The holidays are filled with traditions. Religious traditions take on deep meaning for some people this time of year, but I am talking about the traditions we create in our own homes with our own immediate family. Some things get passed down and enjoyed by several generations like spritz cookies at NOLD.
I remember making them as a child and was delighted to find a cookie press at a garage sale long ago before my husband and I even had children. Not one of the new plastic cookie presses found in all the stores these days, but an aluminum cookie press from Mirro still in the original box. Then, I found another one after my second daughter was born; I want to pass one down to each of them.
My spritzer cookie recipe includes brown sugar and almond extract, although I have seen many different versions in print and online. And, I love coloring the dough to celebrate the season and enhance the visual presentation of the cookies.
I remember watching in amazement as a young child how the dough would come out of the mold in beautiful shapes. Once they filled the baking sheet, we could help decorate them with sprinkles of all sorts, usually heavily. As a child, more was certainly better.
Really, I could be playing with blocks or toy soldiers, but I am playing with dough and a press instead. I have made all sorts of cookies already this year, but I am saving cut out cookies and spritz cookies to make with my girls now that school has ended. I can see how much they already appreciate and look forward to our traditions. The time together is priceless.
Christmas trees are my favorite whether filled with ornaments or as spritz cookies with milk. Beautiful, don't you agree?
