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Cooking with Kids Thursday: Gingerbread Houses

December 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Making gingerbread houses can be so much fun and it is a really great way to get the whole family involved in an activity together.  It is amazing to see just how creative your kids can get!  The internet is filled with ideas and patterns for every skill level.  This is just a basic gingerbread recipe and pattern.

Here’s what you need:

  • 6 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 sticks (12 Tbsp) butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup dark molasses
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • candies of your choice

Here is how to make it, inluding a pattern.  Thanks to Elise at Simply Recipes! -> Gingerbread House Tutorial

If you are looking for something a little more advanced, check out Ultimate Gingerbread.  They have a ton of ideas with pictures and patterns.

 

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FREEBIE ALERT: 12 free overnight breakfast casserole recipes!

December 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

For years, I have made breakfast for my family and my extended family for Christmas morning. I typically make a breakfast casserole the night before so I can just pop it in the oven the next morning.  I have been using the same recipe for years, but I’m always open to new ideas!  Recipelion just released 12 new overnight breakfast casserole recipes for Christmas morning!

Click here to download your free recipe book–>12 free overnight breakfast casseroles for Christmas morning

Here are some of the highlights you’ll find:

  • Make Ahead Meat & Veggie Breakfast Casserole (this one sounds yummy and different from the traditional breakfast casserole recipes!)
  • Make Ahead Baked Eggnog French Toast
  • Make Ahead Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole

Do you make breakfast on Christmas morning?  Which recipe are you going to try?

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information

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Tasty Treat Tuesday: Cream Cheese Christmas Cookies

December 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I just got back from my baughter’s preschool Christmas party where one of the moms brought these cookies to share.  At first  I passed on them because they look just like the usual spritzer cookies that tend to be hard and dry, but once we saw how quickly the kids were eating them and going back for seconds, my husband and I finally decided to try one.  Wow, were we surprised.  They are so yummy.  The mom who made them said it was an old family recipe and that the trick was to add extra cream cheese.  I wasn’t able to get the actual recipe from her, but I instantly went online to see what recipes I could find.  It looks like most recipes call for 3 oz. of cream cheese, but this one recommends using an extra ounce.  I am so excited to make them… and eat them too!  Thanks to Michelle at Big Black Dog for the recipe.

Here’s what you need to make these cookies:

  • 1 c. Butter
  • 1 c. Sugar
  • 1-3oz pkg. of Cream Cheese (I always double the recipe and just add 1-8oz package of Cream Cheese. I think the extra Cream Cheese makes a better cookie dough.)
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 2 1/2 c. Flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

Here’s how to make it -> Cream Cheese Christmas Cookie Tutorial

 

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Cooking with Kids Thursday: Magic Reindeer Food

December 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Making this has become a Christmas tradition in our house.  It is a great way to get the kids in the kitchen and to teach them about measuring and pouring ingredients properly.  Of course, my kid’s favorite part is spreading it out on the lawn on Christmas Eve.  It is so cute to watch!  This also makes cute gifts for your young children to give to their friends.

Here is what you need to make Magic Reindeer Food:

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup colored sugar crystals

Here is how to make it:

-Pour all the ingredients into a sandwich baggie.

-Print or write out the following poem and attach it to the baggie:

Be sure to take this magic food and sprinkle on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa’s reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and glitter path will guide them on their way
And you’ll wake up to Santa’s gifts next morn on Christmas Day!

-Lastly, don’t forget to spread it on the lawn on Christmas Eve!

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Tasty Treat Tuesday: Magic Cookie Bars

December 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Some people call this dessert Magic Cookie Bars and some people call them Stir-Me-Nots.  I call them the best dessert ever!  It is hands down the one dessert I most look forward to making/eating every Christmas.

Here is what you need to make them:

  • No-Stick Cooking Spray
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 2 cups (12 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips (I do half chocolate chips and half butterscotch chips)
  • 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts)

Here is how to make them -> Magic Cookie Bar Tutorial

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