Christmas Goodies

Marbling is a cookie decorating technique that is simple and stunning. All it takes is a little practice, and soon you'll be creating beautifully decorated cookies.

"For every day in December through Christmas, we're sharing a cookie recipe. Because we believe that a cookie a day keeps the Grinch away."

When you're entertaining over the holidays, chances are there will be a guest who's at risk of having an allergic reaction to an ingredient contained in one of the dishes being served.

So many people won't eat brussel sprouts. I love them and find their colors perfect for a festive side dish.

Looking around for recipes on how to make brussel sprouts ore interesting for the rest of the family, I came across this recipe.

I think it will turn out the sprouts are a hit.

"My relatives claim to hate Brussels sprouts, which I took as a challenge to come up with a recipe they'd love. When I served this at my Christmas buffet, there wasn't a sprout left in the bowl!"

This is pretty for Christmas time and seems easy enough to make.

 

The ingredients are something you probably have in the pantry, too.

 

Gelatin, pineapple, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, whipped cream.

 

Just choose the colors that you like and you have a lovely dessert that looks festive and appetizing.

 

Fruit is such a nutrional gift, but it is fun at the same time if you don't know what is in the basket.

 

My favorite baskets are the ones with the little dried fruit platters. So yummy!

 

It is always nice to get an assortment of cookies and maybe some chocolate pieces, as well.

 

At least the whole family will have something to enjoy during the holiday season.

When I serve the Christmas meal, I like mixing Canada Dry gingerale with cranberry juice in a pitcher.

 

I then set the table with a small glass for each guest, and serve the mix. It is quite tasty and the look is very festive.

 

The kids love it, too!

Reynolds is another company that I love at Christmas. For the last couple years I have bought their aluminum molds for baking and jellos.

 

These pretty poinsettia cookies would look beauftiful at a Christmas tea or on the dessert table for a  full meal.

Some people like to do away with the crust on the traditional pumpkin pie.

 

If you want to provide the same comfort food satisfaction that pumpkin pie brings for the holidays, why not try this delicious pumpkin spice pudding.

 

 

"How to Make Pumpkin Spice Pudding: International Chef Amy Riolo shares her simple and healthful recipe for spiced, pumpkin pudding, a fabulous fall treat."

Neat tips and tricks to help you through the holiday season.

 

My favorite was using balloons as package stuffing to protect gifts in the mail.

 

"With all the festive flitting and fussing that's about to take place over the next few weeks, even the mellowest of sugar-plum fairies can feel a little fretful."

Which is healthier?

 

My take on the issue is this: Who cares? .... lol :)

 

In fact, I might even be inclined to eat both for Christmas. One of each with vanilla ice cream on top.

 

Seriously though, I guess it is sometimes good to watch what you eat and to know the nutrional value of the ingredients.

 

 

See if you agree with Good Housekeeping's best picks in Christmas plum pudding. For me, I know the one in the picture looks oh so delicious.

 

"The battle of the Christmas puddings!..."

Decorate these gingerbread people however you like - it's a fun recipe for the whole family and they make a delicious traditional holiday treat.

Whether you're planning a cookie swap,
baking for friends and family, or giving homemade holiday gifts, following our tips will make your time in the kitchen
a bit more efficient-and a lot more fun.

I am a tea drinker and love to have different flavors in the pantry.

 

My favorites are Chai tea and Earl Grey. But, I find Christmas an extra special time to receive a box or basket of tea bags or even loose tea leaves because the gift is such a lovely treat.

 

I love the Orange Spice. It is particularly nice, since the wonderful aroma wafts through the house giving it that cozy, comfy feel. Plus, on cold days, the scent makes you feel all warm inside.

 

 

Tea Gift Hampers on Twinings Tea Shop - Loose Tea Gift Hamper - The Luxury Loose Tea...

 

Here's a nice collection of different Christmas foods and their histories. The page talks about each food's origin and how it started.

 

It also explains what the food looks like. It has a great selection ranging from candy canes to egg nog and to period Christmases such as a Bethlehem Christmas and a Victorian English Christmas.

 

 

"Food Timeline: Christmas food history & historic Christmas menus..."

Mmmmmmmmm, nice hot cocoa on a cold winter's day.

 

The perfect beverage for the whole family when chopping down the tree. trimming the Christmas tree, singing carols, or just sitting around the fire.

 

The whipped topping and marshmallows are a nice touch, too.

 

You know Christmas is coming when you see the black and white Rice Krispies® television commercial.

 

You know the one where the little girl makes her festive squares out of the holiday color cereal and then she delivers them to people around town?

 

What would Christmas be without a fancy treat from Rice Krispies®? Take a look at the simple recipes for a reindeer, tree trimmers, and stockings.

 

"This classic, delicious snack has been making memories for kids and parents alike for generations."

This is a great way to learn how to wrap presents. I remember as a child wishing my mother would let me help, but she always said she wanted the wrap perfect.

 

I couldn't have wrinkles, it couldn't be too loose, and it couldn't be too wide. Everything was measured and cut evenly. The tape had to be put in the right place, too.

 

Hey, were they talking to my mother when they made this video?

 

Here's a really good article on choosing your Christmas tree.

 

There was a time when we had several Christmas tree farms in our area where many people would go for the afternoon to pick the best tree. They even got to chop it down which was extra special.

 

We always had a real tree. I loved the smell of it every morning when I woke up.