Where it all began! Michigan, Baking & Family

Good Morning, Happy New Year to you all.

As I reflect back over my life.  Love of food and the memories it plays in our lives is even more apparent this time of the year.

I grew up with a Swedish Grandmother, Mother and Godmother. We were all born in the snowy state of Michigan with roots directly to Sweden.   Tradition is very important when it comes to Christmas along with the Holiday Baking of many cookies.

I am the family member who breaks the rules.  Christmas Eve dinner is appetizers; with a few Swedish Dishes in the mix.  Herring and Beet Pickles; along with Rice Pudding with Raspberries.  A blanched almond is hidden in the rice pudding.  The one who finds it in their serving is the one to marry in the coming year.  I won’t tell you who got it this year.  We will just have to wait and see.

My cookies are not all of the traditional ones made by my Mom and Grandma.  But I do make a few of the family favorite recipes; Dream Cookies (Browned Butter Cookies), Spritz and Russian Teacakes.  It also fun to reflect on the other family favorite recipes given to me over the years by good friends. My childhood friend sent me her Mom’s handwritten recipes this year.  I baked some and sent them to her.  Her Mom was a wonderful cook and memories of picnics and potlucks are etched in my mind.

More to come with Measures in 2021.  My happiest wishes to you all and watch out for the almond!