Yup. Daniel Leader was on the CBC the other morning and he said “It doesn’t need to be perfect “. Glad you agree. It’s my mantra right now. I loved doing the gingerbread houses with grandkids (great memories) but I’ve never done a class full.
And I’m with you on Louise Penney. She just gets better and better!
I wanted to make your gingerbread this weekend to take to my family in NJ. At the last minute after gathering all the ingredients, I remembered it had to be gluten free (for my D-I-L). I couldn’t find a substitute for whole wheat flour.
So I searched online for a very good GF gingerbread recipe, which came out fine, even after doubling the thing for a bigger pan. But I still want to make yours!
I'm glad you found a recipe that you liked. For the next time, if you have a cup-for-cup all-purpose flour, you can use it for the amount of whole wheat too. Happy holidays - xoD
I’m reading a fascinating book: HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Each chapter delves into one of his musicals. As a Sondheim nut, I’m loving it! I’ve never made a Dutch baby, but I think I’ll try this week or weekend. Thank you, as always, for the inspiration! Enjoy the holidays. Stay warm and cozy! ❤️
Sue, thank you for the book recommendation. I'm going to go look at it now - I wonder if it would be good as an introduction to Sondheim. Off to find out. Happiest everything to you - xoD
Sprinkles, sparkles, jimmies all fine. Stay away from tiny non-pareils with two- or three-year-olds. All over the place and it takes forever to vacuum them up. Using a half-sheet pan as a staging area helps, but, trust me, not so much with the tiny balls.
I loved your post about bringing the joy of cookie decorating to engage with all of those children. BRAVO! I have a vivid memory of bringing the cookies, the frosting, the sprinkles and fun to a friend's five and three year old children. It was the beginning of a years long tradition. That first year was hilarious. Cookie crumbs everywhere and the three year old in the middle of the dining table flinging sprinkles like a New Orleans' parade float queen. It was funny and fun. Here's to getting the party started. Enjoy the holidays, and the new year to come.
I’m going to make sugar cookies with my two younger grandkids and I know they’ll be very creative in the decorating! Have fun with VV’s class! Love hearing that you’re a Louise Penny fan, too!
your comment about the 'good people' reminds me of when i was a little girl and asked my grandma why people had to die. her explanation was "to make room for the new ones." my response: "if that's the case, why do we need new ones?"
thank you for this beautiful heartfelt story and photos.
My (current) two favorite series, full of characters I would love to meet! Also, I spent yesterday after decorating cookies with my 7 year old great-niece and her mom, and that was crazy enough for me. You are so brave to decorate with a dozen toddlers!
I listen to Louise Penny on audio so I heard his name as Inspector Ganache! Thanks for correcting my hearing, but I still love a good ganache.
Even though I read the novels, I think of Armand as Inspector Ganache! xoD
RJJulia is the most fun bookstore of all!
YES! I just got back from RJ Julia 10 minutes ago - xoD
Yup. Daniel Leader was on the CBC the other morning and he said “It doesn’t need to be perfect “. Glad you agree. It’s my mantra right now. I loved doing the gingerbread houses with grandkids (great memories) but I’ve never done a class full.
And I’m with you on Louise Penney. She just gets better and better!
Merry Christmas Dorie.
Great message, thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours - xoD
Have read both books/series. Begs for Helen Mirin
... and from what I read, Osman's series will get Helen Mirrin! Can't wait - xoD
I wanted to make your gingerbread this weekend to take to my family in NJ. At the last minute after gathering all the ingredients, I remembered it had to be gluten free (for my D-I-L). I couldn’t find a substitute for whole wheat flour.
So I searched online for a very good GF gingerbread recipe, which came out fine, even after doubling the thing for a bigger pan. But I still want to make yours!
I'm glad you found a recipe that you liked. For the next time, if you have a cup-for-cup all-purpose flour, you can use it for the amount of whole wheat too. Happy holidays - xoD
I’m reading a fascinating book: HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Each chapter delves into one of his musicals. As a Sondheim nut, I’m loving it! I’ve never made a Dutch baby, but I think I’ll try this week or weekend. Thank you, as always, for the inspiration! Enjoy the holidays. Stay warm and cozy! ❤️
Sue, thank you for the book recommendation. I'm going to go look at it now - I wonder if it would be good as an introduction to Sondheim. Off to find out. Happiest everything to you - xoD
Thank you. Such a sweet holiday gift!
Enjoy! Enjoy! And happiest hols to you and yours - xoD
You and the kiddos too darling for words. xo
Sheryl - they ARE darling. I'm very lucky. Hugs from here - xoD
Sprinkles, sparkles, jimmies all fine. Stay away from tiny non-pareils with two- or three-year-olds. All over the place and it takes forever to vacuum them up. Using a half-sheet pan as a staging area helps, but, trust me, not so much with the tiny balls.
I will remember this - I'm hoping there'll be more cookie-ing in my future. Thank you! xoD
I loved your post about bringing the joy of cookie decorating to engage with all of those children. BRAVO! I have a vivid memory of bringing the cookies, the frosting, the sprinkles and fun to a friend's five and three year old children. It was the beginning of a years long tradition. That first year was hilarious. Cookie crumbs everywhere and the three year old in the middle of the dining table flinging sprinkles like a New Orleans' parade float queen. It was funny and fun. Here's to getting the party started. Enjoy the holidays, and the new year to come.
Oh how I love the image of the little one "flinging sprinkles like a New Orleans' parade float queen" - perfect! Happiest everything to you - xoD
I’m going to make sugar cookies with my two younger grandkids and I know they’ll be very creative in the decorating! Have fun with VV’s class! Love hearing that you’re a Louise Penny fan, too!
Enjoy your time with your grandkids - it will be memorable. Messy, too - part of the fun - xoD
That’s why it’s so much fun!
your comment about the 'good people' reminds me of when i was a little girl and asked my grandma why people had to die. her explanation was "to make room for the new ones." my response: "if that's the case, why do we need new ones?"
thank you for this beautiful heartfelt story and photos.
Rose, you were clever even then. Of course you asked the perfect question. I know your holidays will be sweetest - xoD
My (current) two favorite series, full of characters I would love to meet! Also, I spent yesterday after decorating cookies with my 7 year old great-niece and her mom, and that was crazy enough for me. You are so brave to decorate with a dozen toddlers!