Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Holiday Bake-Off

I hosted my little family Christmas last weekend, and the day went by too quickly. I love having my children, children-in-law, and grandchildren together. When they leave, the house is suddenly too quiet.

One of my traditions is to bake cookies for the family. All but two batches have been made and are frozen or sent home with my kids. Everyone has their favorite, so we end up with a lot of cookies.

Shortbread for my oldest daughter.

My middle child is gluten-free. I made her sugar cookies and almond cookies.

My son loves molasses cookies. I also made gingerbread men.

My daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren can’t get enough of the fudgy brownie balls covered in white chocolate. These take two days to prepare, but they are yummy.

And the grandkids look for sugar cookies. I’m not the best at decorating, but for them, it’s all about the sprinkles. I also made little sticky date cakes.

The two remaining cookies to bake are double-dipped shortbread for my sister and pizzelles for my goddaughter.

I also make some dishes that my Italian grandmother taught me. These dishes include bracioli (a thin roll of beef stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese), calamari in red sauce, baccala salad (salted cod that is soaked for several days, baked, and then made into a salad),

and one of my favorites, a variation of my dad’s olive salad.

Most of these treats are labor-intensive, especially with all of the clean-up. I’m the only one in the family who makes these recipes anymore. I watch a Christmas movie or listen to music while in the kitchen and enjoy every minute because I know the family loves the treats.

©2024, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Holiday Bake-Off”

  1. gustavo_horta

    Nossa!! Minha boca se encheu de água.
    Cada delícia!
    Felicidade. Sempre.
    ***
    Wow!! My mouth is watering.

    So delicious!

    Happiness. Always.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The aromas in the kitchen has been delightful, Gustavo. I wish I could have an open house for all my blog friends.
      Os aromas na cozinha têm sido deliciosos, Gustavo. Gostaria de poder ter uma casa aberta para todos os meus amigos do blog.

      Reply
      1. gustavo_horta

        I’d like to be there

        Reply
  2. gc1963

    These are all labour of love. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      They sure are a labor of love. And I know your culture does things like this, as well.

      Reply
  3. Monkey’s Tale

    I’m on my over! These look delicious, especially the brownie balls. I make most of my mom’s traditional Christmas dainties every year. I give half away as gifts, but I make sure we have enough at home too 😊 Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      What do you make of your mom’s traditions, Maggie? I bring trays to my sister’s house on Christmas Eve with the extended family. The majority of cookies go there.

      Reply
      1. Monkey’s Tale

        Always Shortbread, the others are cookies and squares, which here we call dainties. Thimble cookies (shortbread with nuts and jam), Fantasy Squares (I think are also called Hello Dolly), ginger bread, Carmel squares, Nanaimo squares (a Canadian desert), snowballs, coconut macaroons. I better get started… 😊

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Yum! You have some varieties I haven’t seen such as the dainties, thimble cookies, and fantasy squares. They all sound delicious, Maggie.

          Reply
  4. hubertprevy

    Looks absolutely delicious, especially the olive salad and the brownie balls.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hubert. I really do wish I could share.

      Reply
  5. Looking for the Light

    All sound so yummy! The Italian dises sound extra good!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m surprised you are attracted to the Italian dishes. Some of them are an acquired taste. I hope you are doing well, Melinda. Thinking of you and sending love.

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        I’ve loved every dish I’ve tried but have not been to Italy to say I’ve had the real experience.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I think you and your dear husband need a get-away to Italy as your celebration for getting through all the health stuff this year. Love to you, Melinda.

          Reply
          1. Looking for the Light

            It’s on our travel list but i could not do an International flight right now.

  6. Indira

    Wow…so many delicious dishes and cookies!! I bet you had a great tile with all your ‘children’ around, Mary😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I do love having my family together. We will see each other on Christmas Eve along with my siblings and nieces and nephews. That is one loud, fun party, but not the same as with my little group of 11.

      Reply
  7. Neal Saye

    Oh my gosh!!! They are look heavenly, festively delicious, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Neal. Wishing you all the best.

      Reply
  8. Escribir Y Sanar

    Wow, what a wonderful tradition and labor of love! Your family is lucky to have all these special treats made with so much care. It must be such a joy to bring everyone together and share these cherished recipes. The cookies sound delicious, and I love how you’ve personalized them for everyone’s preferences. It’s clear how much thought and love goes into everything you make. I bet your family treasures these moments with you. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season, and a Happy New Year filled with love and happiness! 💕🎄⭐️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I do put a lot of love into what foods I prepare. Merriest Christmas to you.

