New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| The holidays can easily be frustrating, overwhelming, and depressing.
Try a little cookie therapy with these Oatmeal Raisin Spice cookies, where the mixing is a meditation and the smell of them baking works some aromatherapy to help lift your spirits. Begin by combining: 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt Add in: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 3/4 cup raisins 2 cups rolled oats Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Now add: 1 beaten egg 3/4 cup softened butter Mix well using either your hands or the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for about half an hour to make the dough easier to handle, then form into ping-pong sized balls and place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees F for 11-13 minutes or until edges are browned. For extra added benefit, share with friends or neighbors. Holiday lore: Saturnalia was the Roman midwinter celebration of the solstice, and the gratest of the Roman festivals. It was traditional to decorate halls with laurels, green trees, lamps, and candles. These symbols of life and light were intended to dispel the darkness of the season of cold. The festival began with the cry of "Io Saturnalia!" Young pigs were sacrificed at the temple of Saturn and then were served the next day. Masters gave slaves the day off and waited on them for dinner. Merry-making followed as wine flowed and horseplay commenced. Dice were used to select one diner as the honorary "Saturnalian King." Merrymakers obeyed absurd commands to dance, sing, and perform ridiculous feats. It was also a tradition to carry gifts of clay dolls and symbolic candles on one's person to give to friends met on the streets. |
