Quick & Easy Christmas treats - *UPDATED* - compiled recipes - Page 53

[Shagley]

Let share some quick and easy Christmas or other Holiday treat ideas/recipes for those of us who don't have time to make lots of cookies. Please only include ideas/recipes that take less than 30 minutes to make. My favorite is...

Pretzel wreaths
Ingredients
Pretzel rings (round shaped pretzels)
Hershey's Hugs
Christmas M&M's
Easy release aluminum foil

Line a cookie sheet with easy release aluminum foil. Place the prezel rings flat on the cookie sheet. Place one Hershey Hug in the center of each pretzel ring. Put the cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 3 minutes (just until the Hug gets melty). Remove from oven and place an M&M on top of each hug, and press the M&M down so the melted Hug fills the center of the pretzel ring. Let cool for 5 minutes (until the Hug has set up a bit) and remove from pan. Place on wax paper to completely cool.


12/06/2007 - Here is a link to page 53 - go to posts #791 & 792 for a printable list of recipes. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=22065042#post22065042

[ohiominnie]

We just made these last night.....only we used the square pretzels that look like waffles. Our directions also were for 170 degree oven for 10 minutes and then 10 minutes in the fridge.

They are the perfect sweet-salty combination.

[ckoncurat]

Almond toffe squares:
12 whole graham crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Assorted nuts and/or chocolate chips as desired

Preheat oven to 400
Line a cookie sheet with foil and lay out graham crackers on top
Stir together butter and brown sugar on the stovetop until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
Pour butter mixture over graham crackers. Put in the oven
Bake 3-6 minutes until bubbly.
Remove from oven. Cool slightly. Spinke on toppings as desired (I used crushed pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips and heath brickle bits.
Cool completely. Breal each cracker into 4 sections.
Makes 48 squares.(rectangles)

This is horribly addictive. I made these saturday night to package for gifts and my family ate a whole pan already. Don't say I didn't warn you!

[java]

Christmas bark
Last year I made it with
melted white chocolate chips and broken up candy canes- just line a pan with the easy release Reynolds wrap- pour on the melted white chocolate and sprinkle the top with the candy cane pieces. Let harden and break into chunks.
This year I am adding a bottom layer of chocolate-
It was SO easy and looked so pretty(I put it in little bags and gave them out to the neighbors.)

[staci]

I dont have a cute name for it, but i like taking big pretzel sticks, sticking them into melted almond bark (about 3/4 in, leave a little bit of pretzel for a handle), and then sprinkling them with whatever (crushed candy, sprinklies, etc) and leaving on waxed paper to harden.

[KTSMOM]

I didn't make this but my friend did. She took a bag of chocolate chips and a bag of butterscotch chips and melted them together and then added spanish peanuts. You then just put spoonfuls of the mixture on wax paper on a cookie sheet and place them in the fridge til they harden. Not only are they super easy they taste wonderful!

[shades]

Muddy Buddies!

9 C. Chex cereal (rice ones are best for this recipe)
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
1/4 C. margarine
1/4 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C. confectioner's (powdered) sugar

Put the powdered sugar in a plastic bag or big bowl with lid and set aside. Melt choc chips, peanut butter & margarine in microwave. Add vanilla & mix thorougly and then stir in cereal until coated. Work quickly - before the mixture cools off too much! Add the chocolate coated cereal to the bag/bowl of powdered sugar and shake until all pieces are coated with sugar. Dump/spread out onto a baking sheet and allow to cool/set. Store in air-tight container.

[staci]

Muddy Buddies!

9 C. Chex cereal (rice ones are best for this recipe)
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
1/4 C. margarine
1/4 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C. confectioner's (powdered) sugar

Put the powdered sugar in a plastic bag or big bowl with lid and set aside. Melt choc chips, peanut butter & margarine in microwave. Add vanilla & mix thorougly and then stir in cereal until coated. Work quickly - before the mixture cools off too much! Add the chocolate coated cereal to the bag/bowl of powdered sugar and shake until all pieces are coated with sugar. Dump/spread out onto a baking sheet and allow to cool/set. Store in air-tight container.

YUM! We always called this puppy chow. I remember when my brother was about 3 he cried so hard when I tried to get him to eat it, he thought I was feeding him dog food :rotfl:

[dizagain]

Yummy mix...

1 cup m&m's
1 cup peanuts
1 cup pretzel sticks
1 cup Crispix cereal
1 cup rice chex
1 cup wheat chex
1 bag white chocolate chips

Melt choc chips in bowl in microwave - stir in stuff and mix well. Drop by teaspoon-fulls on wax paper or even just spread it out and let it harden. Break into pieces and you're done! My kids FAVORITE!

[shades]

YUM! We always called this puppy chow. I remember when my brother was about 3 he cried so hard when I tried to get him to eat it, he thought I was feeding him dog food :rotfl:
:rotfl2: Too funny!!! :rotfl:

[Tamis3girls]

Eggs & Bacon

Pretzel Sticks
Almond Bark
Yellow M&M's


Lay pretzel sticks usually 2-3 next to eachother on wax paper. Melt the almond bark and drizzel 1 tbsp over each grouping of pretzels. Enough to make the pretzels "stick" together, set a yellow m&m on top of the white almond bark. Once it is hard, you can take off the paper. It looks like bacon sticks, the melted bark looks like eggs and the m&m is the yolk of the egg. They are so cute.

[mom2alix]

These are super easy. Similar to rice krispy treat, but made with cornflakes so they look like wreaths. The kids like putting on the red hots.

Cornflake Wreath Cookies

1/2 cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot candies

1. Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir. (This can be done in a double boiler if one doesn't have a microwave.)
2. Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
3. Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.

[d4est]

Just subscribing...great ideas!

[jennifer293]

Muddy Buddies!

9 C. Chex cereal (rice ones are best for this recipe)
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
1/4 C. margarine
1/4 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C. confectioner's (powdered) sugar

Put the powdered sugar in a plastic bag or big bowl with lid and set aside. Melt choc chips, peanut butter & margarine in microwave. Add vanilla & mix thorougly and then stir in cereal until coated. Work quickly - before the mixture cools off too much! Add the chocolate coated cereal to the bag/bowl of powdered sugar and shake until all pieces are coated with sugar. Dump/spread out onto a baking sheet and allow to cool/set. Store in air-tight container.


My DH's aunt makes this every year at Christmas and my DD's LOVE IT!!!

She always makes ENTIRELY too much though and usually can't get rid of the stuff. I often sometimes wonder if we are eating last years batch..LOL

[babytrees]

subscribing so I can find this when I get home!!

[dthogue]

Pretzel wreaths
Ingredients
Pretzel rings (round shaped pretzels)
Hershey's Hugs
Christmas M&M's
Easy release aluminum foil

Line a cookie sheet with easy release aluminum foil. Place the prezel rings flat on the cookie sheet. Place one Hershey Hug in the center of each pretzel ring. Put the cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 3 minutes (just until the Hug gets melty). Remove from oven and place an M&M on top of each hug, and press the M&M down so the melted Hug fills the center of the pretzel ring. Let cool for 5 minutes (until the Hug has set up a bit) and remove from pan. Place on wax paper to completely cool.

We mass produce these every year for teachers, coaches, co-workers, friends and family. We use candy wafers (I like vanilla) from the candy section of the craft store. You can buy a bag for around $1.70. Much cheaper than Hershey Kisses and much easier than unwrapping all the candy. They also come in different colors.

Yummy treat and agreat gift.

Tammy

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

This past weekend I made a few of the fudge wreaths from Oprah when Rachel Ray was on. I made it for our Church fair and they sold it all within an hour. There were a few pieces cut up for samples and then they cut the remaining wreaths up for sale and bagged them. I already have had 5 calls requesting the receipe, so I thought I'd share it here:

1 bag semi sweet chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter or caramel chips)
1 small can condensed milk (14 oz)
1 tbls vanilla

Melt this all in a pot and when done, throw in handfuls of raisins, peanuts and marshmellows (R.R. did walnuts and raisins) and mix. Scoop it into a cake pan with the condensed milk can in the center (wrapped in plastic wrap) to make it shaped like a wreath. Stick it in the fridge for about 1/2 hour or so and it's done.

I am in Physical Rehab for a THR and am going to make a choc. peanut butter version and a white chocolate caramel version for them for the holidays.

[Leader of the Club]

These rock! They are so tasty. It makes plenty to share

INGREDIENTS:
1 (11 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Flavored Morsels
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 (5 ounce) cans chow mein noodles
3 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIRECTIONS:
LINE baking sheets or trays with waxed paper.
MICROWAVE morsels in large, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70 percent) power for 1 minute; stir.
Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in peanut butter until well-blended.
Add chow mein noodles and marshmallows; toss until coated.
Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

DOUBLE BOILER METHOD: MELT morsels over hot (not boiling) water; stir until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter. Transfer to large bowl. Add chow mein noodles and marshmallows; proceed as above.

[Tinkerbelle32]

Funny you all should mention puppy chow, I was eating it this morning for breakfast! HA!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Karalynn]

How about dipping oreos, nutterbutters, pretzles, any other yummy cookie in the red and green melted wafers and sprinkle with colored sprinkles, place them on a large doiley on a tray/plate. Very easy and they look pretty too!

[MickeyP]

These are great, thank you!

[Shagley]

I love all these ideas and I can't wait to try them. I also thought of another idea that we made a few years ago.

Spread peanut butter in between two Ritz crackers, and then dipped them in melted chocolate almond bark. My sister loves those!

I think I am going to have to make an assortment of these ideas to give out to neighbors and co-workers.

[Shagley]

We mass produce these every year for teachers, coaches, co-workers, friends and family. We use candy wafers (I like vanilla) from the candy section of the craft store. You can buy a bag for around $1.70. Much cheaper than Hershey Kisses and much easier than unwrapping all the candy. They also come in different colors.

Yummy treat and agreat gift.

Tammy


Tammy - what a great idea to use the candy wafers. The Hershey Hugs can get pretty expensive, and unwrapping them takes forever (and if I ask for help, my helpers eat about 1/2 of the Hugs). I will be using the candy wafers from now on. Thanks for this tip!

[babslittleones]

I've done the puppy chow many times over the past years. It is very yummy.

I'll have to try some of these other ideas.

What a great thread.

:wave2:

[Kayla's Mom]

Spread peanut butter in between two Ritz crackers, and then dipped them in melted chocolate almond bark. My sister loves those!



Another Ritz treat.....add peppermint oil to melted chocolate bark and dip the Ritz in the chocolate. They are similar to the girl scout thin mint cookies.......

[wandap1016]

Hi...I'm subscribing, everything sounds FABULOUS!

[we3disneygo]

I don't have a formal name for this....
ritz crackers
peanut butter
melted choc. bark
spread the peanut butter on cracker,make a sandwich out of it and dip it into the melted choc. let cool on wax paper.
these are so good ! :sunny: :sunny:

[marthachick]

Yum! These all sound great. And Q & E is just my style. :cool1:

[CheapMom]

butterscotch haystacks
We make these at Easter and form them like bird's nests- and then put 3 little jellybeans in like they are eggs- very cute and yummy.
Great thread!

[KTSMOM]

I'm suscribing to this thread! These are some great ideas! :sunny:

[rie'smom]

Great recipes ya'll. My DD did the haystacks for a class recipe booklet. She substituted choclate chips for the butterscotch chips. So fast and so good.

[p2oh]

A really simple treat for peanut butter lovers.

1 pkg refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
1 bag miniature peanut butter cups
powdered sugar

Take enough dough to wrap around a peanut butter cup, make into a ball, and place on ungreased cookie pan, bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

[extremesoccermom]

I have to add my favorites:

First line a microwaveable plate with wax paper and line with little pretzels or pretzel squares. Top with rolo candy cut in half (carmel UP). Microwave for 30-45 sec and press pecan half into soft chocolate to slightly flatten. WALA intanst Turtles.

Second, this one taste just like Twix
1 sleeve saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
chocolate chips as desired

Preheat oven to- 400
Line a cookie sheet with foil and lay out crackers on top
Stir together butter and brown sugar on the stovetop until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
Pour butter mixture over graham crackers. Put in the oven
Bake 3-6 minutes until bubbly.
Remove from oven. Cool slightly. Spinke on semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Cool completely. Break each apart and store.

[ckret01]

These are great. But can someone tell me what chocolate bark is? I ahve never heard of it. Also someone mentioned about going to the craft store and using the candy wafers instead of buying the kisses which is a great idea. Does the chocolate taste as good as hersheys?

[Maybelle]

Hmmmm....now I'm hungry! :goodvibes

[MayMom]

World's Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge....(and tastes great too!)

1 regular size container white cake frosting
1 regular size jar of peanut butter

Spoon contents of each container into a microwave safe large bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until the mixture can be thoroughly mixed (it takes 2 - 30 second increments in my microwave) After mixing completely pour into a Pam sprayed glass 9X9-inch pan. Will harden completely in the refrigerator.

This is VERY good, and I was skeptical.....

