Johnny Mathis croons, “It’s the
most wonderful time of the year.”
The holidays are in full swing now
and most everyone is in a state of
heightened excitement. It’s the time
of year when I’m happy, indeed
anxious, for the mailman to arrive
because I know he’ll be bringing
Christmas cards along with the
bills.
Annual holiday greetings are
the only contact we have with some
of our longtime friends who have
scattered all over the country and
beyond. The cards that include photos
are my favorites. But how can
their children be in college, graduated,
married or parents themselves
when we haven’t aged a bit? My
mother always says that she doesn’t
feel like she is getting older on the
inside and I used to think, “Yeah,
right.” Now I totally understand
what she means. In my mind’s eye I
am still 24. Reminds me of the
greeting card that explains “You’re
not old, you’re just a young person
who a lot has happened to.” But I
digress…
There are so many inviting,
homey aromas associated with this
time of year. Inhaling the fresh pine
scent of the Christmas tree is such a
pleasure. Simmering pot pourri is
lovely wafting through the house.
The kitchen provides an endless
variety of aromas from morning ‘til
night. Whether it’s the sweet smell
of holiday cookies and breads or the
savory scent of a prime rib or turkey
roasting for the supper celebration,
it’s tantalizing.
Christmas morning is usually a frenzy of activity, especially if
young children are present.
Organizing a sit-down breakfast
may not be practical or possible. A
coffeecake to enjoy with a warm
beverage while sitting around the
tree surrounded by torn wrapping
paper and tangled ribbons is just
right.
I found the recipe for Cranberry
Swirl Coffeecake while perusing AllRecipes.com recently. It’s perfect
for Christmas or even New
Year’s morning while watching the
Rose Parade. The tart and tangy
cranberries ensure it is not too sweet
and add bright color. I love the addition
of sour cream, too. And while it
was baking, the smells were heavenly!
Scott and I tried this yummy
coffeecake last weekend. We decided
it would be a delicious addition
to our Christmas morning festivities.
That settled, now I need to get
my Christmas cards in the mail.
Cooking
Preparation: