Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 205, December 7, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have a really long newsletter today so we have linked to the recipes to help keep the file size down. Or you can click the link at the top of this email to read the online version, which has all the recipes displayed in full.
If you are looking for ideas of what to submit on the contest form...
What are your family's favorite Christmas Recipes?
What are the recipes that your family looks forward to each year and says "Where is the..." if you didn't make it. It can be a main dish, cookies, candies, a beverage, etc... We are looking for some family tested recipes so please tell us why you like them. Any special technique for decorating or packaging them is good to add as well. If you have already submitted your favorite recipe, send us the title (this will count as a new contest entry) and we'll include it in the "Family Test Recipe" category on the Christmas Topic Site. Sugarless, natural or vegan recipes would be great additions as well. Please preface the entries as "Favorite Holiday Recipe" so we can find them easily.
Submit Your Holiday Recipe Here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Also, if you are feeling helpful, check out the Lonely Requests page.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board_lonely.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Holiday Travel Tips Ebook
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Super Brownies
- Buy Bagged Cereal Rather Than Boxed
- Checking Your Credit Rating
- Donate Your Old Glasses
- Cheese Multi-Grain Dog Biscuits
- Garlic Flavored Dog Biscuits
- Cranberry Frost
- Quick Working Ladies Rolls
- Hasty Coffee Cake
- Special Cinnamon Rolls
- Unleavened Bread
- Zucchini Bread
- Fortifying Night Diapers
- Thinking Ahead - Save Money Next Christmas
- Writing Down What You Need to Remember
- Writing on the Bathroom Mirror
- Tips For Remembering Names
- Remembering the Cell Phone
- Local Directories Help Keep Tabs on Kids
- Saving Money on Candles
- Buche De Noel
- Shop for Gifts at the Dollar Store
- Freezer Storage Tip
- Using Color Coded Sponges
- Antacid Liquids for Diaper Rash
- Softening Hands and Feet With Olive Oil
- Memory Tip - Remembering Things to Bring To Work
- Save Beaters from Old Electric Hand Mixers
- Advice For Treating Stains
- Dry Hair From Blow Drying
- Make Placemats With Last Year's Christmas Cards
New Requests:
- Moth Ball Smell on Mohair Sweater
- Removing Baked on Beans from Crock
- Rotary Tool (Dremel) Crafts
- Faro Pickled Jalepeno Peppers
- Creating Livable Space In The Garage In The Winter
- Looking for Paper Mache Instructions
- Cleaning Porcelain Dolls
- Jars Needed for Gifts-In-A-Jar
- Instructions For Paper Snowflakes
More Reading:
- Gift Wrapping Delicate Presents
- How to Make Piccadilly's Delicious Carrot Souffle
- Christmas Finnish Coffee Bread
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Today's Tips
Super Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. black walnut flavoring
Beat together butter, sugar, and cocoa. Beat in eggs. Stir in dry ingredients, vanilla and nuts (optional). Pour into greased jellyroll pan and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.
Frosting:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 oz chocolate square (bitter)
- Dash of salt
Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Bring to boil. Boil 1 minute and remove from heat. Cool pan in ice water and do not stir while frosting is cooling. Beat to spreading consistency; frost brownies.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Buy Bagged Cereal Rather Than Boxed
I always buy bagged cereal instead of boxed. Much cheaper and they taste great! Save the box from cocoa puffs and buy the bagged malt-o-meal cereal just like it. open it, pour it in the box! You will be surprised at the ones who can't tell the difference!
By Chell
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Checking Your Credit Rating
Good time to check on Your credit! Equifax is one of the three biggest credit agencies. You can call them once a year at 1-800-525-6285 to request a free copy of your credit report. You are also allowed a free copy of your credit report if you are turned down for credit.
By Chell
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Donate Your Old Glasses
It's the time of year to be thinking of others: Your old prescription glasses may be able to help someone else. If your local eyeglass store doesn't collect and redistribute them, contact your local Lens Crafters or Lions Club.
By Chell
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Cheese Multi-Grain Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked oatmeal
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1 1/2 cups hot water or meat juices
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 4 oz (1 cup) grated cheese such as cheddar, jack, Swiss, colby or any other hard kind
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
Directions:
In large bowl pour hot water over oatmeal and margarine: let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in powdered milk, grated cheese, salt and egg. Add cornmeal and wheat germ. Mix well. Add flour, 1/3 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Knead 3 or 4 minutes, adding more flour if necessary to make a very stiff dough. Pat or roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bone shaped biscuits and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 300 degrees. Turn off heat and leave in oven for 1 1/2 hours or longer. Makes approximately 2 1/4 pounds.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Garlic Flavored Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups bran
- 1 cup rye flour
- 1 cup grits OR cornmeal
- 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
- 1 Tablespoon dehydrated minced OR powdered garlic
- 4 teaspoons salt - Optional (salt substitute may be used)
- 1 package dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 cups tomato juice (suggest salt free)
Directions:
Note: This is an awful lot of salt - why not cut it down to 1 teaspoon?
