Merry Yule to one and all!

I figured that before I get up to my elbows in holiday baking, I'd better get this newsletter out. :)

Yule is the time that the Celts celebrate the return of the light. Yes, it's the darkest day of the year (and even as I type this, the winter's first snow is falling), but after this the days will start getting longer. I can't wait!

Create a Winter Altar

Solar symbols are good things to add to your altar, so look for object that bring sun and light to mind:

Sun wheels, red candles, anything bright and shiny. Of course, evergreens like pine, holly and mistletoe are a must.  :)  Paper snowflakes, glass icicles, even a bowl of snow would be fun. Figurines of animals that remain active in winter, like squirrels, snow geese, deer and owls. If you feel like going all out, lay a string of holiday lights around the altar.
 

Easy, Festive Centerpiece
You'll need:
Variety of fruit, such as lemons, limes, oranges, apples, plums, bears, etc.

Long floral picks or skewers
2 egg whites

Superfine sugar

Pierce fruit with skewers - I especially like using citrus fruit because they'll last a long time. Place egg whites in a small bowl and beat a little, if desired. Take a basting brush and, holding the fruit by the skewers, coat fruit with egg white. Hold fruit over bowl with sugar, and sprinkle sugar all over the fruit. Don't be shy with the sugar - keep sprinkling until it looks almost white. Dry on wax paper.

Arrange fruit any way you like - on a plate with candles and magnolia leaves, in a floral arrangement, or simply in a festive bowl.

Carolan's Cauldron

For some reason this year, I'm all about the lemons and limes. Hope you enjoy these recipes!

Lime Sugar Cookies
 

2 3/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice

zest of one lime

Combine flour, baking soda and baking powder, set aside. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth, then beat in egg, vanilla, and lime juice and zest. Add in dry ingredients, 1/3 at a time.

Roll teaspoons of dough into round balls, place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated  375 degree oven until light golden. Cool on pan a couple minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Variation:

- For lavender/lemon cookies, use lemon zest and juice instead of lime, and add a teaspoon of dried lavender buds and three drops lavender essential oil.

Source: CrampedKitchen.com