Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tradition Is Sweet!


This is my niece looking very proud of herself as she shows off her first (very successful) attempt at making the Danish tea ring that has rendered my parents world-famous. In our world, anyway. Grandma and Grandpa were at her side to direct that marvelous production, and I think the two of them felt pretty good about their student.

In the next couple of weeks, they've agreed to teach my eldest son the same skill, carefully handing down to the next generation this traditional breakfast treat that has met our eager eyes every Christmas morning for more years than any of us can count.

I'm glad our kids are willing to put in the time and care necessary to continue this and other traditions that have graced our favorite holiday and added so much happiness over the years. Sure, it's only a pastry, but even small things matter when you're making memories. Those little bits of love make up the whole picture, in the end.

Even better, if you keep the traditions alive from generation to generation, the end never comes. Great family memories, like great families, can be forever!

=)

for more happiness, click below

37 comments:

Momza said...

we had an opportunity to talk about our family traditions this weekend with one of our children. It's important to point out our conscious habits as traditions, I think, because it pads our own identity.
"We are the Andersons and this is what Andersons do..."--it helps!
That little cake is indeed very sweet looking!

deb duty said...

Wow! That looks really yummy!

Terra said...

Can you all mail me one? It looks DELICIOUS!!!

- Jessi - said...

Food always makes me happy too lol

Unknown said...

Ok, first off, how sweet. Love the tradition and even more how they are willing to learn.
Secondly, oh yum!!!!!!

Jocelyn Christensen said...

That is so neat! I love family traditions, especially when food is involved!!!

Lisalulu said...

Such a happy face- the extended family is such a necessity in our day of long distance family

larainydays said...

I hope that's one serving, because I could eat the whole thing.

Jenn said...

I agree... family traditions are so important... and that particular tradition looks delicious as well.

FYH said...

She looks so proud and the cake looks so yummie...

anitamombanita said...

can I spend Christmas morning at your house!? :) Looks yummy! Congrats to your cute niece!

4 Lettre Words said...

Love this so much...and she did a great job. Beautiful!

Nancy said...

I taught my son to bake bread and he is a whiz at it. Good for you to teach what you know about baking to your family!

Grandma Honey said...

So true. So true. Family traditions are worth keeping....the good ones anyway.

VK said...

I love that Grandma and pa are there to teach and nurture, even as grandchildren reach adulthood. Such lucky kids.

Jess said...

I love that tradition- so yummy.

Kelly Lund and Kids said...

Great tradition!! :) Looks so Yummy!! Happy Tuesday Sue

Lisa Loo said...

So cool! I am a HUGE traditions fan! Once side of our family has had steak and biscuits and gravy for Christmas morning breakfast for over a hundred years--documented. My kids eat that up--figuratively and literally!!

Gina Kleinworth said...

That is certainly something to be very excited about!

Renegades said...

Traditions leave a person with a feeling of the way things are supposed to be. Our traditions we continue on even now after my Grandparents are gone.

Thanks for sharing one of yours.

Amy said...

That looks divine. Wow. And it is so important to pass on those little things.

Sara said...

I love traditions being passed down! It's wonderful that you are sharing your knowledge!!

Caroline said...

So true, Sue! I feel that way when I bake the biscuits that my grandmother and great grandmother (and so on) would make.
The tea ring looks MARVELOUS. Very impressive. I'd say your niece did a "sweet" job! :)

jen said...

I would have guessed she was related even if you hadn't told us.
Do you make the pastry? Or does such scrumptious-ness skip a generation?

CB said...

Traditions like this definately bond the generations of family members but I think the joy of learning something special like this at the "hands" of your grandparents is another special thing all unto itself.
She looks pretty happy!

Susan said...

Yummy...how did you make it???

Connie said...

Traditions are so important in a family. She'll be able to carry it on and make everyone happy!
She did a beautiful job! Looks delectable!

Stacy said...

What a fun family tradition. We make strawberry crepes every Easter morning and have a breakfast casserole for every Christmas morning.

Courtney said...

Love this! What a great tradition. Looks delish!!!

Darlene said...

I just have to comment on this one. You didn't mention that it did indeed skip one generation. Thank heavens at least two of my grandchildren wanted to learn how to make it. It is an all day job. I told Matt to plan on at least 8 hours. I'm not quite sure why none of you wanted to learn. Probably because it does take so long. It isn't hard, it just takes time. All that roll in and having to be in the refrigerator in between. But that is what makes it buttery delicious. I don't suppose Jen will be back to read what I've written, but I suppose you will answer her question about whether it skipped a generation.

Dick just had to come and tell me that you had written about his Danish this morning. He was so happy that you did that. Thanks Sue.

Karen Mortensen said...

That looks good. Got any left overs?

Donna said...

It looks fabulous...yum!! She is an adorable cook!!

LeAnn said...

Family traditions are so important and we have been so excited to find that our children are carrying on our traditions; the Christmas one.
The dessert looked so wonderful; would love the recipe.
Blessings to you for great thoughts. LeAnn

karen said...

A beautiful and yummy job! What a great tradition. It's so nice of your mom to teach everyone who's interested to make it. Your family will carry it on for a long time!

Stef said...

Yes. I love traditions so much I think I overwhekm my kids.

Brian Miller said...

that is so cool sue...i wish we had some of those traditions that we passed down...and yes very cool that they want it as well...

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

This is wonderful....teaching new generations to create old world family favorites. My husband's late Scottish grandmother did it her shortbread.