Looking for Christmas type candy recipes that don't use chocolate

[lynxstch]

I tried the cooking board, searched thru the Christmas goodies thread..but there aren't many for candies that don't use chocolate of some kind. One of the ladies in my husband's office bldg is allergic to chocolate, so I am looking for some ideas to make for her gift. The others are getting recipes made with chocolate..anyone have any bright ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[SpecialK]

Peanut butter fudge, peppermint bark, caramels, butter mints.

 

[marmalade]

I love these cookies!
Raspberry Thumbprint cookies:


http://allrecipes.com/recipe/raspberry-and-almond-shortbread-thumbprints/

 

[Ponygirl]

Despite the fact that I allow my two mangy cats to lay on the countertop and watch while my four snot nosed little kids and I make Christmas treats, I find that my gifts are usually well received.

I am making divinity for a few special people. Very simple ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, water and nuts. It is better after it sits in an airtight container for a few days. Not health food but really good stuff!

 

[clh2]

Is she allergic to "white chocolate" too? Sorry to ask such a dumb question - because I have heard that this technically isn't chocolate.

If that is OK for her - I've got a great recipe. super easy too!

 

[Ephany]

A friend of mine makes everyone what she calls candy cane cookies every year. They look like candy canes and are made of white and red twisted dough. They taste kinda like sugar cookies.

 

[lynxstch]

thanks for all the suggestions..keep them coming...

peppermint bark IS made with chocolate

yes she's allergic to white chocolate as well (which is making it really difficult to come up with something)

and I don't want to make her cookies, while the others all get candy

 

[lynxstch]

Is she allergic to "white chocolate" too? Sorry to ask such a dumb question - because I have heard that this technically isn't chocolate.

If that is OK for her - I've got a great recipe. super easy too!

could you please share the recipe? I may use it for the other 5 ladies in the office, lol! she is allergic to white chocolate too, as far as I know!

 

[MIGrandma]

Despite the fact that I allow my two mangy cats to lay on the countertop and watch while my four snot nosed little kids and I make Christmas treats, I find that my gifts are usually well received.

I am making divinity for a few special people. Very simple ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, water and nuts. It is better after it sits in an airtight container for a few days. Not health food but really good stuff!

I seem to remember a thread about all of that last Christmas time, right?

OP, how about peanut or cashew brittle?

 

[marmalade]

thanks for all the suggestions..keep them coming...

peppermint bark IS made with chocolate

yes she's allergic to white chocolate as well (which is making it really difficult to come up with something)

and I don't want to make her cookies, while the others all get candy

Oops, I guess that's what I get for not reading the question. As far as candy I found these:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/irish-potato-candy/

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/12/cinnamon-and-vanilla-walnuts.html

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Caramel-Nut-Rolls-_candy_-Recipezaar?columns=5&position=22/36

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-b...rittle&e8=Quick Search&event10=1&e7=Home Page

 

[lynxstch]

I seem to remember a thread about all of that last Christmas time, right?

OP, how about peanut or cashew brittle?

Great ideas, thanks!

Oops, I guess that's what I get for not reading the question. As far as candy I found these:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/irish-potato-candy/

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/12/cinnamon-and-vanilla-walnuts.html

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Caramel-Nut-Rolls-_candy_-Recipezaar?columns=5&position=22/36

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-b...rittle&e8=Quick Search&event10=1&e7=Home Page

Oh..these all sound great too..thanks so much for going to the trouble of looking them up!

 

[luvmy3]

My favorite non chocolate Christmas treat is peanut butter ribbon candy. I have no idea how to make it though.
What about just your basic sugar cookie.

This thread made me realize I rarely make treats that don't have some kind of chocolate in them

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Divinity always makes me think about Christmas with my grandmother.

Ingredients
4 cups sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
3/4 cup cold water
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups chopped pecans

Directions
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir only until sugar has dissolved. Do not stir after this point. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.

While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 250 degrees F, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in pecans.

Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other. This may take a little practice because the technique is to twirl the pushing spoon, making the candy look like the top of a soft serve ice cream. If the candy becomes too stiff, add a few drops of hot water. You will need to work fast when making this type of candy. After you spoon the cooked sugar and nuts onto the waxed paper, you're done. Cool the candies on racks completely. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

 

[msjprincess]

Toffee

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

I'm another who would suggest divinity

 

[kacaju]

coconut meringue
Coconut Macaroons

 

[clh2]

could you please share the recipe? I may use it for the other 5 ladies in the office, lol! she is allergic to white chocolate too, as far as I know!

My two white-chocolate recipes are Craisin Pistachio Clusters and Chocolate Cashew Candies.

Chocolate Cashew Candies:

12 oz - white vanilla bark (or white chocolate chips)
1.5 cups of salted cashews
OPTIONAL - 1 oz melted semi-sweet chocolate

Melt the vanilla bark in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. When it is melted and smooth, add the cashews. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Set up in the freezer for a few minutes. Put into mini-cupcake wrappers. Store in a covered container. Makes 36

Craisin Pistachio Clusters

1 pound white confectionary coating (white chocolate)
1 c. craisins
1c. natural (non-cyed) pistachios, shelled (8 oz unshelled)

Melt the white chocolate in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until it is melted and the mixture is smooth. Dir in the craisins and the pistachio nuts.

Drop by tablespoons onto wax paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Place into mini-cupcake wrappers. Sore in a covered container. makes 36

I also LOVE homemade caramels - but those (IMHO) are a lot of work.

 

[katiebelle21]

I couldn't imagine being allergic to chocolate! How about ribbon candy, peanut brittle, and caramels with sea salt?

 

[lynxstch]

I couldn't imagine being allergic to chocolate either..it's like my favorite food in the world..lol..thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions..I think Divinity is sounding like a winner..and those cashew /chocolate things sound yummy

Thanks to all..and Happy Holidays!

 

[bethbuchall]

I don't have any actual recipes for you... My parents' friend used to always make the best peanut brittle at Christmas. You could make a couple of different kinds of brittles with different nuts/dried fruits. My parents used to make hard candy in several flavors/colors and mix it in clear glass jars for a stained glass effect. My mother-in-law used to make taffy and popcorn balls and caramel popcorn sounds really good, too.