As Sharon requested, here is the Christmas Log recipe.
A Christmas Log (The recipe is my grandmother's, she always made this at Christmas. I find that the amounts of things like marshmallows have changed, my bag of mini marshmallows has 10.5 oz, and a box of graham crackers that I assumed was a pound, is smaller. So I have less of each, and will adjust the other ingredients by guesswork, and make it today.)
Graham Cracker Roll (aka Christmas Log)
1# dates, pitted and cut into small pieces
3/4 # of marshmallows, cut small (modern recipe would call for mini marshmallows)
1 3/4 c walnuts, chopped
38 graham crackers, the whole long double ones, crushed into fine crumbs Save out 1 c for rolling the log to make the bark
speck of salt (I think it humors the cook)
Put everything except the 1 c of crumbs in a bowl, and mix. Add enough milk to make it stick together, then add
1 1/2 tsp vanilla, and mix it again. ( If you put the vanilla in a little bit of milk and sprinkle it over the dry mixture, it should be evenly distributed). When you are satisfied with the moisture in the mixture, it should be evenly moist but not sloppy, divide it in half. Shape each half into a long roll about 2-3 inches in diameter, roll them in the crumbs, then wrap them in plastic wrap (original recipe said waxed paper)
Chill for several hours, overnight if possible. Slice thin to serve. This will keep for a long time in the refrigerator, just slice off what you need and put the rest back.
Edited to add additional details now that I have refreshed my memory by making the logs for the first time in about 30 years.
It takes about 3/4 c of milk to make it moist enough to stay together. Best not to add it all at once unless you have more cracker crumbs.
Butter your hands before you start mixing and shaping the logs, it is very sticky! After a basic log is formed, roll it in cracker crumbs in a long cake pan. A plate would be big enough if you made more logs. My logs are about 16 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. After rolling, put the log on a big piece of plastic wrap, roll it up, and then you can shape it more easily.
After mine are chilled, I will cut a slice for you to see, so watch for a picture.
****Pictures for this recipe are located a few posts on down, scroll and look, you sure don't want to miss them!! Thanks Mary! (this edit is from Sharon!)
