Imagine a fireside scene… Logs crackle, Sparks dance, Conversation stirs… The air is tinged with the warm scents of fresh-baked cookies.
That’s where we invite you this week…
To a place of sweet fellowship, sharing not just the recipes of a traditional cookie exchange, but also the corners of our hearts where we hold cherished scriptures.
Our hope through this blog hop is to join with you in starting the holiday season off in gentle, truth-filled simplicity, and perhaps even inspiring a new tradition in your home.
The Way It Works: Readers who “hop” from blog to blog this week will have five printed recipes and scriptures by the end of the week. The scriptures can be crafted into the beginning of a scripture garland– a place to gather verses close to the hearts of those you love. They can also be used as ornaments or gift tags.
Read on for more information, and be sure to check the list of all five stops at the bottom of this post!
Welcome to my Kentucky kitchen!
When I was a girl growing up in Kentucky, my granny and I spent lots of time in her antique kitchen cooking and baking. She always seemed to have an apron on and a rolling pin in hand. There she taught me how to make many things but one of the most memorable were these cookies.
I’ve never tasted a cookie like them. Part of the joy was giving these as gifts in pretty tins. Just talking about it makes me nostalgic for my granny and her kitchen and the rolling mountains in back of her old house. She lived to be nearly 100 years old. I dedicated my debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, to her. Her beautiful spirit lives on in my heart and my kitchen and I look forward to being reunited with her in heaven.
1 cup butter, softened
Beat butter and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until well combined. Gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until blended. Combine 4-5 cups flour and next 3 ingredients, add to butter mixture, mixing well.
Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto ungreased baking sheets. Or if you’re feeling really crafty, roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 350* for 9 – 10 minutes or until lightly. Our family likes to frost these with vanilla icing. A little red food coloring can be added for holiday flair. And some sprinkles, too!
Here’s the printable recipe ~ just click on the image below and it should print for you!
If you’re following the blog hop this week, we’ll each share a scripture that’s dear to our heart. You can cut out the strip and create a paper chain/garland with them, or cut out the wreaths that bear the scriptures, to use as ornaments, gift tags, or to adorn pine garlands, etc. The hope is to create a simple but meaningful reminder of the life that this season celebrates, and the Life Eternal that we share, as a result.
My verse is…
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:10
The Lord has been teaching me about JOY and how, if I keep my focus on Him as the wise men did the star, my joy will increase. Sometimes I find myself looking around and losing my focus, fastening instead on what others are doing or what I wish was happening. Lately I’ve been learning to praise him. No matter if the night is dark or the journey is long or less than I hoped it would be, I can still find plenty of reasons to thank Him. Joy is best cultivated with a thankful heart. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Him and this spills over to touch other lives, too. A sort of heavenly overflowing. And that is the essence of Christmas.
In the comments, would you share a favorite scripture of yours?
At the end of the week, each of the five of us will pick one of the scriptures from our comments, and put them together on one last printable for you in the days that follow. When all is said and done, you’ll have 10 scriptures total to begin your scripture garland, and we’ll provide you with a blank template as well, should you wish to carry on the tradition and include more friends-and-family-favorite scriptures in your garland.
Check back here next week for information on where to find those last printables!
Thanks so much for sharing your scripture in the comments ~ it’s a gift to me and others, too!
*If you’d like to enter for my giveaway of a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook below please share your favorite cookie or candy or Christmas memory!
Tomorrow I’ll see you at Joanne’s website as Mountain Hearth Christmas continues…
The Mountain Hearth Christmas Line-up:
Monday 11/4: Laura Frantz~ http://LauraFrantz.net/journal/
Tuesday 11/5: Joanne Bischof ~ http://www.joannebischof.com/blog/
Wednesday 11/6: Melissa K. Norris ~ http://melissaknorris.com/
Thursday 11/7: Amanda Dykes ~ http://amandadykes.com/hearth/
Friday 11/8: Lauraine Snelling ~ http://amandadykes.com/
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I’ve always loved the promise in Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Just this morning I was starting to think about this Christmas. Now that our twin boys are 3 1/2, things will be a bit easier this year. For the first two Christmases we had to put a fence up around the tree to keep them away from it!
Both of my parents come from large families (my mom has 9 siblings and my dad has 8), so Christmas to me was all about going from one large gathering to the next, visiting with cousins, hugging aunts and uncles, being teased and loved on. My husband also comes from large families (his parents both have 6 siblings), but they didn’t do large family gatherings. Their Christmas was intimate and reserved just for their immediate family. So over the past sixteen Christmases together (four dating, and twelve married), we’ve had to find a happy balance between my desire to be with lots of family and his desire to keep it quiet. Thankfully, we live in the same town as most of our family, so we’re able to gather with my family on Christmas Eve, have our intimate Christmas morning/afternoon at home with our kiddos, and then gather again with his family Christmas evening.
Thank you for kicking off the holiday season with a reminder of the reason we celebrate!
Ooh, Gabe, what a beautiful verse. I think you’ll especially enjoy one of the upcoming posts this week, considering that’s your special verse… but I won’t say which post. It’ll be a surprise. 😉
Gabrielle, Your verse sums up the miracle and hope of the season so very well! Love the beautiful words at the very end – “wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” That carries so much hope and promise and blessing.
