Cheap and Easy Chocolate Christmas Treats

To me, chocolate is as an essential part of Christmas as evergreens, stockings and St. Nick. I view the sweet treat as the gift that keeps on giving, which is why I try to incorporate it into as many holiday desserts as possible. The following chocolate recipes are simple, inexpensive, and more importantly, great to share. If you are looking for a delectable dish to contribute to a holiday party you are searching for homemade gifts to give to friends and family members, these recipes will do in a pinch: REINDEER SNACKS Ingredients: 12-ounce box Crispix cereal 1/2 cup butter … Continue reading

Simple Snow Day Crafts for Kids

For parents, who have been affected by this week’s dangerously cold Artic blast, today marks the third day in a row that your kids have been cooped up indoors. By now your sanity may be as compromised as your video library. If so, you might consider the following simple craft ideas. They may not be as liberating as a sunny 80 degree day, but they will keep your kids busy for a few hours and perhaps preserve the last remaining hairs on your head. EDIBLE PLAY-DOH Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 cups warm water 1 cup salt 2 tablespoons vegetable … Continue reading

Sweet Treats to Make on a Snow Day

It’s not exactly a snow day, but schools in our area are closed for a second day in a row thanks to -40 windchills. Which means that parents and caregivers of rambunctious kids suffering from cabin fever are likely in desperate need of boredom busters now more than ever. Sweet treats to the rescue! The following simple edible crafts will keep kids busy for hours… and the best part–clean up is a breeze. Take a look: NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER SNOWMAN COOKIES Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) Nutter butter cookies 20 ounce bag white chocolate chips Miniature chocolate chips M … Continue reading

A Sweet Christmas Morning Treat

German pancakes, also known as, Dutch baby pancakes are a popular sweet treat served on Christmas morning–at least in homes where muffins and crepes don’t reign supreme. What makes the dish special is that unlike traditional pancakes, German pancakes are placed in the oven so they puff up (though they rapidly deflate once they’re removed from the oven), and then they are doused with powdered sugar and sweet fruit toppings. If you are looking to sugar coat your Christmas breakfast this year, consider making the following recipe for Traditional German Pancakes: TRADITIONAL GERMAN PANCAKES Ingredients: 3 eggs, room temperature 1/2 … Continue reading

Last-Minute Christmas Treats

This is it! Christmas is just two days away. If you are still in need of edible gifts to pass out on the big day or you are hosting out-of-town guests, then you’ve come to the right place. The following sweet recipes are extremely easy to prepare and can be on the table or in a decorative tin in about an hour. HOMEMADE COOKIES AND CREME FUDGE Ingredients: 3 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) Evaporated Milk 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) white chocolate chips 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme 1/2 cup … Continue reading

Super Shepard’s Pie for Christmas

Shepard’s Pie ranks up there as one of the most popular comfort foods in the world. This classic homestyle dish exudes warmth and is especially welcome on a cold winter’s day. If you are looking for an affordable Christmas dish that is loaded with flavor, you might consider making the following recipes. The first is for a Traditional Shepard’s Pie with ground beef. It is rich and hearty, but doesn’t require a ton of prep time. The second recipe is for a Ground Turkey Shepard’s Pie. It appeals to those who might be watching their fat intake, but still want … Continue reading

Recipe for a Christmas Classic

When you think of classic Christmas dinners what comes to mind? Some families celebrate the occasion with a traditional Christmas turkey or ham, while others opt for prime rib. Christmas at my house always included my grandfather’s favorite Beef Wellington. If you are hosting a house full of people on Christmas and have the means to afford this elaborate dish, I highly recommend going all out for your guests. After all, Christmas comes just once a year. TRADITIONAL BEEF WELLINGTON Ingredients: 2 (8-ounce) steaks Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) 3/4 pound mushrooms, minced 1 shallot, minced 2 … Continue reading

Christmas Dinner: Surf and Turf

Not everyone is headed over the river and through the woods to spend Christmas with grandma, grandpa and 25 other relatives. Some clans actually spend time in their own homes, with their immediate family members celebrating the holiday minus parents, in-laws and second cousins. If you are one of the millions of families who has decided to go at it alone this holiday season you might be interested in the following festive recipes. They are spectacularly decadent and prove that you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant or to another person’s home to enjoy a mouthwatering holiday meal. … Continue reading

Make Your Own Christmas Feast

What are you serving for Christmas dinner? With such an auspicious occasion to celebrate you might consider giving Chef Boyardee a break for the night and instead whip up the following festive dishes for your family. It’s a fancy meal fit for a king, but you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing it. SHRIMP WITH HOMEMADE COCKTAIL SAUCE Ingredients: 32 to 40 medium to large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails intact Cocktail sauce (recipe below) 1 fresh lemon, sliced Parsley sprigs for garnish Directions: Spoon cocktail sauce into martini glasses. Place 8 to 10 … Continue reading

Recipes for Your Christmas Breakfast Buffet

If you are a hosting a house full of family members for Christmas, then you are likely spending this week putting the final touches on your holiday menu. While most of us fret over what to serve for Christmas dinner, there are some of us (me) who dwell on what to serve the morning after Santa visits. Cold cereal and dry toast won’t cut it on Christmas morning, but you don’t want to chain yourself to the stove either. After all, who wants to be slaving away in the kitchen while the rest of the family is enjoying their new … Continue reading