[laurietg]

Subscribing too! :love:

[Grumpy's Gal]

Almond toffe squares:
12 whole graham crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Assorted nuts and/or chocolate chips as desired





you know when something starts out with 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar that its going to be GREAT! :cool1:

[branv]

It's not cheap, but it's goood :) Well we all know the stand by of chocolate dipped strawberries...

But you can also take a syringe, and inject the strawberries with Grand Marnier or Brandy, whatever libation you prefer ;) (though I wouldn't suggest Kahlua, blech!). Then you dip them in the chocolate.

Chocolate dipped real orange wedges (not the gummy type, though I've seen that too) are out of this WORLD.

And I know you said less then 30 minutes, but this has to sit overnight and technically takes less then 30 minutes in effort:

Jar of maraschino cherries
Brandy
Chocolate Bark

Drain out the juice in the maraschino cherries (or just half, depending on your tolerance). Refill with Brandy. Let steep overnight in the refrigerator.

Remove cherries from jar, using only the ones that still have stems. Remove excess moisture from the outside of the cherry.

Melt chocolate, dip cherries one at a time. Put on wax paper to firm.

Perfect for the cold and flu season as one cherry will clear out your sinuses.

[MEM]

Another subscriber!

[kmebee]

Bumping just to get more of these AWESOME, easy recipes!! Thanks!

[disneyeveryyear]

Wanted to subscribe

[smfritz03]

thanks guys!! My dh is a police officer so these are great ideas to make up to give to all his coworkers w/ out spending an absolute fortune and trying to pick out something that they would like!!!! Keep them coming!!! Im also having the kids make up the Cinnamon/Applesauce ornaments to put in a gift basket to go along w/ alot of these goodies!!!

[allie&mattsmom]

These recipes sound so good! Here's a couple more:

Peppermint Bark

1 24 oz pge almond bark
1 c. crushed candy canes
1 T. Crisco
Touch of red food coloring, opt.

Melt almond bark w/Crisco in microwave 6-7 min. or in double boiler. Add crushed peppermint & food coloring. Pour out onto foil lined cookie sheet & cool. Break into pieces to serve.

Microwave Peanut Brittle

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup roasted, salted peanuts
1 tsp margarine or butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda

Butter cookie sheet. In 1 1/2 Qt. microwave saft casserole, combine sugar & corn syrup. Microwave on high 4 minutes. Stir in peanuts. Microwave on high for 3 - 5 minutes or till light brown. Stir in margerine & vanilla; blend well. Microwave on high for 1 - 2 minutes (peanuts should be lightly browned). Add baking soda & stir gently till light & foamy. Pour onto buttered cookie sheet. Let cool 30 minutes. Break into pieces to serve.

Thin Mints

1 lb. semi sweet chocolate (best from specialty bake shop but can use chocolate chips)
1/8 tsp peppermint oil (not extract)
melt chocolate with peppermint oil. Dip approx. 1 sleeve Ritz crackers in it and cool on wax paper. Taste like Thin mint Girl Scout cookies!

[cseca]

These are great. But can someone tell me what chocolate bark is? I ahve never heard of it.

Me neither... what is it? anyone? :teeth:

[timandlesley]

Easy and GREAT:


Peanut butter crackers in chocolate (doesn't sound as good as it is)

Take 2 Ritz crackers, put peanut butter in the middle to make them a sandwich, then dip the entire thing into melted chocolate (with parafin wax in it to make the chocolate set/not melt). Viola! An AWESOME treat in less than 5 minutes.

Lesley

[extremesoccermom]

These are great. But can someone tell me what chocolate bark is? I ahve never heard of it. Also someone mentioned about going to the craft store and using the candy wafers instead of buying the kisses which is a great idea. Does the chocolate taste as good as hersheys?

The Chocolate Bark and Almond Bark are big bricks of chocolate the are scored to make it easier to break. They are easy to find this time of year and are usually with all the other baking supplies. Our store usually has a whole section with different chocolates, chips, fruit, flour, sugar and everything you need all together.
The Candy wafers that I have are from Michaels they are usually by the cake decorating section. They come in a bag and are little round quater size discs that melt and can be poured into molds or for dipping.
To me neither of these taste like Hersheys they are not a milk chocolate but a baking chocolate to be used in your baking although they can be eaten alone and are not bad just different.

[java]

Here's another really pretty one... Petit fours- all you need is ready made icing(you can tint if you like) and frozen pound cake. Cut the cake into 1 inch squares. Take your frosting and microwave it until just creamy(goes really fast less than 30 seconds) Dip your cake cubes into the frosting and let dry on a rack(put wax paper under it..it is the messy part) I decorate the tops with either more piped on icing(like initials) or use little edible decorative candies from the cake aisle. So easy and adorable. I never thought of microwaving the can of frosting..but it worked perfectly.

[smfritz03]

Should the pretzel sticks that need dipped be used in parafin? Where do I find this at?
And if it doesnt taste like hersheys, will people still like it? Im worried about things tasting bad---is there anyway to make it taste better?

[java]

Should the pretzel sticks that need dipped be used in parafin? Where do I find this at?
And if it doesnt taste like hersheys, will people still like it? Im worried about things tasting bad---is there anyway to make it taste better?
When I dip the pretzel sticks I use regular old semisweet chocolate chips(we use Nestles) and it works great. I didn't notice if they gave the tip of having your melted chocolate in a tall narrow glass or vase- easier to dip.

[smfritz03]

Ok--one more question---I have the fondue set but I want to make this on the stove top and its been a LONG time since Ive melted choc. on the stove top---is it low or med heat that I need to melt it at to keep from scorching?

[KLAIT]

The big pretzel rods are also delicious dipped in white chocolate...That is what I always make and I never have any leftovers!

[DisneyDotty]

Subscribing--excellent thread. Thank you!

[tinkerrn]

I really like the peanut butter fudge recipe....sounds sooo easy.
Has anyone made this before? The recipe says reg. size peanut butter, the short or tall one? I am not sure what size they are talking about? Any ideas?

[disneyfan551]

Love this thread! Thanks for sharing everyone! :flower:

[disneyisfun]

Great ideas...can't wait to try some!!

[branv]

Ok--one more question---I have the fondue set but I want to make this on the stove top and its been a LONG time since Ive melted choc. on the stove top---is it low or med heat that I need to melt it at to keep from scorching?

I think the best way to melt chocolate is via a double boiler type method. Heat small amount of water in a pan over the stove until hot, but not boiling, and put a large metal bowl on top of the pot (obviously a bigger one then the opening of the pot, you don't want the bowl floating on the water ;) It should sit OVER the water, not ON the water) Put the chocolate chips in the bowl and melt them. I use a silicone spatula to stir. Just be sure to not let moisture get into the chocolate or it will seize, and be sure to stir constantly. Remove as soon as the chocolate is melted and shiney.

But to be fair, I have used the microwave when I melt chocolate bark. It just seems to work okay with the bark variety. Just take it slow, stop and stir frequently. Haven't been as successful with microwaving higher quality white chocolate.

[Karalea]

Our family favorite is super easy:

Melt a bag of chocolate chips and a stick of butter in a large pan. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Stir in a bag of colored minature marshmallows -plain, white works too but not nearly as pretty in the end.

Form the mixture into 3 logs on waxed paper. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut or powdered sugar. Roll up and put in the refrigerator until firm. These are really pretty when sliced.

These are extra yummy if you also stir in a spoonful or 2 of peanut butter into the chocolate mixture and top with chopped peanuts.

[K&KsMom]

just wanted to jump on the recipe list....anyone have a recipe for a holiday punch?

[mitushib]

Subscribing

[AuntPatti]

Just wanted to subscribe! :flower:
Everything sounds delicious. Keem 'em coming! :goodvibes

[dizagain]

just wanted to jump on the recipe list....anyone have a recipe for a holiday punch?


Once I went to a party with a delicious hot drink.....it turned out to be nothing more than Hawaiian Punch simmered on the stove!!!!!

[Shagley]

just wanted to jump on the recipe list....anyone have a recipe for a holiday punch?

Our favorite holiday punch recipe is to mix 1/2 gallon of Lime Sherbet (or any other flavor of sherbet) with 7-Up. Just put the frozen sherbet in a punch bowl, and pour the 7-Up over top of it. As the sherbet melts and mixes with the 7-up, it makes a refreshing, frothy punch. We start by adding a 2 liter bottle of 7-Up, then we add more 7-Up (pouring it over top of the still frozen sherbet) as needed. Yummy!

[staci]

I really like the peanut butter fudge recipe....sounds sooo easy.
Has anyone made this before? The recipe says reg. size peanut butter, the short or tall one? I am not sure what size they are talking about? Any ideas?
I just did it. I used the short one. It is still in the fridge hardening but what I licked out of the bowl was good
;)

[staci]

As far as punch, this is my moms recipe, she likes it because it isnt too bad for you and it doesnt seem to stain the carpet during big holiday parties :flower:

Mix

1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
2 - 2 liter bottles of clear soda (usually diet squirt and diet sprite)

As the punch bowl gets low, add 1 can either concentrates and 1 bottle of either soda at a time to replentish. No reason to wait until it is all gone to make a whole batch, it always tastes fine!.

[d4est]

Our family favorite is super easy:

Melt a bag of chocolate chips and a stick of butter in a large pan. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Stir in a bag of colored minature marshmallows -plain, white works too but not nearly as pretty in the end.

Form the mixture into 3 logs on waxed paper. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut or powdered sugar. Roll up and put in the refrigerator until firm. These are really pretty when sliced.

These are extra yummy if you also stir in a spoonful or 2 of peanut butter into the chocolate mixture and top with chopped peanuts.
We used to make something like this...called it stained-glass window candy. Yummy.

[threeboysmom]

Oh my!! Not the time to be reading this thread when I've just put myself on a diet to lose the few pounds I gained at WDW! LOL! Now I'm hungry!!

Thanks for the great ideas!! I love the idea of the Hershey kisses on top of pretzels. Going to try that one for gifts this year (and for eating) :)

Also, thought I'd add for future reference: you don't have to post in order to subscribe to a particular thread. Just click on Thread Tools at the top of the thread and then click on "Subscribe to Thread". ;)

[WendyZ]

Just Subscribing. Yummy guys! :flower:

[BrinxFam]

G'ma started the tradition of punch for every holiday. This is how she taught us to make it.

Mix:
1pkg. black cherry kool-aid
1pkg. cherry kool-aid
2 cups of sugar
1 qt. of water
1 large can of pineapple juice
Pour into an empty ice cream bucket and freeze.

When ready to serve, tip out of the bucket into the punch bowl and pour 7-up over top. The 7-up will cause the "ice" to get slushy. It is very good but will stain.


I've also had the puppy chow mentioned earlier and we love it made with Crispix cereal instead of Chex. A friend made hers with Cheerios instead of Chex and peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips instead of chocolate. She called this "Kitten Chow".

[kuusimo]

Just in time for holiday cooking!

A note on the baking chocolate and Wilton melts. You can add flavoring to them. At Michaels they have flavors that you can add to the chocolates. If you pick any color besides chocolate, they will taste like white chocolate. But try a flavor- it makes a big difference. Also- Walmart has almond bark for $1.58 (up 8 cents from last year) for 1 pound in white and chocolate. You can add flavor to these as well.

Here are some of my favorites:

Coconut Macaroons-
1 lb coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix together, drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet
Bake 350 for 12 minutes
Yield: 4 dz small or 2 dz large

Toffee-
2 sticks butter
1 rounded cup sugar
2 1/2 Tablespoons hot water
package of chocolate chips
chopped nuts- put in 9x13 dish

Heat sugar in pan, add hot water and butter. Cook until it turns color of brown paper bag. Stirring constantly. Pour over nuts. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and spread over hot toffee. Top with more nuts, if desired. Break with knife when cooled. (Pieces will not be uniform in size)


Five-minute fudge:
1 2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine sugar, evaporated milk and butter in a pan. Bring to a boil. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows and chocolate chips. Pour into a buttered 9x13 pan.
Yield: 10

Here is a hot holiday punch:
1 gallon cranberry juice
2 cups pineapple juice
2 oranges, sliced
6 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves

Combine everything in a large saucepan. Bring to boil. Strain into a heatproof punch bowl.
Yield 16

[DisneyDotty]

Almond toffe squares:
12 whole graham crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Assorted nuts and/or chocolate chips as desired

Preheat oven to 400
Line a cookie sheet with foil and lay out graham crackers on top
Stir together butter and brown sugar on the stovetop until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
Pour butter mixture over graham crackers. Put in the oven
Bake 3-6 minutes until bubbly.
Remove from oven. Cool slightly. Spinke on toppings as desired (I used crushed pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips and heath brickle bits.
Cool completely. Breal each cracker into 4 sections.
Makes 48 squares.(rectangles)

This is horribly addictive. I made these saturday night to package for gifts and my family ate a whole pan already. Don't say I didn't warn you!


These sound mighty tasty. Have you ever made them and then frozen them for later? Do you think they can be frozen? Thanks!

[KLAIT]

I have a recipe similiar to staci..

1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
2 - 2 liter bottles of Vernors

For those who do not like Vernors, this is still very good....

