"Forever" Cookie Ornaments

I have cookies in my house that are 20 years old. And they don't look a day older than Monday. Here is one of them.

  

Here is another one.

 

These 20-year-old cookies are made from gingerbread. I have dozens of them hanging on our tree and a garland in our kitchen.  If you want to make some, simply make the cookie recipe on the box and then let them dry out.  Don't forget to punch a few holes for hanging. 

We also have cinnamon ornaments that are decades old. This year I decided to make more. So I invited a few of the peeps who helped me make the first ones, plus a new generation, to a luncheon of cucumber sandwiches, pears, and coffee stirred with candy canes. Before I share the recipe for cinnamon ornaments, I thought I'd give you the recipe for cucumber sandwiches.

All you need is one cucumber to one package cream cheese and 3 cloves (more or less) of garlic.

Peel the cucumber and remove the seeds like this:

Blend the cream cheese. I use a small food processor. Grate and drain the cucumber and add it a little bit at a time to the cream cheese, Then add the garlic. I use my garlic press. Now you are ready to serve. Cucumber spread is great on croissants or crackers; but I served it on thin, everything bagels.

Then we got busy on our cinnamon ornaments.

They are easy to make, and only require two ingredients.

Cinnamon and applesauce. That's it!

The recipe I used called for a 4 oz jar of cinnamon and 3/4 cup of applesauce. We doubled it, so we used 2 cups of cinnamon and enough applesauce to make a stiff, and fairly dry dough, making 3 dozen "cookies."

Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick and make your shapes with cookie cutters. Sprinkle cinnamon on your rolling surface just like you would use flour with a pie crust. We used straws and toothpicks to make holes for hanging. Then bake them in an oven at 150 degrees until dry, turning once, about an hour on each side.

I have to say...warn... proclaim that when you bake them, your entire house will smell like CINNAMON!

Once they are dry, it is time to decorate.  I used paints and glitters from Michael's and made the ties with raffia and jute.  I've only done a few so far..

They looked so pretty on the paper plate, waiting to be painted.

They inspired photo art.

Cinnamon ornaments are fun, easy, rustic, and they make great package tags. And, as I already pointed out, they last "forever." 

Don't forget to date the back!

Look at how my 4-year-old granddaughter decorated this generation of gingerbread men!  Sooooo adorable!  

I have another treat for you.  

At Farm Chick Chit Chat, my friends and I are having a virtual Christmas Cookie Swap.  Click on the link and you will find many wonderful recipes, starting 12-15-12.

Blessings to you and yours this holiday season. May God fill your home and your heart with the sweet aroma of love and memories that last forever!