Recipes for Searls Family Traditional Christmas Treats

Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our family won't be gathering together as often for Christmas (or other holidays) this year. But, I still wanted to make sure some Christmas traditions remain as normal as possible. Food has always been an important part of our family gatherings. Especially sweets and treats! Now that Ron and I aren't living in the RV full time and have a full-sized kitchen and oven, I wanted to spend some time making a few of our traditional Christmas goodies for the kids and their families.  

After spending a week working on cookies and candies, Ron and I boxed up the goodies and delivered them to our kids. Under normal circumstances, the family would gather together at one home or another and share lots of food and laughter. Since the outbreak, minimizing contact with friends and family in large groups is one precaution we have tried to maintain during the pandemic. We figured spending a few hours with each of our children, in their respective counties throughout Texas, was safer than gathering all together in one place. Plus, it gave us some nice alone time with each of our children's families.

My intentions are always good; but, I don't always follow through. I wanted to write out copies of my recipes to be placed inside the packages. Some are recipes given to me by my mother; and others I've found in books or on the labels of ingredients. Honestly, the thought of writing out all of these recipes wasn't appealing. So, I figured the best place to post them was on the family blog. That way the kids all have access to them and can print what they want to use. I hope they each loved the treats as much as Ron and I loved preparing and delivering them.

Disclaimer: because I didn't take photographs of my own goodies, I searched the internet for pictures that closely resembled what we made. None of these pictures are my own. Each is a screen shot taken online. I would give credit where possible; but, none of them had photo credits available. 

Seven Layer Bars 

Bake in a prepared 9X13 pan for 30 minutes at 350 degrees

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup butterscotch chips, 1 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.

Directions: Melt the butter in a saucepan, add to the graham cracker crumbs and press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer the other ingredients evenly in the pan, ending with the sweetened condensed milk. Bake as directed until the top is just starting to turn golden and the center looks semi solid.  

Note: I usually line the pan with aluminum foil and spray the foil. That way I can lift the bars from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack. They need to cool completely before cutting or they will be a melty mess. I use a pizza cutter to cut them more quickly and easily. 

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8 minutes at 400 degrees.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 eggs, 2 1/2 cup flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Directions:  Blend together the butter and sugar; add eggs and beat well.  Mix together the dry ingredients. Add to the butter and egg mixture and blend well. Using a teaspoon, scoop up the cookie dough and roll into small balls.  

In a separate bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll the cookie balls in this mixture then place them on the cookie sheet to bake. 

Note: If I am making these for myself, I use more cinnamon. I also baked them on parchment paper the last time I made them. It made clean up much easier. The sugar can make getting your cookie sheet clean a little more difficult. 

Buttery Spritz Cookies

bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes

Ingredients:  1 cup butter softened, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla,  1 teaspoon almond extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, green food coloring, sprinkles for decorating

Directions:  Mix together the butter and sugar; add egg, vanilla, and almond extract.  I usually add my food coloring at this point. There isn't a specific amount to add; just until you get a color you like.  Sift together dry ingredients. Add to the butter and sugar mixture. If you need, add more food coloring. Spoon the dough into a cookie press.  Use the press to place the cookies about an inch apart. (They don't rise much.)  Sprinkle with decor and bake.  If you like a crisp cookie, leave them in until the edges start to turn brown. I like mine soft so I take them close to the 8 minute mark.

Note: Try to not work the dough much with your hands when you load the press. That will heat the dough. If your dough gets room temperature, it won't come out of the press well. Chill for a bit if necessary. Also, if the cookies don't stick to your cookie sheet, chill the sheet for a bit. Don't try to press them onto a warm cookie sheet. They won't stick. I don't know if they will stick to parchment paper or not. If any of you try and are successful, let me know.

Jam Thumbprints; or, as I like to call them: Rudolph's Nose Cookies

Bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for 15 to 17 minutes at 350 degrees.

Ingredients:  1 1/2 cup flour, 2/3 cup butter, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 slightly beaten egg white, 3/4 cups finely chopped nuts, 36 maraschino cherries, drained and dabbed with a paper towel.

Directions:  In a large mixing bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds.  Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat well.  Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture and beat until well blended. Chill for about an hour.  (You can skip this part if you are in a hurry; but, chilling the dough makes rolling it much easier.) Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in the beaten egg white, then the finely chopped nuts. After placing on parchment paper, press the center to make an indentation. Bake as directed.  Remove from parchment paper and place on a wire rack. Press one cherry into each indentation and cool completely.  

