baking Archives - Page 5 of 6 - The Sparrow's Home

Yummy Handmade Gifts

December 12, 2016 by Susan 14 Comments

I really love handmade gifts. Love to give ’em – – Love to get ’em.

‘Cause here’s the thing…even if the gift ends up being a stinker, you still have the gift of knowing that someone cared enough about you to invest time in you.

I’ve done some sewing projects as gifts over the years: hooded towels, blankets, hanging hand towels. And I frequently gift This Herbal Salve and This Tea for Ladies. But my go-to handmade gifts tend to fall in the “kitchen made” area.

I want to share some yummy things that I like to make and give at Christmas. I’ve given every one of these as gifts. And many times, I’ll make extra as a little “gift” for my family!

Christmas Cookies: Host a Cookie Baking Day

December 7, 2016 by Susan 12 Comments

Tips, tricks, ideas and recipes to help you host a Christmas cookie party this holiday season!

Everyone has their family favorites when it comes to Christmas cookies. I am an avid baker, but even I get overwhelmed at the idea of making all the varieties of cookies that my family has come to expect at Christmas. And that’s not even mentioning the things that I make for gifts!

Years ago, when we moved back to Minnesota, I was blessed to be invited to join a group of ladies for a day of cookie baking. Everyone brought ingredients to make one or two kinds. We made them all together, then we divided them up. So we each went home with a huge variety. Genius!

Over the years, the group of ladies has changed somewhat, as has the location. I’m the current host (you must know how much I love hosting gatherings).

Triple Layer Mint Brownies

December 6, 2016 by Susan 17 Comments

It wouldn’t be Christmas around my house without these fudgy, mint brownies. They’re a rich treat that is perfect for special occasions.

My kids have not known a Christmas without these brownies. And I’ve never made them!

I’m fortunate to have a group of ladies that I get together with every year to bake, dip, and decorate our way to a tasty Christmas season. We call it “Cookie Baking Day” and my family is happy to do whatever is required to accommodate it.

My sister, Amy, makes these mint brownies every year, and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.

Melt in Your Mouth Frosted Shortbread Squares

November 15, 2016 by Susan 5 Comments

Buttery brown sugar shortbread cookies topped with mounds of creamy icing. These little gems melt in your mouth, and are so easy to make!

These little shortbread squares disappear quickly in my house. I would say it’s because they are so adorable, but the three guys I live with would probably disagree.

The cookies are tender and buttery. And with a little mound of creamy, smooth frosting on top…perfection!

Simple Cream Cheese Pastry

November 1, 2016 by Susan 11 Comments

Try this simple cream cheese pastry for your next brunch. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients and bakes up quickly. It is one of our favorites!

Call it a Danish, coffee cake, or pastry…this cream cheese filled delight will wow you. And it’s really easy to throw together. Double win.

This is one of my husband’s favorites, but I don’t make it a lot because it’s not especially healthy. And by ‘especially healthy’ I mean, not healthy at all. But it’s soooooo good. It is a regular on the menu for our Christmas brunch, and if he’s lucky, we’ll have a few other brunch opportunities throughout the year. And sometimes, like today, I’m just surprising him with it on a blustery day.

Freezer Apple Pie Filling

October 11, 2016 by Susan 52 Comments

This apple pie filling for the freezer is beyond easy! Freezing apple pie filling is an easy way to preserve apples for a warm & gooey apple pie all winter long.

Apple pie filling can be used in far more than apple pie, you know. Crisps, turnovers, with pancakes, oatmeal…loads of things! That’s why I love to keep a couple of bags in my freezer -ready to go– during the winter months when a warm, gooey apple dessert tastes best.

It’s so simple, you can put up several bags in no time!