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Combine all dry ingredients. Dissolve yeast in warm water and add tomato juice. Mix with dry ingredients. Dough should be very stiff. Knead dough for about 3 minutes. Roll out on floured board to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut to desired size with knife or cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Turn off oven. Leave biscuits overnight or at least 4 hours to harden. Makes about 7 dozen biscuits.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Cranberry Frost
Divide 1 quart lemon sherbet among 8 small glass cups or frosted goblets; freeze until serving time. Just before serving, pour 1 quart cranberry cocktail over sherbet. Serves 8.
By Robin
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Quick Working Ladies Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg. yeast.
- 2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oil
- 4 cup self-rising flour
Directions:
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside. Mix sugar, egg and oil. Add flour alternately with yeast mixture. Drop by spoonfuls into greased muffin tins. Bake at 425 degree oven until golden brown.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Hasty Coffee Cake
Cream until light and fluffy:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
Sift together:
- 1 1/2 cup sifted flour
- 3 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Add alternately with dry ingredients 1/2 cup milk. Mix thoroughly. Spread in a well greased and floured 9 inch pan. Sprinkle over the top 1/4 tablespoon brown sugar and 3 tablespoons cinnamon. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Serve while warm.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Special Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 pkgs. yeast
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1 T. sugar
- Pinch of ginger
- 2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted shortening (cooled)
- 2 tsp. salt
- 3 beaten eggs
- 3 cup flour
- 2 cup raisins
- 5 cup flour (more or less)
Directions:
In a large bowl, place yeast, 1/2 cup lukewarm water, sugar and ginger. When yeast is dissolved, stir in 2 cups warm water, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, eggs and 3 cups flour. Mix well. Add raisins which have been plumped over hot water. Add shortening and more flour. Knead until smooth. Place in a well greased bowl. Cover with a cloth and let rise until double. Roll into a rectangle (or make 2 rectangles for easier handling). Spread surface with butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Roll up and cut. Place cut-side down in buttered pan. Let rise until almost doubled.
Topping:
- 1 cup cream (whipped)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Combine all ingredients and spread on raised rolls. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. In cutting the dough, use heavy thread. It cuts the dough much smoother and there's no mashing down of the dough.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Unleavened Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 4 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 1/4 tsp. butter flavoring
- 3 egg whites (beaten)
Directions:
Cream butter and sugar. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Fold in flavoring and stiffly beaten egg whites. Dough will be stiff. Grease and flour jellyroll pan. Spread dough on pan with spatula that has been dipped in milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until it browns slightly. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Freezes well.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Zucchini Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 medium sized zucchini, (grated and well drained, must have 2 cups)
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/4 tsp. almond extract
- 2 cup flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. soda
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Mix ingredients well and pour into greased and lightly floured bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Fortifying Night Diapers
If you babies diapers don't hold it all during the night, try adding a budget sanitary pad in, sure saves on the laundry, not to mention making it a lot more pleasant for your little one.
By Katrina McPherson
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Thinking Ahead - Save Money Next Christmas
Make your Christmas list in January. Then shop all year round when you see something you think the person you are shopping for might like.
Example: My cousin loves lighthouses. I went into an antique store. A booth was going out of business. They had marked down several glass light houses 75% off. Guess what my cousin is getting for Christmas. I bought the light houses in March.
When you buy something, write what you bought beside the person's name.
By Sylvia
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Writing Down What You Need to Remember
When you need to remember something, write it down. The act of writing triggers a different part of the brain than the part that hears, making you twice as likely to remember. (even if you lose the note).
By Linda
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Writing on the Bathroom Mirror
When I need to do something in the AM, I jot a note on the bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker at night. I see it as I am dressing and brushing teeth, and I can then wipe it off the mirror with a tissue.
By Linda
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Tips For Remembering Names
Don't you hate it when you know someone but can't remember their name? Here are some tips to help. Post your ideas.
Remembering Names
I am awful at remembering names. To help, I try to repeat the name as soon as I hear it, i.e. "Nice to meet you Karen" Then I try to form a link to another Karen I might have known and say it out loud "I once had a neighbor named Karen." Use the name again as you say goodbye.
Make a mental connection to someone's name as you meet. For example, Bill might remind you of your dentist who gives you a bill, or a Marilyn or a Norma might make you think of Marilyn Monroe because they are blonde. Just don't voice it unless it is flattering!
