CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

 

 

It´s Christmas time! I really love this time. There is always something I can´t even explain but it warms my soul. There is something in the air, something magic… the warmth of Christmas. Don´t you think? ;) Maybe the excitement in the eyes of many people, watching it snow or listening to Christmas songs all month makes it kind of a special time of the year. People even seem to be nicer and friendlier…

Now, I am going to write about how I celebrate Christmas. Since I can remember I celebrate this day with my family – including my parents and my two sisters. There are only just us 5. It´s always kind of a homelike and special atmosphere. I love sitting around the tree and talking with them. In this moments everything is right with the world.

Before doing so, we prepare Christmas dinner. When we cook the whole family plays a part. My younger sister and I help to grate cheese or to cut vegetables. My older sister lays the table and my father mixes the dressing for the salad. Mum gets up early to prepare part of the main course so that we don´t need so much time afterwards – we are all hungry then! And want to eat as soon as possible! :D Even for the things I didn´t mention, we work as a team. It´s always so much fun! I´m smiling right now just remembering the laughter…

When I was younger, all the kids in my age were sure that the "Christkind" is the one that decorates the tree and brings presents. On Christmas Eve it comes and leaves them under the tree. How hilarious… :D I never believed in the "Christkind". My parents never told me that and I think I will do the same with my children. Why telling a "lie"?! Getting presents is always exciting, no matter if a golden-haired baby with wings or parents bring them ;)

I really love Christmas! This is such a great time of the year when we come together as a family and celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

3 HEALTHY CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES

We all know that Christmas is just around the corner and there are only a couple of days left till Christmas Eve! In order to be perfectly prepared in terms of food I have come up with my favourite Christmas cookies. Here are three healthy cookie recipes for you try out – it´s definitely worth it! ;)

 

 

Almond & Honey-Butter Cookies

Healthy, because:
This cookie uses honey as the only sweetener. Honey is just as sweet and much healthier than sugar, because it provides some nutrients such as B vitamins. Also, ground almonds replace much of the butter as they are high in heart-healthy fats.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup ground almonds

2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup honey
1/3 cup canola oil
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 large egg

 

Directions:

Step 1: Use a large bowl and add whole wheat flour, baking powder and salt - stir until just combined.

Step 2: Beat 2/3 cup honey, oil and butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Add egg and beat until blended.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.

Step 4: Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.

Step 5: Place spoonfuls of the cookie mixture on a baking tray and press down to flatten a little. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Wishing everyone bon appétit! :)

 

 

Linzer Cookies

Healthy, because:

Whole-wheat flour is used instead of white flour (like in my other Christmas cookie recipes as well! ;) ). Whole grains contain higher amounts of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup ground almonds (or hazelnuts)

1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 teaspoon water
1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup jam
2 tablespoon water
powdered sugar for dusting

 

Directions:

Step 1: Use a large bowl and mix ground nuts, flour, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl whisk egg with 2 teaspoon water.

Step 2: Beat butter with sugar until smooth.  Add egg and water mixture and beat for another minute.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently. Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours.

Step 4: Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.

Step 5: Roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles. Use a smaller round cookie cutter to cut circles out of the centers of half of the cookies (these will form the tops).

Step 6: Bake cookies for 12 minutes. While doing that, bring jam and 2 teaspoon water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Dust top cookie halves with powdered sugar. Place a small spoonful of jam on each bottom cookie. Place a top cookie half over the jam - finished! These cookies look really nice and taste twice as good! :)

 

Gingerbread:

Healthy, because:

They boost your iron intakes - and iron plays a key role in energy production! These delicious cookies also contain ginger – an herb used as a spice and also as a medicine.

 

Ingredients:

3 cups whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoons warm water
(almonds or other nuts for decorating)

 

Directions:

Step 1: Put butter, sugar, egg and warmed molasses into a large bowl. Dissolve baking soda in warm water and add to egg mixture - beat until smooth.

Step 2: Mix in flour, spices and salt until well blended. Cover and chill for 24 hours.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.

Step 4: Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch on a floured surface. Cut out cookies with desired cutter (gingerbread man cutter definitely look cute, but I used the normal round ones).

Step 5: Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the oven. It smells incredible!! *0*