Holiday TraditionsCreated by Mrs. Crews’ Second

Grade ClassDecember 2008

Abigail’s Holiday Tradition Would you like to learn about

my holiday tradition? My family tradition is every Christmas Eve my family opens one present. We do this after we eat fondue and before we go to bed. We open one present by our Christmas tree. My hole family is with me when I open one present. This is special to me, because we do it every year. When we open a present it’s really fun and we’re so exited when we get to see it. I think my family tradition is really fun!

Molten Chocolate Cake4 squares Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate½ cup butter1 cup powdered sugar2 eggs2 egg yolks6 tablespoons flourWhipped cream            Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Butter 4 (3/4 cup) custard cups or soufflé dishes.  Place on a baking sheet.Microware chocolate and ½ cup butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted.  Stir with wire whish until chocolate is completely melted.  Stir in sugar until well blended.  Whisk in eggs and egg yolks.  Stir in flour.  Divide batter between prepared custard cups.Bake 13 t0 14 minutes or until sides are firm but center are soft.  Let stand 1 minute.  Carefully run small knife around cakes to loosen.  Invert cakes onto dissert dishes.  Top with whipped cream, if desired.Batter can be made a day ahead.  Pour into prepared custard cups, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.  Bake as directed.

Abigail’s Family Recipe

James’ Holiday Tradition

My family tradition is we pick out a Christmas tree .This activity takes place seven too ten day before Christmas . This takes place at Pikes . My mom helps me find the Christmas tree. It is special to me and my mom because it makes are house more joyful . This activity is like doing something really fun and spending time with people and it is decorating the Christmas tree.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients 5-7 large sweet potatoes1 cup sugar1 1/2 cups brown sugar1/2 to 3/4 cup flour1 stick butter2 cups pecansmini marshmallowsround casserole dish (4-6 inches deep) Peel and boil sweet potatoes. When soft mash potatoes, add 1/4 stick of butter (can add a bit more if needed) and whip potatoes. Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar (add more or less sugar to taste- you will adjust this depending on potato sweetness. I usually add more brown sugar if needed but you can use regular sugar if you prefer). Whip potatoes and sugars together. Spray casserole dish with non-stick spray (or you can use a light coating of butter). Layer potatoes and mini-marshmallows. Potatoes, marshmallows, potatoes. Set casserole aside and prepare topping. Melt 3/4 stick of butter in sauce pan, saute pecans add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar. slowly stir in flour until flour and sugars have combined to look like a dough-like consistency (you do not want this to be to dry) mix well and pour on top of sweet potato casserole covering the entire top. Place in oven at 375 degrees and bake until golden brown on top. The top should bake like a crust. Enjoy!

James’ Family Recipe

Eve’s Holiday Tradition

A couple weeks before Christmas my mom, me Emma and Ellie do puzzles in our dinning room. It is fun , hard and challenging. This is special because we all do it together.

Stuffed Mushrooms 1-2 large containers whole mushrooms2 Slices ham, chopped1 c bread crumbs1 stick butter1/2 t garlic1/2 c grated parm cheese1/3 c mozarella or cheddar cheese1/2 c chopped onionSalt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bake, covered with aluminum foil approx 25 min.Uncover, then bake an additional 5-10 min until brown.  Enjoy!

Eve’s Family Recipe

Mary Elizabeth’s Holiday Tradition

My family Tradition is that we light Advent candles. We light Advent candles every night before we eat. We do this activity at our table. I do this activity with my sibblings and my mom and dad every year. This activity prepares us for chistmas. We do it like this we read a bible verse say a short prayer and light a candle.

Buckeye Balls½ cup butter, melted1 pound confectioners’ sugar1 ½ cups peanut butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 tablespoon shorteningDirections• Combine the melted butter or margarine, confectioners’ sugar,

peanut butter and the vanilla. Mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Roll into 1 “ balls , and place on waxed paper.

• In the top half of a double broiler, melt the chocolate chips and shortening, stirring constantly. Use a toothpick to dip balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a small uncovered area so balls resemble buckeyes. Place on waxed paper. Use fingers to blend in toothpick holes.

• Refrigerate until chocolate is firm. Enjoy!

Mary Elizabeth’s Family Recipe

Mrs. Crews’ Holiday Tradition

My family likes to go out to look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. We go to church, then we go home to eat a nice dinner. After dinner, we get in the car, turn on the Christmas music and ride around town.

