 Spritz |
Hilma’s Holiday Glug
Kent and I are enjoying a lovely, quiet Christmas at home, but we have made “Hilma’s Holiday Glögg,” spelled Glug (but pronounced gloog) on the recipe card typed by Evelyn Easley, mother of my friend Linda, probably 60 years ago. No one seemed to know who Hilma was, but the aroma of raisins, cinnamon, sugar, and cardamon seeds heating, before they are added to a gallon(!) of Burgundy wine brings back years of holiday memories. In the 1950s and 60s, drinking alcohol wasn’t common among our relatives and friends. Evelyn was a bit conspiratorial as she introduced me to this drink, which she served hot in a teacup with a dollop of brandy as we visited in her kitchen one Christmas when I was home visiting. I’m sure after the cycle of heating and re-heating, the alcohol remaining in the original gallon is minimal, but it seemed a bit daring at the time and a new experience to be treated as an adult by my childhood friend’s mother.
So, here’s a gift of Hilma’s Holiday Glug recipe! Enjoy!
Book News
We Ran Away to Sea received two unexpected honors this month. The book received first place in the Royal Dragonfly Book Award in the Letters, Journals, and Diaries category. When I saw that category for this award, I thought it would be a good one to apply for because the number of entries would be smaller than for the category memoir. And I was right! The book is also a finalist in the Global Book Award memoir category. We’ll find out in a few days if the book is one of the winners.
I’m a bit skeptical of book awards, even though I researched to avoid those that are solely money-making scams, but it is nice to be recognized. Thanks to all of you who have bought the book, especially those who have written reviews.
Kent also gave a presentation to the Sandia Civitan Club. This lovely small group meets for breakfast every Friday and does tremendous volunteer work to benefit people with disabilities. It was a pleasure to meet them and learn about the work they do.
Kent’s been writing something for the past several days that I haven’t yet seen. I wonder what it is?
I also keep publishing short videos on YouTube. Take a look here and here for my new Christmas in Scandinavia video of our Christmas 2023, and Kent reading about Christmas in Marathon from the book.
Jacana Press 