june at noon

Christmas baking, that is. What’s Christmas without some homemade goodies?

Every year I like to fill reusable containers with some special things for our family and friends. I always include some tiger fudge, and then I choose a couple of new things to make. (Last year’s homemade jelly was a hit!) More recently I’ve started including a handmade ornament as well.

I’ve learned over the years that, in such a busy season, simpler is better and still just as appreciated, so all year long I bookmark recipes for things that take minimal effort for maximum impact. I have so many bookmarks that I will have things to try for many, many years to come.

This year I tackled a couple of new items with great success. I can attest that they were, indeed, simple (despite a broken mixer) and good.

There were peppermint marshmallows, made with this recipe.

And pie crust cookies, made with this recipe.

And applesauce and cinnamon ornaments.

There are numerous recipes available for these. I used equal parts applesauce and cinnamon, rolled it to about 1/4″ thick, and cut with cookie cutters. I used a straw to cut out holes for hanging, and I let them dry for a few days before threading with red yarn from my stash. (Some recipes recommend adding a bit of craft glue into the dough as well.)

This year I found some great, festive-looking buckets with a clear top, so I wrapped up all the goodies inside, covered them with tissue paper, and then placed the ornament on top so you could see it through the lid.

It’s just another small way we enjoy Handmade Holidays. We keep it simple, but simple can often be quite delicious!