      Reply
  9. Michele Lee

    Beautiful and delicious share! Thank you for the inspiration, Mary and happy holidays to you! I hope to get some baking done next week. At least one batch of cookies. 😅

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Some cookies are more time consuming than others, but there’s always that clean-up! The house does smell good, though. Hugs to you, my dear Michele. By the way, I read Honeysuckle Heat and loved it. My review is coming.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        Yes, the dreaded clean up. 😒 I try to clean as I go, which helps, and an apron is a must! I eat as I bake, too. 😄 Love some hugs, thank you and thanks for reading HH. A wonderful Christmas gift for me. Truly. 🙏🏻🤗

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Clean up as we go is a must–but the apron, I’m laxed about that, and my poor wardrobe suffers in the end. Love to you, Michele.

          Reply
          1. Michele Lee

            Aprons also have pockets. 😁 Love to you, too!

          2. Mary K. Doyle

            Aprons with pockets? Now that’s a game-changer.

          3. Michele Lee

            Truly is! 👍🏻😃

  10. The Introverted Bookworm

    Wow, you’ve been super busy, Mary! Those almond cookies look delicious. Hope you all enjoy these lovely treats together and have a wonderful festive season 🎄💗🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The almond cookies are delicious and simple to make. Thank you for commenting, Ada. Happy holidays to you.

      Reply
  11. Dawn Pisturino

    That’s a lot of cooking! I admire your dedication and love.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. May your holidays be delightful.

      Reply
  12. macalder02

    With family, it is the best way to celebrate Christmas. Your cookies, from the photos, look delicious.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I always appreciate your comments.

      Reply
      1. macalder02

        It is a great pleasure for me to read you.

        Reply
  13. CJ Antichow

    Looks delicious!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, CJ. I wish I could share with you!

      Reply
      1. CJ Antichow

        Oooh I wish too 😋

        Reply
  14. A seeker✨

    Yummy cookies.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I hope there are sweet treats in your future.

      Reply
      1. A seeker✨

        Thank you for your kind words.☺️

        Reply
  15. Pooja G

    I would like some fudgy brownie balls please haha. But they all look so incredible, I’m awful at baking so I really admire your baking skills.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. I sure wish I could send you the fudgy brownie balls. They are really good.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G

        Thanks, that’s sweet of you to say. They look amazing and it’s hard to go wrong with fudge.

        Reply
  16. Dawna

    You are incredible my friend. Wow, just wow!! So much baking and cooking and everything sprinkled with so much love. Everything looks so yummy for the tummy.

    I love that you are able to put on a Christmas movie or Christmas music and bake and cook away.

    I think I’m inspired to get to cooking and baking myself. I think that’s what’s missing here in my home. Would I be able to have you email me the recipe for the brownie bites dipped in white chocolate? I think those would be a huge hit here in my family. Also, the sugar cookies and almond cookies? I have a dear sweet neighbor that is 79. She lives alone and I visit her nearly daily when I walk the pups, but she’s gluten free too and I thought making her some cookies would be nice.

    Hugs to you and who knows, maybe one day we can have a baking marathon together. I have so much more to learn from you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Dawna, I’m happy to send you the recipes. I have to write them out, because a few are just an assortment of notes. The brownie balls are an undertaking the way I make them, but they are special. There is a common version that is much quicker that I can send you.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        Oh thank you so much Mary. I look forward to trying to make some of these wonderful recipes you’ve shared photos of with us. I can’t wait.

        Reply
  17. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Beautiful tasty selection. You’re creating wonderful memories for them all. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit. I’m not a refined cook like you but the family enjoys it. Love to you, my friend.

      Reply
  18. GP

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Love to you, GP.

      Reply
  19. kagould17

    In the immortal words of Elaine Benes…I want to go to there. It all looks yummy Mary and it is a great way of giving to those you love. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Allan. I wish I could share with you. May the rest of your Advent be inspiring and happy.

