Baking with Children at Christmas is an Alberta Prairie Tradition!
Last year we made gingerbread, and this year, I decided to make Candy Cane Cookies. These are Susan’s (from Savoring Time in the Kitchen) favourite traditional Christmas cookie and as I read about that, I was reminded about a time many years ago when I made these with my students. They were so much fun and so it was decided: time to make these again.
‘Twas ten days before Christmas when all through the house
I was all a-flurry and so was my spouse
Candy canes set on the counter to share
With craft kit to deck out each reindeer with flair!
Working in the kitchen, mixing candy cane batter
I heard the doorbell and happy little girl chatter!
Miss E and Miss L had arrived at the door
Were in, coats flung, and set off to explore…
Mom, dad and baby were not far behind
The clock just struck one, (on time,) as inclined.
Some juice and a snack and a hug and some laughter
Mr. C., Miss I and mom arrived shortly after.
The sun on the crest of the grey melting snow
Blinded me for a moment, then I laughed, “œHo! Ho! Ho!”
And what to their wandering eyes did appear?
Red food dye, cookie dough and so much good cheer!
“œMush it, and squish it; mix it in really well!”
Oh, what outrageous red colour, and delicious smell!
Take each little dough ball rolled into a rope
Twist white with red and combine to form hope
That a candy can cookie soon will appear
Oh, we had fun which was abundant and clear
As each of these children rolled twisted and curled
“œChristmas is the best time of year in the world!”
Then we played in the playroom and had such a ball
And we sang, “œMerry Christmas to one, and to ALL!”
And all together one more time:
‘Twas ten days before Christmas when all through the house
I was all a-flurry and so was my spouse
Candy canes set on the counter to share
With craft kit to deck out each reindeer with flair!
Working in the kitchen, mixing candy cane batter
I heard the doorbell and happy little girl chatter!
Miss E and Miss L had arrived at the door
Were in, coats flung, and set off to explore…
Mom, dad and baby were not far behind
The clock just struck one, (on time,) as inclined.
Some juice and a snack and a hug and some laughter
Mr. C., Miss I and mom arrived shortly after.
The sun on the crest of the grey melting snow
Blinded me for a moment, then I laughed, “œHo! Ho! Ho!”
And what to their wandering eyes did appear?
Red food dye, cookie dough and so much good cheer!
“œMush it, and squish it; mix it in really well!”
Oh, what outrageous red colour, and delicious smell!
Take each little dough ball rolled into a rope
Twist white with red and combine to form hope
That a candy can cookie soon will appear
Oh, we had fun which was abundant and clear
As each of these children rolled twisted and curled
“œChristmas is the best time of year in the world!”
Then we played in the playroom and had such a ball
And we sang, “œMerry Christmas to one, and to ALL!”
Awww, that’s such a cute vignette. The kids are adorable. I’ve been baking tons with my li’l girl this Christmas and its such a magical time… she’s old enough to be interested in doing everything herself, and young enough to call my little bears ‘foxes, actually mum’
Long may these traditions continue 🙂
Michelle!
That’s what it’s all about! How old is your daughter? It is amazing to see the difference between last year’s baking session and this year’s…
Thank you!
OX
V
She just turned 4 in December. I love this age!!!
Just beautiful, thank you for sharing this with us xox
These cookies are so cute and it looks like everyone had a lot of fun making them.
So cute! I love the looks on their faces and those little hands all red with food color 🙂 How wonderful that you took the time to bake with the little ones and thanks for the mention, Valerie!
When the kids grow up we miss these days of sharing time in the kitchen. Do I really need to wait until I have granchildren to have red stained hands and the joy of baking:D
Bellini!
Nope! I can’t wait for grandchildren… so I am enjoying these lovely precious spirits… all children of friends my own girls age. Lucky me!
🙂
V
from Kathy to me
show details 9:19 AM (0 minutes ago)
Oh my gosh Val,
I LOVED reading and looking at the pictures of this post.
WoW!
You are quite a lady!
I know that can be alot of work…….fun……..but alot of work having the little ones all baking at the same time.
Val, the pictures are incredible , you could go into professional photography!
I so enjoyed reading, and looking….what a perfect way to start my day.
Congratulations on the marriage of your daughter , a nice feeling for mama to have her little chicks happily married.
Again , have a wonderful Xmas , I know you will be busy creating yummy’s from your kitchen.
Take good care
Love
Kathy
Looks like a wonderful day. The children are beautiful!
I loved this post! What fun everyone had with you as their teacher. Valerie what wonderful photos. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Family…food…cookies…perfection! After a long day of shopping and wrapping, it is lovely to be able to look at these delectable treats. Thank you for sharing your day with me! I hope you have a splendid week!
PS. I now have it so you can sign up for my blog to be delivered to your inbox! Just go to the right hand side of my page…you’ll see a box to sign up!
Aww what a fun activity for the whole family! Those cookies look delicious and like a lot of fun to put together!
The kids had a wonderful time, and wanted to go live you with. I considered packing their bags and sending them via taxi. Thanks again Valerie, it was a lovely Christmasy afternoon!
What a wonderful time! The kids are just so adorable and I think I would have even more fun than they are 🙂
I love the pictures and the poem in this post. The children are adorable, and I can tell they had a blast making these candy cane cookies.
What a nice holiday tradition!!
Happy Holidays Dearie
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
It must had been such a great time to do these with the kids. Love the pics, they are so adorable. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas