I just put the first batch of Springerle cookies in the oven. If you don't like anise you won't like these cookies. They are a traditional German cookies and since Big F is German, I try to make this goodie each Christmas. And, I've had some urging from CT who wants some to dunk in her coffee.

Making springerles is quite a production because you have to hand press the wooden mold into the cookies dough and cut out each individual cookie. Then you dry them overnight to set the design. I guess you could say these cookies are a labor of love. At one time, I collected molds. I'm sure it would be a lot easier using a mold rolling pin, but I just have a 4 picture wooden mold.

Here's some info about this yummy cookie from www.heiderberghaus.com:

"The history of the Springerle cookie goes back to the early middle ages. It seems that the Schwabian region of southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Elsass in France are the birthplace of this unusual treat. In the early years of the cookie's history each bakery had to carve their own wooden molds and so a 'one of a kind' variety of beautiful carved Springerle molds exists today. Traditionally these molds could be carved in any subject matter that the carver was thinking of or needed reaching from flower motives to animals to an endless variety of designs and occasions. The most elaborate and detailed carvings are highly sought collector items that now are exhibited in museums around the world. Even today families treasure their Springerle molds and pass them on from generation to generation. The themes underwent changes. In the 1400s religious scenes were preferred. In the 1700s the molds became smaller and corners were rounded off. The details were carved with delicate details. During the early 1800s molds presented a more dreamy style of happiness, friendship and romantic scenes. In the 1900s the designs of many of the family Springerle molds became fairly simple. Even today you can purchase new Springerle molds historically carved in wood. The usual mold is flat and square and has one, two, four, or eight hand carved pictures. The name Springerle may come from the way the cookie is baked and during the bakery process the dough will rise (spring) to almost double the heights. The Springerle is a charm for happiness. In the past it was custom to give Springerle cookies as gifts at Christmas and New Year. "

So, get the coffee ready, here comes the Springerles.

I don't know a thing about holly. Even though my Master Gardener certificate came today, we didn't learn about holly(llex). And so, I'm wondering why my holly has dried up. I took it out of the vase of water and put it outside in my pine wreath.

But, let me back up. I decided that I wouldn't buy ropes of Christmas greens and such, but thought I would buy some holly since I had never had it before. I went to a flower shop and bought a nice bunch, variegated with lots of bright red berries. I put it in a vase of water with a branch of spruce.

After a few days, I noticed that the holly was turning brown and the leaves were falling off. I don't know what I did wrong unless it was that I put it in water. Maybe I just bought an inferior bunch of holly. At any rate, I probably won't buy it again.

I found a nice fake pine garland at Goodwill for $1.99. It looks great and it won't dry up. I solved the greens problem.

HEY YOU GUYS!!, as Rita Moreno would yell on Electric Company. I know you are out there.

Respond to my postings. Just a word or two would satisfy me.

A BIG THANKS!

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is a fabulous book. It has been a while since I read such a great book.

The story takes place in nineteenth-century China. It is about the pairing of Lily and Snow Flower as laotong or "old sames" This is a matching for a lifelong friendship. Both girls undergo footbinding and arranged marriages. They share hopes, loss, loneliness, and joys and tragedies of motherhood. Their lives take many twists and turns, and so does their friendship. They use the fan to write the secret language of nu shu to communicate out of the reach of men.

I predict that this will be made into a movie. I highly recommend this book! Another book bites the dust.