CHRISTMAS MORNING CAKE:
1 package of yellow cake mix(not the pudding kind) 1tsp. butter flavoring
1 package of instant vanilla pudding 1tsp. vanilla extract
4 eggs 1/2 cup chopped pecans(optional)
3/4 cup Wesson Oil 2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup water
In mixer, combine cake mix, pudding, water and oil. Add eggs, 1 at a time. Beat well each time. Add vanilla. Mix at high speed 6 minutes. Grease bundt pan. Put 1/4 cup nuts in pan. Mix 1/4 cup nuts with sugar and cinnamon. Layer with cake mix in pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Cool 15 minutes, then remove from pan.
Another family favorite to have simmering all the time when kids get home from school, for Christmas parties and of course, Christmas morning is our Holiday Wassail.
HOLIDAY WASSAIL;
6 cups of Apple Cider 3 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
2.5 cups apricot nectar 1/2 tsp. whole cloves
2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice 4 whole allspice
Bring to a boil. Simmer and serve hot.
Coming from a woman and Mom who doesn't encourage sugar for myself or children, there is one tradition that I have enjoyed since I was a child. I just asked my children what their favorite Christmas tradition that we do as a family and unanimously it was Christmas Morning Cake. My Granny tried to keep this recipe a secret but I think it is too good to not share. I make it the night before and come Christmas morning, serve it with fresh fruit and breakfast sausage and you're good to go and enjoy the gifts from Santa.
By Gretchen Polhemus
Recipes from our Hearts