I have a new friend.  I can’t call him…he doesn’t have a telephone.  I can’t email him…he doesn’t have a computer.  He doesn’t have a car, a job, a house, a bed to sleep in.    He does have a smile on his face.  He has kindness in his heart.  He is a humble, quiet and timid man.  I took him a hot lunch the  other day,  a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.  He and his friend gave me a grateful smile and gladly accepted my meager gift with a warm and tender hug.

My friend turns 60 next week and I’m trying to plan a birthday celebration for him.   I wish I could give him  a roof over his head,  work,  internal healing and hope.  What I’ve decided to give him,  primarily because it is all I can give today,  is my friendship.  I’m going to knit him a cap to help him stay warm during this winter season.  I’m going to bake him a cake that he can share with his friends.  And I’m going to take him out for dinner… to a place of his choosing.    I am praying that our friendship will grow in understanding, respect and trust.  
 
I first tasted these ‘melt in your mouth’ cookies when my mother made them for us as children.  I’m going to share these with my friend.  

CREAM WAFERS
Mix well and chill:
1 cup soft unsalted butter
1/3 cup thick cream
2 cups flour

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Roll to 1/8 inch thick on floured surface.   Cut with 1 1/2 inch round cookie cutter.  Roll only 1/3 of the dough at a time.  Keep the rest refrigerated.  Transfer  rounds to wax paper that is heavily covered with sugar.    Place on ungreased bake sheet.  Prick each round with a fork 4 times.  Bake 7-9 minutes.

 Cool and put cookies together with filling:
1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk and a dash of  vanilla

These are my family’s favorite Christmas Cookies