Monthly Book Club: The Sweet Smell of Christmas

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I believe I’ve mentioned before, but in case you weren’t listening… CHRISTMAS IS MY FAVORITE. I love everything about it. So I was especially excited for Book Club this month.

I chose an old classic, The Sweet Smell of Christmas* by Patricia M. Scarry {you can purchase it HERE*}. It’s actually a scratch-and-sniff book, which is totally rad. The smells bring back all kinds of Christmas memories, and I just love it. Pine trees, apple pie, candy canes, you name it! Of course, gingerbread makes a special appearance as well.

While making gingerbread cookies might seem like an obvious option, I chose to mix things up a bit! My friend posted this recipe for gingerbread play dough, and I just knew we had to make it. I’m not sure who the mastermind behind this concoction is, but they’re alright in my book. The dough is nice and soft, doesn’t dry out easily, and smells divine.

We whipped up a batch and Sophie kept trying to stick her nose in the pan. “Mom, it smells sooooo good!”

I know, child. But that doesn’t mean we try to sneak bites while mom isn’t looking.

All you do is mix up the ingredients, cook it on the stove for a few minutes, and let it cool. Easy peasy! We made some gingerbread men (using cookie cutters) and decorated them with buttons. I was on a roll, and stole that idea from my friend well 🙂

Sophie made this little beauty for me… 10 points to whoever can guess what it is!

I’ll give you a hint… It’s a house.

Gingerbread Play Dough

Ingredients

1 C. Flour
¼ C. Salt
2 tsp Cream of tartar
1 C. Water
2 T Vegetable oil
1-2 tsp Cinnamon
1-2 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Ground cloves

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan until well combined. It will be lumpy.
Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly.
Dough will begin to thicken. When it forms into one big ball, remove from heat and let cool.
Knead until smooth.
Store in airtight container or plastic bag.