It’s already December 13th if you can believe it. 2012 is almost over, and Christmas is nearly here. How many of you have your shopping done already? Or have at least started? This year I did some planning in advance by making a list with what I’m getting each one of my family members and friends. (Normally I am the Queen of procrastination and last minute, and all my shopping is done a few days beforehand without knowing what I’m getting everyone… which gets a little hectic.) This year I’ll also be making some of my gifts instead of buying them. This is in part because I am a very poor student and my list of people to buy for is long (I can only imagine how Santa must feel), and also because I really enjoy baking and I think homemade gifts are a nice holiday touch. Not only will my family be getting my famous molasses sugar cookies, but Beluga, and Nana (the basset hound) will be getting some baked treats as well. I’d like to share a few of my favorite recipes with you: Bacon-Flavored Biscuits for the Canines in the Family (Recipe from allrecipes.com It is really basic and easy to make. Nana loves them, but then again she is not a picky eater. Food is literally her favorite thing) Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons bacon fat, melted
• 5 cups whole wheat flour

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in milk, water, salt, and bacon fat until well blended. Gradually stir in flour to make a stiff dough. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll into 2 inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on racks. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator. This recipe makes 25 servings. For the equines in the family, try these Easy Horse Cookies Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 apple
• 2 tbs. corn oil
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup flour

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix carrot, apple, corn oil, and molasses together. Fold in salt, oats and flour until well mixed. Spread dough out in one piece on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes till golden brown. Let cool and break into pieces and serve. And then of course: Molasses Sugar Cookies for the humans in the family (I found this recipe on allrecipes.com as well I think last year or the year before. It’s always been a favorite and they are super easy to make too. This recipe makes 6 dozen, so you’ll have plenty to give away or bring to Christmas parties, but you can of course adjust the serving size.) Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: Melt the shortening in a large pan on the stove, and cool. Add sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to the pan. Mix well and chill 3 hours or overnight. Form into walnut-size balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes. Store in an airtight container to keep from getting overly crisp. If they do lose their softness, an easy way to restore it is to place one slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies for a couple of hours or overnight and they will be soft again!   P.S. Don’t forget to keep in mind any dietary restrictions that your family members might have. Happy baking and happy Holidays!   [Psst! Did you know Black Mountain Ranch has a Facebook page? Like us to get updates and some down right amazing photos in your news feed.]