Gramma's Biscochitos

My "gramma" used to make these cookies every Christmas. My grandparents lived in an old adobe house in Española, New Mexico - which is near Santa Fe. They lived on about an acre, with an old apple orchard, big cherry trees, and lots of snow in the winter. The smell reminds me of blinking red chili lights in the kitchen windows and being home. These cookies are great for snacking on or dipping in hot chocolate or coffee :)

[I've substituted an egg mixture to make these vegan. Gramma liked animals and would understand!]

Ingredients

6 cups flour (all-purpose)
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 anise extract
2 cups shortening (Crisco)
2 egg-replacement = 4 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions

• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together
• Mix the sugar and lard thoroughly
• Add "eggs" and anise, mix
• Add brandy, mix
• Add dry ingredients gradually, mix
• Add enough water to hold dough together (you might want to to dump the dough on the counter and see if it holds together in a pile)
• Roll dough out with a rolling pin - about 1/4" thick
• Cut cookies out (the fleur de lis is traditional, but the circle, star, diamond are what my family uses)
• Dip tops of cookies in cinnamon mixture
• Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes - or until cookies are a light brown.

Feliz navidad!

Gifts for Runners

The that time of the year... when I spend hours agonizing over what gifts to give the people in my life. If only they were all runners - I would know exactly the thoughtful, useful gift to give! And then I realize, as non-runners, they are equally clueless about what I'd like.

Well, fret no more. Here is a list of gifts sure to please any runner in your life.

Happy Holidays!

GIFTS FOR ACTUALLY RUNNING

Lube'n'Tune

Feel awkward giving your runner lubricant this holiday season? Don't. It's actually super useful.

Victory Bag

Stephen is always "borrowing" my Victory drop bag. We use it at every race - and even on a lot of long training runs (when I stash supplies in my truck). Help your runner get organized and be prepared with one of these babies.

Picky Club

It's like a wine club, but for food. GENIUS. Treat your runner to a package of delicious Picky Bars each month - and fuel them as they train for their next endeavor!

 

GIFTS TO ENJOY AT HOME

UltraSignUp Gift Certificate

Seriously, why isn't this a thing?

So it isn't a thing. Yet. But just give your runner a Visa gift card labeled "RACE ENTRIES" and a bottle of wine. Both will be gone before New Years.

Thank me later.

Quick Strength for Runners

This book is fantastic. ALL runners need to do more strength training. It breaks down weekly workouts and has great photos so you can see how to do basic and advanced forms for each exercise. Your runner will love/hate you for it, and you'll look like you did your homework.

Trail Art

I can't resist a little self-promotion! Making gifts for runners is what got me started with trail art. Bring the trails back home with a print or canvas that your runner can hang at home or work.

UltraRunning Magazine

Your runner buys these one-at-a-time at the running shop anyway. If he doesn't, he wants to. Make his life easier by gifting a subscription! Each issue is filled with race-recaps, helpful articles, and great photos. It's really like 12 gifts, for the price of one. 

 GIFTS FOR LOOKING FLY

Selfie Stick

How else can you capture a glamour shot on a solo-run?! Give the gorgeous runner in your life a selfie-stick or tripod so they can document and capture every moment of those peaceful long runs.

Turns you into:

Ay papí!

Suunto

Sorry, Mr. Shane (of Shane Co. commercial fame), she doesn't want jewelry or diamonds this year. SHE WANTS A SUUNTO! Can a diamond ring track your miles, heartrate, and elevation gain? Get her something that represents who she is - sexy, smart, and strong. Bam.

SFRC Patagonia R1 Jacket

If you're looking to impress, drop some dough on something your runner won't get herself. I love gear I can wear while running AND still look good afterwards. SFRC has a bunch of new winter product in, and the jackets are dope.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS

Runners - if you don't get any of these under the tree...