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

[Disneynutbsv]

Is there anyway someone could put these with the recipes from page 53?

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Hi! These are all great recipes! I can't wait to start baking! I am making a list now to start buying my baking supplies! I am wondering though, if anyone has any budget ideas for containers for goodies for gift givining? I would like a nice presentation!

The dollar store usually has stuff - tins, plastic buckets, baskets, candy jars, and lots more

Is there anyway someone could put these with the recipes from page 53?

The only way to do that is IF the person who posted the last compilation adds everything after that page to it ~ they would need to edit their post(s). Otherwise you cannot insert it.

 

[Parksfamily5]

Subscribing to this post. I can't wait to start makeing the goodies!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

This is a cheese spread that I had at a party once...it seems a bit weird but its really good. Everyone always raves about it. Its liked a kicked up veggie cream cheese.

Vegetable Cheese Spread

2 blocks cream cheese softened
1/2 red pepper, chopped finely
1/2 green pepper, chopped finely
about a 1/4 cup red onion, chopped finely
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped finely (this is like a binder)
Misc. Spices: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, etc.
***Vegetables come the best when they are chopped with a chopper or food processor...include their juices

Thoroughly mix everything together and add spices to taste. Serve with crackers.

 

[mel63]

Here are the recipes added to this post since the big compilation on page 53.


Cake Mix Cookies
1 pkg dry cake mix (any flavor, any brand!)
2 eggs
1/2 cup of oil

OPTIONAL: Your choice of add-ins!

Mix these ingredients together (INSTEAD of the usual ingredients listed on the box for making a cake.) You will get a very stiff mix instead of batter. This is right.

Roll into balls, flatten slightly onto greased cookie sheets. OR Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 7 to 10 minutes.

Irish pattato cookies
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Using your hands if necessary, mix in the coconut. Roll into balls or potato shapes, and roll in the cinnamon. Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set. If desired, roll potatoes in cinnamon again for darker color.

CROATIAN COOKIE
2 c. butter
2 c. ground nuts
1 jar apricot preserve
4 egg yolks
4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream together butter and sugar until creamy. Add beaten egg, mix in vanilla. Add flour and mix. Put 1/2 of the dough on a greased cookie sheet. Spread apricot jam, sprinkle rest of dough on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool and cut into 1 inch squares.
Optional: You can leave off the preserves but that’s a personal choice. Also you can put the dough on a cookie sheet then cut out circles with a coffee cup so they look more cookie like.

Miniature Chocolate Fruit Cakes
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. Hershey's Cocoa Powder
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. margarine, at room temperature
1 lg. egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 tbsp. milk
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/3 c. chopped red candied cherries
1/4 c. each, golden raisins and chopped dates
For Decoration: 24 red candied cherry halves

Heat oven to 325. Grease 24 - 1 3/4 inch muffin cups. Mix flour, cocoa and baking powder. Beat sugar and margarine in bowl with mixer till well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients except decoration. Spoon into prepared muffin pans. Top each with a cherry half. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until tops look dry. Remove to wire rack to cool. Pack in an airtight container. Makes 24 cookies, 85 calories each.

NO - COOK DIVINITY
1 pkg. Betty Crocker Fluffy White Frosting Mix
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (16 oz.) pkg. powdered sugar
1/3 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. boiling water
1 c. nuts, chopped

Beat frosting mix, corn syrup, vanilla and boiling water in small bowl on low speed until blended. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks for, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Gradually beat in sugar on low speed. Stir in nuts. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until outside of candy feels firm, about 4 hours. Turn over and allow to dry at least 12 hours. Store in an airtight container. Divinity can be frozen up to 2 months in airtight container. Makes about 5 or 6 dozen.

Chocolate covered pretzel rods
White or dark chocolate candy coating
Choice of toppings: nuts, m&ms, butterscotch chips, toffee chips, coconut, sprinkles

Melt chocolate, dip pretzel rods halfway in melted chocolate. Roll in topping/s. Set on parchment paper to harden.

Graham cracker pralines
1 stick butter
½ cup sugar (regular white sugar)
graham crackers
½ cup chopped nuts

Melt butter and sugar in pot on stove. Line a pan with graham crackers. Mix butter/sugar mixture w/ 1/2 chopped nuts, pour over graham crackers and bake in 350 degree oven for 15 min. Let them sit on the counter to harden and although they are pretty hard to cut, they pop out of the pan real easily... delicious!

POTATO CHIP COOKIES
1 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. crushed potato chips
1/2 c. pecan pieces
2 c. flour

Cream together first 3 ingredients. Mix in rest of ingredients. Take about a teaspoon of mixture for a cookie. Mash a bit with a spoon that has been wet and dipped in sugar. Bake about 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about 5 dozen.