By Linda
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Remembering the Cell Phone
To remember to take my cell phone with me after charging it in the bathroom, I put my purse in the bathroom, too. Haven't left the phone and taken my purse since I started doing that!
By Linda
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Local Directories Help Keep Tabs on Kids
In the town where we live, the people are offered a city directory once each year. It does cost a little to purchase one, but we have heard about how invaluable they are, especially for people with young children. The directory lists everyone alphabetically by last name, by address and by telephone number. This is especially helpful if you have small children and you want to know who their friends are and their families as well as where they live.
By Robin
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Saving Money on Candles
Tips for saving money on candles. Post your ideas below!
Buying Quality Candles
Like many other women, I love candles! They can be expensive, but I still pay a little more for mine. I have found that in the long run, it's more economical because the cheap ones do not burn as long, they smoke more, and they do not burn evenly.
By Robin
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Buche De Noel
Ingredients:
- 2 cup flour
- 1 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. rum flavoring
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1 cup milk
- 6 egg yolks
- French silk icing
- Mocha Icing
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour loaf pan, 9x3x5 inches. In a large mixer bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Blend in rum, shortening, milk and egg yolks. Beat 3 minutes on medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 65-70 minutes or until tests done with wooden toothpick. Turn out to cool completely. Trim edges and top of cake to make a rounded log shape. Save trimmings. Cut cake lengthwise into 4 layers. Reassemble log filling with layers of French silk Icing. With some of the trimmings, make a branch 3 inches long and 1 inch diameter. Secure on top of log with French Silk Icing. Frost edges of log and branch with Mocha Icing. With fork, make circular marking on the end of the log. Spread remaining French Silk Icing on top and sides of the log, rounding it while spreading. With a fork, make markings lengthwise to resemble bark. Garnish with pistachio nuts, green icing or gum drop leaves to resemble vine on a log. Store cake in refrigerator.
French Silk Icing:
Melt 3 squares unsweetened chocolate; cool. In mixing bowl, beat 4 cups confectioners' sugar, 1 cup soft butter, 1 egg, the melted chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Mocha Icing:
Dissolve 1 teaspoon instant coffee in 1 tablespoon hot water, stir in 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add a few drops of water (more if necessary) for spreading consistency.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Shop for Gifts at the Dollar Store
This year when Christmas shopping, consider buying gifts as well as decorative items from your local dollar store. I went into our dollar store yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised at the amount of decorative items as well as gift items available - and at such a reasonable price!
By Robin
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Freezer Storage Tip
To save clean-up and storage in your freezer, when making sauce, always put the extra in ziplock bags. It frees up much needed space, and when you thaw it out, you throw away the bag, therefore not staining any tupperware!
By Kerry
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Using Color Coded Sponges
I color code my sponges. For example: yellow is for the toilet, green is for the sink, etc. The sponges last longer because you know what it is being used for. And you can plan accordingly.
By Jessie B.
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Antacid Liquids for Diaper Rash
When my son gets a diaper rash (usually from foods that contain more acid than he can tolerate) instead of using the high priced ointments that don't work on the burning feeling, I use liquid malox or mylanta on his bottom. As soon as I apply that, he feels instant relief.
By Green18chick
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Softening Hands and Feet With Olive Oil
To soften and slough your hands and feet, warm up a little bit of olive oil in the microwave. Put a small amount in your hands and mix a little sugar and massage the mixture on your hands or feet. It will feel wonderful!
By Green18chick
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Memory Tip - Remembering Things to Bring To Work
In order to remember all the things I need to bring to work, I always place them in a bag the night before and hang the bag on the door knob! I also save all my gift bags for this purpose, Jazzes up my lunch and reminds me of the gift giver every day!!. Never a dull moment at my desk at work!!
By TERRY
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Save Beaters from Old Electric Hand Mixers
If your electric hand mixer goes bad make sure to save the metal beaters, they will usually fit on a new one you buy. I can't remember how many times I've been able to assemble line baking items without cleaning beaters in between.
By Melanie
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Advice For Treating Stains
Since everyone has to deal with stains, the best thing I have found is peroxide. It is very cheap. Also I use bleach and water for most of my cleaning, saves a lot of money.
By Ann Cup
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Dry Hair From Blow Drying
If you blow dry your hair or color it, it tends to get dry. Put a small amount of lotion in your hair and you will see an improvement after a first time.
