Happy Anniversary, Our Cookie Journal!

Cookie No. 1: Hedgehog Cookies

As I've said in previous posts, I'm marking 20 years of keeping a journal about baking Christmas cookies this December. My sister gave me the blank diary and I've tried to make entries every year — some were better than others (years, entries and cookies!).

To celebrate, I decided I would make 20 different types of cookies this Christmas. I will make a few standards that we cannot live without, add a few winners from last year, and I hope to discover a few yummy new treats to add to my recipe repertoire. I'm re-reading the journal (as I do every year), collecting ingredients and new recipes, and getting ready for Christmas cookie baking!

Ever since Charlie has been able to voice his preference, I have started the Christmas cookie season with his favorite: Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies. If you read this blog, you already know that we call thoseHedgehog Cookies because our standard cookie jar is Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle jar and I try keep her stocked with his faves off-season. This time of year, I suppose we could call them Snowman Cookies, but Charlie's nickname has stuck.

They're so easy to make because I don't have to chill the dough, most of the ingredients are quotidian, and I have a KitchenAid stand mixer! I love looking back on the early journal entries, when we made all these goodies by hand! I nearly always make a double batch and stash half in the freezer.

We found the recipe in our old edition of "Joy of Cooking" by Irma S. Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker (1975, The Bobbs-Merrill Co., Inc.).  It's a classic and I've never altered it.

I usually read a recipe over before I start (except these, because I know them by heart after all these years!). But it's a good idea to plan the steps of the recipe before throwing ingredients into the bowl. Most people get their ingredients assembled, at the very least, along with any tools needed, such as a bowl for the dry ingredients, a rubber scraper or measuring cups and spoons.

Butter might need to be softened; nuts chopped; dough chilled. If a recipe calls for sifted dry ingredients in a bowl, though, I put them in a large measuring cup and use a whisk. So easy. And if I forget to soften the butter or leave eggs out to get room temperature, I can nuke the butter for about 10 seconds at a time until my thumbprint makes an indent; and leave eggs in warm water for 10 minutes.

I get the cooling racks and a cookie turner at the ready on the table. I line the baking trays with parchment paper, which I reuse for the whole yield, turning the paper after each use. Works a charm! If I'm baking a lot of cookies or I can't get many on a tray, I add more sheets to the rotation so the trays are cool whenever I'm dispensing cookie dough from my trusty scoop. If I'm making dough that needs to be refrigerated, I put the squares of plastic wrap on the counter before I get dough all over my hands.

So please read over the recipe, get everything together, and try Hedgehog Cookies (or Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies), the 1st cookie of 20 to celebrate 20 years of Our Cookie Journal.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cream:

1/2 c butter

Add and cream well:

1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c granulated sugar

Combine and beat until smooth:

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp milk

Sift together and add to the above ingredients: 

1 c sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp double-acting baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

When beaten smooth, add:

1 c uncooked quick rolled oats

Add:

3/4 c chocolate chips

Beat the mixture well. Drop cookies 2 inches apart on a well-greased cookie sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown.

Yield: about 3 dozen

2012 - Decisions, Decisions

As usual, I don't have a plan. You'd think with this journal I would have everything mapped out and that I would know what I want to bake each Christmas season but life rarely works out that way. 

So, I wasn't quite sure what to make. Ever since I started transcribing Our Cookie Journal, I have had a hankering for Whoopie Pies. I haven't made them in years and a chocolate sandwich filled with cream sounds pretty good right now. Those call for buttermilk, though, and I really don't feel like walking to town for that. 

Then I decided to make some scrumptious Dunkable Brownies — one of my perennial favorites. Another inventory check found my cupboard lacking again! I need walnuts. I have some, but they expired in May. Of 2011!! 

I knew that if I made Hedgehog Cookies I would be sure to have all the ingredients because they are Charlie's yearlong favorite. What's more, since I was flush with chocolate chips and pecans, I decided to make Nestle's Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies too. I like Charlie's cookies, but I insist on my favorites at Christmas. 

I wound up with 6 1/2 dozen for me and 6 3/4 dozen for him. That should hold us for a while!

