Looking Back

In today's age of stuff-overload, Christmas shopping has become a hard and dreaded task. "What in the world does ______ need?" plagues our thoughts as we roam store isles, page through catalogues, and surf the net. At the end of a frustrating day of shopping, we realize once again that the answer to the question is "nothing."

But wait, there is one thing all people need - food. Baked goods make a welcome and usable gift. Since I am a baker, this isn't something I often receive, but on the rare occasions I do (or someone else in my family does), oh what a treat! I think the reason a gift of food is so special is three fold. 1. Variety is added to the family table. 2. Hungry tummies are satisfied. 3. A meal during the fast paced Christmas season is saved!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I received a large order of bread that is going to be given as teacher gifts this season. Already I have baked and frozen some of these loaves. Still on my to-bake list is Julekakke (pronounced "you-li-kaka"). What is Julekakke? Let me show you.

Christmas 2007 - Julekakke, julekakke, and more julekakke! This traditional Scandinavian Christmas bread has grown to be a popular item among my customers. Bright red and green candied cherries, golden raisins, and deliciously sweet candied pineapple are packed into the rich and sweet dough. It is made festive with cherry "poinsettias" atop powdered sugar frosting.

I have good memories of Mom making this special treat for our Christmas celebrations. Before bringing it to the table, Mom would cut the loaf and then frost it. My mouth waters as I remember the flavor of the slightly warm bread with soft and fresh frosting which always had the tendency to slide off onto my fingers. I have tried my best to share this experience with my customers, but some of those little details become impossible when baking for the masses. Perhaps what I wish I could share the most is the enjoyment of eating a slice of julekakke with the knowledge that it was made lovingly by a mother who cares enough to make something special for her family. Then again maybe I can share this. My customers, with a certain glow in their eyes, often tell me of how their mother or grandmother would make julekakke when they were growing up. Maybe, just maybe my loaves can take them back in their memories to those special times. If nothing else hopefully they can enjoy the product of my time and care. Mom's example of doing things well has been my teacher these last twenty some years.

As you can see, Julekakke was a hot item last Christmas. Also on the "Christmas 2007 hot item list" was...

...Brownie Supreme - rich chocolate brownies with fudge like homemade frosting.

Here is another wrapping idea. Cut cardboard to the size you need, then cover it with Christmas wrapping paper. Here I wrapped each brownie individually to keep them extra fresh and make a nice to-go treat. Put all in a bread bag or clear cellophane and tie with a twisty. Add curling ribbon to match the wrapping paper.