By Ann Cup
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Faro Pickled Jalepeno Peppers
We have grown to love Faro Pickled Jalepeno Peppers, but our store no longer carries them. Can you find out where we could purchase them or give me an address for the distributor so we can order them. I have also given them to relatives and friends and we ALL LOVE THEM SO MUCH. PLEASE HELP! Thank you
Dianne Osborne
P.O.Box 143
Grant, Fl. 32949
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Make Placemats With Last Year's Christmas Cards
You can use old Christmas cards to make holiday placemats. Cut out pictures from old Christmas cards and scotch tape or glue them together. Once you have several cutouts together, place them onto the sticky side of the contact paper (other side of paper will have a design). Next, take clear contact paper and cover the cutouts, press firmly to get out the air bubbles. Then simply cut the excess contact paper off and you'll have a nice placemat. You can use it picture side up for the holidays and design side up for the rest of the year. Messes wipe right off and they last forever! You may want to use pinking shears to give the edges a more decorative look.
Robin - PA
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Other Active Topics
Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
Tip Contest
Submit a tip and you could win:
New Contest! $30.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on December 15th.
Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
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New Requests:
Moth Ball Smell on Mohair Sweater
How do i get moth ball smell out of a mohair sweater?
cindy
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Removing Baked on Beans from Crock
We have just over baked some beans in a crock bean pot and they have really cooked on. We have scrubbed until we have worn out 2 pads. Is there an easy way to clean baked on beans from a crock bean pot?
Thank you,
Bob
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Rotary Tool (Dremel) Crafts
My husband recently received a rotary tool with accessories. Does anyone know of a web site with rotary tool projects? Any ideas for projects using this tool?
Elaine
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Faro Pickled Jalepeno Peppers
We have grown to love Faro Pickled Jalepeno Peppers, but our store no longer carries them. Can you find out where we could purchase them or give me an address for the distributor so we can order them. I have also given them to relatives and friends and we ALL LOVE THEM SO MUCH. PLEASE HELP! Thank you
Dianne Osborne
P.O.Box 143
Grant, Fl. 32949
Post Feedback: Click Here
Creating Livable Space In The Garage In The Winter
I'm trying to decide what types of heaters to use during the winter season. Also what can I use for a divider for half of use of the garage. We also have very cold cement floor. Any help would be appreciated.
-Jose Zapata
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Looking for Paper Mache Instructions
I want to know how to make a paper mache cat, turtle, dog, puppies, Christmas tree, santa claus, ornaments and kittens.
Lamine
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Cleaning Porcelain Dolls
My daughter has a collection of porcelain dolls from all over the world (about 50 of all different sizes)and they are really dusty. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas as to how to clean them. The clothes are also smokey (we used to smoke in the apt. before buying a new house and no longer smoke in the house. We are working on quitting permanently.) and I would really like to get the smell and dust off of them before we put them up on shelves again. Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Darlene
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Jars Needed for Gifts-In-A-Jar
I would like to make a bunch of gifts-in-a-jar (cookie mixes, cake mixes, soup mixes, etc.) for Christmas this year. I now need to know where to get quart or liter-sized jars. Suggestions, anyone? I've seen nice ones at kitchen and houseware stores, but they often cost upward of $10 each, and I can't afford that. Sources for inexpensive sealable bottles would also be appreciated. Thanks!
Lynne
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Instructions For Paper Snowflakes
I have enjoyed this site, but in the Christmas section, I cannot find anything for paper snowflakes that you cut with scissors and use either typing paper, tissue paper, or origami paper. Can someone help, I would like to teach my 7yo how to make them for decorating. Thanks,
lvs1
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name savings, free samples and much more.
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More Reading:
Gift Wrapping Delicate Presents
By Abigail Beal
China and crystal are popular gifts for weddings or special occasions. Make sure you protect these new treasures when you gift wrap them.
View Article: Click Here
How to Make Piccadilly's Delicious Carrot Souffle
By Kori Puckett
Mom and I absolutely love Piccadilly Restaurant's carrot
souffle dessert. Recently over dinner there she was telling me
about how she had tried to make it herself recently. She was
just guessing at what ingredients Picadilly uses, and she felt
something was missing.
View Article: Click Here
Christmas Finnish Coffee Bread
By Charlie Burke
This moist and flavorful bread has been served in our home on Christmas morning for many years, and our grown sons consider "Christmas bread" one of our important family traditions. The origins of this particular recipe are obscure - it is hand written in the back of a cook book published by, oddly enough, Vincent Price in 1965 and is on the next page after my grandmother's recipe for fruit cake. I've seen similar Scandinavian recipes over the years, all of which include cardamom seeds. It is made only at Christmas in our home, but certainly would be a welcome at any breakfast. This recipe is for six loaves. The baked loaves freeze well and when wrapped in foil and heated in a 325 degree oven are almost as good as when freshly baked. We enjoy giving the extras to neighbors on Christmas morning, but the recipe can easily be halved.
View Article: Click Here
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