Wholesome Holiday Treats ('08 excerpt)

Wholesome Holiday Treats
Nov/Dec '08 Essential Herbal Magazine
Sue-Ryn Burns hillwoman.com

My holiday gift list is going to be a lot more personalized this year. Everyone will probably get some of the herbal jellies I’ve become obsessed with making and something crocheted (another obsession). My husband is already planning to dig up and process major amounts of our killer Horse Radish to share. I will make sure everyone gets some Thyme herb with instructions for making some fast acting antispasmodic tea, and probably some Elecampane Root too, in case respiratory flu makes the rounds. And most likely we’ll be baking our traditional favorites, including European Yule Bread.
I’ll probably mix up some Yogi Tea for friends to try as well. Years ago a friend shared her recipe with me. We found it really warming and comforting on long wintry nights. With heating costs expected to be unpredictable, warming teas may be really helpful this winter. For a really decadent late evening treat, add some “half’n’half” and home made Kahlua or other liqueur. I have also substituted Coconut milk for regular dairy and found it quite pleasing.

European Yule Bread

1 Cup warm water
1 egg slightly beaten
1 ½ Tbsp butter or oil
2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
3 cups bread machine flour
2 Tbsp powdered milk
1 tsp dry yeast
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup candied fruit
½ tsp ground fennel seed
½ tsp ground cardamom seed
½ tsp ground coriander seed
¼ cup chopped unsalted nuts pecans, walnuts, or almonds are good

Mix flour, spices, sugar, salt, powdered milk, and dried fruits in a 2 qt mixing bowl.
Cut in butter with a fork or pastry blending tool.
Add warm water to bread machine bucket. If using oil, beat it gently in with the egg and add to warm water.
Scoop in mixed dry ingredients.
Bake on medium setting.
OR
Let the bread machine make the dough, shape it into three smaller loaves and place them into greased pans. Allow them to rise, covered, in a warm place for about an hour. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
OR
You can also make your dough in the traditional manner by hand in a large bowl. I usually add the dried fruit when I knead the dough if I do it by hand. Let it rise once, knead it, and let it rise again shaped into the form of your choice on a large flat sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 ½ hours or until golden brown and hollow sounding.

Cool on racks, then wrap in foil until you a ready to serve it or give it away. It makes morning toast seem like cake for breakfast!

Linda’s Yogi Tea

Equal parts by volume; Whole Cardamom Pods ( half part if you are using Decorticated Whole Seeds), Cloves, Peppercorns ( in a pinch you can substitute Allspice Berries), Ginger Root pieces, Coriander Seeds, and Cinnamon chips or Cassia Buds (if you can find them). Add or subtract spices you’re not fond of.

Simmer a 1/2 cup of the mixed spices in 6 cups of water gently in a non-reactive pot for thirty minutes, or to desired strength. Strain and add 2 cups of milk. Rewarm gently, sweeten with honey, and serve.

Kahlua (I’m not sure if that is correct) 3 Cups Water 3 Cups Granulated Sugar 10 Teaspoons Instant Coffee 4 Teaspoons Vanilla 1 Quart Vodka (Cheapest you can get) Bring water, sugar and coffee to boil. Simmer 1 hour. Cool to room temperatur...

Read More at www.vicariouslyvintage.com/2010/06/16/kahlua/

Kahlua (I’m not sure if that is correct) 3 Cups Water 3 Cups Granulated Sugar 10 Teaspoons Instant Coffee 4 Teaspoons Vanilla 1 Quart Vodka (Cheapest you can get) Bring water, sugar and coffee to boil. Simmer 1 hour. Cool to room temperatur...

Read More at www.vicariouslyvintage.com/2010/06/16/kahlua/

Kahlua (I’m not sure if that is correct) 3 Cups Water 3 Cups Granulated Sugar 10 Teaspoons Instant Coffee 4 Teaspoons Vanilla 1 Quart Vodka (Cheapest you can get) Bring water, sugar and coffee to boil. Simmer 1 hour. Cool to room temperatur...

Read More at www.vicariouslyvintage.com/2010/06/16/kahlua/