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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2023 | 47 Happy Cookers The warmest memories are crafted when we gather around the table. Whether you celebrate Christmas or the holiday season in your own unique way, we extend our heartfelt wishes for happiness and joy. The Happy Cookers meets on the fourth Friday of every month at 11 am in the South Clubhouse. There is no meeting in the month of December, but we will see you at the Christmas Party on Dec. 15, from 5 to 8 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. Ahhh, the heartwarming joys of December cooking. December is a month that fills the air with joy and excitement, and for many, the heart of this celebration is found in the kitchen. The joys of December cooking are a delightful tapestry of tradition, creativity, and love. December cooking is a celebration of cherished traditions, where families come together to bake cookies, create gingerbread houses, and prepare festive feasts. The kitchen becomes a place of shared stories, laughter, and the passing down of secret family recipes. These traditions connect generations and warm our hearts even on the coldest winter days. While December cooking includes a variety of dishes, there's a special place in our hearts for homemade candy. Whether it's the nostalgia of candy canes on the tree or the delight of fudge in a decorative tin, candy making is an art form that brings joy to both the creator and the receiver. One of the most beloved holiday candies is peppermint bark, one of my personal favorites. Here is a simple recipe for this holiday classic… Peppermint Bark Ingredients: • 12 oz of white chocolate • chopped (or white chocolate chips) • 6 oz of dark chocolate, chopped (or semi-sweet chocolate chips) • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract • ½ cup crushed peppermint candies Instructions: 1. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat 2. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. 3. Stir in half the peppermint extract. 4. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it to an even layer. 5. Place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. 6. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate using the same method, stir in the remaining peppermint extract. 7. Once the dark chocolate has set, pour the melted white chocolate over it and spread evenly. 8. While the white chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on the top, pressing it gently into the chocolate. 9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 10. Once set, break into pieces and enjoy. December cooking is a symphony of tradition and creativity, where the kitchen becomes a place of magic and love. Whether you're baking cookies with your family, crafting a sumptuous holiday feast, or creating special candies, these culinary endeavors embody the spirit of the season. Sharing these homemade treats with loved ones brings joy and warmth to the heart, making cooking a truly special and cherished tradition. So, if you love to cook, or just love to eat, this is the club for you! Cooking with love provides food for the soul. For general info, call President Pat Coie at (909) 262-5005 For information on membership contact Barbara Elness at (407)432-8363 or barbed1951@aol.com. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and bon appétit. ~ Raelene Kretchman, Publicity.