Every holiday season we would make a special cookie called Peppernuts. I always thought since we were full-blooded Norwegians they were from Norway, but really from Germany that my Norwegian relative loved. I remember making these cookies with my mom as a little girl. I have passed the tradition on to my children and they have been making them since they were 4 - and yes, there was flour all over the kitchen. The boys start asking in September when we can make Peppernuts and how many of their friends can come over to help. My answer is always not until November and we usually will make 4 or 5 batches by Christmas. It is a sign of the holidays for them as well as their friends and I have fond memories of each time we teach someone how to make them. And yes, they still fight over who gets to have the special cutting tool.

My mom is with us in spirit each time we make them. I take out her special cutting board and mixing bowl. Sometimes I smile and sometimes I cry. I always tell a story about her each time the "Peppernut season" is upon us so her memory is vivid for my boys. They know how special she was, after all, not many women could M.C. the Minnesota State Bowling Banquet and keep 750 women on the edge of their seats with laughter!

Fitting for her life, mom died of a heart attack on her way shopping. Her friend that was with her said she got really quiet for a couple minutes before her heart attack - being quiet was an unusual phenomenon. I like to think she was reflecting on her life and how much she loved her children. With reflection during this holiday, my wish for you is that you have a tradition of special cookie making that even college age children will want to come home for as well as pass on to their children.

My request for you today is that you go home and call your mom and tell her how much you love her.

       -  Jeanne Nedrelow of Vail, Colarado