One of my favourite activities during the Christmas holiday, or any time of the year for that matter, is baking. Back when I was first married, my mom and I started a tradition of getting together a couple of days before Christmas for an epic, day long baking session. By the end of the day we would be very tired; but it was well worth it because we would each have tins full of cookies, squares and other holiday treats!
In the wee hours of “baking day” morning, I would put on a big pot of coffee, haul out some baking supplies, clear counter space and pop in some Christmas tunes. My mom would arrive at my house at the crack of dawn with pans, recipes and lots of ingredients in hand. We would then sit together over breakfast and a cup of coffee to organize our mammoth day of baking.
We always had so much fun as we worked together, laughing and talking over sugar cookie dough, cherry balls, Hello Dolly squares, shortbread cookies, and lots of other goodies. My mom passed away several years ago and when I look back on past Christmases, spending that time with my mom is one of my favourite memories.
The year my mom died, my daughter stepped in to continue the mom and daughter tradition. Now, instead of being the daughter, I am now the mom. I am very happy to say the fun-filled, productive day of baking, girl talk, laughter and silliness has continued! I know how precious this time together is, it is truly priceless and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
In the early days of my daughter and me embarking on this ginormous tradition of Christmas baking, she was living at home; so we always used my baking equipment. Charlotte now has her own place and instead of using my supplies, wanted her own cookie sheets, bowls and other items.
She asked my advice, not only on what to purchase, but where to buy everything she needed. Quality products were a must, but she didn’t want to pay the high prices that are sometimes found in specialty stores.
I had no hesitation in suggesting she go to Target Canada. I knew they would have the quality pieces she wanted at prices that wouldn’t break the bank.
She found everything she needed; from half and quarter sheet pans to measuring cups, spoons, bowls and spatulas.
I put a couple of these professional baking pans on my wish list! I LOVE the quality of the pan but also the sharp corners that you don’t always find on square and rectangular pans.
Thanks in part to Target, if you drive by one of our neighbourhoods at the crack of dawn on some frosty December morning, you may very well smell the delicious aroma of cookies baking and hear constant chatter and laughter coming from one of our homes!
If you are doing some holiday shopping, decorating or baking with the help of Target, share the fun. Send @TargetCanada a tweet using the hashtag #SeasonsTweetings.
Kerry is coming out on Saturday to do some baking with me. I love that tradition and it almost brought tears to my eyes thinking of you and Mom having so much fun together. Now that you’re the Mom, you get to share that with your own daughter. It’s so important to keep those traditions alive. If my daughter asks where she can buy those utensils, I’ll certainly tell her to go to Target.
I was getting teary eyed as I was writing it Kathy. I’m happy Kerry is coming out to bake, you will both have so much fun and create some great memories!
Monica Parlee recently posted…35 Amazing Christmas Treats You Will Love to Make
I am in tears as I write this. Being the oldest I was married and gone when this tradition started. I envy you this time……then and now! I am,however, baking today, with my beautiful granddaughter,so all is good!
Awhhh…don’t feel sad! Think of all the time you had with mom before I was even born. Wish we had made this a sisters and mom tradition!
Monica Parlee recently posted…Pets like Presents Too! {w/$200 PC® Prize Pkg For One Lucky Dog}
What a lovely remembrance of your Christmases with your mom. So nice that you are carrying on the tradition with your daughter too. Makes me want some company when I’m baking. ;) My kids help sometimes, but they are little enough that it still involves bickering. ;) I agree Target has a great selection of baking tools! Happy Holidays!
Before you know it Joann, your little ones will be all grown up and helping you to bake Christmas goodies too! I LOVE the selection at Target and the prices don’t break the bank!
I LOVE Hello Dolly Squares – and I think they’re making a big comeback this year. They’re even selling them in my local Starbucks. This year has been a busy one for us and the making is more limited but it is one of my favourite holiday traditions.
Aren’t Hello Dolly Squares delicious Vanessa! At Christmas time I always add some white chocolate chips and dries cranberries to the usual ingredients. Makes it look and taste delicious!
OH DEAR….. I have been visited by the ghosts of Grammar Teachers Past……. should have said
“All is well”….. whew, now I get rid of those pesky “teacher ghosts”!!!LOL
LOL
Monica Parlee recently posted…35 Amazing Christmas Treats You Will Love to Make
What a beautiful tradition. It’s so nice to see that your daughter has stepped up and helped you continue the tradition.
Fariha @canadianmomeh.com recently posted…Crystal clear sound – Bose SoundLink Mini Speakers #SoundsofTheHolidays @staplescanada
Thanks Fariha, My daughter is a sweetie, we have so much fun during our epic bakeathon!
Love this, such great memories are made in the kitchen! I was just browsing their kitchen items the other day, so many great stuff!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Giving Back with Barbie #BarbieProject
I agree Tammi, great memories are often made in the kitchen! I LOVE the selection and reasonable prices at Target!
Monica Parlee recently posted…This Year, Start A New Tradition ~ PC Holiday Must Try Products
oh yes! Look at the sharp corners! I hate the rounded corners on other pans, I always cut those off and don’t serve them to guests. (I have no trouble eating those pieces myself!)
Jennifer recently posted…Good Mornings with Glad!
I see you are a bit of a perfectionist too Jennifer! My inner self hates those rounded corners, but like you say, they are still very tasty!!
Monica Parlee recently posted…Pets like Presents Too! {w/$200 PC® Prize Pkg For One Lucky Dog}
Christmas baking is a family tradition for us too. We have made it into a special day were we make a bunch of recipes with my mom and family friends.
Little Miss Kate recently posted…Tradition of The Christmas Dress #seasonstweetings