Stollen worthy..

The Chilliwack to Victoria Reems phone lines had a flurry of activity this week. Rachel and I logged in a record number of calls over a topic very dear to our hearts and stomachs, stollen. We came away from last year's stollen baking class with a wonderful, but cryptic recipe; so as we baked our stollen batches, in kitchens a ferry ride apart, much consultation was needed.

Important questions such as: Anise or no? How much simple syrup and rum to soak the dried fruit? To peel or not to peel? Is your sponge looking a tad dry? In response were wise insights, gems such as: Don't skimp on the almond paste. Organic citrus for the best zest...

It might take years before we nail down just the right steps to post a recipe for this wonderful bread. So instead I'll tease you with this lovely stollen photo. If you spend time with us these holidays and share a stollen, count yourself stollen-worthy. If not, there's always next year.

Merry Christmas!

Crockpot Cider

Last night was Chilliwack's Santa Parade. Attending with Coby and Finn makes parade viewing secondary to the entertainment right next to me - little frosty fingers waving for the candy hand-outs, little bodies bobbing to jazzed up Christmas carols, saucer-eyes beaming at flat-beds decked out with lights. Finn's favourite- 'Mom that one has a gorilla AND a monkey.' Santa definitely took a back seat.

Coming back home to a crock pot full of apple cider is a lovely treat - something that I like to prepare a few times over the Christmas season. It's easy, feels special (particularly to a 4-year-old), and makes the house smell amazing. If you don't have a crock pot, or are staying home just let the cider simmer in a pot over low heat.

On low for at least two, but as many as four or five hours - Pour in one or two cartons of 100 percent apple juice (definitely use real apple cider if available) and add a teaspoon or so of whole cloves per carton, and few cinnamon sticks (I used two last night for one carton - I would count on one per child, they make a great stir stick). For extra pizazz add sliced apples or cranberries to the mixture.