      Reply
  20. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Wow, Mary, I’m impressed with your cookie baking skills! What a pity I can’t grab some of your fudgy brownie balls covered in white chocolate 🙂 Considering all the work we put into preparing for a Christmas family celebration, the day does, indeed, go by too quickly.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene. Decorating is my weakness, and at this point, I doubt I’ll get better at it. LOL. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        Hugs to you, too 🙂

        Reply
  21. restlessjo

    I’m right behind Maggie! I was wondering how to get an invite. I love shortbread and usually buy some around Christmas, as I’m not great at making it (that’s a good thing for my waistline!) Love gingerbread men too and I’m sure I could consume a few of those balls. Have a merry Christmas, Mary, and good health and happiness in the new year.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jo. The gingerbread men is a new recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. It has lemon and orange in it, which is good, but different. The jury is out on whether or not I’d make them again. Merry Christmas to you, my friend.

      Reply
  22. PradP

    All look Delicious and awesome 👌 👌❤️😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Prad.

      Reply
  23. windupmyskirt

    Those brownie balls look fantastic!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. It’s taken me a few years, but I think I finally have them right.

      Reply
  24. Stephanie

    Wow, Mary. That’s a lot, but how great that it’s all so personal and they get to take yummies home. 🙂 ❤

    Reply
    1. Stephanie

      Oh, and WP was nice enough to provide the post you made with the recipe for the molasses cookies at the bottom of this post. 😀

      Reply
      1. Mary K. Doyle

        Great! I forgot about that one. I should have linked it. Thank you for reading and commenting, Stephanie.

        Reply
    2. Mary K. Doyle

      There’s always leftovers for guests at my house or I think I didn’t make enough.

      Reply
  25. M.

    Yummmm…all your food looks amazing Mary 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, M. Have a fabulous evening.

      Reply
  26. Awakening Wonders

    Creating beautiful memories through these culinary delights is just grand!!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, that is the truth, Mary. Wishing you the very best.

      Reply
  27. elambigudelyoga

    ¡Ummmmmm¡ Que buena pinta tiene todo.

    Namasté

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Muchas gracias!

      Reply
  28. Nancy Homlitas

    Suddenly, I’m so hungry! Your food preparation skills are impressive, Mary. Family is a great motivator. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nancy. You are right about the family being motivating. Most often, I eat alone, and a salad or salsa and chips is good enough for me. Although, I do always make homemade bread.

      Reply
  29. Drops of Ink

    Wow, you’ve been busy and it all looks delicious! I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday full of many blessings, love and laughter, Mary. ❤️🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And to you as well, my dear friend. May there be joy throughout your holidays.

      Reply
  30. Radio Faux Show

    Would you be willing to post the olive salad recipe? I’m intrigued.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi. I don’t use a recipe but I can tell you the ingredients. I buy bulk olives from an Italian grocery story. I use mostly Sicilian green olives and some other green, Kalamata, and dried Italian black olives (preferably pitted), roasted pimento peppers, celery, olive oil, vinegar, small amount of red wine, and oregano. Sometimes I also add red pepper. I course chop everything and toss. Let me know if you try it. If you love olives, you’ll like the salad.

      Reply
      1. Radio Faux Show

        Olives are a traditional holiday food at our house. I will let you know how it goes!

        Reply
  31. LaDonna Remy

    What a beautiful and loving tradition. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, LaDonna. The season does hold so many traditions.

      Reply
  32. myallaboutyou

    Lovely.

    Reply
  33. Edward Ortiz

    Those fudgy brownie balls with white chocolate look delicious. Baccala salad—we love that in Puerto Rico! We add avocado (cut into cubes) to it and eat it with root vegetables.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I love that variation of bacala. I didn’t know it was popular in Puerto Rico, but this makes sense with the country on water. Thank you for chiming in Edward. I appreciate your input, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re very welcome, and it’s always a pleasure.

        Reply
  34. Herald Staff

    My goodness that looks amazing

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and Welcome to Midwest Mary. I appreciate you visiting.

      Reply
  35. Hazel

    I love cookies. They look so tasty. Wanna grab some.😋😋

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wish you could grab them, Hazel. You could be my taste tester.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        I love to be a taste tester.🤭😋😋 Before the food is serve, I already full.🤭

        Reply
  36. mistermaxxx08

    My eyes got full from the pictures, you are a kind soul and very dedicated ✨️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wish I could share–except for the meat. I know you are vegetarian. Do you eat fish, Mister Maxxx?

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        No fish, no meat,strick in my food

        Reply
  37. vermavkv

    So delicious..
    Mouthwatering 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  38. Anonymous

    I tasted some of these and have to say, they are truly dee-lish! You are quite the cook!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I don’t know who you are but appreciate you commenting.

