My Favorite Thing

As the holidays approach, I start baking. I love to make Springerle, and my favorite mold is a very large one my mother gave me about 25 years ago. It was made in Germany and features a woman  watering her garden. Every year at this time, I take it out of its resting place and greet the Gardener just like an old friend. For years, I would make 2 of these very large Springerle; one for my Mother and one for my family. My mother eagerly awaited her cookie. When it arrived, she would make a cup of coffee, as Springerle is be best with coffee, and cut off a chunk of the Gardener. Mom would carefully portion the cookie each day with her coffee until  it was gone. My family and I do the same with our Springerle. As soon as my baking is complete, I plan to have a cup of coffee, a Springerle, and listen to holiday music. It is one of my favorite moments of the holidays. 

My gardener evokes wonderful memories of my Mother as well as warm days puttering in my own garden.