A Special Gift from Santa - Jim Klocek's Walk Down Memory Lane

When everyone in the agency decided to share a part of Christmas on this blog, it took some time for me to think of what I should share. But as time passed, I had to think of my favorite Christmas present ever, and then it came to me.

When I was 2 years old I received a new rocking horse from Santa, which I still have today. That horse and I spent years watching Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid on our 10" Black & White TV. How times have changed, but I still cherish this present.

Now that I have grandkids, they enjoy a ride on my trusty old steed. Not bad for a 63 year old nag!

Hey Cisco; Hey Pancho and a Hi Ho Silver....Now I watch ME TV to see all the reruns I enjoyed as a boy.



Growing up in a Polish family, I have carried out the traditional baking of my family. This bread is made every Christmas and every Easter. I hope you enjoy.

Babka

(Polish Bread)



3 cups scalded milk


1 cup shortening
3 cups sugar         
2 tsp salt

combine the above 3 ingredients and melt by adding the scalded milk while it is still hot


  6 large eggs well beaten

1 ½ cakes of yeast or 4 packages dissolved in 1 cup warm water ( add a little sugar )



12 cups of flour

2-3 cups of raisins



Combine all ingredients after yeast has doubled. Knead the dough well until smooth. Place in 5-6 bread pans (greased) filled about half way and let rise.

Bake in oven about 1 hour at 350 until starts to brown, brush top with egg or butter and let brown the last 5 minutes.


Great plain or toasted, with butter and makes awesome French Toast.

Have a Merry Christmas Jim Klocek