Christmas Crack

 

Ingredients

1 cup butter (salted or unsalted)

1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

40 salted saltine crackers

1 pkg chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Toppings such as nuts, M&Ms, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, etc. (optional)

 

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 11x15 baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Spread the crackers out on the foil (5x8) in a single layer and fold up the edges of the foil to box in the crackers. Set aside.

 

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium Hight heat on the stovetop. Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to boil for 5 minutes exactly, (set a timer), stirring occasionally. Quickly pour over the crackers and spread to cover completely.

 

Bake for 5 minutes in the oven, or until bubbling so the toffee reaches its second boiling point and absorbs into the cracker. Turn off heat. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.

 

Let sate for 1-2 minutes or until the chocolate starts to look shiny and is soft enough to spread evenly over the toffee. If the chocolate is still not warm enough to spread after 4 minutes, place it back in the oven for a minute to help soften it.

 

Top with additional toppings if desired.

 

Chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to harden. Peel away the foil and break into pieces.

 

Hints:

If using regular foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal.

 

via little sweet baker

Eggnog French Toast

Ingredients

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1½ cups eggnog (I use light eggnog)

1½ tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

12 slices French bread*

 

Instructions

Whisk eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl until well blended. Pour mixture into a shallow dish.

 

Preheat an electric griddle to 300°F. Lightly grease the skillet.

 

Dip one slice of bread at a time into the eggnog mixture, being sure to coat each side of the bread thoroughly.

 

Place the prepared bread slices into the preheated skillet, and cook, turning once, until golden brown on each side. Place cooked slices on a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm until all French toast is cooked. Serve immediately.

 

* I use one loaf of Great Grains Hawaiian Bread instead of French bread.

 

via allrecipes

 

Orange and Almond Biscotti

Ingredients
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 salt
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup slivered almonds, chopped
2 Tbsp. orange zest

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk and set aside. Beat the butter and sugar together, with an electric mixer, until light and smooth. Then add one egg at a time. Add the almond and vanilla extract until well combined. Using a large wooden spoon, mix in the almonds and orange zest. Add the dry ingredients and mix by hand until just combined.

Take the dough out of the bowl and divide it in half, placing each half on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll into logs that are about 13x2" long. With floured hands, pat them down to smooth.

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for about 35 minutes until the loaves are golden and just starting to crack on top. Remove the loaves from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.

Cut each loaf diagonally into slices with a serrated knife and lay them cut side up on the cookie sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for another 7 minutes.

Biscotti should be crispy and golden brown now. Let them cool completely and then enjoy.

biscotti are exceptionally good when eaten the same day they are baked, although they will keep for at least two weeks when stored in an airtight container.

via qkatie

Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti

Ingredients
3/4 cup Sugar In The Raw
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or dried cherries)

Instructions
In a small bowl, beat sugar and oil until blended. Beat in eggs then extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well (dough will be stiff). Stir in pistachios and cranberries.

Divide dough in half. With floured hands, shape each half into a 12"x2" rectangle on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until set.

Place pan on wire rack. When cool enough to handle, transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 3/4" slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.

via Taste of Home

Jingle Bell Fruitcake Cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
1 extra large egg
1 Tbsp. apple cider
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (or chopped figs)
3/4 cup glacé-candied red cherries halved
1/4 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup glacé-candied fruit mix (such as candied pineapple, citron, orange peel, red cherries)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in egg; add apple cider and vanilla extract and mix until fully blended.

In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; whisk to blend.

Alternately, add dry ingredients and buttermilk to batter and mix until blended.

Fold the chopped nuts and fruit the batter by hand. Chill dough for 10 minutes.

Drop dough by rounded tables spoons or with a small ice cream scoop, about 2 inches apart, onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Bake each cookie sheet for 8-9 minutes, until lightly golden.

via Hallmark

Grandma's Raspberry Rugelach

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups margarine, softened
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1cup heavy whipping cream
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cups seedless raspberry jam

Optional Glaze
 1 cup powdered sugar
4 tsp 2% milk

Instructions
In a large bowl, beat margarine, sugar, vanilla, and salt on medium-low speed until combined. Slowly beat in whipping cream. Gradually beat in enough flour until dough is no longer sticky. Divide dough into four portions, then flatten into disks, Wrap in plastic; refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 12" circle; spread each with 1/4 cup raspberry jam. Cut each circle into 16 wedges.

Gently roll wedges from the wide ends. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, point side down Bake 25-30 minutes or until light golden. Remove to wire racks to cool.

If desired combine powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled rugelach.

For Apricot Variation: You can substitute apricot filling for the raspberry jam. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and Tbsp. ground cinnamon. Spread 1/4 cup apricot jam over dough; sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar. Proceed as directed.

via Taste of Home

Rugelach

Ingredients
Dough
1 cup butter, softened
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Filling
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 butter, melted, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to cream cheese mixture and mix well. divide dough into fourths. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour until easy to handle.

Roll out each portion between two sheets of waxed paper into a 12" circle. Remove the top sheet of waxed paper. Combine sugar cinnamon. brush each circle with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinle each with 3 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar  and 2 tablespoons pecans. Cut each int 12 wedges.

Roll cup wedges from the wide end; place pointed side down two inches apart on un-greased baking sheets. Curbe ends to form a crescent shape.

Bake at 350°F for 24-26 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Brush warm cookies iwth remaining butter; sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.

via Taste of Home

Because of Love

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and it had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farmhouse. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed the horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots."

His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near. With gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied quietly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and impatient, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley.

The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the smell of the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together in front of the barn. They were speechless and stunned as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulder as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandanna. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old, withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill, the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top- most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down around the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.
At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill to safety beneath the pine. And now she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife.

Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift ---LOVE. Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy... And again the peace of love filled their hearts.
 

This is a true story...

Christmas Wish

Eggnog Cookies

Ingredients

¾ cup butter, softened

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

2 egg yolks

½ cup eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla
2¼ cups flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugars until fluffy. 

Add egg yolks, eggnog and vanilla, continue beating until creamy.

Add flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Beat on medium until well combined.

Roll into one inch balls and place two inches apart on cookie sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Eggnog Frosting
½ cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
4 to 5 Tablespoons eggnog
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Cream butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon. Beat for 3 minutes until smooth. Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle nutmeg over the frosting in desired. Makes 32-36 cookies.

A Savior is Born

Christmas Advent Book - Day 24

Advent Day 24: The Night Before Christmas

Book: The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
and illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa

There are many beautifully illustrated versions of this poem, and we
have several, but my favorite this year is the one illustrated by Gyo
Fujikawa. Look at this Google image search here and I'm sure you'll
recognize her work. I thought it was interesting that she designed the the
little Eskimo child for the Eskimo Pie company and she also
designed six U.S.P.S. stamps. Read her obituary in the New York Times
if you'd like to know a little more about her. You can read the The
Night Before Christmas in full here and find your favorite parody of the
poem here. I'm sorry I don't have a craft for you today. I am running
around like a crazy person trying to get everything done and the craft I
had intended would take too long. Thank you all so much for your kind
comments regarding my book and activity advent! I really appreciated
the encouragement and I found it so rewarding that you were using
some of these projects as gifts for your special people.
Happy Happy Holidays to all!

via Bella Dia

Christmas Advent Book & Craft - Day 23

Advent Day 23: Buying Mittens and felted wool mitten ornaments

Book: Buying Mittens by Nankichi Niimi (scroll down)
and illustrated by Ken Kuroi
Activity: Felted Wool Mitten Ornaments

Buying Mittens is such a precious story with gorgeous detailed
illustrations by Ken Kuroi that you will fall in love with it as soon as you
open it up. A mother fox sends her child into a town to buy mittens but
warns him to be aware of the humans. The author, Nankichi Niimi, is
considered the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan and has many stories
to his name; it's a tragedy that he died at only 29 years old.



Felted Wool Mitten Ornaments DIY

Supplies:
• felted wool sweaters: 3 coordinating prints
• cardstock if you want to print a pattern to trace, otherwise
print on regular copy paper
• pattern
• embroidery floss to accent the felt
• embroidery needle
• scissors
• air soluble marker if you want to trace the cardstock pattern
• button that coordinates with felted wools



Step 1: Print the pattern. Print on cardstock if you want to trace the
pattern onto the felted wool or print on copy paper if you want
to pin the pattern onto the wool.

Step 2: Using your pattern, cut out 2 mitten pieces from your
main felt and 2 circle pieces - one from each coordinating wool.



Step 3: Stack the circle pieces on top of each other and put the button
in the center; stitch to the wrist area of one of the mitten pieces.

Step 4: Using a running, whip, or blanket stitch, stitch the
pair of mittens together.

Step 5: Make a loop with your embroidery floss in one of the upper
corners of the mitten to use as a hanging loop.



Simple, cute, and fun! these make great package decorations too!

via Bella Dia

Christmas Advent Book & Activity - Day 22

Advent Day 22: Ollie's Ski Trip and glittery foil icicles

Book: Ollie's Ski Trip by Elsa Beskow
Activity: Glittery Foil Icicles

I know many of you are fans of Elsa Beskow's so I am sure you
will enjoy this story and her charming illustrations. Ollie gets skis
for his birthday and has adventures with Jack Frost and other winter-
time characters. To get an idea of Elsa Beskow's talent do an image
search for her on google (or click here) with your feet up and
a cup of tea; you won't regret it.


Glittery Foil Icicles Tutorial

Supplies:

• clear glue preferred or glue
• aluminum foil
• fine glitter preferred or regular glitter in silvers, golds, and pale blues
• ornament hook
• scissors for cutting foil


Step 1: Cut a piece of foil that is about 6" long and 4 1/2" wide
at the top narrowing to 3" wide at the bottom (don't worry too
much about measurements, this can be eyeballed).


Step 2: Squish the foil lengthwise, then roll between your palms
(like making a snake with play-doh). One end should be sharpish
and the other end flatten between your fingers.


Step 3: Apply glue all over the icicle.

Step 4: Cover icicle with fine glitter and tap it off.


Step 5: Pierce flattened end of icicle with sharp scissors and
attach the ornament hook; fold over the foil and squish
foil and hook end together.


These look so beautiful in clusters so make a lot!

via Bella Dia

Christmas Advent Book & Craft - Day 21

Advent Day 21: The Shortest Day and miniature felted wool wreaths

Book: The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer
Activity: Miniature Felted Wool Wreaths

Happy Solstice everyone! It's so nice to think that this is the shortest
day and from here on into summer our daylight hours will get longer.
Yea for the sun! Yea for light conquering darkness! Go here for some
ideas on how to celebrate the Solstice. The Shortest Day explains all
about the winter solstice, its history and astronomical information, in a
pleasing kid friendly tone. It also has some solstice activities that kids
can do in the last few pages.



Today's activity is a miniature wool wreath using felted wool sweaters.
If you don't have any felted wool sweaters on hand then try regular felt
but you will need more squares to fill the wreath up. I used 53 squares
but how many you use will depend heavily on the thickness of the
sweaters and how tightly you pack them onto the wreath. I made a
little flower for mine using three circles of felt in different sizes and
finished with a button in the center. I think they look great with or
without a flower but I'll leave that up to you. The finished wreath
is about 4 1/2" in diameter.

Miniature Felted Wool Wreaths Tutorial


Supplies:

• felted wool sweaters cut into 1" squares
• sharp scissors
• floral wire gauge 18", plain or cloth-covered
• wire snips
• nneedle nose pliers
• ruler to cut 1" squares
• optional rotary cutter makes cutting the wool easier
• a round object about 2 1/2" in diameter to form the wire around


Step 1: Take your wire and starting in the center, wrap it around
your round object; create a hook like the one pictured above.


Step 2: Snip off the long ends of the wire.


Step 3: Make a hook with the other end of the wire; first hook
should be vertical to be used for hanging later, the second hook
should be perpendicular to the first one.


Step 4: Open up the hook you just made and begin stringing
on wool squares; pierce the center of the square with sharp
scissors to make a hole for the wire to go through.


Step 5: String wool squares onto the wire until it is
full then hook closed.

Optional Step 6: Get creative and make a decoration for
your wreath if you would like

via Bella Dia

Christmas Advent Book & Craft - Day 20

Advent Day 20: Carl's Christmas and fancy felt dog collar

Book: Carl's Christmas by Alexandra Day
Activity: Fancy Felt Dog Collar

Carl's Christmas is a wordless book but the illustrations speak
volumes. Carl, the rottweiller, is the guardian of a little baby and
they have many wonderful adventures together but always under
Carl's watchful eyes. Check out Carl's website for some coloring
pages and activities. Today's activity is for the dog in your life.
It is an easy to make collar cover and can be decorated any way
you wish. I hope you have fun with it.


Fancy Felt Dog Collar Tutorial

Supplies:

• wool felt (for durability)
• embroidery floss
• fabric glue
• embroidery needle
• scissors
• ruler



Step 1: The pattern size will depend on your dog's collar. Make a
rectangle that is the length of the collar up until where it buckles.
The width should be about 3/4" wider than the collar on each side.

Step 2: Using your pattern, cut out two pieces from the felt.



Step 3: Embellish one side of one collar piece by sewing
or glueing on your designs. If you want it really fancy try
adding sequins and jingle bells!

Step 4: Lay your two felt pieces on top of each other, embellished
side facing out, and stitch together on each long side about 1/4" from
the edge. I used a running stitch but feel free to do what you like.



Step 5: Slide your dog's collar through your felt sleeve.



Step 6: Put the collar on your dog and tell them how
gorgeous they are!

via Bella Dia