We've been a little bit boring over here...working a lot!  This morning I was overly joyful (NOT!) to see the -9 degree temperature, not to mention what the actual windchill is!  On these days (all winter, really), I am excited about my anniversary/Christmas/birthday gift!

It's literally the elephant in the living room right now, but we're planning on moving it to the basement as soon as that's completed.  (Side note: That's right...my husband is digging our basement out by hand.  He's very determined and a touch bit crazy!  But it will be wonderful when it's completed.)
So...one thing I make to eat that is actually somewhat healthy is bran muffins.  I know that's not usually the type of muffins most people first think of making, but they're very good, especially when they're warm.  Here's another of my Grandma V's recipes!

Bran Muffins
***This makes a very large recipe.  I usually make about 1/3 (18 muffins or so) of it at a time.  Refrigerate or freeze the rest of it in smaller containers.***

2 c. All Bran
2 c. hot water
     Pour hot water over bran and let set.

Mix together (I use a hand mixer):
1 c. shortening (or butter)
3 c. sugar
4 eggs, beaten

Then mix in:
1 qt. buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
5 tsp. baking soda
5 c. flour
4 c. bran flakes

Stir in All Bran mix.  Put into muffin cups and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Christmas Time was...2 weeks ago!

Oops...I kind of fell behind on blogging!  I do have a great excuse...we were so busy with the holidays that we were oftentimes gone, and I didn't have to cook much!  We managed to get through six Christmas parties in four consecutive days!  It helps that the farthest we ever have to drive is about a half hour.  We're very blessed to live so close to our families.
December 22, we had my family's Christmas.  We started off the morning by giving gifts to each other, and then we proceeded to start our Christmas foundering :)  While Dan & I went to have a quick visit with my grandma, the little elves decorated my Christmas cookies for me, but I'll share more about that in a little bit.
On Sunday, I sang in the cantata at church, and then we headed to the Vermeer Christmas.  We had a lot of fun seeing some cousins that we don't get to see very often.  The Vermeer's always get together at some point during the holiday season and decorate the almost 200 cutout cookies that Grandma always bakes.  It's fun to see the decorating differences between the generations (everyone from age 3 and up helps).  Here's Grandma's recipe:

Christmas Cookies

Mix thoroughly:

            1 c. soft butter              

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

Stir in: 3 tsp. flavoring (vanilla, lemon, almond, etc.--I usually use vanilla)

Sift together & stir in:

    3 c. flour

    1/2 tsp. baking powder

Chill dough.  Roll out & cut into desired shapes.  Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 425 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until delicately browned.

Thick Decorating Frosting

Mix:

    1/2 c. butter

    1/2 c. Crisco

    4 c. powdered sugar

    2 Tbsp. milk

    1/2 tsp. almond

    1/2 tsp. vanilla

On Monday, we had a short work day and then went to the TC's.  After church, we gave gifts.  It was a lot of fun to see our 1 1/2 year old nephew enjoying opening presents.  Afterwards, we played lots of games.  Dan & I even managed to win a trivia game!  (I'm not usually very good at those...) 
On Christmas Day we kept the car running all day!  We headed to Hull in the morning for church.  Many years ago, Grandma Moss started the tradition of making cookies for all of ARC.  This year, my mom, aunt, and I kept up the tradition.  One of the family favorites is Grandma's gingersnaps.  There is NO cookie better than her gingersnaps...especially when you dip them in hot apple cider!  (Don't knock it until you try it...just try to ignore the crumbs in the bottom of your cup!) 

Gingersnaps

3/4 c. butter

2 tsp. baking soda

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

4 tsp. mild molasses

1 rounding tsp. ginger

1 egg, beaten

1/4 tsp. salt

2 c. flour

Cream sugar & butter.  Add the beaten egg & molasses.  Sift dry ingredients together & add to the rest.  Stir well.  Roll balls into the size of a walnut and then roll them in sugar.  Place on a cookie sheet & bake about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  Leave plenty of space between them as they spread. 

We happened to have two Christmas parties at noon that day, so we spent time with Grandma M at church and went on to Grandma TC for dinner.  Every year, she makes amazing scalloped potatoes and ham!  From there, we headed to Grandma Vander Lee's for even more food and gifts!

We had a lot of fun getting together with so many family members and even some friends around Christmas.  We are extremely blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives!