Jack's Christmas Interview with Barb

Jack needed to interview someone about Christmas in 2018 and he chose Mimi aka Barbara DeBruyn who at the time was 70 years old.

Here is a summary of his learnings:

Barb's "childhood" Christmases were pretty consistent from as early as she can remember until she was married (~20).   Basically the mid-50's until the mid-60's.  She would typically get ~5 presents for Christmas.  A gift she really wanted as a girl was a little doll that would wet its pants! 

Her favorite gift(s) were emerald rings she got over subsequent Christmases.  Allegedly, Rick forgot he gave her an emerald ring one year and the next year got her a very similar one.

One of her least favorite gifts was a life-sized doll that her Aunt made for her!

The main stores for Christmas shopping were Sears and JC Penneys.

A typical Christmas would almost always be white (living in Muskegon, MI) and included a trip to their grandparents for dinner.   Her family always had large, real Christmas trees.  Aside from the tree, their decorations included a nativity scene and mistletoe.

Her favorite Christmas song was Jingle Bells.   Traditions included baking cookies with her Mom - and then eating the cookies.  She especially liked the fudge.  Christ dinner included ham, potatoes, vegetables and cookies and they ate in the dining room.

One of her most memorable Christmases was when she surprised Rick with a new Yamaha waverunner in '97.

Barbara would write letters to Santa and recalls doing a play in school about the birth of Jesus (Catholic school).

Mom's Peppermint Pie

This recipe appeared as an add-on from a 2008 post but here it gets the full bill.  This was always one of my favorites.  Merry Christmas!

Mom's Famous Peppermint Stick Pie: 

1 piecrust shell, baked and cooled 

1 envelope unflavored gelatin 

1/2 cup cold water 

1/4 teaspoon peppermint flavoring 

3 egg whites 

1/3 cup of sugar (granulated, not powdered) 

1 cup whipping cream, whipped 

1/2 cup crushed peppermint stick candy 

2 tablespoons crushed peppermint stick candy 

Have baked piecrust shell ready. Soften gelatin in water in 1-quart saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture bubbles and gelatin is dissolved. Take from heat. Cool. Stir in peppermint flavoring. Beat egg whites in 3-quart bowl with electric mixer at high speed until foamy. Beat in sugar gradually until stiff and glossy. Beat in gelatin mixture at low speed until mixed. Fold in whipped cream and 1/2 cup candy. Heap into shell. Chill 2 hours, or until firm. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of candy just before serving.

Now you can use the "hard" peppermint candy but I always preferred the softer "Bob's" brand of sticks.

Christmas Queen!

Merry Christmas!

Miracle Bar Menu

The 2019 Miracle Bar menu was solid. What will 2020 be like?!

Kringle

The famous Danish Kringle.  Grandpa would always ship us a 3-pack for the holidays.  These days, Trader Joe's provides a much better deal and you get one - which is enough!