December Holiday Recipes

[cat lover]

I know Christmas is a further down the calendar, but I like to plan ahead, do you? Can anyone else dig out their December Holiday recipes, let's share them!


Egg Nog Pound Cake

1 (2 layer size) pkg. yellow cake mix
1 (4 serving size) pkg. instant no sugar vanilla pudding mix
3/4 cup prepared egg nog
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degres. In large bowl combine cake mix, pudding mix, egg nog and oil; with mixer beat on LOW speed till mositened. Add eggs and nutmeg and beat on LOW speed till combined then on medium 2 minutes. Pour into greased and floured 10" tube pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or till toothpick tests clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes and then remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle with powdered sugar. 12 to 16 servings

[cat lover]

Christmas Gumdrop Cake


2 lbs. gumdrops, cut into samll pieces( DO NOT USE BLACK GUMDROPS)
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp salt
1 lb. white raisins
2 cups nuts
1 tsp soda (dissolved in 1 tsp. hot water)
4 cups sifted flour

Cream sugar and butter. Add beaten eggs. Sift all dry ingredients together. Sprinkle a little of the flour mixture over nuts, gumdrops, and raisins. Add flour alternately with applesauce. Add soda and water last. Bake in a tube pan OR 2 large loaf cake pans. Bake about 2 hours at 325 degrees. I dust the top with powdered sugar.

[cat lover]

1 pkg. dry mincemeat
1 cup water
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup dark molasses
1 1/2 cups flour, sifted
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups rolled oats

In a medium pan cook mincemeat in the cup of water. Let boil 3 minutes. Cool. In a separate bowl cream butter and sugar. Beat in molasses. Gradually stir in flour, salt, and rolled oats. Grease a shallow 9 x 9" baking pan and spread half the oatmeal mixture in bottom. Then spread mincemeat filling over the oatmeal mixture. Spprinkle with flaked coconut and bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes. When cool ,cut into squares.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

This is always such a big hit!

Christmas Pie

2 baked pie shells
1 can red pie cherries
1 cup sugar
¼ cup flour
1 package orange Jello
1 can crushed pineapple
2 mashed bananas
1 cup chopped pecans
Red food coloring

Mix together cherries, sugar, and flour. Heat until hot and thoroughly mixed together. Add the Jello and pineapple until mix. Cool. Add the bananas, pecans, and a few drops of food coloring. Pour into 2 cooled pie shells and refrigerate several hours until set. Top with whipped topping or cream and serve.

[cat lover]

DeBora, that pie sounds really good, I'm not waitin till Christmas on that :D one!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

It's been awhile since I made this, but it is the BEST pie and I'm not a big pie person. LOL The wait for it to sit in the fridge is the worst part. LOL

[cat lover]

I bake so many cookies at Christmas time that there finally begins to be a crunch time and I go for "easy" cookies at that point. This is one of them that is a little unusual , but taste good too!


4 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup orange marmalade

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients and stir into egg mixture. Blend in marmalade. Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

[cat lover]

3 ( 6 oz) pkgs. premium white chocolate
1 ( 14 oz) can fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped green candied cherries
1/2 cup chopped red candied cherries

Over low heat melt chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and salt. Remove from heat and stir in cherries. Spread into foil lined 8 or 9" square pan. Chill 2 hours or till firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board and peel off foil and cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator.

[cat lover]

12 oranges, sectioned
1 # 2 can crushed pineapple
1 cup grated coconut
Place layers of orange sections and pineapple in a bowl, and sprinkle each layer with coconut. Chill till serving time. 8 servings

[seleach]

Martha Washington Candy

Melt 3/4 stick oleo, pour over 12 oz chopped pecans. Mix together 2 cans angle flake coconut, 1 lb box powdered sugar, 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Add pecan mixture. Chill 2 hours. Form into balls and place on wax paper. Chill over night. I put the wax paper on large cookie sheets. Melt 6 oz chocolate chips, 1/2 bar parafin in double boiler. Dip chilled balls into chocolate and place on wax paper. Can be stored in fridge or left out.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Sharon, it is good to see you here! If you get a chance, pop in to the Welcome thread (http://www.momsmenu.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2918#post2918) and introduce yourself so others will know you are here!

I don't know where, but I have heard of this candy somewhere.