Mrs. Crews’ Family Recipe

Holiday Pork Tenderloin

From the Crews Family

1 pork tenderloin, any size (some are packaged with 2 loins together)

1 jar apricot preserves

1 jar sliced jalapeno peppers

Prepare tenderloin by rinsing. Start grill to pre-heat.

Prepare basting sauce: in a medium sauce pan, heat the apricot preserves and the jalapeno juice with about ¼ to ½ of the pepper slices. You can vary this according to taste.

Reserve some of the sauce to use for dipping.

While grilling the tenderloin, continually baste the meat with the sauce. The sugar in the preserves will make the meat turn a golden brown color.

Grilling time will depend on the size of your tenderloin.

My mom began this traditional main dish for Christmas dinner to avoid the same old turkey dinner.

Kristin’s Holiday Tradition

My family tradition is on Christmas eve and we go to Lake Lanier Islands. And we have a great time. I go with my mom and dad. This is really special to my family because we get to see lots of lights and drink hot cocoa and pick out a ornamint also roast marshmellows. We go there on the second week of December. While I am there I like to see the colors. Now you know what I do at Christmas.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

4 eggs 2 cups sugar 1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil (yes, 1 1/4 cups) 3 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (Regular or mini, I like mini best) DirectionsIn large mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and oil until smooth. Mix dry ingredients together and mix into pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400 F for 16-20 minutes.

Kristin’s Family Recipe

Brooklyn’s Holiday Tradition Every Christmas we make cookies

and every one with a different color icing. We have Santa, a stocking, a snow man, a Christmas and a angel cookie cutters. We make cookies on the weekend before Christmas or at a play date at my house. In my kitchen at my table is where we make the cookies. Every Christmas like always with my mom and sister and sometimes with a friend! This is special because it’s family time. Like when nana pat use to bake cookies with my mom. It may get a little messy but we have Christmas aprons so are clothes don’t get rewind. I think Christmas is the best!

Nana Pat’s Sour Cream Pound CakeBy: Brooklyn DiGirolamo All ingredients should be room temperature. 3 sticks of margarine*3 cups of sugar* *Cream fluffy; Blend in 1 cup at a time 6 eggs, mix in at one time1 cup of sour cream3 cups of flour, use ½ cup at a time1 tsp. vanilla1 tsp. lemon or tsp. almond Shake well in pan to pop any bubbles before putting into oven. Bake 350° F for 1 hour and 20 minutes (ovens and pans may vary time)

Brooklyn’s Family Recipe

Sean’s Holiday Tradition I have a family tradition. I

decorate the tree. We decorate the tree about 3 weeks before Christmas. We have our tree in the living room. My mom , dad and my brothers help me decorate the tree. This is special because it is a big part of Christmas. It is fun seeing all our different ornaments we made and collected over the years.

Canadian Tourtière (Meat Pie)Ingredients:

 1 ½ lbs. ground pork

1 lg baking potato1 lg onion, minced

½ tsp salt½ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp ground cinnamon¼ tsp ground cloves

1 dash ground allspice½ cup water

1 pastry recipe for a 9” double crust deep dish pie1 egg

¼ tsp paprika Directions: Bake the potato until done, 30-45 minutes in a pre-heated 400 degree F oven. Peel and mash the potato. Place the potato, ground pork, onion, spices and water in a large frying pan and simmer until very thick, for about 1 hour. Meanwhile, prepare your pastry. Line a deep-dish pie plate with pastry. Spoon in filling, spreading evenly. Cover with top crust. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Cut steam vent. Bake for 50 minutes at 350°F. If edges brown too fast, cover with a strip of foil. Serve warm.

Sean’s Family Recipe

Taylor’s Holiday Tradition My tradition is decorating

the Christmas tree. We do this the first week of December. We do this in the living room. I do this with all of my family. Mommy, Daddy and my brother. This is special to my family because a lot of the ornaments were made by my mom’s grandmother. Some remind us of when we were little. We decorate the tree at night. We play Christmas carols and drink hot chocolate when we decorate the tree.

