Michelle Welch-Howe's Christmas Treasure

When I was a child growing up, before getting married and having a family of my own, Christmas Day was always celebrated at “moms” house with lots of family and even sailors from the Great Lakes Naval base. The Christmas Day celebration holds many great memories for me. The hustle and bustle of the decorating, the cleaning, the cooking and even the frantic clean up after we opened our presents from Santa on Christmas morning. Back in those days, my mom always prepared a sit down meal for all to enjoy. As the years have progressed, Christmas Day is still celebrated at my parents’ house, a little simpler, but with the same jubilant atmosphere. My mom now makes an easier meal that we all contribute towards and it is served buffet style. I treasure the continued tradition of my Christmas Day festivities, especially enjoying my four children appreciating the day and building it into their holiday excitement.

My mom has already designated me to carry on this wonderful family tradition of our Christmas Day gathering when she feels that it is time to pass it on. Although, I host many parties throughout the year, this one will be different and held with special honor.



Here is one of my favorite things my mom makes on Christmas Day:



SIMPLE CREAM PUFFS:

Pastry:

1 cup Water

½ cup Butter not oleo

1 cup Flour

4 eggs



Heat oven to 400 heat water & butter to heavy boil, stir in flour, stir over heat for 1 minute=should form a ball. Remove from heat, beat in eggs all at once. Drop dough approx. 3" apart on baking sheet bake 35-40 minutes cool completely & cut off tops.



Filling:

1 8oz Cool Whip

2 Instant french vanilla pudding mix

2 cups Milk



Blend milk & pudding until thick & fold in cool whip. Spoon onto puff & replace tops. Refrigerate after making.

Yield:12 cream puffs

Happy Holidays!
Michelle Welch-Howe