Love hearing how you celebrate and meld old family traditions with new ones :). You DO have a big family, both hubby’s and yours. What a blessing – and what special memories you carry with you! I had to chuckle at your comment about your fenced in tree. I so understand. Our boys weren’t twins but were 2 years apart and they though the tree was their own personal BIG GIFT. I can’t count the ornaments that got broken! I’m still recovering ;). I imagine this year will be much calmer for you as they’re almost 4. That’s the age where Christmas is especially *magical* as they really start to “get” what it’s all about. I miss those days, broken ornaments and all, lol…
Your family reminds me of mine. My dad was the oldest of 10 children and all their names began with “J.” Jack, Jill, Judy, Jaynee, Janelle, Joy, JR, Jerry, Janice, and Jim. But my mom had only 1 brother. So we had a mix of LARGE and intimate. So thankful for those memories. Thanks so much for your gracious spirit and blessing us as we start the season together!
These cookies look so beautiful! And oh, the weakness I have for sugar cookies. 🙂 🙂 It’s such a joy to be doing this blog hop with the four of you. Waving from my woods to yours and on!
Joanne, I’m smiling at your comments because I have a weakness for ANY cookie, lol. My kiddos had to hide the Halloween candy from moi ;). It really is such a JOY doing this blog hop with you all this week! Praying as hearts and heads come together here. Waving at you from my woods to yours, too. Well said, my kind friend :)!
Laura, your post is absolutely beautiful!!! I want to read it over and over today just for the sweetness and truth of it all. This, especially: “No matter if the night is dark or the journey is long or less than I hoped it would be, I can still find plenty of reasons to thank Him. Joy is best cultivated with a thankful heart. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Him and this spills over to touch other lives, too.” Thank you for sharing that, Laura. Your heart for Him is a beautiful thing, a strong and refined tool in His loving hands, and so many lives are touched and changed by that. I’m blessed to know you!!
Amanda, SO thankful you’re here with us, bringing grace and peace and pointing to Him! I was telling my mom who came out for supper last night about you and your beautiful graphics here and how awed and thankful I am for your creative heart. My humble post is much better because of you. Thank you so much. It’s truly a joy to be a part of this wonderful, hope-filled week!
Oh my, your words bless and humble me! That’s so funny; I was just telling my sister about you, and what a joy you are. I couldn’t stop myself from gushing profuse words of praise as I handed her my cherished copy of LOVE’S RECKONING to borrow.
🙂 Love your encouraging heart ~ and praying/hoping your sis enjoys Jack and Ellie’s story. You’re a gem for sharing, Amanda!! Thanks so much.
I’m going to try this recipe. Thank you. My favorite cookie I make every year at Christmas is cream wafers. It’s a very small delicate light and fluffy bite of yummy.
Cathy, Your recipe sounds delightful! I’ve not heard of cream wafers before but they sound heavenly as you describe them :). Thanks for being here and being in the drawing! Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!
Thank you for the recipe. Sounds quite tasty! My favorite Christmas treat is my grandmother’s 7 layer cookies.
Amy, So good to start the season with you :)! Your 7 layer cookies have me intrigued ~ and hungry! Now I wish I’d suggested people sharing recipes but realize not everyone has time for that! So we’ll just Google all these delicious-sounding recipes! Hope you enjoy my granny’s sugar cookies. They’re fun to make – and eat!
Thanks, too, for being in the giveaway! Have a blessed day!
Oh my. Ladies, what a wonderful, wonderful thing to do. Lovely thought, lovely invites, lovely follow-through. What a gift. I am in awe of your sweet spirits, creativity, and how you’ve managed to have a time of fellowship around The Word and Christmas as if we all lived down the street from each other and got together over tea and cookies. You are amazing women!
Laura, reading your words, I’m transported back to the kitchen of “another mother,” Rebecca, who lived in the mountains of eastern Maryland near the Pennsylvania border. Memories of the food she made on her old-fashioned cook stove still makes my mouth water. The solid clang of that metal-griddle-thingie that she lifted to toss another piece of wood into the firebox is a sound I’ve not heard since. Thanks for the loving words about your Granny and sparking a memory dear to me.
I’ve been drafting a blog post on joy & thankfulness. Your words on the subject are precious. I may just post a link to this instead of posting my own clumsy thoughts! LOL But the idea is close to the heart, one reaffirmed in Scotland last year.
Love your verse and Gabrielle’s for sure. (Christmas and The Word. What’s not to love?) But I’ve treasured Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Brothers and sister in my family were way spread in age, and I was often quite lonely. The concept of GOD WITH US was and is an amazing and cherished blessing.
Again, thanks, ladies, for this delightful invitation to begin the season sharing what really matters. God bless you.
Mary Kay, Your thoughts here are poetic and precious and read just like a beloved devotional. A true gift in return! The memories of your Rebecca are so evocative and rich. Who would have reckoned with the power and lasting memories a kitchen could have? But it was more the spirit/soul of those kitchens. Love the very name Rebecca, too. It belongs in a book.
Your Scottish epiphany sounds like mine. What a wonder that trip was! I treasure the memory of meeting you and getting to know you during dinner that one night. I wish we could do that again!
Matthew 1:23 is full of wonder. Love that you bring out how very present He is even in our loneliness or aloneness. “…an amazing and cherished blessing,” indeed. I’m so thankful.
