A Thrill of Hope

A Thrill of Hopeby Denise Lyon

This year most of us are holding on even more dearly to family. Even with constraints, we can still spend time together (in person or virtually) and celebrate with at least a few of our warm and comforting traditions. The smell of gingerbread baking, the creativity of making loaves of holiday bread or transforming your house into a winter wonderland with lights, or pom-poms that look like snow, are easy ways to create a magical world in your own home.

A Sweet Surprise Treat

There are countless ways to deck the halls. Gingerbread can be cut into a forest of trees, tied onto napkins, or even put in a cloche that creates a miniature snowy world.

Homemade Gingerbread Loaves

Freshly baked gingerbread loaves wrapped in parchment paper and tied with wide ribbons make a beautiful statement.

adapted from pillsbury.com, makes two loaves

Bread 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 eggs 3/4 cup molasses 1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 4 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Glaze 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (8x4-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat well. In small bowl, stir molasses, water and baking soda until well mixed; beat into brown sugar mixture.

Mix flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and cloves together in separate bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into egg mixture until well blended. Spoon batter evenly into pans.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling rack 15 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

In small bowl, stir together powdered sugar and enough lemon juice for desired consistency. Brush glaze over cooled loaves. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.

Classic Décor A simple antique filled with bleached pine cones & pomegranates can be elegant, festive touch

A Festive Touch

Adorn the table with colorful holiday items, like small stockings for a fun twist

Create Your Own Snow Storm

For fun, various sized pom-poms are strung on fishing line to make it look like it’s snowing outside. Assemble fishing line, sewing needle, pom-poms, nuts, glue gun, 4 inch wide foam board, cut size to window or area. Thread needle and string pom-poms, using a nut tied and glued to the bottom for weight. Marking the foam board along the center, then poke a hole every 3 or 4 inches along the center. Thread the top of fishing line through each hole and glue, keeping each strand separate. Repeat. When all lines are attached to foam board, hang over window.

Wishing you a safe, healthy and warm holidays!