[bonkos6]

This is a great thread and really helpful. I was thinking about making some of these recipes this weekend. Do you think most of these baked good will freeze ok? I am really interested in the cornflake holly leaves, puppy chow, and the fudge. What are your thoughts or experiences?

[carone0318]

I make this every year and it is simple. I believe I got it out of the Family Fun magazine about 3yrs ago (the only thing I ever found useful from that magazine).

I don't know exact amounts because I guestimate on some - it doesn't have to be exact.

1 1/2 bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips (approximately 16oz.)
1 bag of cranraisins (about 3cups)
Pistascio hearts/kernels about 1 cup worth
1/2 bag of white chocolate chips (optional)

First toast the pistascio hearts on a baking sheet in oven until slightly brown and put aside. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in microwave, when velvety, stir in the cranraisins and the pistascios until well coated. Spread into a thin layer on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and set aside. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave until velvety and take a spoon or spatula and drizzle over the spread for garnishment. Place in refrigerator to chill (or if you live in the north, set in garage) Once chilled, break into pieces and store in an air tight container.

Everyone I have ever given these to love it and it is simple to make!

[K&KsMom]

What is Vernors? I have never heard of it. Does anyone have a recipe for a pizza dip?

[kuusimo]

Vernors is a very strong gingerale. My grandpa calls it "Michigan Swamp Water." He never acquired a taste for it. :teeth:

[KLAIT]

Vernors is a very, very strong ginger ale...maybe it is a regional thing?

Here you go...(this is really yummy)

8oz package of mozzarella shred cheese
8oz package of cheddar shred cheese
1/2 c diced green pepper
1/2 c diced onion
1/2 c diced black olives
1/2 c diced green olives
1/2 c fresh mushrooms
1 3oz package of pepperoni diced
2 c miracle whip

Mix everything together in a 9X13 pan and back for 30 min @ 350 degrees.

[WebmasterKelsie]

These are great! Thank you! :)

I have a couple!

This is very easy and one of my favorites.

Peanut Butter/Chocolate Cookies (tastes like Reese's)

1-Cup Peanut Butter
1-Cup Sugar
1-Egg

Mix together and form into balls. Use a fork dipped in sugar to flatten the cookies (criss-cross). Cook at 350 for 8-10 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, place a Hershey's Chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool totally before removing them from the cookie sheet, they are a bit fragile. There are very good!

I saw another great idea on TV last night. Make your favorite Sugar Cookies (or use the ready made). Cut into large stars and then cut a smaller star out of the middle. Crush 'Life Savers' (place in plastic bag and beat them ;) ). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the stars on the cookie sheet and fill in the middle star with the crushed candy. You can do all one color or mix them. Bake cookies at 350 for about 8 minutes and let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper. They look like stained glass and are very cute!!

[disynut]

Just had this last night(and for breakfast this morning :earboy2: ) it is super yummy!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 (8oz) cream cheese
1/2 c real butter
1/4 t vanilla
3/4 c powdered sugar
2 T brown sugar
3/4 c mini choc chips
3/4 c finely chopped pecans

Mix first 6 ingredients and form ball. Roll in pecans. Chill--serve with chocolate graham crackers--the "stick" kind work good.

[MayMom]

I really like the peanut butter fudge recipe....sounds sooo easy.
Has anyone made this before? The recipe says reg. size peanut butter, the short or tall one? I am not sure what size they are talking about? Any ideas?
I use the short jar of peanut butter - you will be amazed at the taste of this fudge!!!! It tastes wonderful and it always hardens, is easy to cut.....it is truly the world's BEST PB fudge!

[airplane]

thin mints (taste like the girl scout cookies)

Ritz crackers
chocolate mint flavored wafers from AC moore

Melt wafers in microwave for 30 second or until melted. Dip cracker. Place on wax paper. Refrigerate 15 minutes

[pigget74]

This is great! Thanks for starting this.

[GEM]

Cookie Dough Truffles

Take refrigerated store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough (it's safe to eat without cooking), pinch off some little bits, roll into small balls, dip in melted chocolate, place on wax paper to dry. Very easy! Then refrigerate until you're ready to eat! These freeze really well, too. YUM!

[shades]

A really simple treat for peanut butter lovers.

1 pkg refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
1 bag miniature peanut butter cups
powdered sugar

Take enough dough to wrap around a peanut butter cup, make into a ball, and place on ungreased cookie pan, bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

I'm gonna have to try this one!! I'm going to make a few of these to take with us to Florida for a holiday vacation. We are staying at Shades of Green 23 Dec-3 Jan and I want some holiday treats with us;o)

[shades]

G'ma started the tradition of punch for every holiday. This is how she taught us to make it.

Mix:
1pkg. black cherry kool-aid
1pkg. cherry kool-aid
2 cups of sugar
1 qt. of water
1 large can of pineapple juice
Pour into an empty ice cream bucket and freeze.

When ready to serve, tip out of the bucket into the punch bowl and pour 7-up over top. The 7-up will cause the "ice" to get slushy. It is very good but will stain.


I've also had the puppy chow mentioned earlier and we love it made with Crispix cereal instead of Chex. A friend made hers with Cheerios instead of Chex and peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips instead of chocolate. She called this "Kitten Chow".

Thanks for the "kitten chow" version :banana: We love butter scotch chips and are going to have to try it with Cheerios, too!

This is such a FUN thread!!

[bonkos6]

Klait - is the recipe you shared a cheese dip? Do you mix everything by hand or with the mixer?

[disneyisfun]

I have not been able to find the pretzels in the round shape for the pretzel wreaths recipe. Anyone know where to find these?

[KLAIT]

bonkos6

The recipe is for a Pizza Dip...stir well in a bowl and put into pan.

[staci]

bonkos6

The recipe is for a Pizza Dip...stir well in a bowl and put into pan.


sounds good; do you serve it with bread or crackers or what?

[kuusimo]

This was in the paper today.

1 package Oreo cookies
1 package cream cheese (room temperature)
chocolate for dipping

1. Chop Oreos in a food processor until nothing but crumbs remain. Put crumbs in a large bowl and mix thoroughly with cream chees until doughlike. Roll into balls about 1 inch in dimameter and chill.
2. After chilling, dip the Oreo balls in melted chocolate and let dry on waxed paper. An optional decoration would be to drizzle white choclate across the top or dip the Oreo balls in white chocolate and drizzle with dark chocolate.

(In the picture they did them in red chocolate and brown chocolate drizzle. They look incredible.)

[KLAIT]

staci

Have always had it with bite size Tostidos, but I guess you could use anything...

[Harligirl]

The Easist and Best Fudge ever!!

I make this every year- I have fun changing the recipe around.

1 container of chocolate frosting
1 12 ox bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
3 snickers bars, chopped

Melt choc chips (stovetop or microwave)- remove from heat. Stir in frosting.

At this point you can either: mix in chopped candy bar or put the mixture into a pan and sprinkle with candy bars. I prefer to mix it in-

Add to a 9" square pan- refrigerate until cooled. Remove from pan and cut into squares. Tips: Line the pan with alum foil for easy removal. Add any kind of candy bar you like...change the chips- last time I used peanut butter chips...yum!

I like this recipe because you do not need to refrigerate (only to cool) it like many fudge recipes. Enjoy!! :sunny:

[bear74]

Another Ritz treat.....add peppermint oil to melted chocolate bark and dip the Ritz in the chocolate. They are similar to the girl scout thin mint cookies.......
how much peperment oil.

[bear74]

Our family favorite is super easy:

Melt a bag of chocolate chips and a stick of butter in a large pan. Let cool for about 15 minutes. Stir in a bag of colored minature marshmallows -plain, white works too but not nearly as pretty in the end.

Form the mixture into 3 logs on waxed paper. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut or powdered sugar. Roll up and put in the refrigerator until firm. These are really pretty when sliced.

These are extra yummy if you also stir in a spoonful or 2 of peanut butter into the chocolate mixture and top with chopped peanuts.
sounds yummy.

[Kayla's Mom]

how much peperment oil.

I have always done it to taste. Someone else in this thread said they used 1/8 of a teaspoon I believe, along with 1 lb of chocolate. Sorry, I don't know for sure. I just start adding it in small amounts until it tastes right. :flower:

[Debbie]

What is Vernors? I have never heard of it. Does anyone have a recipe for a pizza dip?
Vernor's is gingerale where we are. :)

[disneymom3]

These are great! Thank you! :)

I have a couple!

This is very easy and one of my favorites.

Peanut Butter/Chocolate Cookies (tastes like Reese's)

1-Cup Peanut Butter
1-Cup Sugar
1-Egg

Mix together and form into balls. Use a fork dipped in sugar to flatten the cookies (criss-cross). Cook at 350 for 8-10 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, place a Hershey's Chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool totally before removing them from the cookie sheet, they are a bit fragile. There are very good!

I saw another great idea on TV last night. Make your favorite Sugar Cookies (or use the ready made). Cut into large stars and then cut a smaller star out of the middle. Crush 'Life Savers' (place in plastic bag and beat them ;) ). Line your cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place the stars on the cookie sheet and fill in the middle star with the crushed candy. You can do all one color or mix them. Bake cookies at 350 for about 8 minutes and let them cool completely before removing them from the waxed paper. They look like stained glass and are very cute!!


These sound yummy! I have a question thought--is there really just egg, sugar and butter in those cookies? They hold their shape?

And I am wondering if you bake the second cookies on parchment? I didn't know you could put wax paper in the oven. Wouldn't the wax come off?

Gee, I don;t want to sound like I am picking on your post, just confused.

[Queen_freckles]

There are some great and yummy items here! Thanks for all the ideas! pirate:

[staci]

These sound yummy! I have a question thought--is there really just egg, sugar and butter in those cookies? They hold their shape?

And I am wondering if you bake the second cookies on parchment? I didn't know you could put wax paper in the oven. Wouldn't the wax come off?

Gee, I don;t want to sound like I am picking on your post, just confused.


I have made the peanut butter cookies; that is all that is in them! They are very peanutbuttery and wonderful. Probably not so good FOR you :rotfl: but totally worth it and very easy.

[honeybee213]

Has anyone made the easy fudge with white chocolate? I was thinking of white/vanilla frosting, white chocolate chips, and craisins or maybe the new strawberries and cream hershey's bars (so good by the way).

Great ideas all around. And we call the yummy mix "white trash". I think it's how I gained fifty pounds in college (wonderful for studying)!

[mslil65]

1-14 oz. box Big Cheez-It Crackers (have to use the BIG ones)

Creamy peanut butter (any brand…I ended up using a no sugar added Peter Pan and it worked just fine)

1-24 oz. package chocolate bark (I think Wilton’s chocolate discs might work too)

Spread a cracker with creamy peanut butter and place another cracker on top to make a sandwich. Melt the chocolate bark in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir. If the bark hasn't all melted, return to the microwave for 20 seconds. Dip "sandwiches" into the melted bark and coat thoroughly. Allow to set/harden on waxed paper. Voila...they taste like Butterfingers! This makes about 5 dozen.

[jlw29]

We make pizza dip the following way:

In the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan (or whatever works) use your hands or the wrapper flatten out 2 - 8oz packages of cream cheese. Sprinkle dried chopped onions over this. This would be like your pizza "crust". Then pour a jar of prepared pizza sauce over it. Chop up a few ounces of pepperoni into tiny bits and sprinkle that over the sauce. Then top with 8 oz shredded mozzerella. Bake at 350 for ~15 min or until mozzerella is cooked and bubbly. Serve with corn chips to dip in it. Yum, yum, yum!

[WebmasterKelsie]

These sound yummy! I have a question thought--is there really just egg, sugar and butter in those cookies? They hold their shape?

And I am wondering if you bake the second cookies on parchment? I didn't know you could put wax paper in the oven. Wouldn't the wax come off?

Gee, I don;t want to sound like I am picking on your post, just confused.

Yes, that is all you need for the cookies and yes, if you let them cool before you pick them up they do hold their shape.

Sorry, I meant parchment paper.

[K&KsMom]

jlw29 thank you so much for the dip recipe. I look forward to trying this on Saturday.

[JRoglitz]

This is a really easy dessert recipe. Everyone always wants me to bring it to a party.

Death by Chocolate:

1 box of Devils Food Cake mix
1 large box of instant chocolate pudding
1 large container of Cool Whip
1 bag of Oreo cookies

Make cake according to directions and let cool. Make pudding according to directions. In a large bowl layer the ingredients. Crumbled cake, pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, Cool Whip. Do this three times. Put in refrigerator overnight. You can add other ingredients such as chocolate syrup, sprinkles, different flavored cookies, tinted Cool Whip to coordinate with the holiday, etc. Best if made and put in the refrigerator overnight. Delicious!

[rie'smom]

DD's teachers and our neighbors will love these treats !!!! Thanks ya'll.

[Disneynutbsv]

Muddy Buddies!

