Merry Christmas from Granny Camp 4 Me

      I hope you are enjoying your youngens during this wonder-filled season.  Many times we get so busy with our holiday stuff, we do not give them what they want and need from us the most--- ourselves.  Speaking of stuff, I do not have time to write much for today’s post so I’ll let the pictures say it for me. 

     If you are a granny (or grandpa), I'll bet that if and when you travel, you try to find a special gift to bring home to each of your grands---- something meaningful or fun, or both----  maybe  something historical, especially if that is the nature of your trip.  A few months ago I was blessed to have an amazing trip to Israel for a couple of weeks.  I felt that a little something from Bethlehem would be especially meaningful and decided to save them for Christmas time.  The children love animals and they love the story of the birth of Christ so I got them each a donkey, carved from olive wood.  I wanted to maximize the giving of the gift and maximize the meaning of it, so I made up a story about a donkey that traveled to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph.  Also I came up with a creative project to go along with the story.  I hope you enjoy the process. 



Granny & Tank Finish the Story Books



Ready to listen to Granny's story.



Grana works on her Christmas gifts while listening to the story. She is under the gun to get them all finished in time.



Dancer finished her project and...

... And hangs it on the tree.



The grands enjoy Granny's new book about Hanaukah, which begins this week. They have heard about this Jewish holiday and have friends who celebrate it.  Since Jesus was Jewish, these thigs are very interesting to us. 

      Can't say I have ever been zooing during Christmas week before now but when I traveled south for some GrannyCamp, this is what I got:

Dancer dances with the lorikeets.

Booker communes with the koala.



RhythmMan feeds the goats.

Tank enjoys the giraffes.

 

Booker admires the under side of a star fish.



They came; they saw; they conquered!

The Christmas lights after dark at the zoo are pretty great!                   



A quick visit with "The Man" before we head for home.


      I hope you have enjoyed sharing in some of our holiday fun.  I do hope to show off another one of our special traditions before the week ends.  Much to do!!
Meanwhile enjoy  ...

<~ <~ TODAY'S GRANNY CAMP RECIPES ~> ~>

Featuring some of my favorite cakes ---- just right for Christmas Dinner:

Carrot Cake

2  c. sugar                              1 ½  c. cooking oil

2  c. flour                               4  eggs

2  tsp. soda                            3  c. grated carrots

½  tsp. salt

2 ½ tsp. cinnamon       (Have all ingredients at room temp.)

1. Grease & flour 3 layer cake pans.  Lining with waxed paper

     works best. But then you still need to grease & flour the paper.

2. Put grated carrots in large mixing bowl.

3. Blend dry ingredients in medium bowl.

4. Add dry ingredients, oil and eggs into carrots and mix well.

5. Bake at 325*  for 35min.   Makes 3 layers. Cool completely

     before frosting.  

  Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Frosting: 

                 1  8oz. pkg. cream cheese

                 2/3 stick butter

                 1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar

                 1  c. chopped nuts  (I use pecans)

                 2  tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and cheese together.  Add remaining ingredients.

Plum Pudding Cake

1 ½  c.  sugar                            ¾  c.  vegetable oil

2  c.  self rising flour                 3  eggs

1  tsp.  soda                               1  c.  buttermilk

1  tsp.  nutmeg                          1  tsp.  vanilla extract

1  tsp.  allspice                           1  c.  cooked prunes, cut up fine

1  tsp.  cinnamon                       1  c.  chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325*.  Grease & flour one 15 x 10 x 2-in. pan or two 8-in. square pans .  Sift together dry ingredients.  Stir all ingredients together in order listed. Turn batter into pan & bake about 40 min.  While baking, make glaze.                                                

             Glaze:

                        1  c.  sugar                    1  tbsp.  white corn syrup

                        1/2  c.  buttermilk           1 stick (1/2  c.) butter

                        1  tsp.  vanilla extract   

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan & bring to a boil.  Pour over cake in pan while  hot.  This cake may be cut into squares & served from the pan & may be kept in the refrigerator for several days.  If desired, serve with a dollop of whipped topping.

