Cutting down the Christmas tree is a Mitchell family tradition, but this is the first year that I’ve ever done it…and it’s amazing! Basically you’re holding a tailgate party for your tree. Or maybe it’s better to think of it as a tailgate party for Christmas in general. So exciting. Baby Cupcake was totally in the spirit. She fussed big time as everyone hunted for the perfect tree to saw down (permits and everything…you can’t just cut down a tree in a national forest, people!); she only rallied once the treats were set up and the Bailey’s was flowing. Smart girl, I guess. All I know is this tradition is awesome and even if I have to go to a regular Christmas tree lot in the future, I will always try to have a tailgate party regardless.
Look at these hilarious shots that my friend Molly got of the action…
Our woodsmen. Matt, Perry, and Mitch with their trees (and Irish coffee).
Family Photo. Baby Cupcake keeps a wise distance from the tree.
Brenda spoiled us with all kinds of snacks and goodies. My contribution was Ginger Time Cookies. I consider them cookies, but Mitch thinks they are more like doughnut holes (I’m kind of into this idea because then we can eat them for breakfast). Here’s to Christmas tree tailgate parties!
Ginger Time Cookies
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon molasses
1 cup sugar
2 cups plus 1 Tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
sugar for rolling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees with oven rack in middle position.
In mixer bowl, combine oil, egg, molasses, and sugar; mix until well combined (about 2 minutes). Add flour, salt, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda; mix (starting on low) until well combined.
Form dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball–you may have to press the dough together a bit to get it to form balls). Roll in sugar and place on cookie sheet (with parchment paper or silpats if possible). Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not let them brown or they may become too crunchy…moist and chewy is best for these guys!
Source: My work colleague Annie in NY (I will always think of you at Christmas time! Thank you!)
Too cute! Are you sure that Baby Cupcake is keeping a safe distance from the tree or from her crazy parents??!
Ginger Time Cookies are absolutely yummy! They were definitely a hit at our Christmas tree gala in the forest. And those pictures are absolutely adorable!
Since I live at an altitude of 6,800 feet, I had to make some changes to the recipe. Sugar:1 cup minus 2T, baking soda: 1 1/2 teaspoons, and increase the vegetable oil by 1 1/2 T. I increased the oven temperature to 375. The cooking time remained the same. (Joy of Cooking is my reference.) Cooking at a higher altitude is an advenure so do experiment.
Thanks for the tips, Brenda! High-altitude baking is so tricky!
It’s crunch time. I need your help for our Christmas party Saturday. Please call SOS