A Stollen Moment on Christmas Eve. . .

The 2024 Stollen just out of the over as the Grand Duchess butters it generously. A heavy dusting of confectioner's sugar followed, courtesy of the Young Master. I'll share a photograph of the finished artwork once Sonja bounces the photo to me.

My contribution, while not quite as spectacular as Sonja's annual stollens, is the cherry pie, which is her favorite. I experimented with the top crust this time, something I have thought to do for many years. It worked out reasonably well I think.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! And pardon the bad pun, Just a quick post before Young Master Paul joins me at the breakfast table for some Raisin Bran and cantaloupe (for him), and stollen with coffee (for me) while we listen to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge via BBC Radio Four online. How things have changed since I used to tune in to BBC World Service via the shortwaves 20+ years ago!

A shower, shave, and dressing for the occasion will follow breakfast with Christmas dinner mid-afternoon, so we can attend Christmas Eve service at Saint Katherine's Episcopal Church just up the road from us. The fact that this particular church is less than five minutes from us was, possibly, a sign for us to purchase the house we did given my own long dormant Episcopalian background.

I would like to think my late maternal grandparents, both of whom were quite active for many years within their own congregation (Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Douglasville, Pennsylvania) smile down on us when we attend. And possibly the rest of the time too.

Ok, much to do before dinner and church, so I will sign off for now. I bid you Merry Christmas however you might celebrate the occasion with possibly a few moments for peaceful contemplation.

Warmest Compliments of the Season,

Stokes

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The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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