Note: If using plain flour increase baking soda to 1  ¼  tsp., add 1/2 tsp. salt & 1 tsp. baking powder.

Granny Camp 4 Me -- Celebrating Christmas

Welcome to Granny Camp 4 Me  ---                     HolyCow it’s mid-December already!

    As we fly through the month of December, our heads often spin--- especially when children are involved in our lives.  And especially, especially if we really want to do some fun creative holiday activities with them.  Do you find it hard to get the tree decorated in the midst of a swim meet week end?   Or hang the lights outside and go pick out the tree when I pours down rain most of the week?  Or decorate the banister railing in between the extra shopping, taxiing youngens, going to basketball games for 3 children?  And of course this all happens amidst the day to day laundry, meal preps, homework ... we could go on & on & on.  Enough said! It's not like you don't already know all this.

   In the middle of it all, I did get TheJoy to help pick out the tree.

This is the one, Granny!

 

    Making sugar cookies with the grands has been a special tradition through the years.  We use the same old faithful recipe I used when our boys were young.  It came with my Tupperware cookie cutters and I'll post it at the end.  We don’t try to be perfect or fancy  ---  just fun and tasty.

 

      We learned a super fun game during a Christmas visit with the out-of-staters.  The goal is to get the gingerbread guy from your forehead, into your mouth without using your hands --- or the wall, or someone else, or etc.  Hope you’ll try this one.  The pictures will tell how to play:

So, the daddy demonstrates...

On your mark --- Get set ---   GO!



And the winner is ...!

I don't know if this game has a name but it's fun for all ages.

 

 

 

 

The very best of times is when all 8 of our grands can be together.  It doesn't happen very often, but oh when it does, they have a blast!  They are more fun than a barrel of monkeys!  So during the holidays we hope to accomplish this again.

 

<~<~ TODAY'S GRANNY CAMP RECIPES ~>~>

Olive Dip

1  lg. 8 oz.  cream cheese  (low fat)

3  boiled eggs,  cooled & chopped

1/3   cup chopped green olives

1  cap lemon juice

½ - 1 sm. jar pimento, drained

¼  c. Miracle Whip Free (add more in need for consistency)

Serve with large corn chips. 

Variations – green onions  or  tiny shrimp

Marshmallow Puffs

36 large marshmallows

1-1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

½ c. chunky peanut butter

2 tbsp. butter

Line a 9-in. square pan with foil; butter the foil.  Arrange marshmallows in pan.

In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter.

Pour over the marshmallows. Chill completely. Cut between marshmallows.   Yield: 3 dz.

Granny’s Sugar Cookies          (Cut-out Cookies From Tupperware)

Cream together:   ½ c. butter & 1 c. sugar.    Blend in 1 egg.  

Sift together & add to mixture:                        

                             2 – 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

                             2   tsp.  baking powder

                             ½  tsp.  salt

                             ½  tsp.  vanilla

Divide dough into two parts. Chill 1 to 2 hrs. so it will be easy to handle.

Roll dough,  one part at a time,  to ½" thickness & cut with cutters.  Keep other part of dough chilled until ready to roll.   Transfer onto baking sheet and bake 8 – 10 min. at 375*.   Baking sheet should be shinny  metal.   (Dark baking sheets cause cookie bottoms to over brown.)   When done, edges will barely begin to brown.  Do not over bake.   Cool, ice & decorate w/Buttercream Frosting.

Buttercream Frosting*  (For Cookies or Cakes)

1 lb.   Confectioner’s Sugar

1  stick butter (softened)

1 t.   vanilla extract or almond extract

3 T.  milk

dash of salt

food coloring ( optional)

Mix all ingredients until smooth.

Yield frosting for one cake or 1 to 2 batches of cookies.

