread crumbs
1 lb sugar
1 lb currants

Mix the currants, sugar, and bread crumbs together.

Cut in pieces and dredge with flour:

2 lbs seeded raisins
2 lbs seedless raisins
1/2 lb citron
1/2 lb lemon peel
1/2 lb orange peel

Combine all of the above ingredients, then add:

2 grated nutmegs,
3 tsp cinnamon,
1-1/3 tsp clove
1-1/3 tsp mace,
6 tsp salt
1 doz beaten eggs
Sufficient grape juice (1 qt?) (or liquor) to moisten and hold together.

Mix thoroughly (Tradition has it that everyone in the household must stir at least once to insure good luck!)

Put in greased pudding molds-or bowls with lip- either cover with mold tight fitting lids or put a thick layer of flour over the tops and tie down firmly in unbleached muslin for cover.(I used greased coffee cans with muslin lining them)

Steam 6 hours in water on rack just to the top of bowls. Steam another two hours before serving.

This makes a TREMENDOUS amount. Grandma used to count on enough for every holiday through the year and for Christmas gifts. I often made ¼ and had plenty. Also I always made this by Thanksgiving so that it would be ready for Christmas dinner.

To serve: pour warm brandy over pudding and flame! Then serve with favorite hard sauce. Our family’s favorite was simply confectioners sugar, butter, and vanilla mixed well and chilled.

Margot

Grandma Webber's Yorkshire Pudding

This is an absolute must for an English Christmas Dinner with Roast Beef. Grandma Webber came to the USA in 1893 by way of Australia and England, bringing very traditional recipes with her.

1-1/2 Cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup HOT beef drippings

Sift together flour and baking powder. Add beaten egg yolks and milk. Mix well. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.

Pour into shallow baking dish containing hot beef drippings. Bake in hot oven at 450 about 20 minutes.

Cut into squares and serve with roast beef!

Margot

Great Grandmother Saylor's Date Sandwiches

A Christmas favorite!

Filling
1 lb dates
1 cup water
1 cup brown sugar

Cook over low heat until smooth, stirring often. It may be necessary to add a little more water from time to time. Remove from heat and add:

1 cup nuts
1 tsp vanilla

Dry Mixture
Blend together:

2 cups quick oats
1/2 tsp soda
1 cup flour
1 cup shortening
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown sugar

Blend well and place 1/2 in a greased 9x13 pan, patting down firmly. Spread filling evenly over dry mixture and cover with remaining dry mixture, pressing slightly into filling. Bake in 325° oven for 20 min or until slightly brown. Let cool and cut into squares.

Auntie Bev

Platt Cakes

This Swedish inspired recipe makes a frequent appearance on Christmas morning. One recipe doesn't go very far in a hungry family, so multiply 2 or 3 times to fit your audience.

1 egg
1/4 cup half & half cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp melted butter

Beat egg slightly, add milk and cream. Beat until well blended, then mix in the sifted flour, baking powder, sugar & salt. Add melted butter. Cook in a hot greased pan until brown on both sides. If possible use a platt cake pan, which has compartments about 2" in diameter.

Bommy

Peppermint Chocolate Puffs

This is a Christmas favorite, especially with Uncle Bill!

3/4 cup butter
1 egg, separated
2 cups sifted flour
Chocolate chips
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup crushed candy cane (about 6 large canes)

Cream butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Stir in egg yolk and vanilla. Add flour, 1/4 cup at at time. Stir in candy. Roll into 1-inch balls. Beat egg white slightly. Dip balls in egg white, then roll in remaining sugar. Put chocolate chip on top of ball and slightly flatten ball. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350° for 15 min. Remove from pan immediately to a wire rack.

Auntie Bev

Grilled Tenderloin

A Christmas Day Open House favorite. Grilled, sliced, then put on the table for family and guests to enjoy throughout the day. Also use for New Years Day.

Whole beef tenderloin, well-trimmed of fat
Salt
Whole pepper corns

Salt the beef well and cover with coarsely ground black pepper. Grill over hot coals, turning every 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer registers medium in the thickest part. Usually about 60-75 minutes.

Serve hot or cold, sliced thinly, with horseradish or mustard, on sliced French bread.

Goppie

Breakfast Casserole

This is a favorite for Christmas breakfast. Make it the night before, then put it in the oven in the morning so it cooks while the packages are being opened.

4 slices white bread, cubed
1 lb sausage, cooked & crumbled
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
(1 small can chopped green chilies – optional)

In a 13x9 greased baking dish, layer bread cubes, sausage & cheese. Beat remaining ingredients together, then pour into dish. Cover & chill 12 hours. Bake uncovered at 350º for 45 min.

Sarah & Jason