Flake Out on the 7th Day of Christmas

By Colleen Walsh Fong

“Here comes Suzy Snowflake,

Dressed in a snow-white gown,

Tap, tap tappin’ at your window pane

To tell you she’s in town.”

-“Here Comes Suzy Snowflake,” by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett

Snowflakes are unique. Which makes them fairly unique. There aren’t too many things in our lives that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Technically, snowflakes are frozen ice crystals that form snow when cloud droplets freeze and fall through the earth’s atmosphere. They appear white, although they are clear ice, because their tiny crystal facets cause a diffuse reflection of the spectrum of light.

Emotionally, snowflakes are sheer beauty. Something about them falling around me, landing on eyelashes and lips, does more to release my endorphins than a whole box of chocolates or a 2-mile run.

Snowflakes are associated with Christmas in both the United States and Europe. In my childhood—which is feeling more and more like the black-and-white “olden days” my parents used to speak of—I looked forward to the screening of a few Christmas “videos” on a local children’s show appearing on WGN television each Christmas season. Primitive by today’s standards, they were good for a laugh (Hardrock, Coco, and Joe) or the feeling of wonderment that came over me when watching my favorite “Suzy Snowflake.” It was a Stop Motion Animation movie short in which Rosemary Clooney crooned the title song. (Yes, she is related to that Clooney. George’s Aunt Rosemary was one of the premiere Hollywood singers of her day.)

The Snowflake Dip pictured here makes a beautiful offering at neighborhood, family, or workplace holiday gatherings. Cream cheese generously laced with minced onion and garlic makes for a big hit when paired with assorted crackers or deli-sized pumpernickel bread slices. It bursts with flavor even though it’s so easy to make. And anything “Easy” is perfect for me.

Feel free to use this picture as a reference to make your own snowflake dip. Or take a moment to peruse our 2012 12 Days of Christmas photo series for other ideas, as we roll out a new holiday food picture each day. And check out our smart cookbooks for people on the go. Priced below $8.00 they make wonderful virtual stocking stuffers and gifts for people who love delicious food that’s quick and easy to make. Remember, ebooks can be sent to anyone with an email address!

Stop in tomorrow to see what we’re doing on the 8th Day of Christmas.