9 C. Chex cereal (rice ones are best for this recipe)
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
1/4 C. margarine
1/4 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C. confectioner's (powdered) sugar

Put the powdered sugar in a plastic bag or big bowl with lid and set aside. Melt choc chips, peanut butter & margarine in microwave. Add vanilla & mix thorougly and then stir in cereal until coated. Work quickly - before the mixture cools off too much! Add the chocolate coated cereal to the bag/bowl of powdered sugar and shake until all pieces are coated with sugar. Dump/spread out onto a baking sheet and allow to cool/set. Store in air-tight container.
My kids love these, they don't last very long at my house...

[Disneynutbsv]

These are great! Thank you! :)

I have a couple!

This is very easy and one of my favorites.

Peanut Butter/Chocolate Cookies (tastes like Reese's)

1-Cup Peanut Butter
1-Cup Sugar
1-Egg

Mix together and form into balls. Use a fork dipped in sugar to flatten the cookies (criss-cross). Cook at 350 for 8-10 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, place a Hershey's Chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool totally before removing them from the cookie sheet, they are a bit fragile. There are very good!

I saw another great idea on TV last night. Make your favorite Sugar Cookies (or use the ready made). Cut into large stars and then cut a smaller star out of the middle. Crush 'Life Savers' (place in plastic bag and beat them ;) ). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the stars on the cookie sheet and fill in the middle star with the crushed candy. You can do all one color or mix them. Bake cookies at 350 for about 8 minutes and let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper. They look like stained glass and are very cute!!

I bet these would work great with candy canes too!

[DisneyDotty]

Almond toffe squares:

This is horribly addictive. I made these saturday night to package for gifts and my family ate a whole pan already. Don't say I didn't warn you!


Sorry to be a pain, but still wondering if these can be made ahead and then frozen. Anyone know? Thanks so much!

[KLAIT]

I just want to add..I did the cookies with the crushed candies that melt...they are really beautiful, but no one really ate them because you have this hard chunk in the middle of the soft cookie...

[disneymom3]

Yes, that is all you need for the cookies and yes, if you let them cool before you pick them up they do hold their shape.

Sorry, I meant parchment paper.

Cool, thanks for the clarification. Sugar, peanut butter and an egg.....how can you go wrong :cool1: I am going to have to try these for sure.

[horner5]

I don't think I saw this one mentioned yet-

I have to make 11 dozen baked goods for a work cookie exchange day on Monday and I need EASY recipes-my favorite is:

Chocolate & Peanut Butter tarts:

Make your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe (or use the refrigerated kind if you need super easy!) and roll dough into 1 inch balls. Place in greased miniature muffin tins. Press dough evenly on the bottom and up the sides of each cup. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set. After removing them from the oven, place a mini peanut butter cup in each muffin cup and press down gently. Cool completely--I like to give them a jumpstart by putting them in the fridge for 10 minutes so the chocolate doesn't melt as much as if you were to let them cool on the counter for the entire time.

These are great and are just the right size and very easy.

[disneymom3]

1-14 oz. box Big Cheez-It Crackers (have to use the BIG ones)

Creamy peanut butter (any brand…I ended up using a no sugar added Peter Pan and it worked just fine)

1-24 oz. package chocolate bark (I think Wilton’s chocolate discs might work too)

Spread a cracker with creamy peanut butter and place another cracker on top to make a sandwich. Melt the chocolate bark in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir. If the bark hasn't all melted, return to the microwave for 20 seconds. Dip "sandwiches" into the melted bark and coat thoroughly. Allow to set/harden on waxed paper. Voila...they taste like Butterfingers! This makes about 5 dozen.


Who'd have thought? Reading the first ingredient, I thought ugh, cheese crackers and chocolate, but you have me intrigued--these are going on the list.

Anyone else feeling like they are going to have to buy almond bark by the truckload? These all sound soooo good.

How do you all feel almond bark vs choc chips compare? Do the choc chips harden up as well? I just sometimes--depending on the recipe--have not liked the flavor all that well using almond bark, but it does get nice and firm.

[DisneyDotty]

I have to make 11 dozen baked goods for a work cookie exchange day on Monday



Holy cow! That's a lot of baking! :earseek:
Makes me curious--and sorry for being OT--but how many dozens of baked goods does everyone make for the holidays?
I think I'm stopping at 6.

[looo33]

Here's some super easy appetizer/snacky things.......


Chili and Cheese dip
Spread 1 8oz package of cream cheese in the bottom of a 8x8 cake pan.
Spread 1 can of Hormel chili on the top
Sprinkle shredded chedder chhes over that and bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is melted...I think about 15 minutes.
Dip tortilla chips into this and enjoy.


Cupa Cupa
This sounds gross but is absolutely wonderful. I am positive that there aren't enough Weight Watcher points on earth to cover this! LOL

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of onions
1 cup of mayonnaise

mix together and bake for ~ 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. (Cheese will be bubbly) Serve with Breton crackers or any that you like.

(I use only about 1/3 cup of onions and probably 1 1/2 cups of cheese)


Hot Crackers (this is what my kids call them)
Line a cookie sheet with tin foil.
Place Triscuits on the foil....use as many as you'll want to eat
Place a piece of jalapeno cheese on each triscuit.
Put on a 350 degree oven until cheese is melted. YUM

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

I don't think I saw this one mentioned yet-

I have to make 11 dozen baked goods for a work cookie exchange day on Monday and I need EASY recipes-my favorite is:

Chocolate & Peanut Butter tarts:

Make your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe (or use the refrigerated kind if you need super easy!) and roll dough into 1 inch balls. Place in greased miniature muffin tins. Press dough evenly on the bottom and up the sides of each cup. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set. After removing them from the oven, place a mini peanut butter cup in each muffin cup and press down gently. Cool completely--I like to give them a jumpstart by putting them in the fridge for 10 minutes so the chocolate doesn't melt as much as if you were to let them cool on the counter for the entire time.

These are great and are just the right size and very easy.

These are my families favorites and have become my signiture at parties. ....I just made15 dz. last night for a Christmas Shop at DD's school..
To make it even easier, I bake the PB Cup with the cookie. They taste exactly the same...Also, another hint. If you don't have a cookie press to make the indentation, the cap from a water bottle works great, just the right size. And to avoid the cookie dough sticking to whatever your pressing with dip it in flour after every couple of uses.
Thank you to everyone for all these great ideas. My Girl Scout troop is going to have a field day next week making treats for their families.

[PiperPizzaz]

Hi,

I have a variation on the Chocolate Peanut butter tarts I saw it on hgtv a while back and made them.
Use your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe and make just like the other pushing them into a small muffin pan, or you can use premade sugar cookie dough and add 1 cup peanut butter. Then instead of pushing a peanut butter cup into it wait until the cookies cool and pipe in chocolate frosting so it kind of looks like a hersheys kiss. They are really good and easier than unwrapping candy if you want to make a bunch.

Also I like to make the eclair cakes. You use vanilla pudding the larger box and make it according to the pie directions (less milk) then mix in a tub of cool whip. Layer this with graham crackers squares in a cake pan similar to a lasagna and at the top finish with graham crackers and then ice like a cake with chocolate frosting. hmmm maybe I just like chocolate frosting. :lovestruc

[jlw29]

Holy cow! That's a lot of baking! :earseek:
Makes me curious--and sorry for being OT--but how many dozens of baked goods does everyone make for the holidays?
I think I'm stopping at 6.

In a usual christmas season, I bake about 200 dozen (yes 200!) cookies of about a total of 15-20 different varieties and give trays to everyone, but this year I was on call in trauma ICU in November and am in the Peds ICU this month, so I'll be lucky to make 2 or 3 batches total of my husband and kids' favorites. :guilty:

[JRoglitz]

I was going to make some of the Almond Toffe Squares because they sound soooo good. Where do you find heath brickle bits in the grocery store?

[bonkos6]

We make pizza dip the following way:

In the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan (or whatever works) use your hands or the wrapper flatten out 2 - 8oz packages of cream cheese. Sprinkle dried chopped onions over this. This would be like your pizza "crust". Then pour a jar of prepared pizza sauce over it. Chop up a few ounces of pepperoni into tiny bits and sprinkle that over the sauce. Then top with 8 oz shredded mozzerella. Bake at 350 for ~15 min or until mozzerella is cooked and bubbly. Serve with corn chips to dip in it. Yum, yum, yum!

I made this last night and it was very delicious. The only drawback was that the cheese became hard and it was difficult to scoop some onto my tortilla chip.

[mickeyluv'r]

These sound like great ideas!
Please, please, please though - I notice that many of these contain nuts and peanuts - if you are giving these for gifts, or holiday parties, etc. PLEASE remember to inform your guests that the items contain nuts and peanuts with bright labels! It could save a life! I can't tell you how many times I've tried a cake, cookie, or other treat that looked safe enough (Like who'd think of peanuts being in fried rice?), only to end up VERY sick!

Christmas is one time that I tend to go all out and make the crazy sugar cookies that take forever to make, but I always like to fill out the tray with colorful simple variations.
I love the pretzel wreaths idea. I also try variations on the basic rice krispies treats (dip in chocolate, colored candies)

For myself, I like simple ways to vary the basic sugar cookie recipe - adding cocoa, making thumbprints (ball, press with thumb, fill with preserves), coat cookies with powdered sugar instead of colored sugars, if you use white icing at all - sprinkle it with white sugar for a cool effect, use cruched candycanes for decoration - esp, with melted chocolate.
Last, try adding a little bit of your favorite liquor to the dough (works best with chocolate cookies or truffles).

[fivefordisney]

Another Ritz treat.....add peppermint oil to melted chocolate bark and dip the Ritz in the chocolate. They are similar to the girl scout thin mint cookies.......


I love these! I drip melted white chocolate across them --sometimes I use food coloring to make it green or red.

[fivefordisney]

I just want to add..I did the cookies with the crushed candies that melt...they are really beautiful, but no one really ate them because you have this hard chunk in the middle of the soft cookie...

I was wondering if they were really hard on your teeth! LOL!

[Earstou]

Where do you find heath brickle bits in the grocery store?U
Usually they are in the same area as the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, etc.

For those asking about almond bark vs chocolate chips for dipping, I often add some chocolate chips to my bark to get a better flavor.

[fivefordisney]

This is the best thread! I wish I had something to contribute. I am going to work on it!

[kuusimo]

I just made the girl scout cookie thin mints and used a bag of Wilton Melts. They have a chocolate mint flavor. I got 45 "cookies" from one bag.

[MayMom]

I think I made "Turtles" last year, but I can't find my recipe.... Does anyone make these? Pecans, chocolate and caramel - how do you do it? :confused3

[ckoncurat]

Easiest ever fudge....
1 1/2 cups chocolate (or any other variety chips)
1 can carnation sweetened condensed milk.
Toppings if desired. (like nuts or candy pices)

Stir together chips and milk on the stovetop until melted and glossy. Pur into a 8 by 8 or 9 by 9 pan. Top as desired. Chill until firm. Cut into squares.

So far this year I made butterscotch fudge topped with coconut and chocolate mint fudge (chocolate chips with a drop of mint extract) topped with crushed candy canes. In past years I've also made peanut butter fudge and oreo/white cholcolate fudge.

[ckoncurat]

I havn't frozen them, but why not? It should work. They keep a long time in the fridge.

[ckoncurat]

These sound mighty tasty. Have you ever made them and then frozen them for later? Do you think they can be frozen? Thanks!
I havn't frozen them, but why not? It should work. They keep a long time in the fridge.

[raammartin]

Let share some quick and easy Christmas or other Holiday treat ideas/recipes for those of us who don't have time to make lots of cookies. Please only include ideas/recipes that take less than 30 minutes to make. My favorite is...

Pretzel wreaths
Ingredients
Pretzel rings (round shaped pretzels)
Hershey's Hugs
Christmas M&M's
Easy release aluminum foil

Line a cookie sheet with easy release aluminum foil. Place the prezel rings flat on the cookie sheet. Place one Hershey Hug in the center of each pretzel ring. Put the cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 3 minutes (just until the Hug gets melty). Remove from oven and place an M&M on top of each hug, and press the M&M down so the melted Hug fills the center of the pretzel ring. Let cool for 5 minutes (until the Hug has set up a bit) and remove from pan. Place on wax paper to completely cool.

Yum!!

[raammartin]

I love all these ideas and I can't wait to try them. I also thought of another idea that we made a few years ago.

Spread peanut butter in between two Ritz crackers, and then dipped them in melted chocolate almond bark. My sister loves those!

I think I am going to have to make an assortment of these ideas to give out to neighbors and co-workers.

I was going to recommend these - they are one of my favorite! We like to add C'mas sprinkles on top. SO GOOD and great for gifts!

