Happy New Year and A Recipe For Molasses Cookies

Happy New Year everyone!! I'm sitting here typing this on New Year's morning, the Rose Parade is on, and I'm drinking a delicious second cup of coffee. Very simple pleasures, but I've certainly learned through the years that finding a little bit of happiness in each day is essential to our wellbeing and peace of mind.

This past year has brought some new things and situations into my life, all of which have been blessings and that I'm most grateful for. And I'm so grateful to still have this blog and the many opportunities it's brought to my daughters and myself through the years. I don't make New Year's resolutions much anymore, but if I were going to, it would be to get back to more serious blogging.

I love blogging and I want 2016 to be a great year here at Frugal Family Tree, and to be able to share more personal stories, more recipes, and new things that we discover.

Yesterday, my granddaughter Ashley and I had the urge to bake something yummy, so we baked these easy Molasses Cookies. I'd been meaning to bake them before Christmas but just didn't get around to it.

My mother used to bake molasses cookies all the time and though this isn't her recipe, it does come close to being almost as great tasting as hers. This is a simple recipe that is good to make with the kids as it involves rolling the dough into balls, and pretty much feels like playing with play dough.

Recipe for Molasses Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup white sugar plus extra for rolling on the cookies
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses, light unsulphured
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and egg on medium speed until smooth. Stir in the molasses.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger, then add it into the molasses mixture and mix thoroughly.
Roll the dough into small balls, about a tablespoon's worth, and then roll them in the extra white sugar.
Place cookies on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart and bake for 12-13 minutes or until tops are cracked. Place cookies on a wire rack and let cool completely.

This recipe will make about 30 cookies.

So here's to 2016, and I hope it's a happy, healthy, and loving new year for us all. And have a cookie, because it's the little things in life that add up to a happy one.

Happy New Year!!

2013 Resolutions

Finally my 2013 resolutions (for accountability to myself and others)...

I am a fan of creating New Years resolutions. I always have been. They can be big, small, one thing or ten things. I make them because what better time to start fresh then with a New Year. My resolutions are not huge by any means, but they are important to me. So here they are in no particular order:

To exercise more. I know we all say it but I actually started this one in October, two month early!! Go me! It is more than merely exercising, I took up running. My husband was actually the motivating factor on this one, last spring he decided he would start running (for fun, what?) and it has only taken me forever to jump on board. And darn it if I don't like it! There is such a "runner's high" when you are done. I feel so good, on top of sometimes feeling like I want to throw up! Well I did just only start two months ago and conditioning yourself is hard work :) Needless to say I am enjoying it and hope to continue to do so this year.

This is the boys room (and Chewie the dog) right now...Ugh they throw everything under the loft bed.

To be more organized. When we moved into this house we had one child. We now have three and we seem to be outgrowing our house. Since there are no plans to move anytime soon, we need to make do and make room by getting organized. I am working on organizing everything from the kitchen, to the panty, to the boys shared room. I want a nice neat home, oh wait I have three small children, good luck with that!

My money savings starting with this jar!

To spend less. I really do try to be a frugal shopper, but it still seems like I can do better. I know that I can buy less and save more if I really put my mind to it. I also tend to buy things because they are on sale and that is so not a good idea.

Ashley and I just because :)

To be in the now and to appreciate life. Life is short, my children won't be small forever. I need to slow down, take things in and enjoy the moment more. I tend to hurry through things with my kids and in life. I feel like I am always onto the next thing so I won't miss it, when the really great thing is right in front of me.

JJ saying we are going to ROCK 2013!

So there you have it my 2013 resolutions. They are not really life changing (they are to me) but they are mine. Here's to a great 2013!!




















                                                                             ~ Sam

Ringing in the New Year

 

Tonight is the last night of 2012.

2012 was a pretty good year for us. Filled with love, laughs and a few tears. All things that we have learned from and grown from. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

But I have to admit, I am pretty excited to see what 2013 brings.

We will be ringing in the New Year with family fondue dinner and dessert night! 

Along with watching the annual fireworks show from the Seattle Space Needle from the comfort of our own home. 

Perfect way to start 2013 if you ask me.

~ Sam

Stay tuned this week for a list (yes list!) of my New Year's resolutions!