Peppermint crunch
Melt 2lb bag of white bakers chocolate
Mix in red and green peppermint candy, crushed (as much or as little as you want!)
Pour onto cookie sheet and freeze until solid
Break apart and store in freezer in ziplock bag

Variations: crushed potato chips, and crushed pretzel pieces, instead of peppermint candy. I bet peanuts, almonds, cashews, cereal, raisins... the ideas are endless... would be good too!!

Triple Fudge Brownies
3.9-oz pkg. instant chocolate pudding
18.5-oz pkg. chocolate cake mix
12-oz pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
Garnish- powder sugar

Prepare pudding according to package directions. Whisk dry cake mix into pudding: stir in chocolate chips. Pour into a greased jelly-roll pan. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes or until top springs back lightly when touched. Sprinkle with powder sugar: cut into squares. Makes 4 dozen


Butterscotch Yummies
2c. Milk
3.4-oz box instant butterscotch pudding mix
18.25-oz pkg. yellow cake mix
11-oz pkg. butterscotch chip

Combine milk and pudding mix: blend in cake mix. Fold in butterscotch chips. Spread into a greased jelly roll pan. Bake ay 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool, cut into squares.


Can't Leave Em Alone Bars
8.25-oz pkg. white cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cp oil
14oz can sweetened condensed milk
6oz pkg. Chocolate chips
1/4 cp butter

Combine dry cake mix, eggs, and oil in a bowl: mix well. With floured hands, press 2/3's of mixture into a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Set aside. Combine condensed milk, choc. chips and butter in a micro wave safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered on high for 45 seconds. Stir: microwave an additional 45 - 60 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted. Stir until smooth: pour over cake mixture in pan. Drop remaining cake mixture by teaspoonful over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 -25 minutes or until light golden. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Makes 3 dozen

Crescent Pecan Pie Bars
8-oz tube crescent rolls
1 egg beaten
1/2 cp. chopped pecans
1/2 cp sugar
1/2 cp corn syrup
1 T. butter, melted
1/2t. Vanilla extract

Separate crescent dough into 2 large rectangles. Press rectangles over bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking pan to form crust. Press to seal perforations in dough; bake for 5 min. at 375 degrees. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; pour over crust. Bake an additional 18 - 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool; cut into bars. Makes 2 doz.

Pumpkin-chocolate chip cookies
18.5 oz pkg. spice cake mix
15 oz can pumpkin
6 oz pkg. chocolate chips

Combine ingredients and mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 14 minutes at 375. Makes about 3 dozen


Pineapple Macaroons
1 Pt. pineapple sherbet, softened
2t. almond extract
18.25 oz pkg. white cake mix
6 cps. flaked coconut

Combine sherbet, extract and cake mix. Stir in coconut. Drop by tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 -15 min. Let cool on wire racks. Makes 6 Dozen


Cream Cheese Cookies
1/4 c. butter softened
8 oz pkg. cream cheese softened
1 egg
1.4 t. vanilla extract
18.5 oz pkg. strawberry (or any other flavor) cake mix

Blend together butter & cream cheese; stir in egg and vanilla. Add dry cake mix one - third at a time, mixing well after each addition. Cover and chill 30 minutes. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes at 375. Makes 6 dozen.


Vegetable Cheese Spread
2 blocks cream cheese softened
1/2 red pepper, chopped finely
1/2 green pepper, chopped finely
about a 1/4 cup red onion, chopped finely
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped finely (this is like a binder)
Misc. Spices: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, celery salt, etc.
***Vegetables come the best when they are chopped with a chopper or food processor...include their juices

Thoroughly mix everything together and add spices to taste. Serve with crackers.

 

[dbogen]

Thanks for putting them all together, it makes it easier to cut and paste the ones I want to try.

 

[figgy4me]

NO - COOK DIVINITY

1 pkg. Betty Crocker Fluffy White Frosting Mix
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (16 oz.) pkg. powdered sugar
1/3 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. boiling water
1 c. nuts, chopped

Beat frosting mix, corn syrup, vanilla and boiling water in small bowl on low speed until blended. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks for, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Gradually beat in sugar on low speed. Stir in nuts. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until outside of candy feels firm, about 4 hours. Turn over and allow to dry at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container. Divinity can be frozen up to 2 months in airtight container. Makes about 5 or 6 dozen.

Has anyone found boxes of Frosting Mix at their local grocery store? I was so looking to try this recipe, but all of our stores (including Wal-mart) only have the ready to spread frosting.

 

[mel63]

Has anyone found boxes of Frosting Mix at their local grocery store? I was so looking to try this recipe, but all of our stores (including Wal-mart) only have the ready to spread frosting.