      Reply
  39. Garden Bliss

    Wow! You have been busy, Mary. Those cookies look so delicious. My mother and grandmother used to make that calamari from Northern Italy – thanks for the memory.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The holidays prompt so many memories, don’t they, Flavia? I think foods especially do that. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m always happy to see you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Garden Bliss

        Best wishes to you, Mary.

        Reply
  40. myrelar

    Wonderful!

    Reply
  41. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Beautiful cookies! I love that everyone gets their favorite!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m not a good decorator but the family asks for my cookies at our events, so they do taste good. Do you bake much, Dorothy?

      Reply
  42. Caroline at Fate Uncover

    Mary, you are a rockstar in the kitchen! ✨ Your family is so blessed to have someone who goes the extra mile for holiday joy. Those cookies look so delicious! 🍪

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Caroline. My food is good because I use good ingredients, but I’m more of a family cook than gourmet. I appreciate you visiting. It is wonderful to see you here.

      Reply
  43. Debbie D.

    I’m in awe of your culinary talents, Mary! Everything looks delicious. My husband is Italian and we enjoy the baccala salad, but also served hot with potatoes and tomato sauce. Buon appetito e Buon Natale! 🥂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Debbie! Thank you for chiming in. Your version of the bacala salad sounds wonderful. I once had bacala in a Mexican restaurant and it was made with potatoes and green olives. It was delicious!

      Reply
  44. Kym Gordon Moore

    Well now, look at you Julia Child! 👩🏼‍🍳🍜🥣🥖🧀 Honey, I know your family were on a sugar high like no other. We gotta keep Cookie Monster clear of your house! 🍪🍪🍪 These are truly some precious memories with new heartwarming traditions. Merry Christmas my dear! 🎅🏼🦌🎄

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so cute and so much fun, my friend. I wish you lived nearby. I’d love to hang with you.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Oh my dear Mary, honey, talk about double trouble! 😲 I love a little mischief every now and then. I’d let you bring the cookies and I’ll bring the spirits! 🍪🍸🍪🥂🍪 Then, we can rock and roll my friend! 😎🎸🥳

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Perfect! Love to do it, my friend.

          Reply
          1. Kym Gordon Moore

            😂😜🤣

  45. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    Wow, what a delicious spread, Mary! I bake a lot for the holidays too, carrying on my mom’s tradition, and it’s fun when my adult kids help out. 🙂 I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. ❤️🎄

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lauren. What are some of your traditional treats? I’ve baked with the grandchildren, but then beware of sprinkles flying everywhere.

      Reply
      1. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

        Butterballs, roll out Christmas sugar cookies, peanut butter fudge, English toffee, my mother-in-law’s gingerbread, and pumpkin bread. I remember those days when my kids were little. Yes, beware of sprinkles and flour! 🙂 This year more mellow, so the baking is too. But we’ll have enough sugar to last a lifetime. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! xo

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Oh, wonderful, Lauren. Thank you for sharing. Yes, we get plenty of sugar, don’t we?

          Reply
  46. gergesayad

    fantastic. great job

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  47. noga noga

    Kind, generous and beautiful. Happy birthday to all of you, to all your family and loved ones, Mary

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Nougat.

      Reply
      1. noga noga

        ❤❤

        Reply
  48. Pleasant Street

    Thank you for the recipes! I also get a lot of joy in the kitchen, more when I can share
    I also had an Italian grandma

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I hope you have fond memories of your grandma. I do and am so grateful.

      Reply
  49. Garance

    Your children are lucky to have you. These baked goods look delicious! Merry Christmas Mary❤️🎄

    Reply
  50. Sue (Mac’s Girl)

    They all look delicious. Happy Holidays to you and your family, Mary.

    Reply
  51. Laura

    So lovely, Mary 🙏 I hope you and your family had a wonderful time ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, sweet Laura. Christmas Eve was wonderful. Christmas Day, I was down for the count. I’m still struggling after going through that treatment for Lyme disease. I’m hoping all will be considerably better now. I hope you had a good Christmas.

      Reply
  52. Anonymous

    OMGosh, Mary! How do you do it all? I want a taste of everything! Your house must have smelled ever so delicious throughout the holiday season and filled with all the love that went into the preparation (followed with even more love & smiles as the guests arrived).

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I grew up in a culture that says, “Food is love.” I appreciate you commenting!

      Reply
  53. gederedita

    look yummy

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I’d share if I could!

      Reply

I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.