Okay, so I really want to know what happened to the month of October! I was a busy worker bee and got a lot of fun projects done around the house. This was great for my house...but not so good for you and the blog. As November begins, on a beautiful (and strangely warm) day, I am ready to share some of my frugal tips and tricks for getting through the holidays on a budget.
As many of you know, I have four children, and having a large family means that we have to live very carefully within our budget, especially while I am looking for work. To do so doesn't mean that we sacrifice doing fun things as a family, or enjoying birthdays, or even having a night out to dinner every now and then.
Speaking of birthdays, my youngest just turned 5 last month! Oh my goodness...this makes me incredibly sad and overwhelming happy at the same time! I love that he is growing and changing into a remarkable and loving little boy, but now he is not my little baby anymore. We celebrated by giving him the Batman birthday party that he asked for. He was so excited!
Now, it is time to get to work preparing for the holiday season!
Yes, I said it...the holidays are coming.
I am totally smiling as I am writing this because I love the holidays! Thanksgiving and Christmas bring our families and friends together. We share food and laughter, we share memories, and more than anything, we share joy and love.
My contribution to the festivities is usually food.
For the next few weeks, I am going to share some of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving.
In December, I will share some of my very best cookie, candy, and fudge recipes.
Being frugal helps us to enjoy the holidays for what they really are, a time to spread love and happiness to those around us.
To get started, I decided to share a cookie recipe today that my family loves!
These Molasses cookies came from my mother. I grew up making them and now I share them with my own children. They are soft and chewy, not hard and crunchy like most Molasses cookies.
Baking these is a special treat for my children as they are delightfully spicy and fun to eat!
I hope that you take the time to bake these cookies, pour a glass of milk, and then sit and enjoy them with your family. You won't be sorry!
Molasses Cookies (Makes approximately 3 dozen)
Here is what you'll need:
3/4 cup soft shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and shortening until creamy and smooth.
Add the egg and beat until soft and smooth. Add the molasses, and the spices and mix well, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go.
Add the flour, one cup at a time, until it is just combined.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and dip in sugar. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes or until the cookies are slightly cracked and just lightly brown around the edges. (Do not over bake unless you want the texture to be closer to a ginger snap.)
Leave the cookies on the cookie sheet for just a few minutes to set, then cool completely on a wire baking rack. Store in an airtight container.
I truly hope that your fall has been as glorious as ours!
I would love to know what your holiday traditions are!
Please feel free to share them here!
Thank you for your patience during this very busy time of year!
Blessings to All!
Kim
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