Once upon a time I knew a woman who used to love hearing me describe the food I made. When I would have company I would describe the meals in detail she said it made her mouth water just hearing about it. I was under the impression she was one of those women who didn’t have much time to cook, what with kids and all their after-school activities and whatnot. Seriously, her kids were involved in sports and music and any other kind of activity that would keep them occupied nonstop. I felt kind of sorry for them, the kids, as it didn’t seem like they had any time to just play or hang out, much less eat some decent food.
I remember one year she told me about how she took some time with her youngest child who might have been about ten or twelve years old. They made some Christmas cookies together. She was surprised when her son told her that was the best thing about Christmas that year, making cookies.
Tonight I made a batch of cookies that took but an hour to mix, bake, drizzle, and clean up, doing the dishes by hand. There is no reason to not make cookies, especially at Christmas time. If you’ve got kids they can join in with the fun. Or at least lick the bowl. It takes no time at all.
I never had kids, but I do have Husby. He stays clear of the kitchen when I’m doing my Christmas baking, but is always available to sample what I’ve made and loves the sweet morsels right out of the oven. Tonight’s cookies were new. When he looked at them he announced, “Cherry Poutons!” The name was a spontaneous labeling of what he saw, no matter that it didn’t mean anything. Except for the cherry part. There were actually cherries involved, but neither of us knows where the “pouton” came from. I don’t even know what the cookies are titled on the recipe, but forever more they’ll be referred to as Cherry Poutons.
Christmas baking makes memories. Like the boy who will always remember that time he made cookies with his mom. Like a new favorite that will be known as Cherry Poutons. I hope the tradition of baking Christmas cookies never dies and that none of us are ever too busy to treat ourselves to the sweetness that comes with the season.
Auntie B's Wax 
Sara you are so right, children really only want your time and baking cookies is a magic experience. We are going to make special cupcakes for xmas eve lunch at my mums, my daughter will pick which one she wants to make from her cupcake card recipes. It is slower and messy with kids but like you say its a good happy memory unless you burn em. Hope the pouton’s last they look Gooood.
Cupcakes – what a marvelous idea! I hope the adventure goes well. You’ll have to be sure to share a picture and post about the experience. Good luck!
Now thats a great idea too I may just do that. My daughter wrote a piece on a storm at school and I asked her would she share it online with my readers she smiled and said okay, so I might let my kids take over the blog in the holidays lol…within reason of course.
I’ll always remember baking trays and trays of mince pies with my mum, to Christmas carols on the radio. Now I bake with my daughter. I love my 2 week break in that we get the chance to bake recipes that take longer than the usual quick 40 minute bakes through necessity. I’m looking forward to getting my bread flour and yeast out this Christmas.
I love this post. It touched my heart.
I’m glad you like to bake. Sadly people don’t take as much time for things like baking cookies and pies for Christmas like they used to. I know I’ll never stop though. Have a great time with your flour and yeast!