The Amish Cook: Grandma’s Christmas Cut-Out Cookies and Holiday Caroling

Holmes County

Grandma’s  Christmas Cut-Out Cookies

THE AMISH COOK
BY GLORIA YODER
Holiday greetings to all!
Can it really be true that Christmas is just around the corner? Is 2014 actually coming to a close in a few weeks?
In thinking about Christmas my mind travels back to girlhood days. As a little girl I loved going to Ohio or to my grandparents on Mom’s side.  We would be so excited when we arrived to the beautiful hills of Holmes County, Ohio after an eight hour drive.  The Christmas season could be felt in the air as Grandma’s candles flickered cozily, casting a holiday scent throughout her house. I loved spending time at her house, she always made me feel special.
Now years have passed since I was a little girl at Grandpa’s yet I still love going to their house. Sitting at Grandma’s table and eating her tasty food off her pretty dishes is always a treat. Unfortunately I don’t get to spend Christmas at their house very often. Each year Grandma prepares a huge box with gifts for each of us and sends it out here to Illinoisi for us to enjoy. We always eagerly anticipate its arrival simply because it’s from grandma and grandpa’s with love! Last year I was delighted to receive a pillow top Grandma pieced and quilted. It even matched with the quilt she made for Daniel and I as a wedding gift!
Grandma’s Christmas candy and cut-out cookies are a special treat for all of us. At home Mom always had to ration the amounts we were allowed to eat or they would be gone in no time! Grandma makes all kinds of chocolate candy such as peanut-raisin clusters, coconut drops and turtles. Her cut-out cookies come in all shapes and sizes, frosted and topped off with sprinkles. I’d like to give you her recipe in case you also chose to make some over the holidays.
Another Christmas memory that stands out to me is of the times my Mom took my siblings and I along with our neighbor children Christmas caroling. We walked from house to house throughout the neighborhood singing for our parents and grandparents. We were always eager to see what kind of candy or snack would be served to us after caroling at each house.
Now since I’m married we enjoy having the young carolers come to our house singing for us. I wish you could join me watching them and listening to their songs. It’s truly worth the show! Imagine a group of 12 children ages 4 – 12 all bundled up, braving the weather. The excitement levels soar high as they sing at the top of their lungs. The best part of all is when they sing “I said the Donkey.” Some sing while the rest neigh like a donkey or bleat like cows and sheep. At the end of they all shout “Merry Christmas!” We quickly hand out some treats and they’re on their way once more.
May each of you have a blessed Christmas and may God be glorified for sending Jesus to set us free from guilt and shame. Praise His name!
GRANDMA’S CHRISTMAS CUT-OUT COOKIES
2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
3 eggs
1 cup cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
5 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups flour
Combine in order given. Chill dough at least 8 hours. Roll out to ¼ inch thick. Bake at 325 until cookie is set (8 – 10 minutes). Don’t over-bake. Cool and frost and enjoy! Yield: 5 dozen

Frosting
1 /2 cup butter, melted
1 /4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Whip everything together, spread on cookies. For extra flavor try browning the butter till almond burnt or replacing the milk with prepared coffee.