With Christmas being here in the next few days, I wanted to do something fun and post some recipes my family has thoroughly enjoyed for a long while! Originally, my Grandma would make these things during the holidays, but I do it for my family now, after she showed me how to make everything! With having my own family now, I get to bring that tradition here at home for my little ones to enjoy, as well. I hope you can take these and enjoy them as much as we have, with your loved ones!
Almond Tea:
Servings: 7 cups
Ingredients:
- 3 Tea bags of Black Tea (Red Rose Brand)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Almond Extract
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 6 cups Water
Directions:
In a pot, Steep tea bags in 2 cups water for 10 min. Remove tea bags after.
In a separate larger pot, Boil sugar in 4 cups water for 5 min.
In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, the vanilla, and almond extract.
Last, combine everything into larger pot; mix together.
Enjoy hot or cold!
Notes:
- Can be served hot or cold.
- Keeps for about 2 wks in fridge.
- I always recommend making a double batch! It’s delicious!
Juliet Cookies (aka Juliets):
Bake Temp + Time: Bake at 350*F Degrees for 20min (or until lightly golden on edges).
Servings: Makes about 36 cookies total
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Butter
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 3/4 cup Flour
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Almond Extract
- 2 Eggs, separated (yolks from whites— set aside whites in a bowl for later)
- 2 1/2 cups Finely chopped Walnuts.
- Jar of Maraschino Cherries, halved (I usually just grab a 16oz jar).
Directions:
Cream Together butter, and sugar.
Add egg yolks.
Add all dry ingredients.
Add almond extract.
Gently roll dough into small balls.
Dip and cover them in the beaten egg whites, then roll in and cover with finely chopped walnuts.
Place them on baking sheets, lined with parchment paper, then press a cherry half in the middle of dough ball, flattening the cookie a little bit (much like thumbprint cookies!)
Bake 20 min, or until lightly golden on edges. Cool 2min on sheets, before transfer to racks. Enjoy!
Notes:
- Always handle the dough, and the cookies gently.
- Don’t chop walnuts into a powder; needs to be fine, but still coarse enough to be sort of flaky on cookies.
- Cookies need to be completely covered in the chopped walnuts as well!
Again, I hope you enjoy these delicious family recipes!
Merry Christmas, to you all!