[cat lover]

Welcome to MomsMenu seleach! :) Your Martha Washington candy sounds good. Remnds me somewhat of buckeyes, but a little different; will print out for my Christmas candy!

[cat lover]

Christmas Confetti Dip

This is great with some veggies!

2/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup salad dressing
1 (2 oz) jar diced pimiento, drained
2 tbsp chives, chopped fine
1 tbsp onion, chopped fine
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Combine all ingredients, cover and chill up to 2 days. Serve with raw veggies!

[cat lover]

Anise Cookies

4 egg yolks
2 samll eggs
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted
2 tsp anise extract
dash salt

Beat the 4 egg yolks and the two whole eggs together with sugar till foamy. Blend in flour, salt, and anise. Drop by tsp onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees about 15 minutes.

[cat lover]

This is easy to have in the freezer for drop in guests during the holidays!


Hot Buttered Rum

1 qt. vanilla ice cream, softened
1 pound butter
1 pound brown sugar
1 pound powdered sugar
2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon

Cream all ingredients together till well blended. Freeze till needed. To serve, scoop 3 tbsp of mix into a mug and add a jigger of rum and boiling water to fill. Makes about 30 servings

[cat lover]

This is a recipe from Taste of Home magazine a few years ago, a nice Christmas cookie!


3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectionmers sugar
2 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Icing

2 tbsp butter, softened
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
1 to 2 drops green food color

Drizzle

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp shortening

In a large mixing bowl cream butter and confectioners sugar. Beat in chocolate and mint extract. Gradually add flour and stir in chcolate chips (dough will be soft). Drop by tbsp 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. Combine icing ingredients and spread over cooled cookies. Let set. In a microwave melt the chocolate chips and shortening and stir till smooth. Drizzle over cookies. makes about 4 1/2 dozen

[cat lover]

My sister akways cooks a goose for Christmas, tasted it once, but too much saturated fat for us. But I know lots of people can eat it and do so here's a good recipe for it.

Roast Goose with Cranberry Orange Stuffing

1 lb. pork sausage
1 lb. seasoned stuffing mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 large onion,cooked, finely chopped
5 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 cups dry white wine
3/4 lb. fresh cranberries
9 oz. mandarin oranges,drained & quartered
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2-1/4 lbs. fresh or frozen goose, thawed


Heat a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Saute sausage 4 to 5 minutes stirring frequently to crumble meat tillno longer pink. Discard excess drippings and transfer meat to a bowl. Stir stuffing mix into sausage. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and celery 8 to 10 minutes or till softened. Stir in wine and simmer another minute. Pour over stuffing mixture. Add cranberries and next 3 ingredients and mix thoroughly. Stir in eggs and salt and pepper to taste.Position rack in center of oven and preheat to temperature 400 degrees. Season inside of goose with salt and pepper. Fill with stuffing. Truss goose to hold shape. Place goose on a rack set in a large roasting pan. Rub skin with salt. Pierce skin (not meat) with a fork. Place remaining stuffing mixture in a buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake alongside bird for the last 50 minutes of roasting.Roast goose about 30 minutes, till skin begins to brown. Discard fat from pan and add about 1 quart hot water to pan. Continue roasting goose 1 hour. Pour off water and fat from pan. Add another quart of hot water to pan. Turn goose breast side down and continue roasting 1 hour. Discard water and fat. Turn goose breast side up and continue roasting about 45 minutes till thermometer inserted in thigh registers 185 degrees and cover breast with foil if it gets too brown. Transfer goose to a platter.
Serves 12

[cat lover]

Christmas Party Mints


1 pound pkg powdered sugar
1/2 cup margarine, softened
2 tbsp evaporated milk
4 to 5 drops of peppermint flavoring
Few drops of desired food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat at high speed till well blended and then knead till smooth.Shape mints in rubber candy molds, and place on baking sheets.Cover with a paper towel, and let stand overnight to harden.

Makes about 9 dozen mints.

[cat lover]

Egg Nog Muffins

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 egg
1 3/4 cups Egg Nog
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, combine the egg, egg nog and oil; stir into dry ingredients just till moistened. Fold in raisins and pecans. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Makes 16 muffins.

[cat lover]

Plum Pudding


Recipe from Fannie Merritt Farmer Boston Cooking School Cookbook



1/2 lb. Stale Bread Crumbs
1 cup Scalded Milk
1/4 lb. Sugar
4 Eggs
1/2 lb. Raisins, seeded, cut in pieces, and floured
1/4 lb. Currants
1/4 lb. Finely Chopped Figs
2 oz. Finely Cut Citron
1/2 lb. Suet
1/4 cup Wine and Brandy mixed
1/2 Grated Nutmeg
3/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/3 tsp Clove
1/3 tsp Mace



Soak bread crumbs in milk, let stand until cool add sugar, beaten yolks of eggs, raisins, currants, figs, and citron; chopped suet, and cream by hand; combine mixtures, then add wine, brandy, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, mace, and whites of eggs beaten stiff. Turn into buttered mould, cover, and steam six hours.

To steam a Plum Pudding:
Use a special pan made for this purpose. You must have a container with a very tight lid on it which will stay sealed throughout the cooking. Steaming -- about 6 hours: Pack the pudding mixture into the container; cover with a round of wax paper and the lid. Set the container on the steaming contraption in the kettle, and add enough water to come a third of the way up the sides of the container. Cover the kettle tightly; bring to the simmer, and let steam about 6 hours. Warning: check the kettle now and then to be sure the water hasn't boiled off! It is done when it is a dark walnut brown color and firm to the touch.Let the pudding cool in its container. Store it in a cool wine cellar, or in the refrigerator.

[cat lover]

1 pound bacon
1 tablespoon butter
2 onions, chopped
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 green bell pepper
4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1/4 tsparlic salt
1/2 tspround black pepper
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pinch dried parsley
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese


Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9x13"casserole dish. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. In a separate skillet, melt the butter and fry onions,red & green bell peppers,and mushrooms.Place potatoes in bottom of prepared dish. Sprinkle with garlic salt, and pepper. Top with bacon, then onions and mushrooms. In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk and parsley. Pour over casserole. Top with grated cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until set. If preparing and baking the same day, cook for 45 minutes. 4 generous servings:)

[Bilby]

200g each
dried apricots
chopped dates
sultanas
raisins
150g dried apples
1/2 cup brandy
250g chopped butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
200g dark chocolate broken
4 lightly beaten eggs
1 cup plain flour
1 teas baking powder
1 teas nutmeg

Combine all fruit in a large bowl.
Pour over brandy and cover, allow to stand 2-3
hours, overnight is better.
Combine soaked fruit butter and brown sugar in a large saucepan.
Cook for 10 mins stirrring over med to low heat until butter has melted. Remove from heat and add chocolate, stir until choc has melted. Cool.
Grease and line cake pan.
Pre heat oven 150C (slow oven)
Add eggs one at a time to choc mix
Fold in sifted flour baking powder and nutmeg
Spoon into prepared tin(s) and bake
1 tin 2 - 21/2 hours
2 for11/2 - 2 hours
Also approx 40 min for muffin size ones.

Very nice cake and easy. I cook and mix all in a large pot.
*Sorry I don't know the conversion from grams to oz for this one, but I don't see that you can go to wrong.
I make every year and give as givts.

[cat lover]

200 grams is approximately = to 7 ounces

150 grams is approximately = to 5 ounces


This might help!

[cat lover]

Grand Marnier Poppy Seed Cake


3 cups all purpose flour, sift before measuring
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp finely grated orange zest
1 cup softened butter
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
6 large eggs
1/3 cup poppy seeds

Syrup

1/3 cup Grand Marnier
1/3 cup orange juice
2/3 cup granulated sugar

Butter and flour a 10" tube pan. Heat oven to 350degrees.In a large bowl, measure the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, soda, and orange zest and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with 1 1/2 cups sugar until creamy then beat in cream, vanilla, and eggs till light.Slowly beat in the flour mixture until well blended. Stir in the poppy seeds.Spread the batter in prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. About 5 minutes before the cake is done baking, combine Grand Marnier, orange juice, and 2/3 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower heat and simmer for 1 minute.Take the cake from the oven and place on a rack; poke all over the top (dozens of times) with a long skewer or cake tester. Spoon the hot syrup mixture over the cake. Let stand for 10 minutes then remove pan sides. The syrup should have soaked in completely. Let the cake cool before carefully loosening and removing the tube section.

[Bilby]

Out of all the biscuit/cookies recipes, what is your (anyones) favourite one for rolling and cutting into shapes?

[cat lover]

I have one recipe that came with my Wilton cookie cutters that is just wonderful, but my most favorite is this one because it has half the butter of most sugar cookies , but still taste great!