I do hope you post your joy and thankfulness on your lovely new blog! I need to go over and subscribe or see if you have that feature in place.
Thanks for the joy of your presence today. I feel so blessed by you and others here!
“For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:37-38
I love that you started us with thoughts of your grandmother because it carries me back to the warm kitchen of my own grandmother. There was always plenty of flour and sugar all over the place along with her rolling pin. She molded mountains of cookies and rolls, even beat the dickens out of tons of fudge with a wooden spoon in her cast iron skillet. Truly though, she was molding me and the memories are part of who I am.
Thank you for taking me back. Have a very blessed Christmas season!
Amy, Your verse is one of my favorites and is the very essence of Christmas. Thanks so much for that. I often think/wish/pray that would be my response to every situation the Lord brings to me. A willingness and humility and sweet spirit like Mary had.
It’s really a treasure that you had your own beloved granny and your very own warm kitchen memories. Nothing like them! I even recall how happy I felt even listening to the sound of her doing dishes and the smell of ivory soap. You say it so beautifully and poetically ~ “always plenty of flour and sugar all over the place along with her rolling pin. She molded mountains of cookies and rolls, even beat the dickens out of tons of fudge with a wooden spoon in her cast iron skillet. Truly though, she was molding me and the memories are part of who I am.” Beautiful, all of it.
Thanks for being here and bringing such a blessing!
Well, Miss Laura – here I am! 🙂 And what a surprise to find my name capitalized all over the place. Actually, it’s hard to get away from my name this time of year. Like Amanda, I want to thank you for the encouraging reminder that your post has been. The Lord has been teaching me a lot about focus lately, also. Mostly about where I fix my thoughts. Am I seeking Him- His will, His heart- in a situation, or am I so wrapped up in my “wisdom” and insight that I am deaf to anything else?
If I had to pick one verse that takes me straight to Christmas (and when I say Christmas, I mean celebrating Jesus’ birth), I have to choose Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him IMMANUEL- which means, ‘God with us’.”
I am always undone by the power of the names of God- and this one is truly a promise in itself.
But to be honest, The Lord has really changed my focus at Christmas just in the last year. He takes me, and my heart, to Isaiah 53- one of the most well known passages about Jesus. He takes me there to remind me what the miracle of Immanuel means- that the manger rested in the shadow of a cross- and the most precious gift of love ever given chose to die for me.
I find that the ‘commercialism’ and pressure of the holiday, the buying and receiving of gifts, truly takes a back seat, because I have an understanding that I have already been given something no amount of money spent or holiday cheer can ever replace.
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment of our peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
Glory to God in the Highest!
Oh JOY, I was SO hoping you’d come over :). Love the heart of your comments and how you focus on Him, our lasting or everlasting hope and joy. Beautifully worded, every bit. Like you, I am always undone by the names of God. Such power – it reminds me that all scripture is truly powerful, sharper than a two edged sword… Matthew 1:23 AND Isaiah 53 mean so much to me also. And your latter verse reminds me of Isaiah 61 and Jesus repeating part of it in Luke: “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.”
It’s interesting how certain Scriptures come alive to us at different often needful times. You’re so right about the commercialism of Christmas taking a back seat because we’ve been given the greatest gift of all. There is no price tag on hope or peace or joy or what only He is able to give.
Glory to God in the Highest, yes!
Thanks for being such a light, Joy.
Your sugar cookie recipe sounds similar to the ones my grandmother always had on hand, except they had some nutmeg in them. I love them takes me back to my simplier, carefree childhood. My favorite holiday treat is a nutroll I only make at Christmas time. TY.
Leslie, Welcome here! Love that you have a beloved granny, too. And a baking one at that! Some of the happiest memories I have are of her in her kitchen year round. I even loved the sound of her washing dishes and the smell of ivory soap :). Your nut roll sounds perfect and I like that you only make it at Christmas as it makes it even more of a treat. Your comment about nutmeg reminds me of my cupboard where I have a nutmeg grater hiding and some nutmeg. A true old-fashioned treat.
Bless you for being here and taking part ~ and entering the giveaway! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you for the sweet, inspiring post. One of my favorite Christmas verses is: Luke 2:19 NAS
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
This verse has stuck with me, since I was a child. I think it shows us an example in Mary of how we are to meditate on God’s word.
I love no bake cookies and anything pumpkin!
Michelle, I’m with you on the no bakes – one of my favorite cookies are those no bake chocolate oatmeal ones :)! I’ve had them since childhood and they’re heavenly. Though I cannot find my recipe at present!
As for pumpkin, yes! Pumpkin roll, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin seeds… I think I should create a Pinterest board just devoted to pumpkin!
Thanks for being here and entering the drawing :)!
That cookie recipe sounds wonderful, Laura. (Oatmeal chocolate chip is one of my faves, though not very Christmasy.) So if you find your recipe, please FB post it. 🙂
I will hunt it up, Mary Kay 🙂 Thanks!
Mine is Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin [r]engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the [s]descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was [t]Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, [u]favored one! The Lord [v]is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How [w]can this be, since I [x]am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the [y]holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and [z]she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 For [aa]nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the [ab]bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
I get goosies reading it, and how faithful Mary was!
Andi, So glad you shared the verses in their entirety! Like you, I’m in awe of Mary’s response – truly humble and obedient and more when face with this life-changing news. I want to have a heart like that. She sure was faithful, yes.