Red- Nosed Reindeer Cookiesby Taylor Glass  Ingredients:12 white fudge coated creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies12 miniature pretzel twists1 can (6.4 oz) white decorating icing1 tube (.68 oz) black decorating gel12 small round chewy red candies  Directions:1. Place cookies on tray or flat surface. Break pretzel twists in half to form antlers. Place small amount of white decorating icing on bottom edge of each pretzel; attach 2 pieces at top of each cookie for reindeer antlers. 2. Using black decorating gel, make 2 small dots to form eyes on each cookie. 3. Cut off top 1/3 of each red candy; attach with small amount of icing to form nose on each cookie. 4. Eat and enjoy

Taylor’s Family Recipe

I like making cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. My mom and dad help me make the cookies. I am the taster to make sure they are not poisonous. Everyone wears their new jammies and sings carols for good luck. We love taking care of Santa.

Donovan’s Holiday Tradition

Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup light corn syrup1 cup sugar1 cup peanut butter6 cups corn flakesBring corn syrup and sugar to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for ONLY 3 minutes (any longer the balls will be hard). Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Pour over corn flakes and mix. Wait a few minutes, then roll into balls.

Donovan’s Family Recipe

Hannah’s Holiday Tradition

A couple days before Christmas I go to see Santa Claus at a candy land. I went with my family on December 22nd. We go every Christmas. My whole family goes with me and sometimes my friends go with me. It is special to me because it is our family time. It feels happy and special inside my heart!

Coconut Cake

1 Duncan Hines butter cake mix1 can sweetened condensed milk1 sm.can cream of coconutFrozen coconut Bake cake. While still warm poke holes with fork all over cake. Mix together cream and milk and pour over cake. Then spread frozen coconut over top.

Hannah’s Family Recipe

Emma’s Holiday Tradition

My family holiday tradition is to do an advent calendar. An advent calendar is a calendar with little boxes to put little things in it. This activity takes place in our living room. Also this activity takes place everyday in December in the afternoon. My sister and my mom do this with me. When I do the advent calendar I feel excited and surprised. This is special to me and my family because it gets us excited for Christmas and something to look forward to.

Toffee Dip with Apples 1 8oz. cream cheese3/4c. light brown sugar1/2c. sugar1 tsp. vanilla1 bag Heath toffee bits (not with chocolate) Mix together completely.  Fridge overnight & serve with Granny Smith apples slices and graham cracker sticks.

Emma’s Family Recipe

Nicolas’ Holiday Tradition

We have a big meal on Christmas Eve. We have it at my house with my family. It is very special because we get to see everybody. We have a fun time.

BEA BEA’S FAMOUS RICE BALLSA Sorgie Family Tradition This recipe has been made for the holiday for as far back as we can rememberIngredients2 cups of long grain rice1 stick of butter1 cup of romano cheese2 eggsFlourThis will make about 10 rice balls depending on how big you make them, try and make them about the size of an orange.The rice needs to be sticky so do not overcook. While the rice is hot add butter and cheese, if you think you need more butter or cheese, add it to taste. Get good Italian cheese like Locatelli or Pecorino, in the tub Salt and Pepper. Beat eggs and add to mixture, mix well. Let coolForm balls roll in flour make them firm, set asideStuffing1 lb of chop meat1 onionGarlicSalt and pepperEggsBreadcrumbsFlour1 can of tomato paste (not the small can, the bigger one)Brown chop meat, drain if needed. Add chopped up onion, garlic s + pAnd tomato paste, let cook for about 20 minutes. Set aside.Poke your finger in the rice ball to form a hole; don’t go all the way through just enough so you can fill a spoon full of meat in the center re-form ball, flour if needed. Beat 2 or 3 eggs.After all the balls are filled dip in eggs then coat well with breadcrumbs.In a deep fry pan, I like to use an electric skillet, add vegetable oil and let it get hot, fry rice balls until golden brown. Best when hot, you can microwave them to re heat.ENJOY Double the recipe for 20

Nicolas’ Family Recipe

Selina’s Holiday Tradition A holiday tradition my family

does is my mom video tapes me when I open my gifts. I open my gifts in the Living Room on Christmas day in the morning. When I open my eyes I jump of the bed and rush to open my gifts. I can’t wait to open the gifts and my mom video tapes and takes pictures of me opening my gifts. Then we review all of the pictures and videos and pick the best one and send it to my grandparents I let them share the joy of Christmas!