2012 - Putting Virtual Pen to Paper

This year, I finally decided to put Our Cookie Journal on the Internet as a blog. I don't know why I wasn't doing it before — just caught up in life, I guess. Anyway, I'm not working at the charity shop  and I've been talking about "publishing" the diary for years, so I started a blog today, Nov. 13. Some of my relatives have asked to read the diary over the years, and they seemed to enjoy it when they did. (That could be due to our being relatives, though.)

I don't pretend it's all about cookies either. I'm not just writing about recipes my sister and I have used over the years or how fabulous our cookies look or taste. It's the connection we felt through this annual ritual, whether we were together or apart, and how other family members are all part of our recipe for a happy holiday time. 

So Our Cookie Journal has been a reminder and recorder through these 25 years (and beyond!) of our abiding love and how we've shared it through baking and giving cookies. I've tried to be faithful and make good notes each Christmas; but life gets in the way, as I said. I've lost my dad; lost my sister; moved to another continent. I got married; had a son. And yet, there's always been some continuity there, with the cookies and the diary and my sister — and each member of my family, in some way.

All this reading and writing about Our Cookie Journal has made me hungry for cookies too! So Charlie and I whipped up a batch of Hedgehog Cookies, of course. The Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies are his favorite so we made a double batch. I'm out of parchment paper, so I had to do without, making the whole process take a bit longer (having to wipe the hot pans down after each use). I'll have to invest in some greaseproof paper and new cookie sheets this year, I think. 

2011 - A Noteworthy Year for Cookies

I wasn't very prolific this year, unfortunately. I kept a few notes on the side and failed to transfer them to Our Cookie Journal. It was a bit difficult trying to work, look after Charlie, bake, get ready for Christmas AND write! Still, I have some record of what I baked and here it is:

 On Sunday, Nov. 13, I made my usual first cookie of the season: Hedgehog Cookies! Charlie's already plowing through them! I put 11 dozen in the cookie jar and 12 dozen in the freezer. As it's November, I'm sure I'll be returning to this recipe before Christmas.

I also made another batch of Pumpkin Bread (I had made a batch already and had only a half dozen muffins left!). I also made two loaves with sultanas and without nuts for a friend at work. The remaining five loaves were "normal'.

A week later, I made a double batch of Checkerboard Cookies dough. I also made the dough for a double batch of Lime-Glazed Cookies from the Martha Stewart Cookies app for iPad. I love having the app because it's so easy to search and access recipes.

On Nov. 20, I baked the Checkerboards and Limes, yielding about 5 dozen each. Unfortunately, I added too much butter to the Checkerboards. This made them incredibly easier to roll out but they were just too rich and almost greasy once baked. I really have to be more careful when I convert! The Lime Cookies are very tart, sweet, zesty and fragrant — I LOVE them!

I also made pie crust dough for Pumpkin Pies for Thanksgiving. And I made two batches of Sugar Cookies dough. Whew!

I made a Shepherd's Pie on Nov. 21, and then started rolling out, cutting out, and baking Sugar Cookies. I made canes, stars, trees, holly, snowmen, bells, trees and mini trees. I ran out of parchment paper, though, and they started sticking to the new anodized pans that I bought. Neil brought some home and I was able to finish with an aching back and enjoy my Shepherd's Pie.

2010 - Wake & Bake

Right after I woke up and had a cup of tea, I made my second double batch of Hedgehog Cookies for the season because Charlie has eaten them all! Admittedly, the last batch was nearer to Thanksgiving, but we have most certainly run out. Charlie and his friend Christopher easily ate a 1/2 dozen after dinner, leaving 5 dozen for the snowman cookie jar.

And because I prefer traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies, I made a double double batch of Nestle's Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. I also use these to give as presents more than any other variety of cookie. I came away with 11 dozen, so that should definitely do me. My little freezer in the garage is getting full!

I also made the dough for the Coconut Cream-Filled Macaroons. After getting those in the fridge until I can bake them tomorrow, I finally frosted the Sugar Cookies and got those all packed away in the freezer too. Whew! I'm exhausted again! 

1999 - Home for the Holidays!

Wow, what a quick Christmas season this year! Charlie and I didn't get to go back to Louisville for our annual summer visit so we arranged to go home the day after he got out of school for Christmas break (Dec. 7). We were there a little over two weeks and it we didn't get back to England till Dec. 22!

