The main jolly old elf and his helpers made an appearance at this celebration. The helper elves were called out by name as they brought sweet treats to good girls (and boys). Ornaments added to the festive setting. Loosen those belts and let the season begin!
I wanted to design some simple but sweet cookies this year involving Santa. Something geometric but not complicated. Here is that design!
These are the steps involved in creating them. Sorry about the poor quality of the first photos. One day I will make myself a photo booth…
I first made the “oval face” using a bit of ivory food coloring. That dried for 4 hours before I added his red hat.
While the red hat was still wet, I sprinkled on coarse, clear sugar crystals.
Then I worked on his beard. A quick coat of RI white with little round white non-pariels and voila!
I let this all set overnight (isn’t necessary if you are careful) and got to work on his face. A Q-Tip to add his blush and two simple wide eyes with black royal icing, Santa was complete.
The finished product! Ho.ho.hope you like!
The periodic table has enjoyed a rejuvenated coolness ever since Breaking Bad. Personally, I always thought there were loads of interesting stories associated with the elements (ie: Copper and clean air/water systems and the 1976 outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease OR Iodine and Mahatma Gandhi and the British salt tax. Apparently the British have an inspirational way with taxes and revolutions.). So I’m “breaking” out the elements again- this time to celebrate that jolly, old elf. How does he know if we’ve been bad or good? NSA?
My Mom would be happy- cookies made using her vintage cutters from the 1950’s. I grew up with these shapes, this type of glaze, accompanied with jimmies and colored sugars. It’s like going home.
Then there is the reason for the season. Some straw in the manager and a very bright star.
O tidings of comfort and joy. Here’s ho ho ho-ping that these are considered comfort food and bring my friends joy! Merry, merry!
Mama Mayer Bakery 