You’ll find this tender, flaky cookie everywhere in New Mexico this time of year. Its sweet simplicity dates from a time early in New Mexico’s history when creative and loving cooks took the few ingredients available to them and produced celebration. It is, hands down, my family’s favorite Christmas cookie. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without them. I suppose you could use butter or shortening instead of lard, and maybe orange juice or apple juice instead of the brandy. You could even leave out the anise seed, if you wanted, and you’d probably wind up with a very nice…
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Books by Cathleen Armstrong
Welcome to Last Chance
She’s learned you can’t count on anyone, but she didn’t count on landing in Last Chance.
More info →At Home in Last Chance
Sometimes the life you’re trying to run from won’t let go of your heart.
More info →Last Chance Hero
What happens when your heart is intercepted before you even know it’s in play?
More info →About the Author
Cathleen Armstrong
I grew up in New Mexico knowing two things were true: Any time you could spend reading was time well spent, and that one day I, too, wanted to write books. Both certainties presented problems. In the first instance, my parents and teachers felt that while reading was good, even wonderful, time must also be allotted to chores, homework, and even social interaction. Psssh. They never did convince me on that one.
Coming in 2021
Always a Last Chance
Recent Blog Posts
The Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson
· by Cathleen Armstrong · In: Family, Food, Home, New Mexico
The Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson is a thick and warming soup, and a great way to use the last of the turkey. I don’t know its origins, or how it came to have such an awkward name. But I do know that the wife of Kit Carson had her own name. She was Josefa Jaramillo and she was from Taos, New Mexico. So, in her honor, and in honor of all those who stir the soup while others get the glory, lets call this Josefa’s Soup. Enjoy! Josefa’s Soup Serves 6 1 1/2 quarts chicken broth 2 cups…
10 Things to do in July
· by Cathleen Armstrong · In: Celebrations, Seasons
….That you’ll wish you did next January It’s hard to believe on these warm summer days when twilight stretches to nine o’clock and later, but Autumn is already on the way. Just walk into a store and look at the Back to School displays if you have any doubts. The days will get shorter, and the nights will get cold. And these beautiful summer days will be a memory. Why not make sure they’re good memories? Here, in no particular order, are ten ways to celebrate summer. 1. Watch fireworks display.. Yes, the 4th of July has passed, and I…