Low Fat Sugar Cookies


5 tbsp butter, softenmed
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Using a mixer beat butter and sugar till creamy. Add egg and vanilla mixing well. In another bowl whixk together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually stir flour mixture into butter and sugar till dough forms. Wrap dough in plastic and chill two hours in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350
degrees. On lightly floured surface roll dough to 1/4 or 1/8" thick. Cut out cookies with cookie cutters dipped in flour. Reroll till dough is used. Place cookies 1" apart on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

[cat lover]

Here are some Christmas drinks for adults only!:D


The Golden Yule (by the pitcher) :)

2 cups of citrus vodka
1 cup thawed frozen apple juice concentrate
1/2 cup of Calvados (apple brandy)
1/4 cup of thawed frozen lemonade

Shake over ice in a martini shaker. Serve in a martini glass or serve in a ****tail glass over ice.

Christmas Cosmo (per ****tail) :o

One shot of Grand Marnier
2 shots of good quality vodka
Splash of cranberry juice (just enough to make it pink)

Christmas Kiss ;)

In a pitcher pour 1.5 cups of guava nectar
Add one bottle of sparkling rose. Stir and serve immediately in champagne glasses. Serves 8

Holiday Bliss (by the pitcher) :cool:

2 cups of vodka
1 cup of pomegranate juice
1/4 cup of thawed frozen lime juice concentrate
3 cups of ginger ale
Serve over ice.

[cat lover]

Spicy Holiday Punch

1 quart unsweetened apple juice
1 quart cranberry juice ****tail
1 can (6 oz) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 whole cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves


Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove spices and serve warm. Makes 9 cups

[Bilby]

This looked nice and easy.
Apple Pastry


1/2 of a 17.3-oz. pkg. frozen puff pastry sheets (1 sheet), thawed
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. coarse or granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 small baking apples, cored, halved and thinly sliced
Crab apple sprigs (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Unfold pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll pastry into a 12-inch square. If desired, trim a 1/2-inch strip from one side and use to make leaf garnishes (see below). Place pastry square on prepared baking sheet. Cut in half to form 2 rectangles; separate slightly. Prick pastry rectangles all over with a fork.
2. In a small bowl combine the egg and water; brush pastry with the egg mixture. Fold in all edges of each rectangle about 1/4 inch, pressing lightly as you fold to form a rim. Brush folded edges with egg mixture; set pastry aside.
3. In a small bowl stir together sugar and ginger. Arrange apple slices over pastry, overlapping as necessary. Sprinkle with sugar mixture.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is deep golden brown and crisp. Cool on baking sheet on a wire rack. When cool, transfer to a cutting board or platter. Cut crosswise into rectangles. Makes 12 servings.

[Bilby]

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Dash salt
1 slightly beaten egg white
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Sifted powdered sugar (optional)
1. Line eight 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In a small mixing bowl stir together the egg white, molasses, water, and oil. Stir molasses mixture into flour mixture just until blended. Spoon mixture into prepared muffin cups.
3. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until cupcakes spring back when pressed lightly in center. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm or cool. Makes 8 cupcakes (8 servings).
Make ahead tip: Bake and cook cupcakes but do not sprinkle with powdered sugar. Pack in an airtight freezer container; seal, label, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw 30 minutes at room temperature before sprinkling with powdered sugar and serving.

This looks good, I might try them

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Karen, the apple sounds terrific!

[cat lover]

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Dash salt
1 slightly beaten egg white
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Sifted powdered sugar (optional)
1. Line eight 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In a small mixing bowl stir together the egg white, molasses, water, and oil. Stir molasses mixture into flour mixture just until blended. Spoon mixture into prepared muffin cups.
3. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until cupcakes spring back when pressed lightly in center. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm or cool. Makes 8 cupcakes (8 servings).
Make ahead tip: Bake and cook cupcakes but do not sprinkle with powdered sugar. Pack in an airtight freezer container; seal, label, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw 30 minutes at room temperature before sprinkling with powdered sugar and serving.

This looks good, I might try them
Defintely going to try this one; DH loves ingerbread anything! These look realy low in fat so will be something new I can bake for the holidays~!

[cat lover]

This is a tid bit different in that it uses unsuphured molasses in it!



