Christmas Granola and Gingerbread

December 22nd


Gideon. In every group of shepherds there was a boy assigned to fetch drinking water for the men and animals. For a year, Gideon has had that job, and he was proud of the fact that he was always ready with water when anyone called for it. Tonight, he has just returned from his fifth trip to the well when he saw the excited group looking at the sky and pointing. They all seemed to be talking at once. Now he has followed them to the stable. He does not know what is inside. He is glad his flask is full in case water is needed.


Throughout all of my holiday baking, I still need to feed my family. They love granola for breakfast. I take my biggest bowl and pour oatmeal and brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, corn oil, cashews, sunflower seeds, coconut, walnuts, almonds and all kinds of good stuff.


I spread it on oiled, foil lined cookie sheets and put it in a 300 degree oven until it begins to brown.


While this was baking, I tried a new gingerbread cookie recipe.


Here is the granola when it comes out of the oven.


I put it in a big bowl and add the cranberries, raisins, and dried cherries.


After it is all mixed together, I packaged it to give it away to neighbors along with the Christmas cookies. And feed the fam at the same time.


Cute little bundles.


Meanwhile I formed the ginger breads.


Here they are out of the oven.


Sandwiched with a good vanilla frosting, they are my kids favorites so far this year.

* I am gone all day to drive all the way back through the mountains to get my car. Ugh...I am hoping there is no more black ice!