Do Big Things

I will always remember something that I heard in the very first commencement ceremony I was responsible for some years ago.  Our speaker was a big internet guru and I don't know if I have his exact words here but it went something like this:  "Do big things and people will help you."

I think it stayed with me because I had just put on this ceremony, an event bigger than anything I had ever done before, and just about everyone I worked with had helped.  Something about hearing him say those words made me realize that no one could have done it alone.  It also inspired me and gave me courage to start projects, knowing that if I did not have all the pieces in place at the beginning, I could trust that other people, who had skills I did not possess, would be able to help.

This has been the case at every stage of writing Baking Pure and Simple - help has been there when needed.  In the beginning it was Audrey who did the beautiful photography, then Julie who helped with the proof reading, Stasia who offered to index it and most recently Mira who has been working with me for almost a year on the graphic layout.  Not to mention everyone who suffered through all those samples.... Words could never fully express how grateful I am to all of you!

Now in these final weeks it seems like the book has its own energy, and its own force toward becoming and getting out into the world; like it is pulling itself forward instead of me pushing it out there.  Yesterday, I proofread the first hard copy of the actual book while sitting on a plane for 4 hours.  Luck was there again as on an almost full flight I managed to have an open seat next to me so I could get the work done in comfort.

Okay, so what does all this have to do with baking and the Holiday Cookie Marathon?  

I knew you were going to ask me that!  Today's recipe is for the Corn Flake Wreaths.  Why?  Because you have to have a friend help you make them.  One person shapes the wreaths while the other person follows behind and puts on the red hot cinnamon dots before the cookies get too cool.  If the wreaths get too cool the red hots will not stick.  

There is no other way to do it.  So find a friend and get in the kitchen!

Corn Flake Wreaths

¾ cups unsalted butter

21 ounces miniature marshmallows

8 cups corn flakes

green food coloring

red hot cinnamon dots

vegetable shortening to grease your hands

In a large pot, melt the butter and marshmallows slowly over very low heat.  Stir until completely melted and uniform consistency.  Remove from heat.  Add green food coloring to desired shade.  Add corn flakes and stir with a wooden spoon until mixed.  Shape into wreaths with greased hands and place on greased trays or greased parchment paper.   Have a friend decorate with 3 to 5 red hot dots immediately.   

Makes approximately 4 dozen.