We were suffering from jet lag but there was an awful lot to do to prepare for Christmas (and a visit from St. Nick). Fortunately, we had put the (artificial) tree up before we left. And I did as much baking as I could before we left. I even took cookies with me to share.

I always take Hedgehog Cookies with us on the plane — but we have to eat what we take or throw them out, so it's never more than a dozen in our carry-on luggage. But I had others packed and stashed in the larger bags! I took more Hedgehogs, Dunkable Brownies and Lime Meltaways. There were plenty to share and set out on Mom's cookie platter. In fact, Barb, the neighbor across the street, wanted the recipe for the Dunkables (a brownie cookie). They are always a hit everywhere I take them.

While we were at Mom's, she made Snickerdoodles (Lisa's recipe) and Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookies, my favorite. I think she also made some Christmas Tree slice and bake cookies from Pillsbury. How lucky are Americans that they can buy those? We don't have that here in England — yet! I even bought a few Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookie dough trays to take home. I will freeze them, then stow them in my bag, which will keep cold in the hold-all until I get them home. I really don't mind making my own, but it's nice to have a choice!

I also bought some new cookie trays and tins — I can never resist! And my niece, Danielle, and I went shopping at Target for a few baking supplies. I just couldn't get over how many more products there were available for the home baker and the cookie exchanger. Stuff I didn't even know I needed!! Naturally, I bought a few goodies to bring back with me.

I wanted to bake cookies with Lisa's girls but we just didn't have enough time. In fact, I didn't record anything other than what I've written here for 1999. This is it! See you next year, when I will keep better records, I hope.

2008 - History Repeats Itself

I know I say this every year but this must be the absolute latest first entry ever in the history (15-year history, at that) of Our Cookie Journal. It's already Dec. 14. I actually started baking quite early but I haven't been diligent about recording my efforts.

First, I made Pumpkin Bread a few weeks before Thanksgiving. And by Thanksgiving weekend, it was all gone. We made a few batches of Chex Party Mix before Thanksgiving too. That disappears in a flash around here because Charlie is as bad as I am about scarfing it down. So Mom had to send more cereals and we have enough for one more batch and that's all. Boo-hoo.

The main reason for the late start has been the kitchen remodeling that Richard started in late June. He began by laying the floor tiles and doing a bit of the wall tiles. Eventually, we had to get someone in to finish and that started Nov. 10; they got out the day before Thanksgiving. Officially, they won't finish till Dec. 20! So it's been a wreck out there but it's almost finished and MUCH improved. It used to be burnt orange and bright yellow; now it is blue, grey and white.

We did manage to make a double batch of Hedgehog Cookies for Charlie. I think we made those the day before Thanksgiving. I just put the last dozen of them in the snowman cookie jar last night. I'll have to make another batch for him this week, when I get some more brown sugar.

I made Nestle's Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies too because I prefer those (with pecans). I think that was two weeks ago. I stuck most of them in the freezer.

Then on Monday (Dec. 8), I made Sugar Cookies, finally, because I knew I had to send some to Charlie's class on his last day (Dec. 11). I didn't have powdered sugar, though, so I couldn't frost them till Wednesday. I made a double batch and cut out trees, stars, canes, bells, snowmen and, for a change, reindeer (about a dozen each), plus a few dozen or so each of mini trees and mini stars. I used a new technique with the candy canes: I striped them, then ran a toothpick through the stripes vertically (à la Martha). They were lovely, I must say. I was up until about 2 a.m. frosting them. I got some really cute boxes for giving them away too — they're Chinese takeaway boxes with Christmas patterns, of course. We gave one box each to Mrs. Record and Miss Lawrence.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, I made a double batch of Dunkable Brownies. I didn't have enough semisweet Baker's chocolate, so I used a Green & Black bar, which was perfectly delicious. I made 5 1/2 dozen with walnuts and 1 dozen no-nuts for Charlie. By the time the last day of school rolled around, I had only three types of cookies to share! Unbelievable!