Prayers with you, Andi, and your family as we start the holidays together! Thanks for being such a blessing this past year and before that!
Hi Laura, your sugar cookies sound wonderful! My mother had a butter cookie recipe that was a favorite of our family but I have yet to make myself. I think it would make my brother so happy to surprise him this Christmas, now that I think about it. 🙂
My favorite Christmas verse is Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Probably much to long to string on a tree, but that’s ok.) Thank you all for doing this!
Georgianne,
So glad this post helped spark that memory and gift for your brother :). I think homemade gifts with sentimental value are the best of all. Butter cookies sound wonderful – being a butter fan, I can’t get enough of it in cookies or otherwise!
Your verse gives me goosebumps as it states so powerfully the riches we have in Christ. Smiling at your too long to string on a tree comment – actually it might make a garland for the whole tree which would be quite nice! The names given are so beautiful and the heart of Christmas and our hope in Him.
Thrilled you’re here with us celebrating ahead of time! You’ve been a gift to me this past year since I met you and I cannot thank you enough (or Him) for your steadfast, joyful, gracious presence.
I loved the craft and will try it with my gdaughter. I would say my favorite verse i Phil: 4:13. Actually all of chapter helped me through a very ruff time in my life. My dad and brother both in different hospitals dying of cancer. I don’t ever want to go through it again. My body shut down could not function doctors said to much in my life at one time. The year of 1997 I do not remember. I left out all the long story of what went on for me in that time but by God’s grace I am still here.
Dear Diana, So glad you’re here but so sorry about that very painful year. You were so wise to cling to Philippians to help you through it. I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME is indeed a wonderful promise for heartbreaking times. So thankful you made it through despite the toll on your health and all that you haven’t mentioned. I know that will encourage others here who are facing hard things this holiday season. I’m often reminded during the holidays that this season is a struggle for many because of losses and illness and separations. This is a good reminder to pray for those who face the season with heavy hearts.
Thanks so much for being here and sharing your verse and testimony. Praying you feel His peace and presence in fresh ways this season!
Psalm 118 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Thanks for the beautiful post. Joy is so hard for some to understand, that even in the midst of trials we can still have joy! I thank the Lord for that!! Life hasn’t always been easy, He didn’t say it would be, but I know with whom I stand and no matter what comes I can have joy through it all.
My favorite Christmas memory was not baking cookies, but every year we would make 24 dozen or more tamales. It was a family tradition that everyone participated in no matter your age. The neighbors would bring baked goodies all day in anticipation of the tamales being done.
Robyn, Welcome here – and your verse and thoughts behind it are such a treasure, too! Life isn’t easy but when He’s with us we can stand and stand with joy. Having done that, you bring a testimony here. Thanks so much for that.
Oh my, tamales! One of my favorite things ever. We just had a batch for supper last week. I can well imagine why those neighbors showed up for a baked goods-tamale exchange :). I would have been first to your door. Nothing like homemade tamales. 24 dozen is amazing but I bet they disappeared all too fast! You’ve almost put me in the mood to learn how to do that instead of buying them. I imagine the real ones are unforgettable.
Thanks so much for stopping here and giving those of us who are ready for a change something else to cook for the holidays besides turkey and ham :)! Wishing you a blessed season and joyful kitchen!
Thank you for the recipe!! I love collecting new recipes to try on my family.
Here’s my scripture: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalms 27:13-14
We’ve entered a very trying time here lately with our church and at home. But regardless of the circumstance I refuse to not see the beauty of my gracious Heavenly Fathers hand in each moment of our lives. He’s working out the details on our behalf and I choose to be patient and wait for the Lord.
Sorry but I had to post this one too. Lol. God is so good.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Trust God for even the simplest of things in your life then watch for His hand at work in all that is around you. He truly is an awesome God!
Kristie, You bring a joyous, hope-filled message with your comments and scripture – never too many of those! 🙂 Trying seasons of our lives really are much better weathered with an attitude of praise. You’re living proof! You’re so right in saying He is always at work, always working bringing good from every trial.
Your comments remind me of Psalm 37: 7 ~ Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. So many verses about waiting and trusting! I love your expectant attitude.
Thanks for being a blessing today and being in the giveaway, too!
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the cLord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
The fullness of a promise and the prophecy in Isaiah brings to our family the realization that Jesus’ birth, life, and death were foretold, predicted, and recorded hundreds of years before that incredible miraculous night in Bethlehem.
My memories are of the Christmas Eve services at our church, the yearly telling of the story of Christ’s birth in the service, the Christmas carols sung in German and the lighting of the candles singing Silent Night before we left the sanctuary. Warmly I love remembering my mom soloing O Holy Night.
At home would be plates of homemade cookies by my German Grandmother and my mom…along with egg nog and hot chocolate. We always exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve.
Things are different today and Terry and I struggle to find our balance or ‘norm’ in the hurried worlds of our adult children and their ‘plans’. He and celebrate our memories together of Christmas that trace back to me at age 12 and him at age 13. We realize our children have in-laws and other traditions, so together we light our candles and read the story together. We are blessed.
Thank you Laura for reminding me to be prepared in my heart this year and doing the scripture chain will definitely do this! May simple abundance and grace be yours. Laurie
Laurie, So thankful to have your beautiful verse included here – it’s such a blessing. It’s truly amazing that so many prophecies were fulfilled!
