We Made Thimble Cookies
Kass Makes Her First Thimble Cookies
Home made baked goods have been a long time tradition in our family, especially at Christmas as I imagine it also has for many of you. It seems that over the years, we, the women have our favorites narrowed down and generally focus on creating about 3-4 all time best loved recipes.
Last year, I shared our beloved Christmas green punch recipe. It is easy, fun and delicious and the kids have grown accustomed to having green punch at Thanksgiving and Christmas – it is a ritual that they all expect and look forward to. Yes, we enjoyed the yummy Christmas green punch once more on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Another great tasty family regular is our Thimble Cookies. I can remember eating Thimble cookies all the way back when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old. (and that was quite a while ago folks!) My grandmother made them and I thought they looked so fancy and indeed they were (are) little joyful exquisite fancy looking little mouthfuls that just scream CHRISTMAS when I make them, see them, and of course, taste them. After my grandmother passed, many years ago, my mother took on making them during the holidays and the tradition lived on. My kids – now teenagers, grew up knowing to expect to see the little buttery jewels in the round cookie tins on Grandma’s table when we went to the farm for Christmas day.
During my married tenure, I too, began to crank out the fabulous quarter sized cookie nibbles. I realized some years ago that it would become important for me to know how to make some of these time tested favorites, including home made pimento cheese (another legendary story), so that I would be able to carry on these sacred culinary traditions and pass them on to my teens.
Believe me when I say that making Thimble cookies is a labor of love as mixing the dough can require some patience and these cookies can be a little finicky come baking time in spite of following the recipe to the exact detail – sometimes they just seem to have a mind of their own and can play tricks in the oven, i.e, not turn out right!
My oldest teen, Kass, had a yearning for making the Thimble cookies and I had not found the time to get it together until a couple of days after Christmas when the dust began to settle. I was determined to oblige her as, hey – she needs to learn how to make these family tradition babies too. Ingredients were gathered and we began, with me giving her a few hard learned tips and tricks of assuring that they turn out lovely and yummy. We proceeded, pacing patiently and delicately in the preparations – it doesn’t pay to rush.
In pretty short time, the first batch came through the oven and we marveled at the creation. They were both beautiful and delicious. I think Kass ate 5 right away as she retreated to a comfy chair by the fire to do some reading and drawing. Ah, a nice winter’s night, a culinary torch has been passed along.
What special family holiday traditions are others passing along to the teens in your family?