[Kteacher]

This first recipe sounds wierd, but trust me, these are good:

Chocolate haystacks

about 1 1/2 cups gently crushed regular ruffles potato chips
about 1 1/2 cups gently crushed mini pretzels ( I like Rold Gold the best )
1 12 oz pkg seisweet choc. chips


Melt choc. chips. Gently fold in pretzels and potato chips . Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper and harden in the fridge ( I use my N.E. walk-in refridgerator in the winter, otherwise known as the back porch ;) )

Homemade onion dip

1 large onion
1 pt. sour cream ( I use low fat or fat free )
olive oil and margarine
salt and pepper to taste

Chop onion and saute at med. low temp in a little olive oil margarine ( about a tablespoon of each ). This should take about 25 minutes-you wan't to cook the onions until they are golden brown and very soft. Let cool, and fold into the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste :)

[raammartin]

Just had this last night(and for breakfast this morning :earboy2: ) it is super yummy!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 (8oz) cream cheese
1/2 c real butter
1/4 t vanilla
3/4 c powdered sugar
2 T brown sugar
3/4 c mini choc chips
3/4 c finely chopped pecans

Mix first 6 ingredients and form ball. Roll in pecans. Chill--serve with chocolate graham crackers--the "stick" kind work good.

Now THIS is good! Highly recommended :teeth:

[kahluacream]

I'm getting really hungry reading this thread. Great ideas!

[disneyfanfamily]

Another option for pretzel rods

Pretzel Rods
Caramel
Chocolate Almond Bark

Make a snake out of the caramel. Wrap the caramel around the pretzel like a candy cane. Dip in Chocolate Almond Bark (you could use better chocolate, but everyone likes it with the almond bark too). Then you can leave the chocolate alone, or dip in nuts, sprinkles, crushed candies, etc.

Fruit Dip (My family loves this)

1 Large Jar of marshmallow cream
8 oz. Cream Cheese
2 Tbsp. Orange Juice.


Charcoal

White Chocolate Almond Bark
Crushed Oreos

Mix together. Pour on aluminum foil or parchment paper. Let dry. Crumble up like charcoal. Great for school parties!

[disynut]

Glad you liked it Raamartin! It sounds kind of gross to hear--chocolate chip cheese ball--but when you see the ingredients it's not gross--just extremely good!

[shades]

This first recipe sounds wierd, but trust me, these are good:

Chocolate haystacks

about 1 1/2 cups gently crushed regular ruffles potato chips
about 1 1/2 cups gently crushed mini pretzels ( I like Rold Gold the best )
1 12 oz pkg seisweet choc. chips


Melt choc. chips. Gently fold in pretzels and potato chips . Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper and harden in the fridge ( I use my N.E. walk-in refridgerator in the winter, otherwise known as the back porch ;) )

:)

Your "chocolate haystacks" recipe reminds me of what a friend of mine snacks on - plain Lays potato chips & a plain Hershey's chocolate bar. Perfect combo of salty & sweet - and VERY addictive!

[zippeedee]

I dip pretzel rods in slightly warm caramel sauce (a jar of Mrs Richardson's is good), then in chopped walnuts, heath brickle bits, chopped peanut butter chips, then drizzle them with melted chocolate chips and sprinkle on holiday sprinkles or colored sugar. The original recipe called for chopping the nuts and pb chips together, that batch led to my roommate naming them "kitty litter sticks". Even when we call them that, people fight over them. Last year I made 12 kinds of cookies and 5 kinds of candies, and these were the one I had to keep making more and more of
I saw these in a catalog this year for about $6 each!.

[kpk89]

mmmmm!

Here's mine, though it's ripped off from a Disney treat! Just make rice krispy treats, and melt some chocolate chips. While the treats are still in the pan, spread the melted chocolate over them and add a sprinkle of colored sugar crystals. Once the chocolate is set, cut the treats out.

Yummy!

[Brumeiser]

so I can find these later. Thanks everyone

[CarolynNC]

Easiest ever fudge....
1 1/2 cups chocolate (or any other variety chips)
1 can carnation sweetened condensed milk.
Toppings if desired. (like nuts or candy pices)

Stir together chips and milk on the stovetop until melted and glossy. Pur into a 8 by 8 or 9 by 9 pan. Top as desired. Chill until firm. Cut into squares.

So far this year I made butterscotch fudge topped with coconut and chocolate mint fudge (chocolate chips with a drop of mint extract) topped with crushed candy canes. In past years I've also made peanut butter fudge and oreo/white cholcolate fudge.

I make fudge similar to this one. We call it microwave fudge. It's so easy and really great tasting.

1 12oz pkg (=2cups) chocolate morsels
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine the morsels and condensed milk in microwave dish (I use a large glass measuring cup). Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla and any additions. I like mine with nuts but always make half without nuts for other family members. Spread mixture evenly into a lined or greased 8X8 (9X9) pan and chill until firm. I line my square pan with wrap so I can lift the entire thing out when set up. It makes it easier to cut.

For Rocky Road fudge just add 1 C mini marshmallows and 1/2 C chopped nuts. For Black Forest Fudge add chopped red candied cherries, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds. You can experiment with different mixtures depending on your family's favorites.

[disney newbie]

So glad to see all the recipes using chocolate. Walmart had dipping chocolate on clearance for 25 cents a container. I bought 20 containers so I'll be making all kinds of things now.

[HappyGilmore]

You need:

1 pkg of graham crackers crushed (1/3 of the box)
1 cup peanut butter ( I like the crunchy for added texture)
1 box powdered sugar
2 sticks mellted butter/ margarine
1 12oz bag chocolate chips melted for the top

Mix in bowl the powdered sugar, graham crackers some big pieces okay, 1 cup peanut butter, and melted butter. Press into pan. Melt chocolate chips and pour over the top. Let chill till chocolate is hardened.

[Mom2Ashli]

Here's some super easy appetizer/snacky things.......


Chili and Cheese dip
Spread 1 8oz package of cream cheese in the bottom of a 8x8 cake pan.
Spread 1 can of Hormel chili on the top
Sprinkle shredded chedder chhes over that and bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is melted...I think about 15 minutes.
Dip tortilla chips into this and enjoy.




I just made this today as we are watching the Bucs Game. VERY GOOD!!!

Thanks for sharing.
:goodvibes

[MayMom]

Christmas Cheeseball (festive and delicious)

2 8oz. cream cheeses
1 8.5 oz. crushed pineapple (drained)
3/4 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 Tbs. minced onion seasoning
1 Tbs. Lawry's seasoning salt
6-8 marachino cherries (chopped)

Blend together cheese, pineapple, nuts (1/2 cup), green peppers, and seasoning. Roll into a ball and chill 2 hours. Roll in remaining nuts before serving.

[barbeml]

I make fudge similar to this one. We call it microwave fudge. It's so easy and really great tasting.

1 12oz pkg (=2cups) chocolate morsels
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine the morsels and condensed milk in microwave dish (I use a large glass measuring cup). Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla and any additions. I like mine with nuts but always make half without nuts for other family members. Spread mixture evenly into a lined or greased 8X8 (9X9) pan and chill until firm. I line my square pan with wrap so I can lift the entire thing out when set up. It makes it easier to cut.

For Rocky Road fudge just add 1 C mini marshmallows and 1/2 C chopped nuts. For Black Forest Fudge add chopped red candied cherries, mini marshmallows, and chopped almonds. You can experiment with different mixtures depending on your family's favorites.

This is super easy and gets raves! Very velvety texture. I make it double decker by chilling the chocolate fudge then adding a layer made the same way, but with Reeses peanut butter chps. YUM!

[princessesrule4]

These are super easy. Similar to rice krispy treat, but made with cornflakes so they look like wreaths. The kids like putting on the red hots.

Cornflake Wreath Cookies

1/2 cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot candies

1. Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir. (This can be done in a double boiler if one doesn't have a microwave.)
2. Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
3. Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.


We love these except for the red hots! we use red mini m&m's instead!

[bear74]

Easiest ever fudge....
1 1/2 cups chocolate (or any other variety chips)
1 can carnation sweetened condensed milk.
Toppings if desired. (like nuts or candy pices)

Stir together chips and milk on the stovetop until melted and glossy. Pur into a 8 by 8 or 9 by 9 pan. Top as desired. Chill until firm. Cut into squares.

So far this year I made butterscotch fudge topped with coconut and chocolate mint fudge (chocolate chips with a drop of mint extract) topped with crushed candy canes. In past years I've also made peanut butter fudge and oreo/white cholcolate fudge.
can you post the white chocolate fudge/oreo recepie.
Thanks

[Jen_in_NH]

Here's 2 of my favorites:

Toffee crackers:
2 sticks of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 sleeve of saltines
1 package of chocolate chips - melted
Crushed nuts, coconut, or whatever other topping you might like.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lay out all of the saltines on a cookie sheet. Melt the butter, add the sugar, and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, and then pour over the saltines. Bake for +/- 12 minutes. Cool off for a few minutes, then spread the melted chocolate over them, and cover with coconut, nuts, etc.



Red and Green cookies:
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups flour

Mix all ingredients well. Roll into 3 logs on wax paper, then roll the logs in colored sugar. Chill in the fridge until solid. Slice onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 3-5 minutes (they cook VERY quickly - when the bottom edge starts to spread, they are done)

Jen

[kpm76]

I made the chocolate chip cheese ball for our open house today and everyone loved it!! They all want the recipe. Thanks disynut for posting it :)

[disney newbie]

The Easist and Best Fudge ever!!

I make this every year- I have fun changing the recipe around.

1 container of chocolate frosting
1 12 ox bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
3 snickers bars, chopped

Melt choc chips (stovetop or microwave)- remove from heat. Stir in frosting.

At this point you can either: mix in chopped candy bar or put the mixture into a pan and sprinkle with candy bars. I prefer to mix it in-

Add to a 9" square pan- refrigerate until cooled. Remove from pan and cut into squares. Tips: Line the pan with alum foil for easy removal. Add any kind of candy bar you like...change the chips- last time I used peanut butter chips...yum!

I like this recipe because you do not need to refrigerate (only to cool) it like many fudge recipes. Enjoy!! :sunny:



I made this tonight for our church Christmas party. Left out the snickers because I didn't have any. I am not a big fudge fan but everyone else loved it. They couldn't believe how easy the recipe was.

[PiperPizzaz]

I made the chocolate frosting fudge this weekend it was delicious! I also made the oreo cream cheese balls and they are soooo good too and, I made chocolate dipped pretzels. Yum Yum Yum

Thanks for the recipes!

[briannesmom]

I made fudge tonight using the recipe with chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. I used a half bag choc chips and half bag of peanut butter chips. I can't believe how easy it was. It turned out great, very rich.
I can't remember who posted the recipe but, thank you!!

Amy

[zippeedee]

I made fudge tonight using the recipe with chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. I used a half bag choc chips and half bag of peanut butter chips. I can't believe how easy it was. It turned out great, very rich.
I can't remember who posted the recipe but, thank you!!

Amy
Did you mix them together? I've made something like this that has a peanut butter layer and a chocolate layer. I never thought of mixing them together. I'll have to try it.

[kmebee]

Christmas Cheeseball (festive and delicious)

2 8oz. cream cheeses
1 8.5 oz. crushed pineapple (drained)
3/4 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 Tbs. minced onion seasoning
1 Tbs. Lawry's seasoning salt
6-8 marachino cherries (chopped)

Blend together cheese, pineapple, nuts (1/2 cup), green peppers, and seasoning. Roll into a ball and chill 2 hours. Roll in remaining nuts before serving.

Am I missing something or what do I do with the cherries? Soaking them in alcohol is always a plan!! :tongue:

[lynn71092]

Christmas Cheeseball (festive and delicious)

2 8oz. cream cheeses
1 8.5 oz. crushed pineapple (drained)
3/4 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 Tbs. minced onion seasoning
1 Tbs. Lawry's seasoning salt
6-8 marachino cherries (chopped)

Blend together cheese, pineapple, nuts (1/2 cup), green peppers, and seasoning. Roll into a ball and chill 2 hours. Roll in remaining nuts before serving.

Where do the cherries come in?
Are they mixed in with the other ingredients or rolled together with the last pecans?? :confused3

[MayMom]

:goodvibes Sorry - they are mixed in with all the other ingredients...an unexpected sweet bite!

[smfritz03]

Thanks everyone for these recipes!!!! I spent the entire weekend baking w/ my girls and we had a blast!!! Everything turned out GREAT and everyone we gave the treats to have loved them!!!! Good luck to all of you about to undertake this---as much fun as it was--Im glad Im done!!!!

[jenimay]

Another pretty easy one is to take your faviorate snickerdoodle recipe and instead of rolling the cookies in cinnamon and sugar, roll them in red sprinkles and sugar and green sprinkles and sugar. I have named them Hollidoodles. (patent is pending :rotfl: )

Jeni

[PrincessMommy2]

I have'nt seen this one yet and it's really easy...... :earsboy:


7 Layer Cookie (actually 6 layer in my house b/c we don't like nuts) :blush:

layer the following in a baking dish (9x14):

-one stick of melted butter (I usually just put the butter in the baking dish in the oven til melted)

-graham cracker crumbs to cover bottom of dish (enough to absorb the melted butter)

-one bag of chocolate chips

-one bag of butterscotch chips

-nuts (optional)

-one small bag of coconut

-one can of condensed milk (drizzle over coconut, try to cover all)

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until coconut is toasty brown.
Let cool completely before cutting, you can refrigerate to speed up the process.

These are my favorite!

[horseshowmom]

subscribing so I can find this when I get home!!

Me too!

