So, it's that time of year again. And everyone who loves to bake (can I mention yclept in here somewhere? You know that girl loves to cook) knows that you can only bake so many sweets before people start giving you the evil eye for putting temptation in their way when they're really trying to lose weight. Here is my solution: Bake-able Christmas ornaments. But ch'i-lin, you ask, what does this mean? Why, lovely scents filling the kitchen, but absolutely nothing to eat. Trust me, someone will thank you for it at some point.
I have included two recipes for baked Christmas ornaments. The first is a very popular recipe found on many websites and popular with crafty folk. The second is my own creation, though worked in the same vein as the first. Bear in mind, these ornaments are very versatile. They can be made for tree ornaments, tied to packages, or perhaps you could string some stretchy cord through the hole and make car air fresheners. Use any cookie cutter you want. They can be holiday themed; they could be in the shape of a pacifier for a baby shower; and I've seen these in the shape of a heart and strung with pretty ribbon as a wedding favor. These are easy and they smell great!
Spicy Applesauce Ornaments
What you need:
1 1/2 c. of any spices, such as cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger
3/4 c. applesauce
In a medium bowl, combine your spices. Add the applesauce and stir to combine. Work the mixture with your hands or a mixer until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough with cookie cutters. Smaller ones, about the size of a half dollar, work best. Using a straw or pencil, make a small hole the size of a pea in the top of ornament. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 150 ° F for 1 hour. Remove from the cookie sheet and bake on the oven racks for another hour.
Coffee Applesauce Ornaments
What you need:
2 cups coffee grounds
1/2 cup cappuccino powder
3/4 cups applesauce
In a medium bowl, combine the coffee grounds and cappuccino powder. Add the applesauce and stir to combine. Work the mixture with your hands or a mixer until the dough is smooth and ingedients are thoroughly mixed. roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough with cookie cutters. Smaller ones, about the size of a half dollar, work best. Using a straw or pencil, make a small hole the size of a pea in the top of the ornament. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 150 ° F for 1 hour. Remove from the cookie sheet and bake on the oven racks for another hour.