Advent Calendar: Day 12

It’s my day to participate in the Advent Calendar hosted by Kelly and Marg!

I love Christmas, and how December slowly leads up to it. :) I haven’t been a Christian for many years, but there are so many more secular traditions around the holiday that make me happy. Santa’s so fun, whether it’s in my parents’ collection (there are ten various Santas staring at me in the living room right now) or in traditional poems like “Twas the Night Before Christmas” or in us all hanging up stockings in front of our fireplace. It’s also great to drive around at night and see houses decorated with Christmas lights, whether classy or tacky! And Christmas trees are my favourite. I love decorating one with the family, unwrapping all of the same ornaments year after year, bringing back memories. I love having a tree softly glowing in the corner, and that feeling when it’s late at night and I’m the only one awake, curled up with reading with just a lamp on and the fireplace and Christmas tree. It’s so warm and cozy. And of course I love presents! ;)

When December rolls around, I get really excited for three things: cookies, carols, and hot chocolate! So I thought I’d share two recipes and two songs with you. :)

Even though I’m no longer a Christian, I love many of the traditional, religious carols for their beauty. And one of my favourite lesser-known ones is “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Here one of my favourite singers, Sarah McLachlan, is singing it live:

As far as the peppier, secular Christmas songs go, those are great too! And the one that can always get me out of my seat is “Jingle Bell Rock” (I know, it’s not exactly un-famous). Here it is in Bobby Helm’s original recording:

Now for those recipes! I often make lots of cookies during Christmas, but there’s one type that I always have to make: chocolate chip cookies. Why? Well, there’s Santa’s favourite, so we always put out a plate of them with a glass of milk, as well as a big bowl of water and plate of baby carrots for the reindeer! Here’s the classic recipe, which in our family’s opinion is always the best:
Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:

• 2 1/4c all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 c butter, softened
• 3/4 c granulated sugar
• 3/4c brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).

Combine dry ingredients. In seperate bowl, beat butter, both sugar’s, and vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Gradually beat in flour mix. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop on an ungreased baking sheet [the original recipe recommends using a tablespoon, but my mom and I prefer to make much bigger cookies! -Eva]

Bake 9-11 minutes until golden brown. Best enjoyed gooey and warm straight out of the oven!

Hot chocolate is really easy to make from powdered cocoa, and in my opinion it’s much more delicious. :) I always make this recipe during Dewey’s read-a-thons too, and it’s so pretty and warming!

Basic Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:

• 1/2c sugar
• 1/3c cocoa powder [I prefer darker chocolate, so that’s my minimum ratio-sometimes I add a bit more cocoa powder! If you’re a milk chocolate fan, decrease to 1/4c.]
• 1/3c water
• 4c milk
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract

Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and water: whisk until thoroughly combined in a large saucepan (you’ll be adding the milk later). Add a dash or two of salt. Bring to a low boil on the stove top, whisking often. Allow to boil for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat. Whisk in the milk and vanilla, then slowly reheat, making sure not to bring it to a boil.