And Now the 12th Day of Christmas

Twelve Drummers Drumming. “Come they told me Pa-rum pum pum pum. Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum.” Originally titled “Carol of the Drum”, this popular Christmas song was written in 1941 by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis. It would not be recorded for another 10 years.

As the folklore goes, the Twelve Days of Christmas were an elaborate way of teaching children their Catechism in a time when Catholics were persecuted in England. Between 1558 and 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. On that point there is no argument. The earliest known publication of the words to The Twelve Days of Christmas appeared in an illustrated children’s book, Mirth Without Mischief, published in London in 1780. The time fits for the Catechism Lore. And while it’s a lovely notion, you would need to be a Biblical Scholar to recognize Catholic Teachings in the lyrics.

Christ Jesus – A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Old and New Testaments – Two Turtle Doves
Faith, hope and love – Three French Hens
Four Gospels – Four Calling Birds
First Five Books of the Old Testament – Five Golden Rings
Six Days of Creation – Six Geese a-laying
Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Seven Swans a-swimming
The Beatitudes – Eight Maids a-milking
Fruits of the Holy Spirit – Nine Ladies Dancing
The Ten Commandments – Ten Lords a-leaping
Faithful Apostles – Eleven Pipers piping
Twelve Points of Faith – Twelve Drummers drumming

The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth
(Saint Peter)

And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord
(Saint John)

Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Sprit and born of the Virgin Mary
(Saint James the Greater)

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried
(Saint Andrew)

He descended into hell. On the third day He arose again from the dead
(Saint Philip)

He ascended into Heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
(Saint Thomas)

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
(Saint Bartholomew)

We believe in the Holy Spirit
(Saint Matthew)

The Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, the Communion of Saints
(Saint James the Lesser)

The forgiveness of sins
(Saint Simon)

The resurrection of the body
(Saint Jude)

And life everlasting
(Saint Matthias)

Amen.

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We all have our quirks when it comes to food. Kiddo will eat boneless chicken, but only picks at chicken with bones, leaving most of the meat behind. The beauty of these thighs is that you cook with bones, (thus the added flavor only a bone can give) but the chicken can serve without the bone. Yeah, it literally falls off the bone. Amazingly tasty. The perfect way to end The Twelve Days of Christmas. Enjoy!

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken Thighs
6 bone-in Chicken Thighs
1 bottle Apple Whiskey Barbecue Sauce
Splash Chicken Stock or water

Arrange chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock-pot. Empty half the bottle of barbecue sauce over the thighs. Pour remaining sauce in a bowl, set aside until ready to use.

Add a litter chicken stock (or water) to the empty bottle, shake and pour over chicken to get all the sauce out. Cover, cook on HIGH for 7 hours.

While the chicken slow-cooks, line a rimmed baking pan with foil for easy clean up. Place a wire rack inside the pan, spray with cooking spray. Set aside until ready to broil the chicken.

Once the chicken is cooked and falling off the bone, carefully remove from cooker with tongs, Arrange chicken on the prepared baking pan. Heat broiler element in the oven to high. Place thighs in the oven to crisp skins, about 6 minutes. Watch carefully!

Remove from oven, brush with reserved barbecue sauce. Place under the broiled just long enough for the sauce to caramelize.

Serve with your favorite barbecue chicken sides and enjoy.