Glazed Apples in Caramel Sauce 4 large Granny Smith apples4 tps butter4 tps Amaretto liqueur or caramel SyrupWhipped cream or vanilla ice creamToasted slivered almonds for garnish caramel Sauce1 cup sugar1/2 cup water1/2 cup light corn syrup salt3/4 cup heavy cream Proheat oven to 375FPeel and core apples. Slice each apple horizontally into 5 or 6 slices, then reassemble into a stack. Place apples in a 13-by-19 baking dish.Melt butter and whisk in Ameretto or caramel syrup. Dizzle over the apples.Bake, uncovered, for about 60 minutes, or until tender to the fork. Baste every 15 minutes with the butter mixture drippings in the baking dish.To prepare the sauce, stir together sugar, water, corn syrup and a pinch of salt in a heavy saucepan.Bring to a boil, without stirring, until the mixture turns a golden caramel color.Remove from the heat and slowly stir in cream. Let cool.To assemble, place glazed apples on large dessert plates. Pourthe warm Caramel Sauce down the centerof each apple. Serve warm with a large dollop of fresh whipped cream or ice cream. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.Make 4 servings.

Selina’s Family Recipe

Jonathan’s Holiday Tradition

On every week before Christmas . We bake cookies . We get icing on our face. And we listen to Christmas music . We have a lot of decorating. And I bake

Cookies with my mom and brothers. We do it in the kitchen too .

Baptist Pound Cake 3 cups sugar1 cup butter1/2 cup Crisco5 eggs, beaten3 cups plain flour1/2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. vanilla flavoring1 tsp. lemon flavoring1 cup milk Cream butter, sugar, and Crisco until sugar dissolves. Add eggs--Beat eggs separate, then add.  Sift together flour and baking powder.  Add flour and milk alternately to above mixture.  Add flavorings. Place in a COLD oven and turn oven to 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Best cooled in a tube pan. Grease and flour pan. OVEN MUST BE COLD WHEN STARTED TO BAKE!

Jonathan’s Family Recipe

Grace’s Holiday Tradition

Do you want to here about my family Christmas tradition ? Well we go to the kanji house on Christmas Eve and my whole families there and when I go to the kanji house with my family we all order food and I usually don’t get my food cooked in front of me but my dad usually gives me some of his food and I love there chicken tenders and the Japanese catch-up tastes like honey mustard . I think this is a special time of year.

HOLIDAY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE COOKIES1 1/2 cups all purpose flour1/2 cup Hershey'sCocoa1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 tsp. salt1/2 cup butter3/4 cup packed light brown sugar1/2 cup granulated sugar1 tsp vanilla extract2 eggs1 1/3 cups Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate holiday bits, divided

1. Heat oven to 350. Lightly grease cookie sheet.

2. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, blending well. Stir in 1 cup bits. Drop by rounded teaspoon full's onto cookie sheet. Press 8 to 9 of remaining bits on dough before baking.

3. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set. Cool completely. 

Grace’s Family Recipe

Jeremy’s Holiday Tradition

My mom , my sister and I go to Florida for a day or two to visit family and friends after Christmas. My dad can not go because of work. It is very special to my family because we do not get to see them much. It is very boring in the car but very exciting when we get there.

Cranberry Salad2 small boxes strawberry jello1 can whole cranberry sauce1 large can crushed pineapple1 small box instant vanilla pudding1 cup milk8 oz. package cream cheeseCool Whip1 cup chopped toasted pecansDissolve the jello in 2 cups of hot water and then mix in the cranberry sauce and pineapple (undrained). Place in fridge until firm. Topping: Mix pudding with milk and mix in cream cheese. Spread over firm jello mixture and then cover with cool whip. Sprinkle on pecans.

Jeremy’s Family Recipe

Katie’s Holiday Tradition

Our family’s tradition is to light the Advent Wreath. We have it on our dining room table. The candles on it we light to show the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Advent Wreath is part of our Catholic religion.

Date Nut BallsKay Hand

1 cup sugar 2 cups Rice Krispies1 ½ sticks margarine 1 cup pecans, finely chopped1 – 8 oz. pkg. chopped, pitted dates ½ tsp. Vanilla Cook sugar, margarine, and dates in a saucepan, stirring constantly until melted (dates may still have some texture). Stir constantly to avoid scorching, or use a double boiler. Remove from heat and pour over the nuts and rice krispies. Add vanilla and stir until well blended. Roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then roll in powdered sugar. Store in an air tight container.