Note: The original recipe called for spooning raspberry preserves into the indentation. I think the cherries are just as yummy and a whole lot less messy. In the past, I have added 1/4 tsp. of almond extract as well. It goes well with the cherry flavor! Also, most importantly, DO NOT skip rolling the balls in the beaten egg whites. Your chopped nuts won't stick to the cookie. Seriously. By the time you put them into a storage container, most of the nuts will have fallen off. Voice of experience here.  

Snowball Cookies; or, as Mom called them, Mexican Wedding Cookies

bake on parchment paper lined cookie sheet for 14-17 minutes at 400 degrees

Ingredients:  1 cup butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, additional powdered sugar for coating baked cookies

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, blend together butter and sugar. Add dry ingredients a bit at a time, mixing well to form a stiff dough.  Stir in chopped nuts and form into balls. Bake as directed. Once the cookies are baked, roll them in powdered sugar and place on additional parchment paper to cool completely before storing. 

Note: You need to roll them in the powdered sugar while they are still warm from the oven. This makes the powdered sugar melt a little bit and adhere to the surface of the cookie more completely. Keep a damp cloth or paper towel on hand to wipe your fingers so they don't get caked with globs of damp powder sugar. 

                               

This is one of my family's favorite recipe. It has a bit of history behind it that I need to share. When I was about 12 or 13, my mother took a cake decorating and candy making class with her sister, Nora Lee. Every time Mom and Aunt Norie learned something new, Mom would come home and practice on the family. She learned how to make decorated sugar eggs, caramel turtles, chocolate covered cherries, bark, and rocky road. We tried them all; but, the peanut butter balls were the biggest hit. Be warned; the recipe makes a HUGE batch! I usually cut it in half and we still have plenty to share.  

Peanut Butter Balls (sometimes called Buckeyes)

Ingredients: 3/4 pound of butter or margarine, 2 boxes powder sugar, 2 pounds peanut butter, 1-2 packages of dipping chocolate

Directions: in a large cooking pot, melt together the peanut butter and margarine over low heat. Once melted, gradually add the powdered sugar until a firm mixture is formed. Roll the mixture into desired sized balls. Roll in melted dipping chocolate and set on wax paper to cool.  

Note: This recipe was written back in the days when powdered sugar was sold in boxes. Rarely do you find powdered sugar found in boxes these days. According to an internet search, one box of powdered sugar would contain 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. When I last made this recipe (halved) I used a little over half of a bag of powdered sugar.  I like to keep my peanut butter mixture relatively soft because the center of the peanut butter balls is much creamier. It is also just a matter of preference whether or not you use crunchy or smooth peanut butter. My personal preference is smooth. I feel like the crunchy just doesn't have as nice a texture as the smooth. 

Rocky Road Chocolate

Ingredients: 1 bag miniature marshmallows, 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts) 1/2 cup raisins, dipping chocolate

Directions: in a medium sized bowl, place 1/3 of the bag of marshmallows, 1/3 cup of chopped nuts, and 2-3 tablespoons of raisins. Melt 2-3 squares of dipping chocolate as directed on the package. Carefully pour over the ingredients in the bowl, folding to coat completely with chocolate. Use a large serving spoon to drop onto a sheet of wax paper to cool. 

Note: This candy is sort of a conglomeration of whatever you like to mix together.  Ron and I were thinking dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks might be yummy. Just use what appeals to you. Maybe even some shredded coconut, broken pretzels or crushed peppermint candy. Anyway, I try to just make a small amount at a time because the chocolate can melt the marshmallows if there is too much of it. It is much more manageable in smaller amounts.  

So there you have it. The most often requested Christmas goodies from the recipe box of Gwen (Mimi) Searls. Enjoy! But, remember to share!!

Pandemic 2020 Fall and Winter - Making the Best of Things

 Ordinarily, our family will gather together several times during the fall and winter months. We would ooo and ahh over the grandchildren's new Halloween costumes and Trick or Treat at one of the their neighborhoods. We would support our Church's Trunk or Treat, and maybe participate in a Chili Cook-off. Leslie and I would set up the Etsy shop at a Sami Show. We would plan around school and work schedules to make the 8 hour trek to Palo Duro Canyon State Park for days spent hiking the canyons and evening gathered around the camp fire. We would either have our Thanksgiving meal at the Canyon; or, we would meet at someone's house and gorge on delicious food, play silly games, and plan our Black Friday shopping spree. Christmas would, once again, be scheduled around school, work, and our in-law's family celebrations. And, somewhere amidst the hustle and bustle, we would squeeze in a cruise. 

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic had us avoiding family gatherings, canceling our cruise and camping trip, canceling the Sami Show, practicing social distancing, participating self-quarantine, doing extensive hand washing and house sanitizing daily, taking advantage of grocery pick up, and attending church services online. 

The hardest part is not spending time with family. We haven't gathered together as a family since Jamie hosted a toned down Christmas in July. Life for each unit of the family is very different this year. The grands, even Seth, are trying to complete school assignments in either totally virtual, in-class, or hybrid models of instruction. Ron and I are still working hard to make life style changes that will help him extend his life after being diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and pretty much turning into hermits. Jamie is working from home exclusively while trying to keep her mother from sneaking out to play Bingo or go shopping. Ryan wasn't given a new contract at his old school, so he has completing his Honey-do list, helping with the twins in school, and searching for a middle school teaching assignment.  (Which he found; 8th grade math! Yay!!) The twins are in the virtual format for school and seem to be thriving. Molly is working for the state from home and trying to get to Georgetown often to visit with her parents. Scott is still healthy; but, the fire department shifts are starting to feel the effects of the COVID virus and are beginning to be undermanned.  Plus, the two of them are trying to figure out how to have a wedding with all of the crazy pandemic precautions. Seth is adjusting to living on his own in Waco, working at Dick's Sporting Goods, and going to school to complete his welding certification. Rebecca is trying to move on in life; but, having a terrible time tracking down her husband and getting divorce papers served. Leslie is trying to figure out how to provide speech services to a mixed bag of students who are constantly switching from face to face instruction, virtual instruction, or on quarantine. Gerson has taken a new position with a different HR company; which, luckily, is closer to home. But, because they both have to work on site,  they are trying to support their girls in virtual classes. Life is challenging. And, missing family stinks!!

I've been saying the same thing that I have heard many friends say: "The year 2020 just needs to end!" Sadly, I do not believe the end of 2020 will actually end the pandemic. I am hopeful that it will begin to have closure sometime in 2021; but, I totally expect another major world-wide event to rock our lives. After all, these are the end of times.  However, the end of 2020 brings the Christmas season. Many, many people feel the same way I do: WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS! RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE!

Throughout our new neighborhood, people started hanging holiday decorations in early November. Ordinarily, I would think that's insane. But, not this year! I would have been right there with them if we still had any Christmas decorations. When we downsized to the RV, I either gave most of our decorations to the kids; or, sold it in a yard sale. Because I wanted to bring the Spirit of Christmas into our home, I decided to actually buy a tree.

My collection of ornaments fits in a gallon zip lock bag. I really didn't want to buy a bunch of new ornaments; so, I found a pre-lit, slim tree with pine cones and holly berries, on Amazon. It wasn't supposed to be in until the 14th. But, I think God knew I needed it sooner. It arrive on the first. I spent a few days working on decorating the living room and kitchen area. Our townhouse is small and I didn't want to overwhelm the place. I really love the minimalist life style. Plus, everything we own now has personal meaning to it. Here are some pictures I took this morning, just for the blog. 

The tree sits in front of the living room window. Which, makes it really hard to get a good picture. It is 6 1/2 feet tall and no wider than a pizza pan. The ornaments are mostly the hand carved Santa heads, and a few hand made ornaments from my Mother and Grandmother. Leslie had a few extra wooden Christmas trees and bells, that she gave me. They fill ups some empty space and look nice on the tree. 

I found a couple of $10 pillows on sale at Target. They were bright and festive, so I caved in and bought them for the side chairs. 

The last few years that we lived in the house, I collected the pieces for the Willow Tree Nativity. We don't have room for the entire set, so I used some of Dad's carved boxes and set up the important pieces on the side table in the living room.

I gave my Pete Jr. cookie jar a cute bow to put him in the Christmas spirit.

