Santa - this one is enough to scare anyone!!

Santa - 1954

It's a wonder we were all tramatized by this Santa. When we would spend Christmas with my maternal grandparents, "Jean" and "Gumpy", we would be treated by a visit from Santa himself. This Santa suit dated back to the 1920's. The mask was incredibly bizarre! I remember getting so caught up in the moment of his arrival that it was perfectly okay with me that Santa either wore my grandfather's Aggie ring or my uncle's Tulane ring. What a cooincidence! In later years one of my brothers would dress in the same costume and entertain my oldest son and youngest brother. Great memories!

Christmas 1954

Christmas 1954

My mother and sister (left) and I all had matching "dusters" that my grandmother had made for us. That was such fun for us all to be dressed alike. You can barely tell but this is the Christmas that I had the mumps!

Feliz Navidad from Carmen and David

Merry Christmas from Mexico!

Carmen and David - 2009

My grandchildren live in Mexico... too far for a quick drive to Abuela and Pop's home. Thank goodness for iPhones and being able to send pictures back and forth. This Christmas tree is in Carmen's bedroom. I think it's beautiful!

How to make English Dainties and Mother B's Fruitcake

English Dainties

First step:

1/4 lb. butter

1 1/4 c. flour

1 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. baking powder

Mix well and press into a buttered 8"x8" square pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until light tan color. (I doubled this recipe)

Second step:

1 egg

1/4 c. coconut

1 c. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. flour

1 c. finely chopped pecans

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix and spread over first part and bake slowly (325 degees) until moisture is all gone, about 15 - 20 minutes. Cool and ice with:

Final step:

Icing...

1/8 lb. butter

Juice of 1 lemon

Enough powdered sugar to make a spread

When spread, allow to dry well and then cut into squares.

Mother B's Fruitcake

makes 2 loaves

2 lbs. candied fruit

1 package shredded coconut

1 lbs. or less of chopped pecans

2 cans of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

Mix thoroughly fruit, coconut and nuts. Add milk and mix again. Grease (or use Pam) loaf pans and then line with wax paper. (I spray with Pam again.) Press mixture into the pans and baake at 250 degrees for 3 hours for a dark cake or

1 1/2 hours for a lighter cake.

English Danties and Mother B's Fruitcake

Yes, Virginia... there ARE people who like fruitcake!

English Dainties and Fruitcake

I just love our English Dainty recipe story. My grandfather was managing the large hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The chef working there would make this wonderful recipe called English Dainties. My grandmother (Mother "B" who has been featured in my postings in the past) wanted the recipe for the bar cookies with the slightly tangy frosting. The chef would not give her the recipe... so my grandmother bought it! For $100 (and mind you this was back in the early 1940's) the chef sold the recipe to her. It's just not Christmas without it.

Now as for the fruitcake. Yummo! And if you are on a fairly strict gluten-free diet, this recipe qualifies. It's just candied fruit, sweetened condensed milk, coconut and nuts. I suppose fruitcake can be one of those "acquired" cravings. I never much cared for it as a child, but love it now.

I remember that when we would receive a fruitcake in the mail and as often times would happen... it would go stale before being eaten. My mother would pour a little bourbon over it, wrap it in cheese cloth and store it in the freezer for next year. Next Christmas she would thaw the fruitcake, slice it, dredge it in powdered sugar and serve it that way. All of the adults would rave over it!

Tune in tomorrow if you are interested in recipes.

Ruby Opal Heath Boykin - "Mother 'B'"

1907 - Rochelle, Texas

Helloooo, Santa!

This picture of my youngest brother was taken in 1961. I just love it! He sure was curious about "Santa"!

I am out of town right now and it is difficult for me to post much, but I'll be back home late Friday. Everyone have a great week!!