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Christmas Podcast plus Healthy Recipes from My Friends' Kitchens

Revisit this post once in a while, as I will add to it over time.


Episode 15 of Practically Speaking MOM, the podcast for an Intentional Mom to build a Strong Family. It's a Christmas episode where several of my friends share and then I tell a few inspiring stories from the life of Saint Nicolas to help moms and children understand the reasons for some of our modern Christmas traditions.


The following recipes are mentioned by my friend, Deanna in Episode 15.


In the following recipes, if there is an ingredient that I use a particular brand, I have made an affiliate link for those ingredients which will help you find some quality options quickly and does give me a small benefit as well. When you shop through one of my links it helps cover some of the costs of operating the Practically Speaking MOM ministry.


Egg Paint (for Sugar Cookies)

Deanna Hamilton



NaturalFood Coloring

Small bowls for each paint color you want

4-5 egg yolks, 1 egg yolk per bowl

Small, new or clean paint brushes


Separate egg yolks and whites, putting one yolk in each bowl.

Add 2-4 drops of food coloring to the bowls, one color per bowl, or make new colors by mixing the basic colors. Mix well.

Have at least one paintbrush per color. If you have several people, it might be better to have at least 2 brushes per color, to make the painting go faster. Do not rinse the paintbrushes till you are done.

Roll out sugar cookies and cut out shapes with clean cookie cutters. Place cookies on a pan dusted with flour, or lined with parchment paper.

Paint the cookies with a thick layer of the egg yolk mixture. Be creative!

My mom did this with us every Christmas as one of our favorite family traditions. We play Christmas music while we paint, or sing Christmas songs.

Now, this tradition is being carried to the fourth generation, as my grandchildren do it with us!


Cranberry Sauce

adapted by Deanna Hamilton from her friend Hannah B.



-1 pkg (12 oz) cranberries, fresh or frozen (unsweetened)

-3 cups seedless red grapes

-½ cup Xylitol or ¾ cup erythritol

-1 tsp. Berry Sweetleaf Stevia (really makes this taste great!!!), or clear liquid stevia

-⅛ tsp salt

-½ cup water

1-7 days beforehand:

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan, and cook over medium heat.


Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

Stir frequently to avoid scorching.

Allow to cool, then pour into an airtight container, and refrigerate.

Makes 4 cups.

This recipe doubles easily.

I also have purchased grapes if on sale, cut them in half, and frozen them prior to needing them for this recipe.


Quinoa Dressing

Deanna Hamilton