Hey Worms, Kallie here. I hope you all have had an amazing holiday season so far. Our Night Worms package theme this month is Winter White, Winter Fright and Kami and I found our most frightening winter recipes just for you. We know that this time of year is often filled with gatherings of friends and family and these recipes are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Like I said before, I know this time of year can get a little nuts, so I wanted to make sure I kept my drink recipes simple. You’re probably already playing hostess, Santa, and a gracious guest, so you don’t need to be a certified mixologist as well. With that in mind, I’ve also made sure to keep the ingredients list short.
One of the things we all deal with during the holidays is waking up early and staying up late. You could definitely say that we could use a little extra caffeine. But, a wintery book I think we could all use a little extra of is Dreamcatcher by Stephen King. I know this one is one of those love-it-or-hate-it books and I am on the side that loves it. King has a knack for tying in touching storylines with terrifying ones and Dreamcatcher has plenty of scenes that will warm your heart right up. Kind of like how a cup of Irish coffee will warm you right up when you come in from the cold.
Another book that I think gives off some chilly and wintery vibes is The Haunting of Hill House. You know those old houses, always drafty and cold. This book is a classic for me. Like a good beer, it’s one of those things you don’t really mess with. A great holiday beer is Christmas Ale from (my home state’s own) Great Lakes Brewery. I know there are those that will disagree, but I think the only way you can enjoy a Christmas Ale is with a cinnamon sugar rim. Now, I know that for most of us when we host parties, we want to impress our friends and family with our food and drink. This recipe is one that is sure to impress, with very little effort.
The last Winter book I want to talk about is The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon. It’s a super suspenseful classic ghost tale, told like no other. And what is one thing you need in the cold winter? Classic hot cocoa, made like no other. Before I get to the recipe, I want to make sure I say that I bought this little wine aerator pourer on Amazon (here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Wine-Aerator-Pourer-2-pack-Decanter/dp/B014RS9NQ2/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=wine+aerator&qid=1577416714&sr=8-6 ). Aerating the wine in this recipe makes a huge difference in taste. So either set enough time aside to let your wine breathe or aerate
Enjoy the rest of the holiday season and keep on reading for Kami’s wonderful cookie recipe.
~Kallie @pageandparlor
The holidays are a magical time of the year that has always brought me great joy. Christmas time as a child offers me some of the fondest memories I possess. I have strived really hard in my adult life to replicate that same joy I felt growing-up and create new memories with those I love.
Often times I overhear so many people forget the reason for the season and become overwhelmed in the consumerism of the holidays. I can’t say it's not a challenge when every year it seems like the “next” holiday is being crammed down your throat before you have even had the opportunity to enjoy the present one. I have to say that contributing to this article every month certainly helps me to stay joyful and be mindful in the celebration of something specific each month-even if its not centered around a holiday.
This month- heck, this whole year has been unexpectedly busy! It seemed like Christmas break as a child went on FOREVER (insert The Sandlot© pun here) and my mother and I had all the time in the world to bake all of the things we had on our list! And if we didn’t she sure made it seem like we did. As an adult looking back, I appreciate that. Alas, now I am lucky to squeeze in one item for a potluck!
This year I tried on a new item for size and I have to say although the prep time was a little more than I was anticipating, the end result was pretty tasty! My satisfaction always comes from the first bite of the unsuspecting victim, errr, I mean family member. I hope you and your family enjoy this tasty treat and I look forward to feeding your desires in 2020!
Happy Holidays and a healthy, safe and prosperous new year!
Peppermint candy, crushed
In a large bowl beat the butter for one minute until smooth.
Add granulated sugar and beat the mix until fluffy and light in color.
Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
Scrape down sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Sift flour and cocoa powder together in a medium bowl.
Whisk in baking powder and salt.
Slowly mix wet and dry ingredients until combined.
Divide dough into 2 equal parts, roll onto parchment paper and refrigerate 1-2hrs
Once chilled preheat oven to 350
Line large baking sheet with parchment paper
Remove dough from the fridge. Using a large Snowflake cookie cutter cut shapes.
Once formed use a smaller Snowflake cookie cutter to remove the center.
Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used.
Bake for 7min, pull out baking sheet add crushed peppermint to the center of cookie to top.
Place back in oven 2-3 minutes, until peppermint is melted.
Once removed from oven leave on baking sheet about 1 minute, then transfer to cooling rack
Decorate with royal icing to liking and taste.
You can purchase premade icing or if you want to make your own:
4 Cups of Confectioners sugar
3 Tablespoons meringue powder
10 Tablespoons room temperature water
~Kami @kamis_korner