Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Classy Baking: Christmas in August

Hey everyone!  So this week I have been thinking about what kind of Holiday treats I want to bake this year.  I know, I know, it is way to early to be thinking about that, but I always like to make homemade treats to give to family and friends, and I like to test all of them to make sure they are gift worthy, and since I have some free time this week, why not!  So I'm calling this post Christmas in August.  During the week, I'll add new recipes that I have tried.  Hope everyone enjoys!
*Edit* OK, so it ended up being a busy week :( But, even though I have not tried some of these recipes yet, I'll post a few I plan on making!



Drop Sugar Cookies
(not my picture, but they look just like this)

These are a family favorite and are always requested for any gathering we have, and they are super easy.

Ingredients:

2 3/4 C. Self-Rising flour ( you can use AP flour, just add 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 tsp. baking powder)
1 C. (2 sticks) Butter, softened
1 1/2 C. Granulated Sugar
1 Lg. Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla

Directions:

1. Pre heat oven to 375*
2. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. (Skip if using self rising flour) If using AP flour, combine flour, baking soda and baking powder in medium bowl.
4. Gradually add flour (or flour mixture) to butter mixture, beat until smooth dough is formed
5. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on to an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 8-10 min or until golden brown.  Let rest on cookie sheet for 2 min. then transfer to cooling racks.  Let cool completely.  This makes about 4 dozen cookies.


Easy Crock Pot Candy
Our cousin made these last year and they were SO good and super easy to make! These little candies would be great to bring to a party or you can package them in pretty tins to give as gifts!

Ingredients:

2 C. Semi-Sweet chocolate chips
1 C. Milk Chocolate chips
2 lbs of white almond bark
(you can add any type of chocolate chips or even those candy bits if you like)
24 oz. Dry, roasted peanuts

Directions:

1. Pour peanuts in the bottom of the crock pot
2. Add bark and chocolate pieces
3. Cook on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until good and melted
4. Stir a couple times to combine it all
5. Spoon onto wax paper and let cool


Decadent Dipped Pretzels
The hubby and I are headed north over the holidays to visit my family, and these yummy treats travel well and make great gifts, stocking stuffers, or even a handy snack for on the road!
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped nuts (any kind you prefer)
1 bag soft caramel squares (unwrapped)
1 cup peanut butter-flavored pieces
1 cup milk chocolate pieces
2 Tbs. milk
25 pretzel rods

Directions:

1. In a food processor combine nuts, peanut butter pieces, and chocolate pieces. Cover and process until mixture is coarsely chopped (or coarsely chop nuts, peanut butter pieces, and chocolate pieces with a knife and combine). Transfer mixture to a large bowl; set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, add caramel squares and milk. Microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once. Let cool slightly.
3. Dip each pretzel into caramel mixture, covering about 2/3 of the pretzel. Let caramel drip off slightly.
4. Roll, or spoon some of the nut and chocolate mixture, pressing the mixture into the caramel softly with a spoon.
5. Let cool on wax paper.

xoxo Julia

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