2007 - Meet My Able Assistant, Charlie

After Charlie and I returned home after his soccer practice, I made Dunkable Brownies. I was going to double the recipe but my Skyco order of American groceries hasn't come yet. I wound up with 46 with walnuts and I made a dozen for Charlie with no nuts. Then I made another batch of Snicker Doodles dough to go in the fridge.

We went to Clemmie's birthday party today (Dec. 15). But before we left I made a batch of Checkerboard Cookies dough (two rectangular "logs"). After we got home from the party, I baked the Checkerboards for a yield of 21 white-and-black cookies and 21 black-and-white cookies. 

Then Charlie helped me make the Snicks. He was so helpful! He rolled the dough into balls; made the cinnamon-sugar mixture; rolled them in the mixture; and removed the baked cookies from the tray. What a helper! We made 8 dozen. 

Afterward, he decided to start his own Cookie Journal! How cute is that? We also made another double batch of Hedgehog Cookies (6 1/2 dozen) and some Kolacky dough to throw in the fridge until tomorrow. 

I was all set to make the dough for the Gingerbread Kids for Charlie's cookie decorating party but I don't have molasses! How could I not?! The gingerbread party is on Monday! I could have a crisis on my hands! I'll have to figure something out tomorrow. 

I finished the day with a batch of Chex Party Mix. I pulled it out of the oven at 12:45 a.m. Good night! 

2007 - If You Give a Friend a Cookie

I decided to make Mom's Citrus Slice & Bake Cookies today, so I mixed up the dough and socked it away in the fridge, along with a batch of Kolacky dough.

Citrus Slice & Bake Cookies from Land O' Lakes butter.

With the logs chilling, I had enough time before picking up Charlie from school to make Grandma Baker's Criss-Cross Cookies. It's my favorite peanut butter cookie because the texture is chewy. I finished with nearly 6 dozen. Before I went for Charlie, I packed up all the Sugar Cookies (except a small tray-full for munching). 

I bought four cookie trays on eBay. They're plastic Santa trays that read: Cookies for Santa. I used four to make gifts for Charlie's teachers and I get to keep one for myself! 

This year's cookie trays ready to be wrapped.

The Citrus Cookies yielded 5 dozen. I had to brush the semi-logs with butter to make sure the sugar sticks. By the way, I used 1 tsp lemon extract, 1 tsp orange extract and only made orange-colored sugar. Next time, I'll do a lemon zest-lemon sugar version too. 

I didn't get to the Kolacky today. I was out of time and needed to assemble the cookie tray gifts. They were lovely, as ever! I also made four treat boxes for "the girls" that I meet for tea on Friday mornings. They're the mums I've met at Charlie's school. They were very pleased and surprised. I also sent in treat bags filled with Sugar Cookies and other sweets to the children in Charlie's class. 

It's Dec 6 and I still have baking to do but I'm taking a break this weekend. I'd like to make the Coconut Cream-Filled Macaroons, Dunkable Brownies, more Hedgehog Cookies and finish the Kolacky. And I'm thinking that should just about do it.

Cookie gifts for friends and teachers.

2007 - Better Late Than Never

I think I set a record for late starts this year. There was no way I could start the day after Thanksgiving, since I had the dinner. I've made a batch of Pumpkin Bread (before Thanksgiving) and I've made two batches of Chex Party Mix, but no cookies until today, Dec. 3.

I had to walk Charlie to school first, before I could start baking. He requested "Tree Cookies" to take to the Pantomime on Thursday, and I need to finish the teachers' cookies for Friday morning.

The snowman cookie jar is filled with Charlie's favorite: Hedgehog Cookies.

Still, I made Hedgehog Cookies first, to fill the Snowman cookie jar. I made a double batch but it sure doesn't look like there will be enough! I wound up with 5 1/2 dozen, so I'll be making more of those for sure. I have only enough chocolate chips for another double batch. I'll have to get more grocery goodies from Skyco next Monday or so. I took four "Hedgehogs" to Charlie to eat on his walk home. I use that recipe every year but I haven't copied it into Our Cookie Journal yet (I still consult "Joy of Cooking"). You'd think I'd have it memorized! I have a compulsive nature to double-check the recipe anyway.

