Planning for Christmas baking is just a simple account of how I got a few supplies and ingredients into my pantry in preparation for baking Christmas cookies and other treats. What you need will, of course, differ from what I need, as we no doubt have varying Christmas favorites. But this post will hopefully offer you a bit of inspiration to begin your baking.
I didn't go into detail in that post, but just at the very least you will want to stock up on basics like flour, sugar, butter, and so on, and whatever special ingredients you use around the holidays. Last week I bought pecans and walnuts, for example, and light corn syrup. Things that I don't necessarily keep on hand all the time. And it really helps to make a list of what cookies and other kitchen gifts you intend to make. Locating the recipes for each one (easy for me since I keep them all in a Christmas binder) and looking them over helps with making a list of ingredients one needs to buy.
And then one more from the archives: A 1950s cookie recipe is for my mother's Date-Oatmeal Cookies, which she always included on her cookie trays for neighbors and friends. They are very good and just the epitome of the 1950s Christmas cookie, being perfectly round, festive with dates and nuts, and with a candied cherry half centered on each. I'm thinking I may bake a batch myself this year, just for old times' sake!