We have always had a long, rectangular table. But, that's in Leslie's house now. We bought this small, square table when we moved into the townhouse. I bought a clearance table runner at Hobby Lobby and used some fabric to turn it into 4 place mats. Dad's carved trivet sits in the middle of the table. 

I have had this cute little guy for YEARS! Mom and Dad used to have an arts and crafts wood working business. It was one of the things they would have sold; but, Mom gave it to me for Christmas one year. One of his antlers broke of somewhere along the line; but, I hang him every year to remind me of my parents. 

This is one of the carved ornaments that Dad gave me. 

This cute little wooden ornament was in a craft kit that my Grandma Veach bought when I was young.  She gave it to me when Ron and I got married. I can still remember her saying, "Gwendy. This is for your first tree. I think of you and Ron when I see it."

Dad also carven some odd things from time to time. One year he gave me this enormous carved spoon.  At the time I thought, "Man! This thing is UGLY! But, now that he is gone, I'm sure glad I have it. 


I'm not really sure what our family Christmas celebration will be like this year. I hope there is some family time; but, if not, at least our snug little home feels like Christmas. I will focus on my Savior, enjoy the beauty of my sentimental tree, reflect on happy memories, and pray for a brighter future. 

Searls Family Staycation Day 3

Family is made up of people that happen to have been born into the same group. Family changes as siblings marry, children are born, and family dynamics evolve. Family members always love each other; but, sometimes they don't like one another. Life happens; things are said and feelings are hurt. Thankfully, time passes, hurts ease and disagreements mend. But, going though the rough patches is not fun. Looking back at our last day, I can see that the perfect storm for a blow up was brewing. I just didn't see events clearly enough at the time to keep it from happening. While day 3 was not supposed to be the last day of our family staycation, that's what it ended up being. There were highs; but, some terrible lows. I won't share all of the details because by the time I typed this, feelings were on the mend. I will say that we started out vacation having been stressed out by home schooling, working from home, trying to social distance, etc. And, after 2 days, we were all tired, done with living in cramped quarters, finished with dealing with unrelenting heat, and exhausted from filling time by over-scheduling activities. I believe all will be well and that we will continue to gather as a family. However, we won't spend an extended time in such a small space with unrelenting heat ever, ever again.

Our day started out with another hike. This time, we went to an area near Harker Heights that is near Stillhouse Lake. It is utilized by mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. It used to be maintained by the Corp of Engineers; but, I believe the city of Harker Heights may have taken over management. Regardless, it is a mess of winding, rough trails, overgrown vegetation, and not at all an easy hike. We were all exhausted from wandering around lost, without clear markers on the trails. It was a long, hot, miserable morning. Scott and Molly did not go with us. Molly had to work, and Scott had a leadership course that was unexpectedly rescheduled because of COVID, and took place during his vacation days. His intent was to stay home during our hike and get some of the online things completed.  Ron and Gerson also opted to stay back and made a garbage and recycling run while we were out. We had all intended to get back around lunch time, eat lunch together and finish up the various activities that had been planned, pick up an order from Rudy's for dinner, and break camp the next morning. Instead, there was a blow up, misunderstanding, disagreement... whatever you want to call it, and we decided it was just best if we broke camp and everyone went home to get some rest. It was a sad, sad way to end our vacation. I could have glossed over it and pretended it didn't happen. But, that isn't family. That isn't life. And, this blog is about family... the good and the bad.

So here are some pictures of our morning hike. You can see smiles, you can see the affection and love we have for one another. It is still there. Just in need of some personal space right now.

Jamie, Sophia, Sophie, Leslie, Maggie, Samantha, and Mimi

Sophia on one of the horribly, rocky trails.

The views of the lake were few and far between. The thick vegetation also blocked most of the breeze. 

Ryan and the twins.

Jamie and Ryan 

Maggie

trudging up yet another rocky bike trail

Sophia

Samantha and Maggie

Finally, a view of the lake!

Leslie and some of the grands.

Jamie and Ryan with Sophia

I do love and adore every single person in my family. I am thankful for the addition of in-laws that are unique and add new dimensions to the dynamics of our core group. I couldn't ask for more wonderful, brilliant, or beautiful grandkids. I just wish there weren't sad times. I know I should be thankful for the sad times because they are supposed to make a person appreciate the good times even more. But, I haven't reached that level of spiritual maturity yet. I still think the sad times stink!