[Disneycrazymom]

Here is a favorite

Toffee
1 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 package of chocolate chips

Butter a square pan (9x9) Spread pecans in bottom of pan. Heat butter and sugar to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, 7 minutes. Immediately spread mixture evenly over nuts in pan.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot mixture. Place baking sheet over the pan so contained heat will melt chocolate. Spread melted chocolate over candy. While hot cut into pieces. Chill until firm.

[ceecee]

These are my families favorites and have become my signiture at parties. ....I just made15 dz. last night for a Christmas Shop at DD's school..
To make it even easier, I bake the PB Cup with the cookie. They taste exactly the same...Also, another hint. If you don't have a cookie press to make the indentation, the cap from a water bottle works great, just the right size. And to avoid the cookie dough sticking to whatever your pressing with dip it in flour after every couple of uses.
Thank you to everyone for all these great ideas. My Girl Scout troop is going to have a field day next week making treats for their families.
I just made three dozen of these and over half stuck to the pan and I got only the top part of the cookie out! What did I do worng? :confused3

[briannesmom]

Did you mix them together? I've made something like this that has a peanut butter layer and a chocolate layer. I never thought of mixing them together. I'll have to try it.

Yes, I just threw all the chips in together.

[Lorikr65]

I'm too lazy to go through 10 pages to see if anything similar to this has been posted!!

I make these for the teachers at my kids' schools and they absolute love them!! Beware: They have rum in them.


Almond Chocolate Truffles

½ lb. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (I use a 10 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate)
¼ lb ground toasted almonds (just put almonds in toaster oven at 350 for a few minutes until they start to smell real good!)
¼ lb (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
¼ cup coffee or rum
Cocoa powder, powdered sugar or chocolate sprinkles for garnish

Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water (I just fill up a pot with water and then put a smaller one in that one since I don't have a double boiler). Stir in ground almonds. Add butter pieces one at a time, stirring well. When completely mixed, remove from heat and stir in coffee or rum.

Place in refrigerator and chill until firm, about 1 hour.

When chocolate is firm enough to handle, shape into balls and roll in cocoa, powdered sugar or sprinkles. Place in a cookie tin and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Makes about 25 truffles.

[txgirl]

I can't believe no one has posted this yet and it is soooo easy.

One bag microwave popcorn
1/2 of pkg almond bark

Cook popcorn and make sure you remove all the uncooked kernels. Melt white almond bark in large bowl (I do this in 45 second intervals so as to not scorch)

Dump bag of popcorn into bowl of melted almond bark and stir until the popcorn is covered. Pour over wax paper to harden and then break apart and put into clear gift bags with beautiful ribbon and your teachers will think you've gone gourmet on them!!! :teeth:

Seriously I hate giving this recipe out to people who I have given the popcorn to because I feel like I've cheated or something! It is sooo incredibly yummy and as far as almond bark is concerned it's much cheaper and the taste is wonderful. I keep these items on hand ALL the time so I can whip up a quick batch for church, school, kids, etc. You can sprinkle with colored christmas sprinkles and make it really festive!

[kuusimo]

1-14 oz. box Big Cheez-It Crackers (have to use the BIG ones)

Creamy peanut butter (any brand…I ended up using a no sugar added Peter Pan and it worked just fine)

1-24 oz. package chocolate bark (I think Wilton’s chocolate discs might work too)

Spread a cracker with creamy peanut butter and place another cracker on top to make a sandwich. Melt the chocolate bark in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir. If the bark hasn't all melted, return to the microwave for 20 seconds. Dip "sandwiches" into the melted bark and coat thoroughly. Allow to set/harden on waxed paper. Voila...they taste like Butterfingers! This makes about 5 dozen.

Instead of spreading the peanut butter on the crackers, I had some Cheese & Peanut Butter Crackers already made. They come six to a package. They worked great and cut out a lot of work. I also had some peanut butter and round crackers and dipped those as well. One 24 oz almond bark did 12 packages (6 dozen). This saved A LOT of time, and by boys loved putting the crackers in the chocolate for me to dip. :banana: :banana: :banana:

[DMRick]

My quick and easy treats? I stop in at the bakery and get a tray. Last year I stopped over at C.Ann's and picked up cookies. Now THAT'S easy.

[RetroJulie]

World's Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge....(and tastes great too!)

1 regular size container white cake frosting
1 regular size jar of peanut butter

Spoon contents of each container into a microwave safe large bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until the mixture can be thoroughly mixed (it takes 2 - 30 second increments in my microwave) After mixing completely pour into a Pam sprayed glass 9X9-inch pan. Will harden completely in the refrigerator.

This is VERY good, and I was skeptical.....

I made this last night and it turned out fantastic! I can't wait to start experimenting with mixing peanut butter with chocolate icing, adding walnuts and other goodies to the mix. You little hint has just helped me shave tons of time off of my holiday goodie makin' efforts. Thanks! :hug:

[JRoglitz]

Is almond bark something you can get in a grocery store? If so, where is it located? With the chocolate chips?

[d4est]

That's where I found it at Walmart.

[bear74]

does any opne have a good gingerbread recipe and a sugar cookie recipe also in need of easy way to decorate them.

[beattyfamily]

does any opne have a good gingerbread recipe and a sugar cookie recipe also in need of easy way to decorate them.

I love these cookies. They are soft and yummy and stay fresh for days. I'll be making some next week. I also have easy shortbread cookie recipe if anyone is interested... I'd like a delicious homemade sugar cookie (for cutting shapes) if anyone has one!

Soft Ginger Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup butter, softened (or margarine)
1 cup white granulated sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp water
1/4 cup molasses
2 Tbsp white granulated sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually, stir in the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Refrigerate for 1/2 an hour.

Use cookie scoop or hands to shape dough into walnut-size balls, and roll themin a bowl of white grandulated sugar (the 2 Tbsps). Place the cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8 - 10 minutes one batch at a time. Sprinkle more sugar on top. Let cool. Store in airtight container.

[corie161]

I love all these ideas and I can't wait to try them. I also thought of another idea that we made a few years ago.

Spread peanut butter in between two Ritz crackers, and then dipped them in melted chocolate almond bark. My sister loves those!

I think I am going to have to make an assortment of these ideas to give out to neighbors and co-workers.

We do this too. They are yummy!

[madge]

Just had this last night(and for breakfast this morning :earboy2: ) it is super yummy!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 (8oz) cream cheese
1/2 c real butter
1/4 t vanilla
3/4 c powdered sugar
2 T brown sugar
3/4 c mini choc chips
3/4 c finely chopped pecans

Mix first 6 ingredients and form ball. Roll in pecans. Chill--serve with chocolate graham crackers--the "stick" kind work good.

this is a big hit every time I fix it! I've served it with mini choc chip cookies, brownies, and oreos as well as graham crackers :)

[madge]

I can't believe no one has posted this yet and it is soooo easy.

One bag microwave popcorn
1/2 of pkg almond bark

Cook popcorn and make sure you remove all the uncooked kernels. Melt white almond bark in large bowl (I do this in 45 second intervals so as to not scorch)

Dump bag of popcorn into bowl of melted almond bark and stir until the popcorn is covered. Pour over wax paper to harden and then break apart and put into clear gift bags with beautiful ribbon and your teachers will think you've gone gourmet on them!!! :teeth:

Seriously I hate giving this recipe out to people who I have given the popcorn to because I feel like I've cheated or something! It is sooo incredibly yummy and as far as almond bark is concerned it's much cheaper and the taste is wonderful. I keep these items on hand ALL the time so I can whip up a quick batch for church, school, kids, etc. You can sprinkle with colored christmas sprinkles and make it really festive!

I wonder what would happen if you add creamy peanut butter to the bark? Maybe use the plain white chocolate bark & PB mixed together? hmm....

[BonnieA]

Someone requested a sugar cookie recipe.

Here's my favorite sugar cookie recipe from Wilton (and it doesn't require refrigeration before rolling) :

Roll-Out Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsps baking powder
3 cups flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix baking powder and flour, add one cup at a time mixing after each addition. The dough will be very stiff, blend last flour in by hand (if dough becomes too stiff, add water, a teaspoon at a time). Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approx 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 in thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet on top rack of over for 6 to 7 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Hint: I roll cookies between 2 sheets of wax paper, no need to add a lot of additional flour when rolling. Makes 20-24 average size cookies.

[bear74]

thanks for the recpies. does anyone have an easy icing for the sugar recipies. I read somewhere about an egg yolk paint, any body now anything about it.

[zippeedee]

I wonder what would happen if you add creamy peanut butter to the bark? Maybe use the plain white chocolate bark & PB mixed together? hmm....

How about drizzling melted peanut butter chips over the white bark once they have cooled? Or melted chocolate? I think I need to make some popcorn now!

[txgirl]

How about drizzling melted peanut butter chips over the white bark once they have cooled? Or melted chocolate? I think I need to make some popcorn now!

I think this might work better than adding the pb to the bark. The bark doesn't take food coloring at all (it starts to clump up). The melted pb chips sounds yummy! We made a huge batch of popcorn today and divided it up in clear cellophane bags with beautiful ribbon. I tied ornaments onto my bags and they are for the resource teachers. I am sending some in a large tin with my husband tomorrow for his office to share. :sunny:

[briannesmom]

I just got this recipe in an email from Kraft - sounds yummy

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread


Recipe Rating:

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 1 hr min
Makes: 12 servings



3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
3 cans (7.5 oz. each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 Tbsp. milk



PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl; set aside. Cut each biscuit into quarters; roll in cinnamon-sugar. Place half of the biscuit pieces in greased 12-cup fluted tube pan; drizzle with half of the butter. Top with remaining biscuit pieces, then drizzle with remaining butter. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar.
BAKE 40 to 45 min. or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5 min.; invert onto serving plate.
BEAT cream cheese and powdered sugar in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add 1 Tbsp. of the milk; beat until well blended. Beat in enough of the remaining milk until glaze is of desired consistency. Drizzle over warm bread. Serve warm.

[Suz D]

WARNING: Hard to resist these, so beware!

These literally take less than 5 minutes to whip up and then bake them for 20 mins while you are doing something else.

Spiced Nuts
Ingredients:
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt

Mix these 3 ingredients in a small bowl. In a large bowl beat 1 egg white gently with a fork. Add 1 pound of nuts (I use almonds but my sister is going to try it with pecans). Stir until coated. Add the cinnamon/sugar/salt mixture and stir to completely coat. Pour onto a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 300 for 20 mins. Put on waxed paper in a single layer to cool.

I put these in festive cellaphane bags with a bow and a hand stamped Christmas tag (also great for Valentines day). They are DELICIOUS!!!

[digskat]

Peanut butter balls
1cup PB
1cp icing suger
1 cup crashed corn flakes
1/2 cup crushed walnuts
chocolate wafers melted

combine ingrediants and roll into balls and dip in melted white or milk chocolate place on a sheet of wax paper til chocolate hardens/cools

[Suz D]

Peanut butter balls
1cup PB
1cp icing suger
1 cup crashed corn flakes
1/2 cup crushed walnuts
chocolate wafers melted

combine ingrediants and roll into balls and dip in melted white or milk chocolate place on a sheet of wax paper til chocolate hardens/cools

We make these but use rice krispies slightly crushed instead of the cornflakes and don't put nuts in them. They are really good!! I may make them today as a matter of fact. By icing sugar do you mean powdered sugar? Just clarifiying for those of us who aren't sure. :)

[Teacher03]

Cracker candy

Saltine crackers
1/2 lb butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups chocolate chips
ground nuts (about 1 cup)

preheat oven to 425. Line a cookie sheet with saltine crackers. In a medium sauce pan, melt 1/2 lb. of butter. Add 3/4 cup sugar; bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Boil for three minutes. Drizzle over crackers. Bake for five minutes. Sprinkle 2 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips over the crackers, allow to melt a little, and spread. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and refrigerate. When hard, crack into pieces.

These are really good and hard to keep around!

[d4est]

I just got this recipe in an email from Kraft - sounds yummy

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread


Recipe Rating:

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 1 hr min
Makes: 12 servings



3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
3 cans (7.5 oz. each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 Tbsp. milk



PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl; set aside. Cut each biscuit into quarters; roll in cinnamon-sugar. Place half of the biscuit pieces in greased 12-cup fluted tube pan; drizzle with half of the butter. Top with remaining biscuit pieces, then drizzle with remaining butter. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar.
BAKE 40 to 45 min. or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5 min.; invert onto serving plate.
BEAT cream cheese and powdered sugar in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add 1 Tbsp. of the milk; beat until well blended. Beat in enough of the remaining milk until glaze is of desired consistency. Drizzle over warm bread. Serve warm.
You can do this even quicker if you are really short on time. Just get the refrig. cin. buns (like pilsbury) and cut them up. No need to add the cinn, sugar. They come with icing. Just use it to drizzle.

We have always called this monkey bread. Don't know why...

