Holiday Guest Post - Tammy from Tammy's Two Cents

I thought it would be fun to invite a few of my favorite blogging friends over for some holiday guest posts. I love hearing how others celebrate the season - their traditions and memories, their favorite recipes, their gift ideas...all those little things that make Christmas unique and special to each of us.

First up is Tammy. You can find her at Tammy's Two Cents, where she blogs about all kinds of good stuff - from family life, to product reviews, to giveaways. We crossed paths in the blogosphere awhile back and became friends. Tammy is very down to earth, friendly, and a devoted wife and mom. She's here today to share some of her Christmas traditions. Welcome Tammy!







I am so excited to be guest posting here today. Kari and I met through a blog hop over a year ago and have been friends ever since. She asked me to share some of my family's holiday traditions and recipes.

There was really only one tradition I remember growing up and it was opening all our gifts on Christmas Eve. We always celebrated with my aunts and their families which was probably the reason we didn't do anything on Christmas morning. Everyone was celebrating as a family that day.

My mom made cookies and candy every year. She had so many tins to fill. As I write this I can remember those special tins she pulled out every December. A few of her specialties were divinity, Yule Logs (a Swedish cookie) and her famous sugar cookies.

My all time favorite holiday recipe was not one that my mom made. It was one that both my aunts made and it still reminds me of Christmas. It was a biscotti like cookie called Scorpa. Our families have grown so we don't get together like we did when we were little. Two years ago we had a big get together and my aunt brought me a tin full of Scorpa. It totally made my Christmas!

Last year I decided I was going to take on a new tradition and start making it myself so we could enjoy it. (My dad was thrilled to hear this!) I was in the middle of making it and I had to call my aunt. I had too many questions and was so glad I called her because she gave me some great tips. Scorpa is a Swedish cookie they enjoy with their tea and coffee.

With it being my favorite recipe, I thought I would share it with all of you.

Swedish Scorpa

1 Cup Shortening

2 Cups Sugar

2 Eggs

1 Cup Evaporated Milk

3 Cups Sifted flour

1 Tablespoon of fresh baking powder

6 cardomon seeds (I am going to purchase ground cardomon this year)

Bake in scorpa pans (which I don't have) or 2 bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour. Let cool and cut into slices. Then bake at 150 degrees for 2-1/2 hours.

These make a great gift and I will be dipping a few in chocolate this year...yum!

One small tradition I started with our family was opening new pajama on Christmas Eve. (My husband's family is ONLY OPEN GIFTS ON CHRISTMAS!) A hard change to get use too! This satisfied my need to open at least one gift...and yes, my husband and I get a new pair too!

I would love to hear your traditions or recipes that reminds you of the holidays.