Holiday Traditions, Old and New

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A special message from our own Vicki Pierce this Holiday Season:

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Like most people I’ve always looked forward to the holidays and the different things,

we do to prepare. The planning, shopping, baking, decorating, and celebrating with

family and friends.  I’ve collected ornaments and decorative items over many years

and always enjoyed pulling them out and being reminded of who they were from 

or where we were when I bought them.  So many, many memories and so many, many

years they’ve been used and enjoyed. 

That is until this year………2021!  I’m not quite sure why but this year it’s different.

I did pull the boxes out.  I actually started to decorate the same way as so many

years before but after placing a few on the tree I realized I couldn’t do it.  So back

they went.  It was time for a change and yes a change was made.  I grabbed my husband and

daughter and off we went.  Even though there’s a shortage of products, including trees and 

decorative items, I managed to find just what I felt was the new look needed.  I did feel some 

quilt and a little sadness while doing this but when it was complete I was so happy I’d stepped

outside of the norm.  Everything now has a fresh look.  An interesting look that feels so good. 

As a designer, I’ve always felt a home should reflect the people that live in it and who they

are.  A compellation of not only who we are but the lives we’ve lived.  Even though I 

changed this particular part of our lives by replacing our Christmas decorations, our home is still 

filled with that same reflection of who we are and the lives we’ve lived.  The love we’re sharing

with family and friends.  The laughter and tears, the good and the bad.  That’s what

I want my home to feel like every day of the year, not just at Christmas time.   

So, If anyone else feels tied to their traditions and has thought of a change please don’t 

hesitate!  Try it!  After all, traditions weren’t always traditions. They were the first time that grew to become a tradition.  

May your home be a haven for a very Merry Christmas filled with first times and traditions.

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Home Sweet Home

Favorite recipes from our designers to your table!

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FUCHONS  (GERMAN KRAPFEN)

4   TSP YEAST

2   TBS SUGAR

½   CUP LUKEWARM MILK

3   CUPS FLOUR

3   EGGS

½ - ¾   CUPS RAISINS OR DRIED CRANBERRIES OR BOTH

1 – 2  TBS GRATED LEMON ZEST

5   CUPS OIL FOR FRYING

1 – 2  CUPS  GRANULATED SUGAR

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- Combine the Luke Warm Milk, Yeast & Sugar in a small Bowl or Measuring Cup.  Stir and let sit

for 10 minutes. 

- Put the Flour in the Bowl of a Mixing … make a well in the flour… pour in the risen yeast mixture.

- Add the eggs, then beat the eggs, flour, and yeast mixture together until combined.

- Put the dough on a lightly floured counter…then knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Knead by pushing the dough with the heel of your hand… then fold the dough over onto itself…and push again.  

- Put a spoonful or two of oil into a bowl, drop the dough in, roll it over to cover 

in oil, and cover with a piece of plastic wrap.  Set in a warm space to rise to double its size.

- While it rises pour the oil into a fryer or a medium pan and heat until it is 325 degrees.

Put paper towels by the fryer and set a bowl of granulated sugar and plate in the area.

- Dump the dough onto the counter… sprinkle the Lemon zest over the dough, along with half

Of the fruit.  Fold dough over, pat down, then cover the folded dough with the rest of the fruit.

Knead together 2 or 3 times to mix. Let rest for a few minutes…. It will puff back up a bit.  

- Cut off pieces of dough about the size of a ping pong ball and drop into the hot oil.  Don’t overfill 

your container so they have room to be rolled over. 

- Cook about 4 minutes and remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to sit for a minute and then roll in the sugar.  Serve warm.