[d4est]

does any opne have a good gingerbread recipe and a sugar cookie recipe also in need of easy way to decorate them.
This isn't really that "quick & easy," but it is my favorite, tried & true, sugar cookie recipe. I got this from my Home Ec teacher YEARS ago & still use it:

Ingredients
Combine & Cream:
1 1/2 cups soft shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla

Combine & add gradually:
5 cups Flour
2 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. salt

Mix thoroughly & chill in plastic bag. Roll 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes.

**This recipe is doubled.

**If you like them thick & chewy, roll thicker & bake 7-8 min. (My Fav!)

**If you like them thin & crisp, roll thinner & bake longer.

[kpm76]

You can do this even quicker if you are really short on time. Just get the refrig. cin. buns (like pilsbury) and cut them up. No need to add the cinn, sugar. They come with icing. Just use it to drizzle.

We have always called this monkey bread. Don't know why...

Oh, what a great idea to use the cinn rolls! I never thought of that. Thanks for the tip! BTW, we call it Monkey Bread too...LOL :confused3

[mickeyluv'r]

G'ma started the tradition of punch for every holiday. This is how she taught us to make it.

Mix:
1pkg. black cherry kool-aid
1pkg. cherry kool-aid
2 cups of sugar
1 qt. of water
1 large can of pineapple juice
Pour into an empty ice cream bucket and freeze.

When ready to serve, tip out of the bucket into the punch bowl and pour 7-up over top. The 7-up will cause the "ice" to get slushy. It is very good but will stain..


To any punch - or just about any punch - you can add frozen half -slices of orange, lemon, or other citrus fruits (though those two work really well). They help keep the punch cold and add a gourmet touch. To freeze them, lay them on a tray maybe with wax paper or parchment paper so they don't stick together when they freeze.

[ckoncurat]

To any punch - or just about any punch - you can add frozen half -slices of orange, lemon, or other citrus fruits (though those two work really well). They help keep the punch cold and add a gourmet touch. To freeze them, lay them on a tray maybe with wax paper or parchment paper so they don't stick together when they freeze.

Variation on this- I layer lemon, lime or orange slices in a bunt pan. Fill half way with sprite, juice, or water, and freeze. Just before the party, run hot water over the bunt pan to unmold. This makes a pretty ice ring you can float in your punch bowl.

[Jodi3530]

Oh Henry Chocolates
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
Microwave on high for 2 minutes stir

In bowl mix 1 1/2 cups corn flakes
1 1/2 cups rice krispies
1 cup salted peanuts

Mix both together and press into a 9 by 11 pan chill until set.

Melt together 1 pkg milk chocolate chips and 3 TBS margarine. Cut bars into bite sized pieces and dip in chocolate.

[sandiegosusie]

subscribing!!!!

[digskat]

We make these but use rice krispies slightly crushed instead of the cornflakes and don't put nuts in them. They are really good!! I may make them today as a matter of fact. By icing sugar do you mean powdered sugar? Just clarifiying for those of us who aren't sure. :)
That's right powdered sugar sorry!

[d4est]

Oh, what a great idea to use the cinn rolls! I never thought of that. Thanks for the tip! BTW, we call it Monkey Bread too...LOL :confused3
Glad I could help!
Monkey Bread, lol :banana: :banana:

[babytrees]

Our monkey bread recipe is easier.....cover the bottom of a pan with brown sugar....little bit of white sugar mixture....put pats of butter on top(I like lots) of that mix

Open tube of biscuits....squish into mix....not too hard or they won't pull apart....bake for the amount of time biscuits say...and viola instant monkey bread.

I have done other ones that you let sit over night but who wants to wait that long for monkey bread?


:rolleyes1

[mickeyluv'r]

I made an easy icing for sugar cookies last year that worked well. I can't recall the exact amounts, but I just mixed powdered sugar, butter, and a tiny amount of water. Be certain to mix butter and sugar first. I just made a small amount, so I was surprised to see how far it went. I think I only used about 1/2 cup of sugar, maybe a tablespoon of butter, added about 1/4 tsp. water and then a few drops at a time until the consistancy was good. Then I divided the icing (keep the stuff you aren't using under plastic, or it will harden) - and added food coloring to each section. I started with white, then yellow, (yellow and blue make green), so leftover yellow became green. I think I only wanted blue, red, and brown after that.

[horseshowmom]

Just want to find this later...

[disneyfan551]

Such a great thread! I just copied it into a spreadsheet for my Mom! :sunny:

[Tandyc]

What a great thread. This is just what I was looking for! Merry Christmas!

[Snoopygirl]

My Grandmother called this "White Trash"

1 bag white morsels
pretzel sticks (I break them in 1/2)
cocktail peanuts

Melt the white chips. Mix in the pretzels and peanuts. Drop by spoonful onto wax paper and let harden. So yummy!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

[pumpkinfish]

Giving a VERY HUNGRY nudge back to the top!


:Pinkbounc :cloud9:

[rie'smom]

I love all these ideas and I can't wait to try them. I also thought of another idea that we made a few years ago.

Spread peanut butter in between two Ritz crackers, and then dipped them in melted chocolate almond bark. My sister loves those!

I think I am going to have to make an assortment of these ideas to give out to neighbors and co-workers.

I made these last night. DH was my taster and he loved them. Yea, now I know what to give my neighbors. I can't believe how easy they are to make. Also made the peanut butter fudge with peanut butter and white icing so easy and delish!!
Thanks everybody for the recipes. :cheer2:

[ChristyJ]

My Grandmother called this "White Trash"

1 bag white morsels
pretzel sticks (I break them in 1/2)
cocktail peanuts

Melt the white chips. Mix in the pretzels and peanuts. Drop by spoonful onto wax paper and let harden. So yummy!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
I just made a version of this today, but my recipe is as follows:

3 bags white choc. chips
3 TBSP oil
5 cups Cheerios
5 cups Corn Chex
2 cups cocktail peanuts
1 bag M & Ms
1/2 bag mini pretzels
Melt the white choc. chips & oil together (I ususally do this in the microwave). Mix the other ingredients together, then mix the melted choc. in. Once all the ingredients are well coated with white chocolate, spoon the mixture onto waxed paper (on a cookie sheet or lg. baking dish). Refrigerate til it hardens.
This makes a huge amount, and I usually buy some of the pretty Christmas treat bags or the containers to divide it up. I also store this in the 'fridge.

Enjoy!! :flower:

[luckey-lasvegas]

Such a great thread! I just copied it into a spreadsheet for my Mom! :sunny:

How about spreading the Christmas wealth ! Can I have a spread sheet too?

[luckey-lasvegas]

I have a similar recepie that is 1 bag of semi sweet chips, 1 bag of butterscotch chips. Melt both together in the microwave ,then mix in potato sticks (the skinny litte french fry type potato chips in a can) and peanuts. Drop onto wax paper and let set. Salty Sweet goodness!

[bengalbelle]

I made these last night. DH was my taster and he loved them. Yea, now I know what to give my neighbors. I can't believe how easy they are to make. Also made the peanut butter fudge with peanut butter and white icing so easy and delish!!
Thanks everybody for the recipes. :cheer2:
We make sort of the same recipe, but we buy the Ritz bits with the peanut butter already in them. Dip in white chocolate or almond bark and put sprinkles on top.

[threeboysmom]

Ok, dumb question here. LOL! Many of you have mentioned the Ritz crackers thing dipped in chocolate. But how in the world do you dip it? Are you only dipped half of it? Are you holding it with your fingers and just plunge the whole thing in, but wouldn't there be bare spots where your fingers were? Or are you using a fork or toothpick stuck in it somehow?

LOL! Sorry, but I just can't envision dipping an entire cracker sandwich in chocolate without making a huge mess of myself!

[babytrees]

this is what we have nicknamed this yummy & easy fudge

Ingredients

1 bag of milk chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk


open bag of chips
place in bowl
pour sweetened con. milk in next

1 minute on high in microwave

stir....and if need be 30 more seconds in microwave.

Continue the microwave and stir until almost all of the chips are melted

1 cap of pure vanilla extract(1 tsp)

stir in vanilla

and pour into a pan that only the bottom has been sprayed.

Put into fridge or fairly cold spot to set and viola

1+1=yummy


we just tried a combo bag of milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips....my girls dubbed it Reese's fudge!!

[bengalbelle]

Ok, dumb question here. LOL! Many of you have mentioned the Ritz crackers thing dipped in chocolate. But how in the world do you dip it? Are you only dipped half of it? Are you holding it with your fingers and just plunge the whole thing in, but wouldn't there be bare spots where your fingers were? Or are you using a fork or toothpick stuck in it somehow?

LOL! Sorry, but I just can't envision dipping an entire cracker sandwich in chocolate without making a huge mess of myself!
We use the small Ritz Bits and I just melt the almond bark in a large bowl and dump in a bunch of the crackers, gently stir them in, then use a spoon to put them on wax paper to dry.

[Bearvet]

I just made the Ritz crackers w/PB dipped in chocolate - received rave reviews!! I just put the entire cracker into the melted chocolate and used tongs to make sure it's coated and to take it out with. Very easy. I also made some with the large cheese crackers, but they haven't set yet.

BTW I had never heard of almond bark before this thread. I managed to find it at WalMart and I think it's the greatest stuff ever! You learn something new every day!! Thanks for all of the great ideas and recipes.

[briannesmom]

Almond toffe squares:
12 whole graham crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Assorted nuts and/or chocolate chips as desired

Preheat oven to 400
Line a cookie sheet with foil and lay out graham crackers on top
Stir together butter and brown sugar on the stovetop until boiling. Boil 1 minute.
Pour butter mixture over graham crackers. Put in the oven
Bake 3-6 minutes until bubbly.
Remove from oven. Cool slightly. Spinke on toppings as desired (I used crushed pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips and heath brickle bits.
Cool completely. Breal each cracker into 4 sections.
Makes 48 squares.(rectangles)

This is horribly addictive. I made these saturday night to package for gifts and my family ate a whole pan already. Don't say I didn't warn you!

I just made these and they are amazing!!!!!! After I removed them from the oven I sprinkled with some chocolate chips and chopped almonds. I need to go buy more graham crackers to make another batch. I don't think this batch will make it to the cookie platters I am planning to give away. "horribly addictive" is an understatement! ;)

Amy

[Ladybugsy]

I haven't read the whole thread yet, but I thought I'd add my own easy dessert. Every Christmas, I get 2 or 3 bags of the Old Fashioned Creme Drops. They're the chocolate drops with the white center. I pour them in a bowl and melt them in the microwave. I add a huge serving spoon of peanut butter to the mix, and pour it in a pan lined with wax paper. I usually do 2 pkgs. for an 8X8 pan. Let it cool, Voila! Fudge! You could also add nuts if you wanted, but it sets up very quickly, so you may have to keep microwaving it when you add things.

[corie161]

Ok, dumb question here. LOL! Many of you have mentioned the Ritz crackers thing dipped in chocolate. But how in the world do you dip it? Are you only dipped half of it? Are you holding it with your fingers and just plunge the whole thing in, but wouldn't there be bare spots where your fingers were? Or are you using a fork or toothpick stuck in it somehow?

LOL! Sorry, but I just can't envision dipping an entire cracker sandwich in chocolate without making a huge mess of myself!

We usually just use a fork and flip the cracker around in the chocolate and take out, set on wax paper when they are done.

Now for my dumb question, I wanted to make the Thin Mints ones, but for the life of me can't find actual Peppermint Oil that isn't the extract. Where would I find this?

[mommyoeo]

Just had to write to all of you and say THANKS!! I had to make gifts for 150 people this weekend and am nearly finished, and the treats turned out sooo well! 2 days of this is nearly killing me but I would have given up long ago if this site hadn't simplified the work a little.

YAHOO! :cheer2:

Y'all are awesome!!

[bengalbelle]

Here's a great treat that is fun to make with kids:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/78718reindeer_cookies-med.JPG

Rudolph Cookies

4 (1 ounce) chocolate candy coating squares
96 pretzel sticks
1 (16 ounce) package Nutter Butter cookies
64 M&M's in green, blue, or brown chocolate pieces
32 red M&M's or Red Hots

Microwave chocolate candy coating in a small shallow glass dish at HIGH 3 minutes, stirring once.
Place 2 pretzel sticks in peanut butter filling of each sandwich cookie, forming large antlers. Break remaining pretzel sticks in half, and place 1 half pretzel stick next to each long pretzel stick, forming smaller antlers.
Dip 1 side of green, blue or brown M&M's in melted candy coating, and place on cookies for the eyes. Dip 1 side of of red M&M's in candy coating, and place on cookies for the noses.

**My pretzel sticks were too large to just stick in the peanut butter filling so I gently separated the cookies, dabbed chocolate inside, put the pretzels in the chocolate and put the cookies back together. I also dabbed a little chocolate over the rest of the inside of the cookie to help hold it together.

I also found a microwaveable pouch from Betty Crocker in the baking section at Walmart that I used for the chocolate. It has a tip on the end so it's easy to dab the chocolate right where you need it.

Here's a picture of the pretzel wreaths we made that were posted earlier in this thread:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/78718holiday_pretzel_treats-med.JPG

My DS (almost 5) and I had a blast making these!

