Wrenshall News: Christmas tea was a big deal

With so many folks missing their regular holiday gatherings this year, James Sheetz wanted to share one of his favorite traditions from his time at Wrenshall School. In the 1960s, home economics teacher Joan Urbanski worked with her students to put together a Christmas tea, complete with handmade recipe books. Urbanski still lives in the area.

Sheetz asked Audrey (Olson Seboe) Kavanaugh, class of 1965, to reminisce:

"I loved everything about it," she said. "Starting with baking and decorating all the different cookies and candies to decorating the classroom tables into beautiful Christmas serving tables covered in tablecloths, centerpieces and candles. The silver tea and coffee service and cut glass punch bowl were brought out. Our mothers were invited to attend and were gifted with a cookbook containing the recipes for all the goodies we created. It was such a grown-up event where we entertained and served these special, delicious treats while Christmas music played subtly in the background. It instilled in me a joy in entertaining guests throughout my life."

By the time Sheetz was in high school, Urbanksi had developed a class called Foods 12.

"During the Christmas tea of my senior year (1977), I was in charge of arranging carolers from the choir to serenade the guests," Sheetz said. "For Foods 12, the students put together quite an extensive cookbook which I still use today. I also treasure the little cookbooks that my two sisters were part of in the 1960s."

One of his favorite recipes was Holiday Wreaths.

Holiday Wreaths

Melt in double boiler:

½ c butter

1 pkg tiny marshmallows

Add desired amount of green food coloring

Mix in about 4-5 cups of corn flakes

Shape with buttered hands into small wreaths. Add red cinnamon candies for holly berries

If you have a story or news to share, call Annie at 218-310-4703 or email annes [email protected].