Brown Bag Christmas with Dolly

I seen a video recently of Dolly Parton talking about those old brown bag treats we all got growing up at Church for Christmas service. Many of us have taken them for granted. I know, I too have been guilty of thinking I just wanted to get the candy bar out and give away the rest of my bag but now that I’m older, I think, Gee, I hope they are giving us all a brown bag treat this year. The nostalgia of it all warms my heart.

Getting back to Dolly’s story, she related how she and her siblings were overjoyed to get a treat, and as the ladies of the church handed them out, she overheard one of them tell her mother that she hoped she understood, and besides, she had so many children. Moments later, she saw her Mom crying and she went over to ask what was wrong. Dolly then realized that everyone had gotten a brown bag except her mother and offered up hers to her Mother. Her Mother wiped away her tears and said Dolly, always keep your good heart. I guess experiences like these explain alot about Dolly and why she is so charitable.

Many people could take away a few things from that story, but Dolly was offering her mother all she had to give. Imagine being so poor that brown bag was your only hope for some type of gift for Christmas. Today, we are so spoiled, most of us wouldn’t have even thought twice about that brown bag treat. As poor as Dolly may have said they were, they were so rich in love. The older I get, I realize that not everyone is blessed with large families, selfless acts, or big, caring hearts. I encourage you this holiday season to reach out, even if it’s only one person, and show them kindness. It could be as simple as a Christmas card, a baked item, or just a hug. Sometimes people are only hanging on by a thread, and a simple gesture could mean a lot. This is an old recipe but it’s only 3 ingredients and easy to make. If you have a cherished holiday recipe that you would like to share, email kdcole1120@gmail.com

Old Timey Pecan Log

Ingredients

■ 1 (11 ounce box) vanilla wafers
■ 1 (14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk
■ 3 1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Directions

Crush vanilla wafers well. In large bowl, combine crushed wafers, condensed milk, and pecans; mixing well. This takes some work, I prefer a wooden spoon, some prefer hands. Divide the mixture evenly and press them, forming 2 logs. Wrap each in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 or more hours to firm up. Slice. *For even more flavor, you can lightly toast your pecans in the oven at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes before you begin.