Nice to have you here to do a little craft with recycled materials that you likely have around you somewhere. If you missed Organic Granny's Christmas craft from yesterday, you can check it out HERE
A couple of years ago my husband and I met his cousins at Church. They are from another city and have a "beach house" in our community. Like my husband, they grew up in Evangelical Lutheran households-- GERMAN Evangelical Lutheran households. It was the first day of Advent-- "the Coming of the King of Kings."
The Pastor -- seemed like a priest to me-- in vestments, carrying the whole service by himself except for some help at Communion Time and the ladies crewing in the basement with coffee afterwards-- announced that the small fir tree in the Church yard that they had marked to be used this year as a Christmas tree, had been cut down and taken off. Grinchy thieves. Last night, apparently.
So, today's craft has to do with wood in honour of the stolen tree. Trees are really so giving. We do not actually need an entire tree to embrace the concept of a tree. This craft (or gift) just requires some trimmings from a tree outdoors, or some unneeded sprigs from various old artificial wreaths, and a pair of old mittens (or ones that you have recently knit with a desire to sacrifice). And bits of sparkly stuff you have in the box of old Christmas decorations. The little tree-bunch is then hung up with by a piece of ribbon or cord, what have you. Voila!
Sorry, there are no formal instructions to go with this picture. I have confidence in your ability.
Mittens with Greens
If, after you do this, you feel like you would like to tackle some baking, may I direct you to the recipe for German pfeffernusse (pepper nuts) with the directions found right below the cookie picture:
Here is my version of Pfeffernusse--vegan and Gluten-free-- it involves raw cacao powder so in truth they taste a little like a cross between the pfeffernusse and a scone (or in my humble opinion). The spicy, peppery-ness fills the air with love when they bake. You might want to listen to this music as you mix and bake them.
- 1/3 C. Molasses
- 1/2 C. Honey
- 3 T. Virgin Coconut Oil
- 2 "Flax Eggs" (Mix 2 T. Flax Meal in 6-8 T. Hot Water and let sit)
- 2 T. freshly grated lemon peel
- 1 1/2 C. Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Biscuit Baking Mix**
- 1 C. Almond Flour
- 1/2 C. Cocoa or Raw Cacao Powder
- 3/4 tsp. ground Cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp. ground Cloves
- 3/4 tsp. ground Cardamom
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. gluten-free Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup gluten-free powdered sugar to dust cookies after baking (optional)
- Jam or Jelly of choice for thumbprints ( I used homemade Blackberry)
1. You can add all the wet ingredients (including lemon peel and flax egg) to a mix bowl and mix up, and then add dry ingredients (except for dusting sugar), or you can do what I do in a rather non-traditional way and just dump everything into your food processor and process until creamy smooth.
2. Then put a sheet of plastic wrap tightly over the canister or bowl and refrigerate the batter for 8 or more hours (I did it overnight).
3. For Baking:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
*Put wet ingredients into a bowl
*Stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients
*Knead the dough until smooth.
*Roll cookies into 3/4" balls and place on a parchment-covered cookie pan.
*Can make a thumbprint in each cookie if desired, and put in some fruity jam.
*Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
*Cool completely before storing or eating
Day 1 Craft is HERE
Day 3 Craft is HERE
See ALL Crafts and Cookie Recipes listed HERE
🥤 Article and photos © 2025 Cynthia Zirkwitz | Organic Granny
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Nourishing life with integrity, simplicity, and compassion at Organic Granny.
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