After I knocked out the Hedgehogs, I made a batch of Sugar Cookies from Martha's 2005 Cookie magazine. I'll get those rolled, cut out and baked tomorrow. Charlie I spent the evening making invitations for his Gingerbread Party on Dec. 17. We used a cookie cutter to trace out gingerbread shapes on brown construction paper. He has invited NINE schoolmates! The other parents think I'm crazy but Charlie's really looking forward to it and I know it will be fun.

2005 - The Oxfordshire Hillbillies

On Sunday (Dec. 4), I was all set to make Moravian Spice Cookies (or at least the dough). I started measuring out the ingredients when I realized I didn't have enough ginger — the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon. So, even though I had vowed not to go out that day (because we've had such a busy week), Charlie and I got bundled up and ventured out to Waitrose for the ginger. I must've used it up making all those batches of Pumpkin Bread. Which reminds me, I thought I had only one loaf left, but I found the other four in another freezer drawer! Yummy!

Hedgehog Cookies are actually Choc-
Oat-Chip Cookies in a Mrs. Tiggy Winkle
cookie jar.

We get to Waitrose, and Charlie and I are looking at all the spices. He's excited to help and he's clutching a jar of nutmeg in one hand and a jar of ginger in the other. Then he says loudly in his Kentucky accent, "I need these to make Hedgehog Cookies!" (That's what I get for encouraging him to call them that!) Upon hearing this strange proclamation, a man shopping nearby, turned to look questioningly at us. Without skipping a beat, I said just as loudly and just as twangy, "And Granny's bringin' the Possum Soup!" I laughed all the way out the door!

When we got back home, I added the ginger to the dry ingredients. Then I measured out the brown sugar and added my one and only jar of mole-asses (more hillbilly food!), then added the shortening and butter that I had melted before we left for the store. As soon as I did it, I knew I'd messed up! I added 1 cup of each but it was supposed to be only 1/2 cup each! Ruined just like that. And I couldn't just double it because you can't get molasses easily over here (not to mention, it would yield about 1 million cookies). So, I covered and saved the dry ingredients, pitched out the mess in the mixing bowl, and gave up for the day. Sigh! I think it's time for a cup of tea and one of Charlie's Hedgehog Cookies (which are actually Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies!).

2005 - Do You Have the Recipe for Pumpkin Bread?

We ran out of Hedgehog Cookies this week, so it's time to make more. And since it's that time of year, we made a double batch. I filled up the Pumpkin cookie jar (it's Nov. 18), then put the rest in a freezer bag. Neil and Charlie have already eaten a few each too. I'm sure we'll wind up making more - we always do. I saved an oatmeal box too, so I can send some to Lisa again. I didn't count the Hedgies because we make them so often. They're our go-to cookies.

Lisa's battered recipe for Pumpkin Bread.

I have to laugh because Lisa asks me for the Pumpkin Bread recipe around this time every year. I always tease her about losing it too. Then, last week, when I was making Pumpkin Bread, I found her recipe in my recipe box! Along with three other copies! I had no idea.

Another one of the copies was so old, it just said, "Pumpkin Bread," and didn't have Mom's tweaks. Another was my copy, which I call Mom & Dad's Pumpkin Bread, complete with Mom's adjustments in the spices. That's the one to use, so I got rid of the other one.

The last one was on a piece of paper in Mom's handwriting — with an ingredient missing! She has done this — unwittingly — in the past, and I've jokingly accused her of leaving out information so that mine will never be quite as good as hers.  But she would never do that — she shares all her secrets and techniques. In fact, she's made things just so I can watch and write down amounts as she goes. I mean, what is it with these moms who have no idea how much of something they use in a recipe? "I don't know," she'll say, "I just keep adding it till it looks right." OK, Mom, but there's no marking for that on my measuring jug!

My card to Lisa, confessing I had her recipe.

So I sent Lisa her copy in a get-well card (she's pulled a muscle in her tummy and she's not well). But I didn't realize till we talked later, that her copy is the old version too, without Mom's tweaks. So, I'm just as bad as I accuse Mom of being, keeping the "secret" recipe to myself!  Now she has both. The important thing is not to leave out the pumpkin.