Amazon has a case of 12
http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crocker-Frosting-Fluffy-7-2-Ounce/dp/B000EMQF8K

Betty Crocker has it as a 2 pack or a case of 12
http://generalmills.elsstore.com/view/category/195-baking-and-hamburger-helper/

General Mills has a product locator page, just put in UPC # 01600046430 in the search text box
http://consumercontacts.generalmills.com/CrunchProdAvailability/ProductAvailability.aspx?m=10

 

[figgy4me]

Thanks, mel63! I sure appreciate the help. I had been to Betty Crocker's site and could not find it.

Still -no availabliity with 50 miles of me. And with Betty Crocker there is over $10 shipping to pay. Amazon is 12 pkgs and still you have to come up with something else to get free shipping after paying the $24.20.
Guess I just thought I wanted to try this recipe. Might have been willing to buy all of that extra if I had already tried the finished product.

 

[rie'smom]

Thanks, mel63! I sure appreciate the help. I had been to Betty Crocker's site and could not find it.

Still -no availabliity with 50 miles of me. And with Betty Crocker there is over $10 shipping to pay. Amazon is 12 pkgs and still you have to come up with something else to get free shipping after paying the $24.20.
Guess I just thought I wanted to try this recipe. Might have been willing to buy all of that extra if I had already tried the finished product.

Here's a site with cheap things to fill an Amazon order to qualify for free shipping:
http://slickdeals.net/slickfillers/

 

[plummer925]

1 package of refrigerated Crescent Rolls (I used Pillsbury)
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
Dash of milk

Preheat oven 375

Mix cinnamon and regular sugar in a bowl - set aside.

Unroll crescent roll - separate and sprinkle each triangle with the cinnamon/sugar mixture then roll up starting with the long end - just like you would if you were making the crescent rolls. Once rolled, roll the entire roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture to coat. Place on UNGREASED cookie sheet.

Bake for 11-13 minutes until done.

Meanwhile, mix the 1/4 cup powdered sugar with the milk to make a glaze (not too thick, not too thin, you'll have to play with the amounts).

When rolls are done, place on plate or platter and use a spoon to glaze them. They are REALLY yummy! I served some for breakfast yesterday when we had a guest and they were gobbled up quickly!

 

[Cindy F]

These are such great recipes, I can't wait to try them to take to church! Thanks to everyone who contributed so the rest of us could benefit, and thanks to the person who compiled them all too!

 

[ksunnenberg@hotmail.]

In response to CrazyForDL - Your list sounds yummy, but I think you are making things harder on yourself (packaging-wise) by having such a varied mix. Candy-like items like chocolate bark are very easy and inexpensive to package (I suggest cellophane treat bags, holiday paper plates wrapped up in cellophane with a pretty bow, holiday tins, or small candy boxes w/clear windows). Cookies can also be packaged by these same methods. The cellophane bags are cheapest, as you can get them from a party store or dollar store very cheaply. Soft things like cheesecake bars, lemon bars, etc., are most difficult to package, because they must be laid out flat in a little box or on a paper plate wrapped up in cellophane. Also, soft bars don't keep very long, and often require refrigeration! I would also be cautious not to mix too many strong flavors, as they will mix together (lemon bars tend to make everything else taste lemony too). Budget-wise, if I were you, I would stick with things like chocoate bark, muddy mix/chex mix, chocolate covered pretzels, or sturdy cookies. These can be made well in advance and stay intact once packaged. I also suggest that you go out after Xmas this year and shop stores like Target, WalMart, & Big Lots for holiday tins and tin platters for NEXT year. I get tins and platters for 20 cents each after Xmas, and save them for the next year. My baked good list each year is chocolate covered pretzels w/holiday sprinkles for some people (some in tins, some in cello bags) and larger tins and platters of a mix of cookies (sturdy cookie choices include powdered mexican wedding cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, and gingersnap stars). I use cellophane or wax paper inside the tin to make dividers between the 3 sections of cookies. Also, I can't leave well enough alone, so I usually wrap the tin (and definitely the platters, as it is necessary) with a big piece of clear cellophane, so that I have a chance to use my fun fabric ribbon that I collect year-round. Trust me, if you collect these items in advance you can spend much less than you would on gladware. Oh, and as far as pumpkin bread, that is also a great idea. Again, flavor-wise, I would be cautious not to mix it with other things, as it will all end up pumkin-y tasting. But I have received pumpkin bread in a dispoable foil pan (get them cheaply at dollar store) wrapped in cellophane with a bow. Also one year a neighbor gave me a bread that she cooked right in a little ceramic bread loaf crock... I believe it was from the dollar store, but I did see some last night at Michael's (craft store) for $1.00. Of course, that is not so budget-friendly. As you can tell, I'm a packaging nut and love to make things for people. My co-workers call me Martha Stewart. haha. Sorry this post is so long! If you need any other details, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[ksunnenberg@hotmail.]

