10 More Days!

It's exciting isn't it? So much prep and thought and time for the big day to be nearly here! All the more reason to now slow down. The tree is up, the presents mostly done. It is time for wrapping, and eggnog, and family time listening to carols and watching Christmas movies.

Now, in our family, it has become tradition to go to Farmhouse Momma's house and help her and Dad put up the tree and decorations. Her home is the hub of Christmas and we take advantage of any excuse to go over and have family time. You see, for most of my adult life, my family and I have lived upwards of 1500 miles away, so when we came back it was time to set some traditions back in order.

This year, we were worried that the decorating day, among others, wouldn't happen at all. In mid-November, Momma came down with Covid and wound up spending 4 days in the ICU. It was a scary time. All things holiday came to a screeching halt until she was home. Having both parents down with Covid, as my Dad began displaying symptoms almost immediately after Momma was hospitalized, was grueling. There was very little celebration as days were consumed with nothing but work and prayer.

Thankfully, while both are still recovering fully, they made it through and a whole different flurry of activity began- the much delayed holiday prep. This weekend we were fortunate enough to get to decorate their tree. Momma and I cooked finger foods, the girls haphazardly hung ornaments as Poppy "managed" from the couch, and Uncle Trey hung the star. He is the only one tall enough to reach, after all.

It's such a small tradition in the large scheme of the holiday season. There are no presents on decorating day. No family in town, no grand meal (although we did lay quite the finger food spread, if I do say so myself). This day is truly the start of the holidays for me though as it is a truly cherished moment. Its a chance to stop the hustle and just enjoy each other and the love that abounds this time of the year- regardless of what the past year has held.

So I would like to invite you to have a taste of our table by cooking along to our Chocolate Gingersnap recipe. This recipe was actually taken from our Bridgehampton Look + Cook Book and became an instant classic for winter around here. They are sweet and warm, even when cooled, and are absolutely perfect for dunking in hot chocolate or eggnog. We hope that you enjoy them as much as we do!

Bonus Point: The Bridgehampton Look + Cook Book is an interactive cookbook for the modern age. With scannable QR codes throughout the book linking to in depth instructional videos, the Bridgehampton crew have made sure that even beginner can make stunning plates just like they do. This cook book is an ultimate Christmas gift for both seasoned cooks and newbies wanting to learn.

Makes 48 Cookies

Ingredients:

½ lb. Unsalted butter, softened

1 Tbsp. Ginger root, grated

1 c. Packed light brown sugar

1 c. Molasses

3 ¼ c. All-purpose flour

2 ½ tsp. Ground Ginger

2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

¼ tsp. Ground Cloves

½ tsp. Ground Nutmeg

( or you can use 2 Tbsp. Cake Spice to replace the Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg for an easy shortcut)

2 Tbsp Cocoa (I recommend our Mayan Coco)

2 tsp. Baking soda

1 lb. Semisweet chocolate chips

Sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F
2. Cream together the butter, ginger root, and brown sugar until light. Mix in the molasses until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine your flour, Cake Spice, cocoa, and baking soda.
4. Add your dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Fold in your chocolate chips.
6. Form your dough into 1 ½ inch balls (make this step super easy with out TSP Cookie Scoop Set) and roll in sugar.
7. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet lined with a silicone mat and press down gently on the balls to flatten them slightly.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes

Let them cool for that signature snap, or eat ooey-gooey warm- they are delicious either way.