Your memories are much like mine – candle lighting and the Christmas story and Silent Night. That’s a beautiful memory of your mom performing a solo of such a beautiful song, one of my favorites.
Egg nog and hot chocolate are favorites here, too. You have some wonderful German cookies in your heritage, I know! You and Terry sound like you’ve combined present and past well with your traditions and the things that mean the most. It must be wonderful having a granddaughter to add to all that Christmas magic, so to speak. Heavenly magic!
Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
What a lovely idea! I love baking and especially at holiday time. My favorite cookies are homemade gingersnaps. Love those! In my husband’s family they always make butter tarts, which are small pastries with a brown sugar, butter, and rasin filling. I’ve just learned to make those recently. I made homemade lemon curd for my book launch tea party and that is my new favortie. I used it in lemon tarts and put a raspberry on top of each one. Yum! Thanks Laura!
Carrie, So good to see you here! It was a joy following you and your debut and all the tea fun on Pinterest and elsewhere :). Interesting you’re here and talking gingerbread as I just finished writing a tea party scene in which my heroine and her sister-in-law are eating gingerbread with orange curd! Your gingersnaps sound wonderful along with your butter tarts with filling. I’ve never tried lemon curd on my own but loved it while in England. Your lemon tarts sound delightful! But then so was your book!
Thanks for remembering your beautiful verse. He is a refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble. A blessed reminder of all we have and who we are in Christ this Christmas season and always!
I was so busy thinking about baking that I forgot to share my verse. Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Beautiful, Carrie! A favorite and one to hold close and memorize…
I want a published copy of you and your grandma’s cookbook! xoxoxo
Stacie Hope ~ oh, how you tempt me to do that! In fact, when prepping this post I was going to photograph a stack of her old handwritten recipes. I have them in my recipe drawer and they mean so much to me to see her beloved handwriting. Think spoonbread and biscuits and gravy and cushaw pie and garlic cheese grits and more :)!
This such an awesome idea:) I will definitely have to try your recipe Laura, I don’t think a have a sugar cookie recipe yet:) I have perfected achocolate chip cookie recipe though, its a family favorite! We are cookie-a-vores, lol I guess the first verse that came to mind when I saw your post was Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good:.blessed is the manthat trusteth in him.
I have a bunch of wonderful Christmas memories, to many to share in this small post. One tradition (we celebrate with my side of the family) is that every year we rotate and one family gets to present the Christmas story in their own way, right after we finish our family meal:)
Thank you ladies for using your God given talents with your writing and thank you for sharing your recipes:)
Rebecca Hartman
Rebecca, So enjoy hearing about how your family celebrates, each one taking a turn and presenting the Christmas story – awesome! I imagine you’ve had some highly creative presentations. Those are the kind of memories that last forever. Your family sounds wonderful!
Love your cookie-a-vore comment :). I think my favorite cookie is chocolate chip (but probably only because I can’t think of other favorites at the moment)! And your Psalm fits perfectly with our celebration here. Another wonderfully succinct one to memorize that says so much.
Thank you so much for taking time here and being such a gracious spirit. We couldn’t do it without reading friends like you, Rebecca!
The scripture garland is gorgeous! It is really a great idea! I think I will have to hang it up in my room somewhere. It is a lovely way to remember why we celebrate the Christmas season.
As far as Christmas verses are concerned, I like Luke 2:11, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Those cookies look yummy. I am watching my niece for a week at the end of December, and I might have to make some with her. Christmas will be over by then, but that doesn’t matter! Cookies are great anytime!
What a neat idea! I have never heard of a scripture chain…love it. I remember making chains out of wrapping paper, construction paper, popcorn and cranberries.
One of my favorite verses is not necessarily relating to Christmas but has special meaning for me. Micah 6:8 “….and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”. This verse was the theme for my children’s 8th grade graduations. I think it is a great challenge for these young men and women who are seeking God’s will for their lives. It is a verse I personally quote for myself as well.
Laura- I plan on trying your sugar cookie recipe. I love baking for the holdiays with my children.
Nummy looking recipe. I also have a favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe and here it is!
Sonja’s favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe
1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 t. vanilla or almond flavoring
1/4 t. soda
4 t. baking powder
4 ½ c. flour
Mix together and roll out. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes. These are great for decorating.
Buttercreme Frosting for Sugar cookies
½ c. butter or margarine
½ c. shortening
1/4 t. salt
1 ½ t. vanilla
5 ½ c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. of milk
Cream butter, shortening, add salt and vanilla. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time. Then add the milk. Beat till light and fluffy. Add food color if desired.
And as for a favorite scripture James 1:5. When I need to find an answer, I know where to go to find it!
Sonja! Love that you took time and gifted us with your recipe! I’m sure I’m not the only one writing it down on a recipe card. I even have some Christmas ones for yours 🙂 Thank you so much.
James, the whole book, and especially this book, speaks to me, too. Love your talking about when you need an answer you know where to find it. Well said!
Thanks for being in the giveaway and sharing your recipe and your heart <3!
Laura, I love what you ladies are doing! I can just imagine sitting next to a cozy fire, book in hand while a beautiful Christmas tree stands in the corner and shimmers with twinkling lights and the smell of warm apple pie fills the house.
