I always look forward to baking goodies at Christmas time! We love to bake. We love to nibble. We love to share with neighbors and friends! I admit, it's been a little different this year since we have a gluten-free member of our family. (We had an interesting realization at our church communion service this weekend. We should have brought a rice cracker for Erich! *laugh*)
On Saturday, we went to my mom's and decorated cut-out sugar cookies with my sister and her kids. It's fun to be creative with frosting and sprinkles! We listened to Christmas music while we visited and decorated. The boys "ran out of gas" first. Toward the end, it was just the adults working until the very last cookie had been beautifully decorated.
Nope, those cookies aren't gluten-free. I did bake some gluten-free ones for Erich, but they wouldn't have worked as cut-outs. We made do by generously decorating the round drop-cookies! Erich says the frosting makes them taste much better. *laugh*
I've made Rolo Turtles for the past few years. They're easy. They're yummy. And I could make a gluten-free variety buy substituting gluten-free pretzels for regular ones!
The regular ones were still warm when I took this picture. That's why they're shiny and the g-free ones aren't.
In lieu of candy cane cookies or some other gluten-infested treat, I made coconut macaroons this year. I substituted 6 T. of rice flour for 6 T. of wheat flour, and they are absolutely delicious. I think there are about 5 dozen. At the bottom of the picture are chocolate-free macaroons for Lily.
As it turns out, we have two neighbors who are also gluten intolerant. When we bring a plate of treats to each family, we'll make sure that our gluten-free friends get to enjoy the tasty treats, too!
We haven't made my mom's infamous almond roca candy yet. It's another Christmas tradition at our house. Bonus: It's gluten-free! :o)