It may not look or feel like Christmas here on the Central Coast with the 80 degree weather and the green grass coming back in, but it sure tastes like Christmas inside of the Yummy Yogini kitchen! The last two days I’ve spent baking up a storm and with this weather combined with the heat from my oven, it’s taking hours for everything to “cool” off! I’ve made a variety of Italian Pepper Cookies, Green Wreaths, Hersey Kiss Blossoms, Italian Pizzelle Cookies and new to me this year, Carmel Christmas Crack made with Saltines!
Remember back in grade school when you would give your teacher a gift and they would give you one back? It was fun right? Since I have extremely generous yoga students, I like to make them little “teacher gifts” in return for their dedication and presence in my class. Unlike elementary school where you absolutely HAD to go, no one is forcing these yogis to practice daily but they still do day in and day out. And since I love to bake and they love to try my experiments, it’s a win-win situation for both parties involved!
You know it’s Christmas when my Byers Choice Carolers come out to sing!
I’ll keep this post brief because I’m sure you all have a million things to do today and tomorrow in preparation for celebrating the holiday. Just do me a favor and remember to be fully present today and everyday. It’s another lesson in practicing yoga on and off the mat. We’re all in a rush to get somewhere but don’t forget to look out for pedestrians and bicyclists and people on scooters like me! Beep Beep! Enjoy the time with your families and friends and remember those in need. Andy and I are headed to Santa Maria on Christmas to pass out bags to the homeless that our family makes beforehand. We fill the bags with Christmas cookies, warm gloves, toothbrushes and paste, fresh socks, gift cards to Subway and more. It’s a great way to give back and pay it forward since we both feel like we want for nothing. (Except for maybe our very own house!)
If I had a bigger house, I could have a bigger tree!
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Here’s that Green Wreath cookie recipe that I used to make these cute guys! It’s so simple that if you’re heading to a party or need some last minute gifts, these will be ready within the hour! Have a wonderful holiday and thanks for your continued support of this here blog!
Green Wreaths- makes 55 cookies
Ingredients:
-8 cups Corn Flakes
-2 packages of mini marshmallows
-1 stick butter
-1 T almond extract
-1 T vanilla extract
-2 T green food coloring
-1 package of red hots (the store was out so I made do with Red Tamales that I sliced up)
-baking sheets and parchment paper
Directions:
1. In a large pot, melt the marshmallows and butter together by bringing them to a boil.
2. Quickly add in the food coloring and extracts and mix again.
3. Take off the heat and add in the Corn Flakes and mix well.
4. Using a spoon, scoop a bit of the mixture out onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
5. Add 3 red hots and let cool, then enjoy! Easy peesy!
Merry Christmas!!!!