As I have mentioned before, Elfie can get into quite a bit of mischief. Take last night. Do you know that he had put most of Jack and Amelia's presents in my bedroom closet ... and they found them! I immediately ushered them away from the goodies to find Elfie (who was still at his post downstairs) while an un-named master elf hid the toys again. When I returned to the scene with Amelia and Jack, the toys were mysteriously gone. Oooh! I told Amelia she must be doing a good job of being good because it sounds like Santa and his elves already have her presents ready and now they are just playing fun tricks with her. So, today, Elfie upped the ante (for distraction purposes) by hiding baby candy canes in fun spots, getting chocolate all over his face, and leaving powdered sugar footprints all over the counter.
Gracious sakes... :o)
Speaking of crazy elves...
It seems Christmas is creeping up on me faster than ever this year! So this week, I am trying to bake small batches of cookies and candies in order to get my fill before the season is over. Like I mentioned the other day, Amelia is all about some kitchen time these days, and I am taking full advantage of her eagerness. I hope she is always this excited to spend time with me. :o)
Tonight, we made SNOWBALLS!
This cookie is, by far, one of the trickiest recipes I've ever attempted. This is my third year baking them. I have tried various recipes and variations in technique. Every time I put them in the oven, I say a quick prayer. Ha! If you have ever made these, then you know what I mean. If you have made these, and you do NOT know what I mean, then I want your recipe!
As soon as I get a free second, I promise I will post recipes for this and for the other things I've mentioned this week since I have gotten several emails regarding the recipes. I am in a major hurry to curl up and watch the Burgermeister Meisterburger!
I have a recipe for Snowballs, but we call them Russian Teacakes. I have never had problems with them. I think they are the easiest, no fail cookie ever! My recipe is in this post:
http://amberdawnlo.blogspot.com/2008/12/today-i-am-joining-in-virtual-cookie.html
Look for Russian Teacakes.
My only problem is not eating them all in one sitting!
Posted by: Amber | December 20, 2010 at 07:05 PM
I've never had a problem with my grandmother's recipe either....if you really want it I would be happy to post it! Best tip, make sure and put the powdered sugar on when they are still pretty stinkin' warm and then roll them again in the powedered sugar after they cool some!
Heather
Posted by: Heather | December 20, 2010 at 07:45 PM
Even if they are tricky to make, they look jolly, jolly good! you are an inspiration to me. Two small children to entertain with the help of an elf,and still able to bake.
:O) xx
Posted by: sadie | December 20, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Snowballs are my FAVORITES!! Love them. It sounds like the Master Elf is really busy at your house. haha. I had to laugh out loud thinking of AK and Jack finding the gifts. Oh.my.word:)
Posted by: Maria | December 21, 2010 at 09:10 AM
Oh my! You might be the most fun Elfie I've ever heard! You inspire me to be way more creative with our elf (Sam)!! Powdered sugar footprints might be the cutest thing I've ever heard!!!
And it's physically impossible not to laugh hysterically when you watch a jib jab video! IMPOSSIBLE
I have never made those snowballs before and after reading this, I most certainly don't plan on it! I am not much of a baker so anything and everything sounds intimidating to me! I somehow have to figure out an easy recipe for Biscotti before Saturday though because my dear husband has requested it multiple times!
Posted by: Bri | December 21, 2010 at 10:06 AM
I can't wait till Baby Shortcake is old enough to enjoy the shelf elf! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: mrs shortcake | December 21, 2010 at 02:11 PM
Amelia Kate and Jack Jack have grown so TALL since your last post!
Claire
Posted by: Heart Reflections Live | December 21, 2010 at 09:22 PM
We call them Mexican wedding cakes.
Bri, I use the biscotti recipe at mariesaba.com. Easy and delicious.
Posted by: KS | December 23, 2010 at 01:25 PM
You know how I love a good video. Laughing hysterically at this one! Mike (by far) wins with his solo on the hay. I admit I was a little scared of the thought of Amelia dancing with a pitch fork :)
Elfie has been really tricky this year! I am thinking with all ths baking going on you might need to work on some mini cookies for him. I am sure the kids will help. AK can work the flour or should I say snow - HAHAHAHA! The votes will be in tomorrow :)
Posted by: Kelly Jo | December 23, 2010 at 08:46 PM
Hi,
I just finished making the dough for those cookies! They're in the fridge now! I use a recipe out of my grandmother's Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook. It's an old version. They're called Sandies. I've never had a problem with them.
The recipe is:
1 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans.
Cream butter and sugar; add 2 teaspoons water and vanilla; mix well. Blend in flour and nuts; chill 4 hours. Shape in balls or fingers. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 325 about 20 minutes. Remove from pan; cool slightly; roll in confectioners' sugar. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Yours look wonderful, though!!
Posted by: lori | December 24, 2010 at 06:31 AM
I am so behind! I cannot believe Jack and Amelia found the stash!! Wow, I bet you liketa died! I know I would have. Hope y'all had a great Christmas!!
Posted by: Carrie Mizell | December 28, 2010 at 05:59 AM
I have never seen a cuter elf.
Posted by: Dani | March 06, 2011 at 03:29 AM