Christmas Cookies

Spitzbuebe, Swiss Raspberry Sandwich Cookie

Cookie number one

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Christmas is a holiday that more than any other is all about the comfort and warmth of home.  At this time of the year our homes are the welcoming haven, the place where the family gathers to celebrate the holiday and be embraced and enveloped by the warmth of hearth and home.  The lights on the outside of the house beckon, the candle light inside the house glows, the fireplace is lit, and the warmth of the oven promises delicious and traditional Christmas sweets.

The season is often filled with delightful surprises and cozy treats and this year the wonderful cooking magazine Saveur is contributing to the festivities.  Saveur Magazine is featuring "The Saveur Cookie Advent Calendar" which will include "25 Days of Cookies!"  Savuer.com will feature a cookie recipe each day for the month of December starting on December 1.

Cornmeal Cookies (Paste di Meliga)

Cookie number two

Who doesn't love cookies?  There is probably no more highly anticipated and delicious holiday tradition than baking cookies.  I can't think of any food more closely associated with Christmas.  There are cookie exchange parties, cookies baked to give as gifts, platters of cookies on a dessert table, and  cookies just to enjoy with a mug of tea of a cold winter day.  There is no better way to welcome people to our homes than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen.  We all have our favorites.

Classic Sugar Cookies

Cookie number three

Now we will have many more to choose from after viewing the twenty-five days of cookies from Saveur.  I am already inspired to try some new recipes, such as the Swiss Raspberry Sandwich cookie and the Cornmeal cookies from Italy. I can hardly wait to click on each quivering date on the calendar and see what new cookie awaits me with each new day of the month.  The calendar is there for us to click on any date and a cookie and recipe will appear.  Try this cookie advent calendar,  I think it will bring a smile to your face and you will love it.

Pecan Squares

Cookie number four

Just the word "Christmas" unlocks memories of childhood for me and one of my fondest is the image of my mother baking Christmas cookies.  I carry on her tradition and devote at least a couple days of the month to creating a big platter of homemade treats for my loved ones.  Usually I host a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party, but this year will be more about small, last minute get-togethers with friends. 

Coconut Cookies

Cookie number five

I am thinking of a tree-trimming party with my family or an afternoon gathering with friends to drink hot apple cider and eat Christmas cookies in front of the fireplace.  Food, family, friends and festivities, this is what the season is all about.  What will you be doing this month to celebrate and enjoy the festive foods of the season?  

Happy Baking!