Family Staycation 2020 Day 2

Since we weren't going to be able to hike any trails at Yellowstone or Grand Teton, we opted for a hike at an area close to home. We got up fairly early on day 2 and headed to Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton. I figured a place that had water and gave the kids a chance to cool off would be a good choice. It was more crowded than we would have liked; but, everyone in this area is going stir crazy from staying at home during the shelter in place phase of COVID. Now that public and state parks are opening up, people are venturing out. We had the trail to ourselves most of the day, and there was only one family actually in the swimming hole at the foot of the falls. We left the area around 10:30 a.m. so we beat the heat and most of the crowds. It really is a nice area to hike and I think everyone had a good time. 

Social distancing was easy at the park. People are still discouraged from gathering in large groups so I tried to keep space in our own family. It wasn't easy; but, we did a pretty good job of it. 

The trails aren't as well tended as I believe they normally are. There were a lot of low hanging branches and pretty large patches of poison Ivy. But, it was still easy to find the trail to the falls. I'm sure the lack of care is attributed to the virus as well.

The girls seem to have a great time anytime they get together. They really got along well.

I tired to get the girls to act like a choo-choo train. That didn't quite work out. 

The falls are really pretty and the water is fairly clear. It was slightly appalling how many lost and forgotten socks we found along the banks!

The suspension bridge was a little freaky. Really, really bouncy! 

Only the girls actually got into the water. They said it wasn't very cold, so that was a plus. 

Maggie, Sophie, Samantha, and Sophia

 I had to get some couples pictures while we were out. Ron isn't up to any kind of hiking, so he stayed behind and kept the dogs company. 

Jamie and Ryan

Molly and Scott

Leslie and Gerson

   

The ladies...

I even got into one picture!

We made a couple of stops on the way home, Dunkin' Doughnuts, Dollar Tree, and Sonic, for pool toys and refreshments. Once we got home, Molly decided she would fold me up into the seat of Leslie's car. I guess she was getting back at me for something. 

 After lunch, the girls had a few activities that their mother's had planned. They made some cute diamond art key chains and completed a Yellowstone animal scavenger hunt. 

Leslie found the diamond art craft online. She bought them because she figured it would take a while to complete. 

We figured the girls needed something to give them a break from being in the sun. 

I thought they all turned out so cute!

 For the scavenger hunt, they paired up in big sister and little sister teams. I really can't remember which team won. I was more concerned about them rousting a snake out of the weeds! They have seemed to be more numerous around the chicken coop this spring. But, the girls managed to find all of their animals, and not a single unwanted one!

Jamie printed and laminated pictures of the various animals found at Yellowstone.

The moms and I hid the pictures around the property.

The girls had to work in teams to find the pictures on their check lists.

As they found the animal, they would mark it off the checklist. 

I'm pretty sure there might have been one or two that somehow or another weren't found. 

There are a lot of good hiding places around Scott's house.

Leslie made us all some vinyl cut-outs for some sweat bands, buffs, bandannas and t-shirts. Even Pete got to wear a Searls Family Staycation buff for a while. He didn't like it but he is so sweet natured, you can do just about anything to that crazy dog. 

Pete in his buff.

One of the sweat bands.

Leslie and Gerson in their sweat bands.

Tico wearing one of the bandanas. 

At some point in the afternoon, someone found a baby bird on the ground near our tables. There are some spindly trees that grow at the west end of the house, and a couple of Cardinals had built a nest in the top branches. The wind must have blown their baby out. They kept flying around the tops of the trees, trying to figure out how to take care of the little guy. Luckily, with the use of some hoes, rakes, ladders, and teamwork, we managed to put the little guy back into his nest. I hope he makes it after that fall! It was pretty high.

We finished the day off with more swimming, Mentos geysers, and picked up dinner at Rosa's so that we wouldn't have to cook. 

The girls loved the boat...

Pete... not so much.

Scott and Molly with Pete in his life vest. For a lab, he isn't all that comfortable in the water. I think we all hope he will adjust. He would be a blast to swim with. 

Unfortunately, the heat and exhaustion were starting to take a toll on most of us. In hind sight, we probably should have called it quits this afternoon. Up until this point, we had been having a pretty good time. But, the next day... not so much.