A Recipe and Holiday Success to Empower You and Your Pocketbook

 

                                                      Food Network Magazine, Holiday Cookie

                                                      Cookbook, January 2023, page 8.

Shopping for gifts can be daunting, but it's like dinner, needs to be taken care of. So, what do you do if you do not know what to purchase, or if the budget just does not expand as far as you would like it to?

First, here are some gift ideas for those you love, or those who have been ever present in your life with encouragement and support.

Make pies, cakes, cookies, or some other treat. Homemade gifts go further than storebought gifts. They are heartfelt and connecting, bring big time joy, more than you would have ever expected. Some cookie tips from the image above. Though I know you can pull up recipes and tips from the internet, this one is special since it came from the Holiday Cookie Cookbook | Food Network Magazine, January of 2023 | page 8, hope you will enjoy the tips if you don't already know them. It's not like we do this stuff every day.

Next, write a poem. If you are not a poet, I encourage to write a friendly letter showing appreciation to the person with some scriptures, it goes a long, long way (visualize California to Connecticut - a long, long way).

If you are good at sewing, sew something. You can make your own pattern, or purchase one, and make nice pillows for the living room sofa. Pray over the pillows and what a great gift of decor and headrest the pillow or pillows will make.

Take the time to clean someone's yard: Rake the leaves- good exercise! A worthy gift and makes the yard look nice.

Paint a picture. If you don't paint, you can find something you do well, do that (decorate, cut hair, etc.).

If you are good with business, help someone draw up a business plan and help them with their 2026 plans.

Other practical ideas, make someone a nice meal and some dessert, food gifts go a long way.

A jar of Chex mixes with chocolate covered M & M's are always nice.

If someone has everything, then, they just may need you to spend time with them.

Those who are sad, need a boost. Not the shake, Boost, but encouragement.

Hope these ideas are helpful as we celebrate Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, at Christmas.

Orange-Rosemary Icebox Cookies 

Active:45 min | Total: 1 hr (plus 3 hr chilling) | Makes: about 36

Grated zest of orange

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg, separated, plus 1 egg yolk

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sanding sugar (course large-crystal sugar used for decorating baked goods).

Credit: Holiday Cookie Cookbook by Food Network Magazine January 2023, page 47 for both the recipe and instructions.

1. Combine the orange zest, granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, rosemary and salt in a food processor and process, scraping the bowl occasionally, until the mixture is sandy and turns orange, about 1 minute. Add the butter and process until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the egg yoks and process, scraping the bowl occasionally, until combine, about 1 minute. Add the flour and process until smooth, about 1 minute (The dough will be very soft).

2. Divide the dough in half and place each half on a sheet of plastic wrap; shape each into a 10-inch-long long. Wrap the 2 logs tightly and refrigerate until firm but not hard, 1 hour. Unwrap and reshape each into a smooth, even cylinder. Wrap again tightly and refrigerate until very hard, at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly beat the eff white in a small bowl. Brush 1 log all over with some of the egg white, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sanding sugar. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-to1/2-inch-thick rounds. Arrange the slices 2 inches apart on one of the prepared pans. Repeat with the second log of dough.

4. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are golden around the edges, 20 to 24 minutes. Transfer the pans to racks and let cool 5 minutes, then remove the cookies to the racks to cool completely.

Sharing this information is helpful because not everyone may have access to the internet or may remember such a delicious recipe. 

Often, women who leave an abuser and move forward, do not remember how to cook certain dishes or bake specific desserts because trauma hides all of it for a time. Then, one day, you wake up and remember bits and pieces, or all of the recipes just like that. 

Once you feel the drawing to hop by in the kitchen and create some dishes, it will happen. The desire must be there, and healing and recovery in areas must take place (see Zephaniah 3:17-20).

Merry Christmas!

Women Empowerment Solutions, Inc.

Empowering Women Against Domestic Abuse.