2004 - The Sweet Smell of Nostalgia

I was going to make another batch of Christmas cupcakes for Charlie's little classmates, but the lady who runs the Montessori school said I shouldn't because they would have enough to carry home from their Christmas party. I do that every time: I ask! If I don't ask, they can't say "no," right? Next time, I'll just show up with my Tupperware carrier tray of baked goods and who's going to resist? But for now, we'll just make another batch for ourselves!

Meanwhile, I made a batch of Nestle's Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies. In fact, I'm eating one (or three) right now! Charlie was gobbling them up too, which is funny because he prefers Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies. He must not be able to taste the pecans. They are irresistibly good, though. I got 6 1/2 dozen — I hope that will be enough.

As the kitchen filled with the aroma of chocolate chip cookies, my head filled with memories. Naturally, I thought of Lisa because we've cranked out so many ensemble. I miss having her help and her company. The work is definitely lighter and the cookies twice as tasty, I'm sure!

And I thought of Dad and how he could scarf down a half dozen easily with one cup of coffee. Of course, we had to make his Chocolate Chip Cookies without nuts. I almost want to make Whoopie Pies because of him. I could almost hear him say from the living room, "Bring me a coupla Whoops, Knutie!" 

Grandma Baker in her groovy kitchen of the
1950s. My memories are from the '60s.

And the first bite of one of those moreish sandwich cookies takes me right back to Grandma Baker's kitchen at the old farm house. I'm sure all the grandkids loved that kitchen as much as I did! There was a revolving Lazy Susan in a corner cabinet and a drawer that was actually a flour bin. There was a big chest freezer in the garage, right off the kitchen, where all the cookies were stashed. I made many a trip out there for another bag of cookies to fill a tray. Grandma served those cookies when we arrived, with sandwiches for lunch, after supper, during a card game — all the time!

No doubt she has played a huge role in our love for cookies! And Mom, too, of course. One of my earliest memories is of her casually drawing a smiley-faced cookie on a yellow canister with a green marker pen. Bing Crosby was singing "White Christmas" on the radio as she filled that canister with Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Back to the present: Mom sent us a Christmas care package, including presents and grocery goodies about 10 days ago and it's still not here on Dec. 10. She paid extra to send it express mail too. Lisa is sending me more Wheat Chex so I can make another batch of Chex Party Mix.

Lisa got her care package of cookies from me today! I was on the phone with her when she opened them. What fun! And Danielle told me that she liked the "Hedgehogs" when I talked to her later on the phone. I gave Charlie's teachers a loaf of Pumpkin Bread each, so I'll have to whip up another batch. I have to get busy and bake more cookies too!

2004 - Hedgehog Cookies

Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle usually contains
Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies, Charlie's faves.

Last night (Nov. 30), Charlie insisted on "Hedgehog Cookies"! It's so funny! That's what he calls his favorite cookies — Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies — because I keep them in a Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle cookie jar throughout the year. She's a lovely hedgehog character from Beatrix Potter's "Tales of Peter Rabbit" series.

He helped, as usual, to pour the ingredients into the mixer bowl. I always use a scoop for these, making them nice and big for him (even though I favor small cookies — especially at Christmas). Naturally, I'll make an exception for my boy! I yielded a hearty 6 1/3 dozen "Hedgehogs." 

Then I had an inspiration. I always think of LIsa (and the girls) whenever I bake Christmas cookies. So, I covered an empty oatmeal box with holly-and-ivy wrapping paper, then inserted a holly-patterned glassine bag — it fit perfectly. And so did those jumbo cookies! I placed a circle of parchment paper between each cookie. I managed a baker's dozen. I stashed the rest of them in the snowman cookie jar (does that make these Snowman Cookies?) and those that wouldn't fit went into the freezer.

When I found a box to mail the cookies, it was obvious that i would need to fill it with more cookies (when it comes to international packages with space to spare — waste not, want not). So I packed about 15 Dunkable Brownies into a Hershey's Almond Kisses tin. I also enclosed two drawings that Charlie made on the computer — a boy with a smile, and another drawing that said f.h.e. (the Family Home Entertainment logo you see on videos of such shows as "Frosty," "Rudolph" and "The Little Drummer Boy.") I can't wait till she gets it. Christmas, cookies, Lisa — I can't have it without her, so I'll bring us together this way!