One of my favorite passages is from Luke 2:8-14.
“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
The King James Version of this passage is my favorite as I grew up learning it this way.
My favorite cookie recipe is what we always knew as ‘Chocolate Crème Cookies’. Think Chocolate Whoopie Pies except a little smaller. When we were kids and home for Christmas vacation, my brother and I used to help my Mom make cookies. We’d spend the whole day baking. That’s one of my favorite memories.
Thank you for sharing your cookie recipe. It sounds SO yummy! Blessings to all of you at the start of this wonderful season! <3
Angi, You make all this holiday cheer even better with your warm words – and that apple pie calls for a pie post 🙂 I just made a couple of those a week or so ago but my men eat them so fast they’re gone in a day and a half! Thankfully cookies last longer…
Your verse is one of my favorites, too, Angi. And like you, I always prefer the KJV as that is what I grew up with. The language is so beautiful and poetic and “antique” that it speaks to my historical heart! Yours, too, I think.
Your chocolate crème cookies sound wonderful. I’ve never had them and wonder if they’re a regional recipe since you grew up making them. Spending the whole day baking is something I loved to do then like you and now, too. Only my brother just ate them and didn’t bake them ;).
Thanks for being here and welcoming the season with us. It wouldn’t be the same without you!
Thanks for sharing your recipe, Laura, I’ll have to try them! I’ve been wanting to make some cookies for my son, and this may be what I set my heart on. 🙂 Praying God’s blessings and JOY for you and your family as Christmas approaches. Okay, favorite verse… right now, its this one:
Isaiah 43:1-4 “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. Oh Israel, the one who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; and you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Gwen, So happy you’re here! My KY kindred spirit! Another wonderful verse, rich with promises and yet not shying away from the realities of life. I’m struck by the “when” not “if” promises in these verses. We will experience those hard things but He walks with us and will bring us through. This is one I’m going to try to memorize this winter.
I think your son would love these cookies. They have the most delightful texture and you can’t eat just one ;)! Plus they freeze beautifully. Sorry to repeat that again but I forgot to put that in the post!
Hope you and your precious family have a blessed season ~ with a little one it’s all the more enchanted!
I love to cook the Mexican wedding cookies. they are like heaven. I love your cookie recipe I’m going to try it this year for Christmas. Thanks for the giveaway.
Tammy, Welcome to my virtual kitchen 🙂 I agree with you about Mexican wedding cookies – they taste heavenly and look so festive and Christmasy. I hope you enjoy these sugar cookies, too, and am thrilled you want to try them. They freeze well, too, as one dear reader asked via email. And they taste great fresh out of the freezer with a cup of tea or coffee on a frosty day.
Thanks for being in the giveaway! These Gooseberry Patch cookbooks are amazing for holiday baking and cooking :)!
Ecclesiastes 3:1. To everything there is a season, a tine for every purpose under heaven.
Your cookie recipe sounds wonderful. I just finished The Frontiersman’s Daughter about an hour ago. It truly touched my heart. I too have ancestors that lived in Kentucky after moving from the Clinch River area of Virginia. Thanks, Laura.
Dear Mary, So thrilled you’ve met Lael! And enjoyed it – that it touched your heart touches mine. Thanks so much for taking time for her story. Since you have KY kin it is all the more meaningful. So interesting to think that your ancestors may have met mine long ago. Mine came from that same area of Virginia. Since it was such a small world back then I like to think they would have crossed paths. This cookie recipe is from my Kentucky granny :).
And your verse is a favorite of mine, one I return to again and again. I often think of the seasons of our lives and how everything has a place, a purpose, a time. Thanks for sharing that here.
Bless you for being here and saying such kind things! So happy you’re in the drawing, too.
My favorite verse is Matt. 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God is faithful.
Karen, How beautiful that you walked down the aisle and this verse went with you! Unforgettable, truly. The truth of this verse has such power. If we only seek Him first everything falls into place.
Love your “God is faithful.” Amen to that.
Thanks for being here and blessing us and taking part in the giveaway, too. This is a wonderful week sharing with you all here and the blogs to come :)!
Laura, i will simply have to try your sugar cookies sometime. 🙂 They sound delicious.
i must admit i’ve been thinking a lot about scripture, Bible reading, etc. lately. Probably since Friday when i cleaned out my desk at work. No, not fired or moving to a new job, work just moved to a new office as of Today, hence my desk had to be cleaned out on Friday. Anyway, one of my Bibles was in my desk drawer, one of my oldest Bibles actually, i’ve had it around 10 years or so, and it is so full of notes in the margins. Song lyrics in the front of it, etc. That’s something i don’t do anymore. i mostly use electronic devices now, the You Version on either my kindle or phone, and honestly it’s really made me sad. Ended up taking a bunch of notes in church for the first time in ages on Saturday night.
1 Corinthians 4:17, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Actually that should say 2 Corinthians. Ooops
Duly noted, dear Michelle. Thanks!
Michelle, So happy you’re here. It’s always better with you :). I so appreciate your beautiful verse and the “light and momentary” aspect. So often we forget those troubles will pass and fade to nothing in the light of eternity. How hope-filled that verse is!