Katie’s Family Recipe

Chandler’s Holiday Tradition

Every Christmas I put up my Christmas tree . I hide some of my favorite ornaments sometimes . I either put up the Santa or the star . This happens just after Thanksgiving . Me and my brother make ornaments for our Christmas tree my mom dad and my brother are with me it is a tradtion because we like it and we can remember it and have fun doing it

Cheesy Squash and Zucchini Casserole 1 lb. yellow squash, sliced 1 lb. zucchini, sliced 1/2 medium onion, diced 1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 c. butter or margarine, divided 1/2 c. Bisquick poweder 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1/2 tbsp hot sauce (I recommend Frank's) 2 eggs 15 saltine crackers (approx.), crushed 1/2 c. bread crumbsPreheat oven to 325 degrees. Cover vegetables in water and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables with the remaining ingredients, reserving crackers, breadcrumbs, and 1/2 c. of the cheese. Mix with a large spoon by hand until butter has melted and Bisquick is no longer visible. Crush saltine crackers and gradually mix in the bowl. If you like a firm casserole, add more crackers. Pour into casserole dish, and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Chandler’s Family Recipe

Matthew’s Holiday Tradition On Christmas Eve me and

the rest of my family meet together. Before we go to bed and wait for Santa. We play games. Who ever wins gets to open one present. This is every Christmas Eve. My uncle , aunt, grand parents, dad , mom uncle and aunts dog and of course me! This is special to me because I get to see my hole family and friends. After that we wait for Mr.c .

Peanut Butter Bars-An Elves' Favorite Treat

2 Cups Peanut Butter 2 Cubes Margarine 1 Package Graham Crackers - Crushed 1 Pound Powdered Sugar (1/2 of bag or 1 lb box) 2 Bags Milk Chocolate Chips

Melt margarine in medium sauce pan on low heat then stir in 2 cups of creamy peanut butter until smooth. Remove from heat and add crushed graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Pat mixture into large cookie sheet. Sprinkle 2 bags of milk chocolate chips evenly over the top and place in a 200 degree oven until the chocolate chips can be spread easily. Place in the refrigerator overnight and before you cut them into squares let them sit outside of the refrigerator for a couple of hours otherwise they will break and not cut.

Matthew’s Family Recipe

Jake’s Holiday Tradition

My family tradition is decorating the Christmas tree. I do it with my family. It is my favorite Christmas activity. The environment is so happy. I get to do it with my family and I love the smell of a real Christmas tree. I love seeing the lights and ornaments on the tree. That’s why I love my tradition.

Chocolate Mint Cookies3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons water 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 2 eggs 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 36 chocolate mint wafer candies  DIRECTIONSIn a large pan over low heat, cook butter, sugar and water until butter is melted. Add chocolate chips and stir until partially melted. Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted. Pour into a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes to cool off slightly. At high speed, beat in eggs, one at a time into chocolate mixture. Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients, beating until blended. Chill dough about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes. While cookies are baking unwrap mints and divide each in half. When cookies are brought out of the oven, put 1/2 mint on top of each cookie. Let the mint sit for up to 5 minutes until melted, then spread the mint on top of the cookie. Eat and enjoy!

Jake’s Family Recipe

Ryan’s Holiday Tradition

Every Christmas me my sister and my mom make a ginger bread house. This is how we decorate it. We put some icing and then we stick a candy on. This tradition is special because my family has been doing this for like eight years.

Pumpkin Bread15 or 16 oz. can (2 cups) pumpkin3 cups sugar1 cup oil 2/3 cup water4 eggs3 ½ cups all purpose flour2 teaspoons soda1 ½ teaspoons salt1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon nutmeg½ teaspoon gingerHeat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9x5 or 8x4 inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, blend first 5 ingredients. Beat 1 minute at medium speed. Add remaining ingredients; blend at low spend until moistened. Beat 1 minute at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 to 75 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pans. Cool completely. Note: I add mini, semi-sweet chocolate chips to this recipe. I usually make them as muffins rather than the bread. (The muffins require a much shorter baking time.) They are great as mini muffins.

Ryan’s Family Recipe

Merry Christmas

to All!