As I sit here among the twinkling lights of our two (yes, two – long story) Christmas trees, it’s late at night and all is silent throughout the house. With the exception of the blistering wind beating against the windows, all is calm. The floor beneath the trees is overflowing with the most beautifully wrapped gifts. I’m being overwhelmed by the realization of how blessed my little family is.
It wasn’t too many years ago that we were praying for holiday bonuses and piecing together Christmas by fitting $50 on this credit card and $25 on that one. To say the least, I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet – especially around the holidays. Certainly, we are not wealthy – not even anywhere close to it. But one thing I’m so grateful for is the perspective that I have having had little.
It’s made me realize that it’s not about the size, number, or price tags of the gifts under our tree. In fact, it’s not about the gifts at all. It’s about the family and friends you share the holiday with. This year a new plaque has found its way to our holiday mantle. It says, simply, “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” It certainly holds a powerful message.
In light of the tragedy that our country has faced in the last few weeks, I hope that we can all take the time to realize how precious we are to one another. It’s unfortunate that we have to experience tragedy to have the realization, but if this disaster has taught us anything, it’s that our time here is limited no matter how young or old we are. This Christmas, my wish for you is to be able to pull your family closer, hold them longer, and squeeze them tighter.
And no matter where it is or who you’re with, I hope you can find your way home this Christmas.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
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This is another SUPER simple recipe that my grandmother has always shared during the holiday season. With three ingredients and no baking, it just about can’t be beat.
Pecan Log
Ingredients
- 11 to 12 ounce package vanilla wafers
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Crush vanilla wafers well. (I prefer to use a food processor here.)
- In a large bowl, combine crushed wafers, condensed milk, and pecans. Mix well to combine.
- Form into two logs and wrap each in wax paper. Refrigerate.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Libby says
Stacey thanks so much for this recipe. I used to make this YEARS ago and had totally forgotten about it. This is really good and so glad to have it back in my recipe box.
JackieToo says
Thanks for this! My sister-in-law used to make this, but she threw a little coconut in there, too — My brother loved coconut. 😉 .
I appreciate all the goodies and stories that you bring us throughout the year.
A most Blessed Christmas to you and yours!
Sheri A says
My grandmother who is no longer with us made this pecan roll all the time and I loved it!! It is simple to make yet sooo yummy! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas !!
Ang says
I love this recipe because it is delicious and it reminds me of the days with my dear Mother in the kitchen. Gosh, I miss her!
Pam B. says
This sounds like a great treat for Christmas. Thank you Stacy for all you do to excite us into cooking for our family and, at the same time, making memories with them.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Carolyn says
I’ve been looking for this recipe for year!!! Thank you for posting.
Stacey says
Enjoy!!!
Jennifer | Bake or Break says
Yum! I will be making this very, very soon. Merry Christmas to you and yours, my friend!
DeDe says
Do you think the Pecan Log would be OK to mail (packaged well of course)? Would you slice or mail the log with instructions to slice?? Thanks!
Stacey says
I think it would be best to keep it whole and send instructions to slice, but either way should work.
Thomas says
My grandma used to make something like this but she also added candied green and red cherries and candied pineapple and put it in a loaf pan. She called it a ice box fruit cake. Haven’t had one in years, this recipe brought back a lot of memories.
Pat Nelson says
Stacey don’t be mad at me, but I am using your pecan log recipe for the filling to make chocolate dipped pecan balls. Let you know how they turn out. I wanted something special for the filling and you just supplied it for me.
Thank you and may you & yours have a very blessed holiday season.
Stacey says
I think that sounds like an AMAZING idea! Let me know how they turn out.
Samantha Miller says
Do you serve the pecan log on crackers or by it self? Thanks!
Stacey says
You slice it and serve it just like cookies. 🙂