Preparing for Christmas!

I was trying to think of ways to have Bear enjoy his first Christmas and get ready for Christmas instead of letting it all happen around him. I know he wont really understand or remember but he can have little bits of fun!

I am going to post a holiday activity for you and baby daily (hopefully-if not ill double up days)

To start: Holiday Cookies that Baby can enjoy too!

Keep in mind these are not for everyone. Bear eats graham crackers when supervised because they get a smooshy some babies are not there yet and that's ok, just wait for tomorrows activity!

These are home-mad graham crackers that have no honey in fact they are vegan too

you'll need:

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1/5 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup butter

1/4 brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup agave nectar (health food store or sugar mixed with water works)

3/4 cups water

Mix flours, baking powder, salt, cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Cream butter and sugar in separate bowl. Whisk in agave and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add dry mixture and water until mixed completely-you may have to switch to mixing with hands. Let dough rest for 30 minutes at room temp.

TIP: If you have older children they may want to join in this process. If not sit your LO in his bumbo on the counter with you and say everything as you add. I usually give Bear a wooden spoon to gnaw on while I cook and he sits contently.

Preheat oven to 325F Roll out the dough and use festive cookie cutters to cut out graham crackers or 'cookies'. If you want to keep them square go ahead! (Cut in 3inch squares and poke with fork)

TIP: There are no raw ingredients so it's ok to let baby pat the dough. I wouldn't let him have his own chunk though. Just pat your hands down on it to show how and maybe sing "patty-cake" while you do it!

Lay out on a pan and cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy!

Remember to watch baby eat these make sure they are all slimed up! If you are nervous take out a bowl and break up the cookie. Add 2 tsp of formula or breast milk and spoon feed to baby.

If you have older kids or want something sweeter make a glaze by mixing 1 small box of confectioners sugar and add water until its a thick glaze texture (about 1/2 cup) Add as-is or add coloring and let the older kids apply with a spoon or new paintbrush. If you let cookies sit with glaze it will harden so they are not so messy.

Love,

PlusPeace

SneakPeak: Decorate the tree!