Making a List, and Checking it Twice

Happy Holidays from these guys…

We’ve got Santa,

 

and we’ve got… a penguin with a present and a ski hat!

Last year when we went to Target to get Christmas decor for our new home, this bobble-head penguin stocking holder was the ONLY thing Lloyd wanted.  As I was busy picking out wrapping paper and bows, blue, gold, and cream bulbs, ribbon, and the perfect star for our tree, Lloyd managed to find this overpriced, although adorable, stocking holder and claimed it his. 

“But, we already have stocking holders- see?”  I picked up the two already in our cart.

“Well, I like this penguin dude.  I’m getting him.”  Lloyd told me matter-of-factly. 

I panicked a bit.  You see, I had picked out something a bit less “kitschy” to hang our stockings.  I had selected simple but sophisticated silver snowflake holders- matching, of course.  I couldn’t possibly have one cartoonish penguin and one elegant snowflake.  Because I am usually a spoiled brat, Lloyd doesn’t often voice his opinion, I figured I would concede on this one.  Plus, the penguin is pretty cute. 

Pick your battles wisely, women.

Unfortunately, Lloyd had managed to find the last Penguin stocking holder.  The OCD in me had this idea that they HAD to match.  When we were positive Lloyd had finagled the very last penguin one, I decided it would be ok to go with something else from the “collection.”  You know… another bobble-head stocking holder?  The only one left in the collection was Santa.  Both seemed masculine to me, and I wanted something a bit less gender-specific.  Lloyd was quick to point out that “most guys” wouldn’t want snowflakes for the same reason. 

Yes, we actually spent 20 minutes in Target debating stocking holders and practicing my negotiation skills.  Obviously, after Lloyd won the battle, I wanted to trade the penguin for Santa.  As soon as he realized he had something I wanted, there was no giving up that penguin.  I kept trying to explain that Santa was clearly a man, while the penguin may have been female.  I claimed green was a better color for me.  He wasn’t having it. 

Lloyd was triumphant, and is now the proud owner of a green penguin stocking holder.  I got the fat guy in the red suit. 

That Santa’s got a list and he’s checking it twice, three times, nine times. 

That’s how many times he saw me going to the cookie bowl for these:

I can’t help but feel as though he’s watching me every time I stick my hand in for another treat.  He’s all business in that red suit. 

On the other hand, that penguin’s hat says, “Let’s party!”  He even brought a gift. 

I hope it’s more cookies.

Italian Anisette Cookies

Original recipe here

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon anise extract
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder and white sugar. Make a well in the center and add oil, milk, 1 tablespoon anise extract, and eggs. Mix together until dough is sticky.
3. Oil fingers and pinch off dough in 1 inch pieces. Roll into a ball and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, 1 inch apart, flatten top slightly. Bake for 8 minutes. Dip cookies in Icing while warm.
4. To Make Icing: Blend in 1 teaspoon anise extract and enough hot water to 1 cup confectioner’s sugar to form a smooth icing.

 

You really can’t blame me. 

These were amazing!  I think you either LOVE anisette cookies, or you don’t.  I happen to fall into the first category.  There is something nostalgic about these cookies for me.  I can’t remember my mother ever making them- maybe my aunt?  (Auntie BA- did you make these when I was little?)  I think most people that don’t like these cookies claim not to like “black licorice” flavor, but I don’t love it myself, and I love these cookies.   You can sub lemon or almond extract for the anise, if you wish.

These soft cookies have a unique flavor which is similar to peppermint, as you experience a cooling sensation when you bit into them.  However, the flavor is understated, just the way I like it.  The texture is nice: not cakey or dry.  These are often considered a traditional Italian Christmas cookie, but instead of the expected red and green sprinkles, they are made with rainbow sprinkles, which adds some whimsy and evokes your inner child!  

Lots of the reviews for this particular recipe mentioned them tasting “just like” or “better than” their grandmothers’, which I think speaks for itself.     

Bobble-head Santa can judge me all he wants. 

He’s going back to his home in the attic in 5 days. 

In the meantime, I think I’ll have another cookie.

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