Herbal Blessing: CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day (Dec. 25th), the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany (Jan. 6th), the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.

This familiar song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning or the hidden meaning known originally only to the Christians. Each element is a code word for a religious truth. The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.

A great time to have an open house is on January 6th or 12th Night, at the end of the Christmas season. Use the following recipes to represent each of the twelve days or have fun coming up with your own!!

The partridge in a pear tree

(The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus)

Cran-Pear Tree Chutney
4-16oz cans whole berry cranberry sauce
1c brown sugar
1c chopped pear
1c raisins
1c slivered almonds
1c apple cider vinegar
2Tbs minced crystallized ginger
1 tsp allspice

               Combine all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for 30 mins. Cool, place in jars and process in water bath for 10 mins. Makes a quick appetizer served over cream cheese with gingersnaps

The two turtledoves

(The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments)

Caramel Turtledove Bites
1 package mini pretzel twists
1 package rolo candies
1 package pecan halves

Place pretzels on cookie sheet. Top each pretzel with an unwrapped rolo candy. Heat for about 2 - 3 minutes at 250 degrees until chocolate softens. Remove from oven, press pecan half on top of the chocolate. Allow to cool before removing from tray. Store tightly covered. Remember to share them with your family and friends!

Three French hens

(Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love)

French Herbed Cheese Ball: Combine 8oz softened cream cheese, 1 c shredded cheddar cheese, 1 c crumbled Rougefort cheese, 1Tbs Herbes de Provence, 1tsp Worcestershire sauce and ½ cup chopped pecans. Form into ball, roll in another ½ cup chopped pecans, then wrap in plastic & refrigerate 24hrs.

The four calling birds

(The four calling birds are the four Gospels)

Bird Pesto Cups: Combine 2 cups shredded store-bought roasted chicken, 1/2 cup pesto and 1/2c sun-dried tomatoes. Fill small phylo cups with mixture.

The five gold rings

(The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament)

Five Golden Pinwheels: Prepare the following spreads, then spread on flour tortillas, roll up, wrap and refrigerate overnight. To serve, slice into 1” pinwheels.

Date-Orange: Combine 4oz cream cheese, 1Tbs sugar, 1tsp vanilla extract, 1Tbs orange juice, grated orange peel, 16 chopped dates and a pince of fresh grated nutmeg.

Golden Raisin & Carrot: Combine 1-8oz pkg cream cheese, 1/2c golden raisins and 1/2c grated carrot.

Curry & Chutney: Combine 1-8oz pkg cream cheese, 1 chopped green onions & 1/4c sweet red pepper in a food processor. Add 1tsp curry powder, 1tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2-9oz jar Mango chutney, 1/4c toasted sliced almonds.

Golden Pepper Hummus: Combine 1-15oz can drained chickpeas, 1c roasted yellow peppers, 2Tbs fresh lemon juice, 3 cloves garlic and 1tsp lemon pepper in a food processor and process until smooth. Salt to taste.

Chut-Nut Five Spice: Combine 1-8oz pkg softened cream cheese, 1/2-9oz jar Mango chutney, 1tsp five spice, 1/2c coconut and 1/3c chopped almonds until well blended.

The six geese a-laying

(The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation)

Dilled Cheese Geese Eggs: Toast 1/2c sliced almonds. Combine with 1-8oz cream cheese, 1/2c mayonnaise. 4Tbs crumbled bacon, 1Tbs chopped green onion and 1/2tsp dill weed. Cover, & chill overnite. Form into 2 egg shapes.

The seven swans a-swimming

(The seven swans a-swimming represent
the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit)

Swan Spread: Cream together 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise and 2 ounces grated cheddar cheese. Add 1Tbs herb seasoning, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and a 6 ounce package of frozen crabmeat, thawed and drained.

The eight maids a-milking

(The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes)

Maids Chai Crunch: Melt 1/2c butter and 1/2c honey, add 1Tbs nonfat dried milk, 1tsp each cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves and 1tsp vanilla and pour over a combination of 4c each Wheat Chex, Honey Nut Cherrios and 2c sliced almonds. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 mins, stirring every 15 mins.

Nine ladies dancing

(Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit)

Ladies Spiced Fruit & Nuts: Melt 1tsp butter in skillet over medium heat then add 1/4c honey and cook 2 mins. Add 1/4c each of almonds, peanuts, pecans and walnuts with 1tsp five spice and continue to cook for 8 mins stirring frequently. Stir in 1/2c raisins and 1/2c dried cranberries. Spread onto greased baking sheet to cool.

The ten lords a-leaping

(The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments)

Lords Parmesan Popcorn: Combine 1/4c olive oil and 1tsp garlic salt. Make 6c popcorn then pour seasoned oil over to coat well and top with 1/4c fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Store in airtight container up to 5 days.

Eleven pipers piping

(Eleven pipers piping represent
the eleven faithful Apostles)

Pipers Garlic Pepper Jelly: Melt 2 (16oz) jars apply jelly over low heat stirring often. Add 1Tbs pressed garlic, 2Tbs parsley flakes and 1/2tsp chili pepper flakes and 4tsp white vinegar then pour into jars or freezer containers. Cool. Cover and freeze up to 6 months. Great as an appetizer served over cream cheese.

Twelve drummers drumming

(Twelve drummers drumming symbolize
the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed)

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Drums: Line 32 miniature muffin cups with paper cups. Combine 1 c. crushed gingersnap cookies (approx. 20) and 3Tbs melted butter in small bowl. Press small amount onto bottom of each paper cup. Bake at 325 degrees for 3 minutes. Beat 1-8oz pkg cream cheese, 1c pumpkin, 1/2c sugar, 1tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1tsp vanilla in mixing bowl until blended. Add 2 eggs and beat well. Carefully spoon into paper cups. Bake 20 minutes until set. Cool on wire rack. Remove tarts from pan; refrigerate. If desired, garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of zested chocolate or finely chopped pecans.

My favorite Christmastime beverage is mulled cranberry tea, either hot or chilled with the addition of gingerale. Enjoy!