Glad you’re back to taking notes and not just doing the e-thingy. That’s why I write my manuscripts in long hand first, I guess. Don’t want to lose touch with the old ways. Plus there were no electronics in the 18th-c… 😉
I hope you’re looking forward to the holidays and spending time with your family. Prayers with you as you move to a new office! Thanks for being a blessing here!
I forgot to mention, at my wedding I actually walked down the aisle to the song of that verse.
Hi, Laura!
What a wonderful post – brought so many wonderful memories of the many different kinds of cookies, my grandmother would bake every Christmas season. Some of my favorites were gumdrop cookies, & a cookie that had a chocolate cake base, topped with marshmellow, chocolate, & then a pecan. The cookies were enjoyed by my family, but, she also gave many away, as gifts – to neighbors, friends, & even the mailman. My grandfather would always buy numerous kinds of candy, & pass them around, after Christmas dinner. In those days, it was a common practice to see candy displayed, at a candy counter, in glassed bins, & of course, it had to be weighed. In just the last few years, I have seen grocers, again, display loose candy in (plastic)lidded bins. My grandparents lived to be 96, & 100, years old – respectively. Other of my favorite Christmas memories are: the Christmas eve candlelight services, singing in the “Living Christmas Tree”, the Walk Through Bethlehem (re-created town of Bethlehem, it’s shops & vendors, animals, inhabitants, & the manger, etc.), & visiting a different relative every night of the week – preceding Christmas – for a meal, & fellowship.
I have SO many bible verses that I am emotionally attached to, one of my favorites is Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths”(amplified translation). This verse is a reminder of all the years I didn’t allow God to direct my paths, the bad decisions made, my reaching the lowest point in my life, & acknowledging His way as the only way, the lessons learned, my continual desire to be totally in line with His will for me, & a reflection of His love, & my everlasting gratitude for my salvation, & the love & grace shown to me.
Thanks, to the five of you, dear ladies, for A Mountain Hearth Christmas! I have participated in several special blogs in which Amanda & Joanne have had a part, & they are always absolutely beautiful & inspirational, & give me such comforting, “homey” feelings. I’m not familiar with the writings of Lauraine, & Melissa, & look forward to learning more about them. Laura, Amanda, & Joanne -I have been honored to partake of your beautiful blogs, & the three of you, are such gracious, inspiring, giving, kind, ladies – with sweet spirits. You are appreciated!
Bonnie, You are such a gracious presence here – your comments carry such a blessing. I treasure your testimony. Like you, I learned from my mistakes and making my own way but and thankful the Lord never gave up on us and drew us back to Himself to never wander again. I’m reminded of the beautiful old hymn and lyrics, Come Thou Font of Every Blessing…”
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
It’s especially poignant on the violin if anyone wants to listen and the one here has a wonderful snowy woods scene that looks remarkably like my road here at home ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE6JHxscSP0
You have some long lived grands in your family like mine. I’m smiling at your memories because so many are mine, especially those glass candy dishes full of hard candies. That’s a wonderful memory of your granddad passing those candies around after Christmas dinner. I can just picture it. Love how your family honored and ushered in the season by taking a meal in the homes of your loved ones. Sweet memories, all!
I can’t thank you enough for your gracious encouragement and for always being a blessing. Bonnie. It’s a joy to know you!
That rendition of Come Thou Fount – was absolutely, beautiful, Laura! Thank you! Are you a music lover? It speaks to my soul, & I would be just as lost without music, as I would be without books!
Oh, we’re kindred spirits about music and books, Bonnie! My son, Paul, is a violinist/fiddler and I’m even dedicating my next book to him as it has a musical theme. So this old hymn with the violin really means a lot to me. Glad it did you, too! Bless you for your gracious presence!
Bonnie, as Laura said, your words are always a blessing! I feel honored to know you, and so rich with your encouragement! So glad we get to spend this week with you. 🙂
I don’t remember ever cooking anything with either of my grandmothers, but my mother always had fresh baked cookies while I was growing up. And if I haven’t had time to bake any, I still go down and sample some of hers. 🙂
Though I didn’t bake cookies with my grandmothers, I have my great-great-grandmother’s cookbook. Though I never knew her, I feel connected when I browse through her book, noting the stars she’d penciled by certain recipes.
My favorite verse will be revealed on Wednesday…
I love reading all the stories here and snagging some new recipes.
Melissa, So good to see you here :). Can’t wait to see your favorite verse on Wednesday. Those Scripture chains will be such a treat!
Having your great-granny’s recipe book is a treasure. A blessed antique. It would be so interesting to have the starred recipes, knowing she made and enjoyed those very things.
Like you, I’m making a little list to learn more about crème cookies and seven layer bars and all the rest. Lots of inspiration to draw from here :). See you Wednesday!
What a wonderful week of fellowship! Thank you so much for sharing the scrumptious cookie recipe. I look forward to making these with my little ones!
My favorite Christmas cookies are those my children help me make. The kind varies from year to year, but they are always made with smiles and laughter and full of love!
One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 13:5-6. “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Thank you again for sharing A Mountain Hearth Christmas!
Britney, Love your enthusiasm! I hope you and your little ones enjoy these cookies as much as we do. They’re so good with a glass of milk or cup of tea or coffee – or nothing at all 🙂
Love your verses. I’m amazed how timely they are and how they speak to so many of our basic needs. He is so faithful and everpresent. So thankful.
