Christmas we ALL share

The Holidays are a special time.  It is one holiday that starts around December 1st for most people and for Americans, it starts the moment we finish the last bite of our turkey at Thanksgiving.  At Costco, I think celebration can start as soon as September?! 

No matter when and where you celebrate, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah happen around relatively the same time.  At the end of the year, most people become nostalgic to family traditions or to the amazing year that they have survived.  It's one time in the whole year where we are celebrating the gift of giving and time with family close and afar. 

Like most cultures, food is the center of attention during this time.  While most countries concoct different foods to celebrate, there is one on my mind that differ but still the same in each country: COOKIES.  Flour, sugar, butter and a pinch of salt can make MAGIC happen.  The secret is the baker and add-ons....what are these add-on's?


 1.  Sugar Cookie - Buttery and yet versatile, this cookie can be anything:  Santa Claus to Candy Canes....even Spider Man.  This seems to be a staple in the American cookie Jar. 

http://rcakewalk.blogspot.com/2010/09/daring-baker-challenge-september-2010

 2.  Krumkakes - How smart are those Norwegians?!  Who doesn't love an awesome waffle cone with their ice-cream?  Think warm and light piped with luscious cream and dusted with sugar.  Traditionally, they are imprinted on old cast irons with signature stamps over a hot stove.  Today, they are easily made with an electric iron. 

http://tabletalkny.blogspot.com/2011/07/as-promised.html

http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Speculaas-Molded-Ginger-Cookies

3.  Speculaas  [spekyˈlaːs], Flemish Dutch biscuit where they are molded to tell a story.  They are used to celebrate St. Nicholas Feast in December 5th (Netherlands), December 6th (Belgium) and Northern France.  While there are various styles, all are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom and white pepper, the leavening agent differs between the Germans (baker's ammonia) and Dutch & Belgians (baking soda).  The cookies are molded with wooden frames where each shape is part of the story of St. Nicholas.  Americans know them as Windmill cookies but I honestly love the rustic Dutch version.

http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/polishdesserts/r/kolaczki.htm

4.  Polish Tea Cookies is very similar to what we know as Thumbprint Cookies with Jam.  While we often make them round, the cookies can be square or diamond shape.  The dough can also be flaky or yeast risen.  The jams vary from pineapple, raspberry, prunes or sweet cheeses. 





5.  At first I looked at these without a second look but the more research I did, the more these came up.  I HAVE to embrace my Canadian character.  Not only do Canadians have Poutine (more about that later) but they have NANAIMO bars.  I think I walked by them in the bakery as a kid and hoping my Mother will get them for me.  Thankfully, she did not indulge my sweet tooth in that way.  But I did indulge in them when they were at holiday and school parties.  This no-bake cookie bar sandwiched with peanut butter and glazed with chocolate freezes well but let's be honest...there will be NO LEFTOVERS!  I even remember the chocolate glaze to be laced with minty goodness at times.  The picture says it all!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/2007-cookies-from-around-the-world/pictures/page-7.html

Whether you are a baker, an eater or a little of both, I hope that these cookies will stimulate your sweet tooth! Cookies are always better with company and I'm sure Santa will enjoy these tantalizing cookies and more on Sunday night! ;)   

Happy Holidays!