 

Welcome to GrannyCamp 4 Me - Celebrating Christmas

Tis the season to share the JOY of Christmas with others

      Gosh, is it December already?!  We are well into it, in fact.  Granny Camp in December holds many possibilities.  So many, in fact, that priority has to be established—and early.  If you’re like me, there are so many things spinning around in your brain, you can hardly slow it all down so you can breathe.  We need to take a deep breath and decide where and how to use our resources--- that is time, energy, money--- as well as the availability of goods & services that we might hope to incorporate.

      First of all, what are the values that we want to instill and promote in our young ones this season?  And as much as we enjoy the children in our lives during the Christmas holidays, we must be mindful of other people who are important to us as well.  So with the best interest of children in mind, they really should not be lead to believe that the holiday revolves around them and them alone.  Let’s help them learn to help others even in the midst of their own self-focused excitement and, especially, let’s help them understand the real reason we celebrate the holiday.

     Just a couple of days ago WonderBoy and TheJoy helped me serve dinner to Memaw and Papaw in the middle of making Chocolate Whoopie Pies for themselves.  They enjoyed serving and they loved sharing their creations with their great grandparents.

OH, The sweet rewards of a job well done!

      Around our house, we have not yet gotten into a lot of Christmassy Granny Camp activities.  It's a little frustrating at times, but day to day needs still must be addressed and maintained.   Are you feeling it too?    A shopping trip with Grana and the Whoopie Pies are the extent of it so far.  The shopping trip was great fun for this 11 year old young lady and, with her input, I was able to get the gift for her that I am confident she’ll love.  We ate dinner at “our special” restaurant.  It warmed my heart that she suggested it and spoke of it as special for the two of us, together.

    Now back to the Whoopie Pies --- They may not seem particularly seasonal, but for me they are the “new” cookie that I had decided to try for this year.  About 40 years ago, I started a personal tradition of trying at least one new cookie recipe each Christmas season.  And in recent years, I naturally like for the grands to assist, when possible.  After being introduced to them while traveling in the Pennsylvania Amish country a few years ago, I have wanted to make Whoopie Pies myself.  So the boys and I dove into the process.  WonderBoy read the recipe for the three of us and off we went:



I never knew sifting was so much fun.



How 'bout a healthy snack while we work on the good stuff!

Let's smash those lumps on through.

What next, Granny?



What is BUTTERMILK, anyway?



Scraping the sides is really tough.

This is not very easy.



Are we done yet?

 



May we eat them now?

This icing is going to be good!

This is really yummy!

       When our dining and clean up was complete, the boys beckoned me to the living room to play the Nemo Memory Game with them, which they had been playing earlier while I gathered the “W.P.” ingredients and equipment together.  So I joined them for a game.  I cannot explain why they had each stripped down to their skivvies.  It was not that warm in the house and ----well what can I say?  As we began to play, TheJoy dug around in some clean laundry that was waiting to be folded and put on one white sock and one gray sock--- man size, mind you.  He was obviously pleased with his attire, and without a word, simply conveyed his satisfaction by looking up at me and grinning with delight.  I believe he was enjoying the softness and warmth of his new found foot and leg coverings. (They came well above his knees.)  I really wanted to take a photo but decided not to since all he was only wearing his undies along with the two over sized socks.  While this little one was enjoying his socks and the game, his big brother, WonderBoy, beating us handily the game.  I really was quite amazed with his memory in this game.  I suppose some people’s minds just work well in that way.  Shortly after we finished our game the mama came and gathered away her chicks.  Away they went, proudly taking their Whoopie Pies to share with the rest of their family and even one reserved in a zip-lock for a teacher.

Would you like a spot of tea?

      While thinking and planning for your holiday Granny Camp this year, I would like to suggest a Christmas Tea Party.  These have been wonderful experiences for us in the past--- and not for just the girls.  The little boys have enjoyed them as well.  A tea party will take some planning, so you might want to be thinking about it yesterday.  The photos here are self explanatory as far as the foods you see--- small sandwiches and colorful fruit are usually enjoyed by youngens.  Those orange chunks you see are cut up baked sweet potato, a healthy and flavorful food that some in this little group especially like.  It’s always good to include as much good nutrition as you think you can get away with.  As I recall, we had water in the tea pot rather than tea or other caffeine or surgery drinks.   Now that they are older, we do occasionally give them tea--- southern style, of course.  Check out some yummy recipes further down.

