Family Recipe Friday: Pecan Crescents

Pecan Crescents 
(also known as "Mexican Wedding Cakes")

    1 cup butter                                                   
    1/2 cup powdered sugar                                         
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract                                   
    1/2 teaspoon almond extract                                    
    2 1/2 cups flour                                               
    1/2 cup chopped pecans         

                                

Cream butter, sugar, and flavorings until smooth.  Stir in flour gradually and then the nuts.   You may need to use hands to mix as the dough seems dry.  Using 1 teaspoon of dough, roll between your palms into a roll and then shape into a cresent.  Place close together on a buttered cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until they start to brown.  While still warm, roll in powdered sugar.  You may want to use more powdered sugar when serving.  Makes about 7 dozen.

Variation: Black Walnut Balls

Cream 1 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. vanilla.  Stir in 2 cups flour.  Add 1 T. brandy and 1 cup black walnuts, finely chopped.  Shape into 3/4 in. balls using about 1/2 T. dough per cookie; place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.  Roll in powdered sugar while warm.  Makes about 6 dozen cookies

Family Recipe Friday – is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike. Whether it’s an old-fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them on Family Recipe Friday. This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo of The Armchair Genealogist.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

If thinking things and wishing things

Will help to make them true

You'll be so glad this Christmas

You won't know what to do

Mrs. Clarence Stuber
Spencerville Ohio
R.F.D. 5


Joyous Christmas & Happy New Year


Love


Beck


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This postcard, postmarked December 22, ___ from Midland, Michigan, was sent to my paternal greataunt, Vera (HALEY) STUBER.  I'm not sure who the Beck might be.

Advent Calendar : Christmas Gifts

What were your favorite gifts, both to receive and to give? Are there specific gift-giving traditions among your family or ancestors?


These days, I pretty much like try to stay with the lists I'm given.  I don't do subtle too well, if there is something you specifically want, you need to tell me about it.  


As for favorite gifts, I'm happy with a good history or genealogy book.  As a kid, one of my most memorable gifts was the year I received a Commodore 64 computer.  It was memorable because not only did I not think I would be getting one, but in the way it was discovered.  We thought all of our presents were done and then I was told there was "one more" - and it was a great surprise.


Traditionally, Eileen and I get each other a calendar every year - mine is usually a Civil War theme, hers is of our dog breed.  My mom still puts tube socks and oranges in our stockings at her house.  The girls always have a big shopping day just before Christmas for new clothes, etc. each year.


I asked mom and dad to share what they remembered :

As a child, I was enjoyed receiving a new doll each year.   My mother usually made me a complete wardrobe of clothes to go with the doll. Once she made me matching clothes.  As an adult, I enjoy giving gifts that I have made especially pies and other goodies and sewn items.     Your dad remembers getting a wooden barn that Paul had made and a metal filling station.   The next year he got a train that he enjoyed.   He's still getting trains for Christmas.