Circles, Hexagons, Granola and Book Journal

I worked on prepping more circle blocks today.  I knew there was a reason I held onto that old fusible interfacing even though I no longer sew garments!  My favorite cup serves as the template.

I continue working on more red hexagons.  By the time I finish, I may not have any red scraps left.

 I also made a batch of granola today.  This is sweetened with maple syrup and is loaded with nutmeg and cinnamon.  Oh, does the house ever smell good.

While working on these and other projects this week, I finished In Plain Sight by C. J. Box.  It was my first “listen” to this author and I enjoyed it enough to download another to my cell phone.  Sadly, my library does not have his complete collection (this was number 6 in a series) in their selection of audio books, so I am having to figure out the characters mid-stream.  Nonetheless, I am very grateful to be able to have access to a library with this free service.  

Do you journal?  This blog is my quilting journal.  I also maintain a small planner as well as a diary.  This little notebook was gifted to me at Christmas 2000 by a dear friend in Alabama.  It used to have a cute little fleece cover that she made, but it eventually became so stretched and distorted I could no longer use it. Ever since receiving it, I have used it as a log of books I either read or listen to during the year.  A spreadsheet would be more practical, because I could sort by date, author or title, but I am so fond of this little book that I don't intend to change.

My Favorite Cookie Recipe--Merry Christmas

On December 21 Judy at Patchwork Times asked if we had recipe boxes.  My answer is an enthusiastic “YES!”  And here it is.  When I first set up my own household in the 70s, Aunt Eula Belle gifted me with this acrylic recipe box and over the next few years she and other aunts, especially Aunt Mary for whom I was named, provided me with a collection of lovingly typed recipe cards. 

Christmas at Aunt Mary’s house always meant bountiful platters of cookies. 

The recipe for her nut crispies follows.  It is still my favorite.    I remember her serving them from the 60s forward.  I offer it as a Christmas gift to you and living memorial to someone who was very dear to me.  I hope all of you are having a safe and joyous Christmas.

Aunt Mary’s Nut Crispies

1 cup shortening (2 sticks butter)

1 egg yolk (use egg white for top of cookies)

1 cup ground nuts (not too fine)

1 cup light brown sugar

2 cups flour

Cream shortening and sugar and then add egg yolk. Add flour.  Spread as thin as possible on ungreased cookie sheets (this amount just about fills two sheets).  Beat egg white slightly and spread over top of dough.  Sprinkle ground nuts on top.  Press nuts down firmly in egg white.  Bake in 325 degree oven for about 20 minutes.  Cut in bars while still warm.  Do not take cookies up until cool.