Yes, it's me again -- I had another thought, so here it is. This idea is EASIER than cookies, so this should appeal to those of you who want quick, quick quick gifts. My mom has always been an awesome cook & baker. She's the reason that I enjoy cooking & baking as well. My mom's longest running, most successful gift has been Fantasy Fudge. This is the fudge recipe from off the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. There are people (online) who claim that Kraft has altered the recipe in recent years and that its not as good as the old one, but mom and I have made both, and find no difference in the taste. I mean, how can you ever go wrong with chocolate, butter, sugar, and marshmallow? And besides, there are people all around our town that remark year-round on my mom's excellent fudge. So it's a satisfying gift to give. You do have to make the investment in the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and a few other things, but at the holidays WalMart has great prices on these items. Plus a little Fantasy Fudge goes a LONG way. The fudge is easy and quick (it's a one-pot kinda thing!) and once you're done on the stovetop it just has to cool in a baking pan and set until firm. You can submerge marshmallows and nuts on top to make rocky road fudge , or you can decorate with xmas sprinkles (both of these items would be added while fudge is still hot). Once cooled, cut into (small) squares and package in tins, boxes, or on xmas paper plates wrapped in cellophane. If you want the recipe, speak up, and I will happily post it!

 

[dbogen]

Yes, it's me again -- I had another thought, so here it is. This idea is EASIER than cookies, so this should appeal to those of you who want quick, quick quick gifts. My mom has always been an awesome cook & baker. She's the reason that I enjoy cooking & baking as well. My mom's longest running, most successful gift has been Fantasy Fudge. This is the fudge recipe from off the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. There are people (online) who claim that Kraft has altered the recipe in recent years and that its not as good as the old one, but mom and I have made both, and find no difference in the taste. I mean, how can you ever go wrong with chocolate, butter, sugar, and marshmallow? And besides, there are people all around our town that remark year-round on my mom's excellent fudge. So it's a satisfying gift to give. You do have to make the investment in the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and a few other things, but at the holidays WalMart has great prices on these items. Plus a little Fantasy Fudge goes a LONG way. The fudge is easy and quick (it's a one-pot kinda thing!) and once you're done on the stovetop it just has to cool in a baking pan and set until firm. You can submerge marshmallows and nuts on top to make rocky road fudge , or you can decorate with xmas sprinkles (both of these items would be added while fudge is still hot). Once cooled, cut into (small) squares and package in tins, boxes, or on xmas paper plates wrapped in cellophane. If you want the recipe, speak up, and I will happily post it!

Is the recipe still on the Fluff Jar? I remember making this years ago. Thanks for reminding me. I will add it to the christmas cookie lists.

 

[ksunnenberg@hotmail.]

I actually buy the Kraft Marshmallow Creme brand, and the recipe for Fantasy Fudge is on every jar. I have seen Fluff brand at the store, and although I've never looked at it, I would assume they have a similar recipe. If you need the recipe though, just let me know!

 

[Dopey Rocks!]

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone! :

I was just beginning to think about what I would do for the holidays and now I know--well, kind of...now I just need to choose which ones to use.

 

[Shagley]

Bumping

 

[jacksmom]

I can't wait for some new ideas!

 

[princessesrule4]

Yes, it's me again -- I had another thought, so here it is. This idea is EASIER than cookies, so this should appeal to those of you who want quick, quick quick gifts. My mom has always been an awesome cook & baker. She's the reason that I enjoy cooking & baking as well. My mom's longest running, most successful gift has been Fantasy Fudge. This is the fudge recipe from off the back of the Kraft Marshmallow Creme jar. There are people (online) who claim that Kraft has altered the recipe in recent years and that its not as good as the old one, but mom and I have made both, and find no difference in the taste. I mean, how can you ever go wrong with chocolate, butter, sugar, and marshmallow? And besides, there are people all around our town that remark year-round on my mom's excellent fudge. So it's a satisfying gift to give. You do have to make the investment in the chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, and a few other things, but at the holidays WalMart has great prices on these items. Plus a little Fantasy Fudge goes a LONG way. The fudge is easy and quick (it's a one-pot kinda thing!) and once you're done on the stovetop it just has to cool in a baking pan and set until firm. You can submerge marshmallows and nuts on top to make rocky road fudge , or you can decorate with xmas sprinkles (both of these items would be added while fudge is still hot). Once cooled, cut into (small) squares and package in tins, boxes, or on xmas paper plates wrapped in cellophane. If you want the recipe, speak up, and I will happily post it!

We make Fantasy Fudge every year!! It is the best fudge recipe!