On the 11th day of Farm Christmas, my grandma gave to me…a big plate of cookies!
One of my favorite traditions for Christmas is my grandma’s brandied cookies. Every year, she fills up a Christmas tin with those cookies and ships them off to me. Nothing says CHRISTMAS quite like them, as they’ve been in my family since my great grandma, who started the cookie tradition.
My grandma, who is inching her way to 89, still lives in her own house (where she’s lived since my dad was a baby) and manages her life. She’s slowing down some and doesn’t remember things like she used to, but she still holds her own. Last time I went to visit, I asked if we could make the famous brandied cookies together. Although the recipe is easy, I’ve never actually made them myself. I wait for them to arrive in the mail each December (making them even more special).
Grandma certainly isn’t ready to hand the torch to me, but I wanted to make sure I had the chance of baking these cookies with her while she’s still around and able to help.
Now, I’m passing on the recipe to you. And I’ve also made some note card sheets for holiday giving. Even though we’re all busy and going in a million directions, sometimes it’s good to slow down and write a note to stick in with that gift we’re baking/wrapping/buying. Sometimes that’s the best gift of all.
Grandma’s Brandied Christmas Cookies:
1 C butter or margarine
1.5 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2.5 cups flour
1 cup pecans
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup candied cherries
1 cup candied pineapple
1 cup brandy
Cream butter, add sugar and eggs. Mix well. And all other ingredients in order given, adding brandy a little at a time. Cover, let stand overnight. Drop by spoonful onto cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for about 18 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
And PS just a side note: The grandma in the painting collage I did is my great grandma! 🙂
Happy Holidays! And hug someone important to you today!
OH, and the winner of yesterday’s drawing of the Biker Chick keychain is Julie Kaartinen!