Your name is in the hat for the drawing, too. Bless you and your precious family this holiday season. Hope to see you on the blog hop as we continue tomorrow at Joanne’s!
My favorite Christmas dish was my mother’s dressing. She passed away 3 years ago and I cannot seem to reproduce that dressing, no matter what I do. The flavor and texture was just so good. And of course, there was no written recipe….it was just taste, add a little pinch of this and a bit more of that, stir and taste again. She kept at it until it was just right.
Vikki, Your mom sounds wonderful – and I’m so sorry about your loss. Since my granny passed away I can’t seem to duplicate anything she made quite right either. She cooked without recipes for the most part, just did everything by heart and a pinch of this or that like you’ve said. Dressing is my favorite dish at holidays so I hope you can recapture that special dish!
Thanks for joining us here and being a part of the celebration. I’m so glad you’re in the giveaway, too :).
My mom started making these same sugar cookies about 45 years ago. The name on her recipe is Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies. She no longer makes cookies but my twin sister and I make these all the time. We do not roll and cut them out but use a cookie press to make different shapes and then decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar. Sometimes we roll the dough into small balls and then into sugar and press out with the bottom of a glass to flatten before baking. My favorite scripture is Matthew 1:23 which has already been given by several others. My sister and I both love to bake and make candy. We make boxes and give to family and friends for Christmas and other occasions.
Donna, So interesting to hear your mom made these same cookies long ago, about the time my granny did. An heirloom recipe, for sure! Thanks for telling us how you do these – the cookie dough is really so versatile. I love the idea of a cookie press. I used to have one when I was a teenager and loved it. Makes me wish I had one now. You’re blessed to have a sis and enjoy baking with her. I imagine everything you turn out is delicious – and made others very happy. Those kind of gifts, from the heart, are the best kinds of gifts.
Thanks so much for sharing Matthew 1:23 again – never too many repeats on that one. Wishing you much joy in your holiday kitchen :)!
My Favorite CHRISTmas candy is White Chocolate Covered Christmas Tree Pretzels:)Your sugar cookie recipe looks good!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!! God Bless!
Rebecca, Oh my – your pretzels sound amazing and very festive and mouthwatering! I love that sweet-salty combo. You would love this Gooseberry Patch cookbook as it’s full of desserts, some of which I’ve never tried or heard of. Bless you for stopping and joining in the fun!
This is a favorite verse:
Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
My favorite candy at Christmas is divinity.
Thanks for the blog post and the recipe.
Charlotte, Welcome here ~ treasure your Scripture as it has so much behind it. You’re the first person to mention divinity but it’s such a huge holiday favorite. My neighbor always makes it this time of year and gives it to our pastor for his Christmas gift. He says it’s the best candy ever.
Thanks for being in the giveaway and taking time here!
Oh, Laura… these look yummy! Sugar cookies are my daughter’s favorite, so I’ll have to give these a try.
God has been impressing the word “Worship” on me this year, so I’ll share a verse I used in our Children’s Church this last week (We started Christmas prep early). It’s the words of the Magi from Matthew 2:2. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to WORSHIP him.”
Karen, So good to see you here and start the season with you! Worship is indeed a wonderful word and concept to put into practice as often as we can. This week has really helped me focus on the real reason behind the season as you and others share their verses.
So glad the recipe tickles your fancy – hope your daughter likes them :). I’m getting so hungry for them I need to make an early batch myself :). Bless you as you get ready for Christmas!
Love your books. Thank you for the recipe; sugar cookies are one of my favorites, especially to make at Christmas.
Scripture: “. . .for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light. . .” (Isaiah 60:20). Several years ago, I wrote a Christmas play for our small church based on this scripture; at the end we had a candle-lighting; it was so beautiful.
Recipe for my very favorite Christmas candy:
Chocolate Covered Cherries
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 T milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 10-oz jar maraschino cherries, drained
1 11 1/2 oz. pkg milk chocolate chips
2 T Crisco shortening
*Mix first 4 ingredients and knead into a ball.
*Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten into circles.
*Wrap circle around a cherry and lightly roll in hands.
*Place on wax paper and chill in freezer for 10 min.
*Melt chocolate and Crisco in microwave.
*Dip covered cherries in chocolate; place on wax paper. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Thank you.
Linda, Bless you and your gracious heart! You might not believe it but chocolate covered cherries are my very favorite and if I’m ever near a candy store I buy one! I am so excited as now I have your recipe and will make them myself this Christmas, something I’ve not done before. Thank you, thank you for sharing.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the blog hop this week. And it’s also very encouraging to know you enjoy my books. You inspire me to keep going. As for your beautiful verse, it’s a poetic promise and more. I can well imagine the joy of you writing the play and then seeing that candlelight service, one of my favorite things, too.
Wishing you and your loved ones the very best as we move into the season. And thanks again for the wonderful recipe!
What a lovely and unique blog hop! Everything looks so pretty and inspiring. And I LOVE sugar cookies!
My favorite scripture is “Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around you neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3
Blessings and joy!
Carla, SO good to see you as always :). I imagine that little guy in your life will be a fan of sugar cookies before long, too! This has been such a fun blog hop with the ladies and readers. Love anything associated with cooking and Christmas.
Your Scripture is beautiful and one that has been a favorite of mine, too. Proverbs is so rich and deep. Blessings and joy to you, too!
🙂