The first Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange was in 2013 and there was only one year that
was missed since then. Thanks to all of you who participated and visited those years!
I've been seriously working through my stash to finish projects.
I attacked the quilt kits first and have really put a dent in them.
This one was really cute with a vintage look.
Easy and quick to finish!
It's quilted, bound, and ready to be gifted!
Baking cookies doesn't happen around here since the grandkids moved away.
Though I'd love to eat three dozen cookies on my own, it's not a good idea.
I hope my neighbors are ready for some yummy treats.
Of course, the older I get, nothing is easy when it comes to baking.
I sometimes forget an ingredient or two. Whoops!
I decided to make a recipe by my niece that my sister shared on her blog.
Yes, they have sugar in them.
Yes, they are not diet friendly.
Yes, they are really, really rich.
Yes, they are incredibly good!
CARAMEL OATMEAL CARMELITA BARS
Recipe can be found HERE
These chocolate chip cookies got a kiss in the middle of them.
I did leave a few unkissed ones for my husband who doesn't love that extra chocolate.
My grandson is serving a mission in Brazil. I love all his email letters!
He told us about his attempt to make cookies in different conditions than he was
used to. The oven and Brazil-type ingredients made some "horrible" cookies.
Monkey Boy #2:
"Yesterday, after making 11 batches of cookies over the course of 5 weeks, we finally made
cookies that we were proud of and that were actually good enough to call cookies."
As a missionary, he related the cookie fiasco into a spiritual thought:
"Our cookies got a little bit better every time we made another batch, sometimes they even
got worse, and just like in life we're living in a constant effort to improve ourselves little by little.
It's hard, but if we rely on the Lord he will continue to give us strength and guidance along the way.
Our cookies still have room to improve too. They were good, but they can be better.
We will also always have room to improve and things to work on, but God will provide a way.
So don't worry about being perfect right now, and focus on the little things that you can control
because God will carry you the rest of the way."
I appreciate his sweet thoughts as he serves this mission.
It's hard to believe Monkey Boy #2 is grown up and living in Brazil!
Please take the time to visit these awesome friends and their Christmas fun!
DECEMBER 1st
DECEMBER 2nd
DECEMBER 3rd
DECEMBER 4TH
Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Good morning Carol. You have been busy, and what a great idea to unearth those almost forgotten projects. I'm working on one from 2004. I call it the Quilt from Heaven. It will take me that long to finish it. I'll have to relish those bard from afar. We too are being somewhat more careful these days.
ReplyDeleteWow, Carol, I love that quilt--someone will surely enjoy receiving that! Those caramel cookies look amazing, and, of course, so do the chocolate chip cookies! Thanks for hosting! Have a wonderful Christmas season!
ReplyDeleteYour vintage look quilt is just beautiful! Those Carmelitas look so good, as do the chocolate chip cookies - my favorites. How weird about the ovens and ingredients in Brazil, but your grandson sounds like a gem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting!
Well now, if your quilt doesn't being a little HO HO HO to the season! Your cookies look delicious and wow, your all grown up grandson sure does have the spirit in him. What a great outlook on life! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love that quilt...such fun fabrics. The cookies are delightful and would be a fabulous treat. Fun story about MB#2 - can't believe how grown up these kids are! We do all have room to grow...many thanks for the reminder and the cookie analogy!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, great finish. The cookies look great, and hard to believe MB#2 is on a mission! Thanks for another great virtual cookie exchange!
ReplyDeleteOh, Carol, your quilt is adorable! Love that vintage look. Your cookies lood delicious and I will adding both recipes to my collection. Yum! Loved hearing your grandson's trials and tribulations with baking cookies in a foreign country, as well as his message to trust in God and give Him the glory in everything. We should all count our blessings for sure.
ReplyDeleteThose letters from your grandson are precious!! I know how frustrating it is to try and bake or cook in another country. I remember my son calling me on his gap year program and asking how to roast a chicken on a cooktop without an oven!! He learned a great deal and ended up cutting up the raw chicken and stir frying it, sort of, with vegetables. Improvising is what life is all about! Thanks for sharing great recipes and terrific stories. Your quilt is lovely too!!
ReplyDeleteLove the cookie story. I never made a cookie good enough to eat so you are way ahead of me. Note from your son was really moving, I enjoyed it. I love that you're finishing up the goodies in your stash. Your kit made up into a super cute vintage quilt.
ReplyDeleteGrands grow so, so quickly; I think it's because of our age. Yummy looking cookies and bars. A must try...that's for sure. LJ at bulltulip69 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteSanta Claus quilt is the best! And your cookies look delicious. Happy holidays. Laura
ReplyDeleteI love your sons word of encouragement in relation to God and the process of baking cookies. It's wonderful that he is living in Brazil and sharing the word of God there. His cookies look delicious and so does your Carmel Oatmeal Bars and Chocolate Chip Cookies. That Santa quilt is adorable.
ReplyDeleteDarling quilt, Carol. You have convinced me that I need to try those caramel cookies. Loved your grandsons cookie making comparisons to life. It was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSo many choices for that sweet, chocolatey goodness! The quilt is lovely, and I enjoyed reading Monkey Boy's reflections on cookies and life. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is adorable. Thank you so much for wonderful hop.
ReplyDeleteThat quilt is adorable and the cookies look great! I may have to set my sights on a gluten-free version of that bar!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is gorgeous and the cookies look soooo delicious!!! So glad we have this hop again this year for Christmas inspiration!! xx
ReplyDeleteThose cookies look yummy! and love the quilt
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is adorable and the cookies sound great, Carol! I know you are so proud of Monkey Boy #2 and such wise words from a young man. Thanks for hosting this fun hop!!
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