Inviting the older cousin over for a Christmas Tea Party is the greatest thing EVER!

Merry Christmas!

<~<~ Today's Granny Camp Recipes ~>~>  

Here are some food ideas for your holiday TEA or any kind of gathering:

Hot Buttered CranApple Cider

5  c.  apple cider

4  c.  cranberry juice cocktail

1  3-inch or  2  2-inch  cinnamon sticks

6 tbsp. butter (optional)

2  tbsp. honey

Combine cider, cranberry juice cocktail and cinnamon stick in large sauce pan or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking about 8 – 10 minutes. Remove from heat.  Remove and discard cinnamon stick. Add butter and honey; stir until butter melts. Ladle into warmed mugs. Garnish with more cinnamon sticks, if desired. Yield: 8 – 10 servings.

Oatmeal Raisin Scones  

1/2  c.  whole-wheat flour      1  c.  quick-cooling rolled oats 

1/2  c.  all-purpose flour         3/4  c.  raisins, chopped if desired  (Optional)

3  tbsp.  brown sugar              1  egg

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder       3  tbsp.  milk

1/2  tsp.  cinnamon

3  tbsp.  butter

Preheat oven to 400* F  Combine first five ingredients.

Cut in butter.  Add oats,  raisins, egg  and milk.  Mix well.

On a lightly floured surface, pat dough into an  eight-inch circle.

Slice into 12 wedges.  (Dust knife with flour to prevent sticking.)

Place on an ungreased baking sheet & lightly brush with milk.

Sprinkle with a little cinnamon /sugar, if desired.  Bake 10-12 min.

Serve with apple butter.  Yield -  12 scones.

I have also made these with other dried fruits, such as cherries and they are good without the fruit if prefered.

Betty Jo’s Cherry Coffee Cake

1  ½  c.  sugar                             1  ½  t.  baking powder

½   c.  butter, softened              1  t.  vanilla  extract

½  c.  shortening                        1  t.  almond extract  

4  eggs

3  c.  plain flour

1  can Cherry Pie Filling

Blend sugar, butter, shortening, baking powder, vanilla & almond extract  & eggs.  Beat 3  min.  on high speed.

Stir in flour.  Spread batter in jelly roll pan, (15 X10).  Lightly score batter into 24 squares.  Drop 1 tbsp. pie filling on center of each square.  Bake 45 min. in preheated 350* oven.    Cool completely and drizzle glaze over all.   Glaze: 1 c.  powdered sugar 1 or 2 T. milk.    Serve at room tempreture.  Yield 24 servings.

This is a yummy addition to any tea and is the perfect coffee cake for Christmas breakfast.  It can be made ahead and frozen, ----Then thaw to room temp.  If freezing, be sure to wrap it air tight.  This also makes a nice food gift, as a whole or cut into servings.

AND then of course..... 

Whoopie  Pies                                              

2  c.  all-purpose flour

3  tbsp.  unsweetened cocoa

½  tsp. baking soda

¼  tsp. salt

½  c.  butter, softened

1  c.  light brown sugar

1  egg

1 ¼  tsp vanilla extract

½  c.  buttermilk

Filling----  We used my classic Buttercream Frosting for the filling.

Buttercream Frosting 

1 lb.   Confectioner’s Sugar

1  stick butter (softened)

1 t.   vanilla extract

3 T.  milk

dash of salt

Mix all ingredients until smooth.

Yield frosting for one cake or 1 to 2 batches of cookies.

Alternate Filling:

½  c. cream cheese, softened

1  7- oz. jar marshmallow crème

Beat cream cheese until light & fluffy.  Fold in the marshmallow crème.