Since we're in a Christmas mood, here's my Plum Pudding recipe

1 c flour 1/2 c butter
1/2 c sugar 1/2 c raisins
1/2 c breadcrumbs 1/2 c currants
1/2 t baking powder 1/4 c chopped walnuts
1/2 t salt 1/2 c milk
1/2 t cinnamon 1/4 c molasses
1/2 t nutmeg 1 egg

Grease mold and sprinkle with extra sugar -I usually use a small ironstone mixing bowl.

Chop fruit and sprinkle with a little flour. Cut butter into dry ingredients. Add fruit and nuts. Add wet ingredients and stir till combined. Spoon into mold and cover with 2 layers of greased foil. Tie securely. Steam over medium heat 3 hours.

Gingerbread Cookies

makes 10 dozen cookies

6 c flour 1/2 t salt
2 t baking soda 4 t ginger
2 t cinnamon 1 t nutmeg
1/2 t cloves 1 1/2 c brown sugar
1 1/2 c butter 1 c molasses, fancy table not blackstrap
2 eggs

Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs and molasses. Combine with dry ingredients. Chill at least 2 hours, overnight is better. Roll out 1/4 inch thick and cut in desired shapes. Bake on lined cookie sheet.

Bake 350F for 10-12 minutes, depending on size of cookie cutters. This is another recipe that keeps really well if well wrapped.