There are some pretty tell tale signs that the holidays are upon us.

I’m sitting here at the computer, propped up against the coffee table, basking in the sparkling multicolored lights of the Christmas tree, accented by the white lights that line the entire window behind the tree. The Christmas carols are ringing out from the speakers, and I’m singing along to Nat King Cole’s velvet voice telling me about chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

That’s a pretty tell tale sign that the holidays are here. It’s not just the carols and the lights, though. It’s the memories that are associated with them. Christmases with my family, together, laughing, smiling, care free.

Among the many precious memories, and another sign that Christmas is coming, is my mother’s preparation for her Christmas cookie bake with her cousins and sisters in Toronto. Every year, mom would whip up her delicious whipped short bread cookies, wrap them up beautifully by the dozen, and fly them to Toronto to attend the annual cookie bake. She would come home with an assortment of delicious cookies baked by various members of my family. This marked the beginning of the Christmas sugar rushes that have come to mark this season.

In addition to the cookie bake cookies, mom would always make her breton brittle. This delicious treat is similar in taste to a homemade SKOR bar – caramel, chocolate, crunch – so good.

This combination of cookies and breton brittle has etched a such a precious memory into my mind, and also into the minds of our neighbors, families and friends. In fact, when my dear friend Evan heard that I wasn’t going home for Christmas, he seemed a little sad. When I told him that, regardless of my absence, he could still drop by the Lobley household for some cookies and breton brittle, his entire demeanor changed and he immediately cheered and vowed to bring some back for me. And Christian – if you’re reading this – I’m sure mama Lobley will have some hello dollies and breton brittle ready for you if you want it 🙂 Right, mama?

In any case, my beautiful mama was gracious enough to give me the recipe for the breton brittle. I’m actually in the middle of finishing them up, cutting them, and placing them in Christmas cookie tins to hand out at my very first Christmas cookie exchange happening at my home tomorrow (I had to take a break – the knife slipped and I cut my finger – trying to stop the bleeding so I can get a bandaid on it and continue what I was doing!).

I hope that this entry will spark some Christmas/holiday memories inside you, and help to get you in the Christmas spirit! And if it doesn’t – just come on over to my place for some cookies, carols and tree gazing. My door is always open 🙂

MAMA LOBLEY’S BRETON BRITTLE

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

28 breton crackers

1 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Chopped almonds, or any kind of nuts, for garnish (optional – I didn’t add them to this batch)

Preheat oven to 400F.

1. Line a 9X13 sheet pan with foil so that it comes up the sides.

2. Place the breton crackers on the pan, 4 across and 7 down, for a total of 28 laid out along the bottom of the pan.

 

3. In the meantime, melt the butter and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. You may have to stir it a little to ensure it mixes together (my first batch separated – no bueno!).

4. Once boiling, remove from the heat and evenly pour the carmel over the breton crackers, ensuring your cover all the crackers.

5. Place in the oven for 5 minutes (you can do 3-5 minutes – the carmel will be bubbling when you take it out).

6. Once removed from the oven, immediately pour the chocolate chips evenly over the carmel. Start spreading the chocolate chips around with a spatula. Continue this motion with the spatula as the chocolate melts (the carmel will be so hot, it melts the chocolate chips). Continue until the chocolate is all melted, and is smoothly coating the carmel.

7. If you choose to, garnish with your chopped nuts by sprinkling them on top of the melted chocolate.

8. Place in the fridge until completely set (if you’re in a hurry, place in the freezer for about 20 minutes and they will set faster).

9. Remove the entire block from the foil, place on a cutting board, and cut into desired portions with a hot knife. Don’t get too excited and cut yourself like I did. Not a good plan. Just saying.

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season complete with many viewings of Elf (SANTA!!!! I KNOW HIM!!!), and sending you love and light (Christmas lights, of course)! And I ask, if you dare to tell, what are your tell tale signs that Christmas is coming? I would love to know 🙂

Love always and always,

Lauren

xxx