[briannesmom]

Now for my dumb question, I wanted to make the Thin Mints ones, but for the life of me can't find actual Peppermint Oil that isn't the extract. Where would I find this?

I couldn't find it either so I just used peppermint extract (about 1/4 tsp.) and it worked fine. They really do taste like Girl Scout cookies. I used the snowflake shaped Ritz crackers, they turned out really cute.

Amy

[Sandy51]

Pineapple Cheese Ball

2 8 oz. packages Philidelphia Cream Cheese
1 lg. can crushed pineapple (drained)
2 8 oz. boxes vanilla instant pudding
1 pkg. walnut or pecan pieces crushed


Mix cream cheese and pineapple with vanilla pudding.
Form a ball and roll in nuts.

Serve with graham crackers. Also good with Ritz crackers


Sandy

[LightBurnsBlue]

[QUOTE=looo33]Here's some super easy appetizer/snacky things.......


Chili and Cheese dip
Spread 1 8oz package of cream cheese in the bottom of a 8x8 cake pan.
Spread 1 can of Hormel chili on the top
Sprinkle shredded chedder chhes over that and bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is melted...I think about 15 minutes.
Dip tortilla chips into this and enjoy.


LOVE THIS! This is my favorite appetizer at family events. My boyfriend also makes this for his work events, and it's usually gone in minutes. Definitely make it using these directions, however...and not the way they show it on the philly cream cheese commercials (leaving the cream cheese in a brick then just dumping the chili on top...um, NO!)

[lynn71092]

QUOTE=LightBurnsBlue]Here's some super easy appetizer/snacky things.......


Chili and Cheese dip
Spread 1 8oz package of cream cheese in the bottom of a 8x8 cake pan.
Spread 1 can of Hormel chili on the top
Sprinkle shredded chedder chhes over that and bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is melted...I think about 15 minutes.
Dip tortilla chips into this and enjoy.


LOVE THIS! This is my favorite appetizer at family events. My boyfriend also makes this for his work events, and it's usually gone in minutes. Definitely make it using these directions, however...and not the way they show it on the philly cream cheese commercials (leaving the cream cheese in a brick then just dumping the chili on top...um, NO!)



Can this be made in the microwave?

[Emme]

What a great thread!! Thank you everyone, I am trying the fudge with the peanut butter and whitye icing now and will let you know how it comes out!! Disers are the BEST :lovestruc

[chrismiss56]

Hi

Wonderful thread!!! Love the ideas!! Anything sugar free or would work for a diabetic? Going to friends house on New Years Eve and know that one of them is diabetic. Thanks!!

[msdznyduck]

One of my faves....



Butterscotch Crunchies

1 12 oz pkg butterscotch chips
½ cup peanut butter
6 cups corn flakes

Melt butterscotch and peanut butter on medium low. Remove from heat. Stir in corn flakes. Drop teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet lined with wax paper. Put into refrigerator until hardened.

Makes 4 ½ dozen cookies

[lucyanna girl]

These ALL sound wonderful! Does anyone have an easy Divinity Recipe?

[jamzots]

Awesome recipes!! I just had to subscribe to this thread.

[jamzots]

Just had to write to all of you and say THANKS!! I had to make gifts for 150 people this weekend and am nearly finished, and the treats turned out sooo well! 2 days of this is nearly killing me but I would have given up long ago if this site hadn't simplified the work a little.

YAHOO! :cheer2:

Y'all are awesome!!


OMG 150 people??? :worship:

[Jodi3530]

We usually just use a fork and flip the cracker around in the chocolate and take out, set on wax paper when they are done.

Now for my dumb question, I wanted to make the Thin Mints ones, but for the life of me can't find actual Peppermint Oil that isn't the extract. Where would I find this?


I found the oil at walmart but it is in the craft section. :rotfl: Dh thought this was very weird place for it. It was in the isle with the cake decorating stuff the walmart I went to it was on a hanging display at the end of the row. I have made it with the extract before but the chocolate seems to get thicker. Dh even makes these as he loves them.

[Tamis3girls]

QUOTE=LightBurnsBlue]



Can this be made in the microwave?


I make this, and always make it in the microwave!!!! Usually about 3 minutes or until all of the cheese is melted.

[marthachick]

I found Andes Mint baking chips with the chocolate chips at our SuperWalMart. Melted these & they worked like a dream. Had a little white chocolate left over from dipping pretzel sticks, so I tinted it light green w/ oil based tint & drizzled it over these. Looked "store bought" & very yummy!!! ;)

[Katy Belle]

I made the popcorn with white almond bark tonight!!!! FABULOUS!! I took it out to the moms and kids playing outside/riding bikes, it disappeared instantly! Found out one lady in our compoud turned 40 today, made another batch, put it in a clear bag with ribbons, looked fabulous as a gift! Made two more batches tonight to take to teachers and DHs office tomorrow!!! I am so excited to find this! Now I need to try some of the other recipes!

Thanks everyone!
Katy :sunny:

[momof1princess]

thank you to the person who posted the oreo ball recipe! i made some on friday (i think i made em a little too big, but oh well, lol) and i took a bite yesterday to see how they were before packing them up to give to DD8's teachers today and they're SOOOOO good! my DD8 is a very picky eater, but she actually ate the other half w/o being coerced! hehe

[pjlla]

Oh my GOSH.... I just saw bags of Oreo pieces on sale at Big Lots today (real brandname Oreo).... and I couldn't think of anything to do with them, so I didn't buy any! Looks like I might be going back!..............P

[msdznyduck]

I made the popcorn with white almond bark tonight!!!! FABULOUS!! I took it out to the moms and kids playing outside/riding bikes, it disappeared instantly! Found out one lady in our compoud turned 40 today, made another batch, put it in a clear bag with ribbons, looked fabulous as a gift! Made two more batches tonight to take to teachers and DHs office tomorrow!!! I am so excited to find this! Now I need to try some of the other recipes!

Thanks everyone!
Katy :sunny:
I made it today for our work Christmas party on Wed., and plan to give it to co-workers. Very impressive..............now if I can only keep DS and DH's hands out of it... :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Actually, I will probably make a few more batches, since it is so good and very pretty looking with red and green sugar sprinkled on it.

Thanks again

[LoveWDW]

I thought I posted this, but I can't find it, so if it is a duplicate I am sorry.

Lightly grease a 9x9 pan (or larger).

Melt a 12 oz pkg butterscotch chips with a TBL of butter (butter can be omitted). Spread in pan.

Quickly lightly press as many miniature marshmallows into butterscotch.

Repeat the melt with 12 0z chocolate chips. Spread on top of marshmallows.

Let set. Cut up.

[LoveWDW]

Potato Candy- very easy and suitable for children to make:

Cook and mash small potato (can use instant or frozen)

Add a half teaspoon of vanilla.

Start adding powdered sugar and mix after each addition until you get a dough consistency. A smallish potato will take almost a box of powdered sugar.

Roll out on waxed paper. Spread with peanut butter. Roll up like jellyroll. Slice.

Very tasty, and easy for little ones to make. We used to give the children each a ball of dough and let them roll it out and do the rest.

[shades]

Here's a new one I spotted on the Chex cereal box I just purchased to make Muddy Buddies;o) It is supposed to be inspired by the new "Narnia" movie....

Narnia - Winter White Clusters

1 C white vanilla baking chips
9 C Chex cereal
2 C salted dry roasted peanuts
2 C miniature marshmallows
1 pkg (20oz) vanilla flavored candy coating

1. Place baking chips in freezer to chill.
2. In large bowl, mix cereal, peanuts, pretzels,and marshmallows. Set aside.
3. In large microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating, stirring occassionally until smooth.
4. Gently & quickly stir in cereal mixture until coated; stir in chilled baking chips.
5. Spread on wax paper until cooled.
6. Break into chunks & store in airtight container in refrigerator.

32 (1/2 C each) servings.

[MariaTia2]

Great thread!

Does anyone have a recipe for coconut balls? I know it is made with orange juice and I think powdered sugar, but not sure what else?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[MariaTia2]

Another recipe I am searching for is something called "stained glass" or "broken glass" but it is a hard candy and broke up into pieces? I think it had either jolly ranchers melted or something and it was really "glassy". It might have also been "minty" but not sure if I am correct on that one. Anyway, it was really pretty and shiny and also very tasty!

Thanks!

[HaleyB]

You guys!!! I gained 2 pounds this week....

The kids love everything I have tried off this thread... which has been way too many things, lol.

[Deesknee]

Now, if only I can find enough time to read & make these!!! lol

[mommy2emmersNmo]

I believe I saw a recipe for the stained glass candy on allrecipes.com There is a whole section for Christmas gifts.

By the way, I made the almond bark covered popcorn, both vanilla and chocolate, and gave to my family as treats. They loved it and my aunt and I are already talking about making it again for Christmas next year but making different kinds, with nuts and other goodies. How easy it was. I also am making it for my daughter's teachers and sprinkling it with Christmas and Hanukkah Jimmies.

[gemjoy]

I made the ritz crackers with the pb in the middle and dipped them in the chocolate and added x-mas sprinkles to the tops.... they are beautiful! But does anyone know... I used the semi-sweet chips to dip them in - should I have used milk choc? They are delicious... but did I use the right chips? They're really rich. TIA!!! And keep the recipes coming............. :goodvibes

[corie161]

I made the ritz crackers with the pb in the middle and dipped them in the chocolate and added x-mas sprinkles to the tops.... they are beautiful! But does anyone know... I used the semi-sweet chips to dip them in - should I have used milk choc? They are delicious... but did I use the right chips? They're really rich. TIA!!! And keep the recipes coming............. :goodvibes

We usually use the chocolate almond bark, so I can't really answer your question, but if they hardened and worked and taste ok, that's all that really matters in the long run right. :goodvibes

[virginiamama]

I made it today for our work Christmas party on Wed., and plan to give it to co-workers. Very impressive..............now if I can only keep DS and DH's hands out of it... :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Actually, I will probably make a few more batches, since it is so good and very pretty looking with red and green sugar sprinkled on it.

Thanks again

So are ya'll using butter flavored microwave popcorn or popping popcorn in a pan or popper? I like my popcorn with at least a little bit of salt, but thought the butter flavored kind might be a bit too salty for this recipe. Any thoughts?

[virginiamama]

Ingredients:
square or round checker pretzels (I used Rold Gold Butter Checkers)
Rolo candy
pecan halves

Place a layer of pretzels on cookie sheet.
Top each pretzel with a Rolo candy.
Top each Rolo candy with a pecan half.

Bake in 250-300 degree oven for just a few minutes. Press down on a pecan and if it goes down, it's ready. Take out of oven a press each pecan down to squish the Rolo out to the edges of the pretzel.

[casey49781]

what wonderful ideas and they all sound yummy,will be making some of them..thankyou

[gemjoy]

can you use white chocolate chips in place of the almond bark? :confused3 Is there a difference? TIA!!! I want to make this tonight! :)

[lovebuzz]

Here is the recipe for stained glass cookies. !/2 cup margarine or butter, softened.1/2 cup of sugar.1/2 cup of honey. 1 egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 3 cups of all-purpose flour. 1 teaspoon baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 5 (1.14 -ounce) roll Life Savers Five Flavor Roll Candy. 1. beat butter, sugar,honey,egg and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours. 2. roll dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough into desired shapes with 21/2- to 3 inch floured cookie cutters. Trace smaller version of cookie shape on dough leaving 1/2 to 3/4-inch border of dough. Cut out and remove dough from center of cookies; set aside. Place cut-out shapes on baking sheets lined with foil. Repeat with reserved dough. 3. cr5ush each color of candy seperatly between tho layers of wax paper with mallet. Spoon crushed candy inside center of cut-out cookie shape. 4. bake at 350 for 6 to 8 minutes. cool

[mommy2emmersNmo]

I used microwave popcorn that was the butter light version, it is yummy! I guess it really doesn't matter. I agree it does look very pretty with the red and green sugar sprinkled on it. It is soooo easy!!!!

[shades]

Here's a new one I spotted on the Chex cereal box I just purchased to make Muddy Buddies;o) It is supposed to be inspired by the new "Narnia" movie....

Narnia - Winter White Clusters

1 C white vanilla baking chips
9 C Chex cereal
2 C salted dry roasted peanuts
2 C miniature marshmallows
1 pkg (20oz) vanilla flavored candy coating

1. Place baking chips in freezer to chill.
2. In large bowl, mix cereal, peanuts, pretzels,and marshmallows. Set aside.
3. In large microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating, stirring occassionally until smooth.
4. Gently & quickly stir in cereal mixture until coated; stir in chilled baking chips.
5. Spread on wax paper until cooled.
6. Break into chunks & store in airtight container in refrigerator.

32 (1/2 C each) servings.


I just made these for the first time and DD LOVES them! I used the multi-color mini marshmallows instead of the white ones called for on the recipe. I also used Wilton white candy baking chips.

I did forget to add the vanilla extract (naturally;o) and it is very good anyway. I also used buttered flavored pretzels that I bought in the deli section at Walmart.

One recipe does make a LOT - so, I'd recommend not doubling the recipe unless you want a ton of this stuff!