Run, run as fast as you can...

My giant gingerbread man cookie pan has been calling my name for the last 3 months, so after trying (and tossing out)101 different recipes, I finally found
THE one, well the one for this project...
The Wiltons Gingerbread recipe produced golden brown men with an enticingly spicy aroma and they were firm enough to survive the not-so-gentle handling of a 2 year old on a sugar high!

For every sweet stuck on his gingerbread man, he ate 3!!

 A 2 year old and a 4 year old on a sugar high, are like weapons of mass destruction!!! Fortunately, an energetic game of 'catch the gingerbread man' left both ButterBalls (and me!) exhausted, in need of a cold shower and a nap.
All in all, the ButterBalls thoroughly enjoyed every sticky, candy-coated moment!

GINGERBREAD RECIPE
5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground cloves
250g margarine (Stork/Rama)
1 cup caramel sugar
1 1/4 cup molasses /golden syrup
2 eggs beaten

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F/ 180 degrees C
Thoroughly mix dry ingredients; set aside.
In a microwaveable bowl, place margarine, sugar and molasses. Microwave for a few minutes, until margarine has melted and sugar has dissolved.
Allow mixture to cool. Beat in egg.
Add dry ingredients and knead well.
Add more flour if necessary.
Divide dough into 2 equal balls.
Press one ball evenly into greased cookie pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Turn pan over to release and cool completely.
Once cool, decorate with icing, gumdrops etc.
Makes 2 jumbo gingerbread men.

Tis the season to be jolly...

 

From all the holidays and special occasions during the year, Christmas has always been at the top of my list and after having kids, my love for this time of year as increased a hundred-fold. Putting up your tree...carols by candle light...glowing Christmas lights, all gain a magical lustre when viewed through the eyes of children.
So bring on the Fun, Love, Laughter, Family traditions and Magical moments!!!

Family tree

ButterBalls' Tree

 Christmas, in our family, kicks off on December 1
when we 'Deck the halls'. This year, the ButterBalls
have a tree of their very own. They had a blast decorating it and spread the Christmas cheer to every corner of the room!










 

This year, Ethan is finally old enough to enjoy our 'Story a night till Christmas' tradition (without ripping off all the wrapping and attempting to eat the ribbons)

On our reading list this year...
The sweet smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry
God gave us Christmas by Lisa Bergren
Frosty the Snowman by Diane Muldrow
One night in Bethlehem by Jill Roman Lord
The night before Christmas by Clement Moore
Bear stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
and The legend of the candy-cane.... which inspired our Christmas photo shoot.

 

 

Now to get the ButterBalls to learn the poem that goes with it...
                                              THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY_CANE
Look at the candy-cane, What do you see?
Stripes that are red, like the Blood shed for me.
White is for my Savior who is sinless and pure,
'J' is for Jesus, My Lord that's for sure!
Turn it around and a staff you will see
Jesus my Shepherd was born for me!!!

Sometimes the true meaning of Christmas gets lost under all the tinsel, wrapping paper and ribbons. I pray my little ButterBalls never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season!!!