Molasses Pumpkin Pie


3/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
2 cups mashed, cooked pumpkin
3 large eggs
1 cup undiluted evaporated milk or light cream
9" unbaked 1 crust pie shell



Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Mix together the first 6 ingredients. Add the molasses, pumpkin and the eggs. Mix well. Stir in milk or cream. Pour the mixture into a 9" unbaked pie shell. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven 40 minutes or till a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

[cat lover]

Frozen Cranberry Salad

1 16 oz. can cranberry sauce
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1 14 oz can low fat sweetened condensed milk
1/4cup lemon juice
2 cups whipped topping
1/4cup pecans, chopped

Combine all ingredients except nuts in a large bowl. Spread out in baking dish. Top with nuts and freeze. Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving. Cut into squares.

[cat lover]

Christmas Jones
This is a good holiday drink for the adults!


4 fresh strawberries
1 part vodka
2 tsp superfine sugar
5 oz pineapple juice
7-Up
mint sprigs for garnish

In a blender, whil the vodka, strawberries, sugar and pineapple juice together. Pour the mix equally into two highball glasses. Top with 7-Up. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

[cat lover]

Holiday Frittata

1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli florets
1/2 large red sweet pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
10 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Heat oil over medium heat in a 10"skillet. Add broccoli, sweet pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir till florets are crisp tender, about 4 minutes for fresh broccoli or about 5 minutes for frozen broccoli.
Combine eggs and milk in a medium mixing bowl and beat well. Pour over vegetable mixture. As the eggs begin to set, run a spatula around the edge of the skillet, lifting the egg mixture to allow the uncooked portions to flow underneath. Continue cooking and lifting edges until eggs are nearly set. (The surface will be moist.) Remove skillet from heat andsprinkle with cheese. Cover andlet stand for 3 to 4 minutes or till set. 6 servings

[cat lover]

Peppermint Candy Cane Loaf

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1 egg
2 tbsp margarine, cut up
3 cups bread flour
2 tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
1/2 cup white baking pieces
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
Few drops peppermint extract
Milk

Add the first 8 ingredients to a 1-1/2- or 2-pound bread machine according to the manufacturer's directions. Select the dough cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough. Punch down. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 20 x 10" rectangle. Cut rectangle in half lengthwise to make two 20 x5" rectangles. Sprinkle the white baking pieces down the center of one of the rectangles. Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate pieces down the center of the other rectangle. Brush edges of dough with water. Fold long sides of dough over filling and seal edges. Gently roll the dough into ropes. Place the filled ropes, seams down, 1" apart on a greased large baking sheet. Twist the ropes together and press ends together. Curve one end to form a candy cane shape. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes or until nearly double. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 25 minutes or till bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Remove from baking sheet and cool slightly on a wire rack. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and a few drops peppermint extract. Stir in enough milk (2 to 4 teaspoons) to make a glaze of drizzling consistency. For white glaze, reserve half of the mixture. For pink glaze, stir 1 drop red liquid food coloring into the remaining mixture. Drizzle white and pink glaze over loaf. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Serve warm. Makes 18 servings.

[cat lover]

Christmas Tree Bread
A friend brought me some of her leftovers of this along with the recipe; it was really good!


4-1/4 cups all purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
2 envelopes quick acting dry yeast
2 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 egg

Cinamon Filling
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp cinnamon


Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 to 2 tbsp milk
Maraschino or candied cherries, red and green


In a large mixer bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, undissolved yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat milk, water and butter till very warm (120 to 130 degrees). Gradually add to the flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of an electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add the egg and another cup of flour. Beat 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in remaining flour to make a stiff batter. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate two hours or up to 24 hours.Remove dough from the refrigerator a couple of hours before you want to serve the coffeecake.On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to an 18 x 16" rectangle. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough to within a 1/2" of the edges. Fold crosswise in thirds to enclose brown-sugar filling. (Variation: Sprinkle dough with raisins, snipped dried apricots or diced mixed candied fruit.) Press edges to seal. Cut dough into 16 1"strips. Holding ends of each strip, tie into a knot.On lower third of a large, greased baking sheet, arrange 5 knots in a row, with edges touching. Build a tree with additional rows of knots — 4 knots in second row, 3 knots in third row, 2 knots in fourth row and 1 knot at the top of the “tree.” Place remaining knot at the bottom center of “tree” to make a “trunk.” Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or till golden brown, not too dark or the bread will dry out. Remove from sheet and cool on a wire rack. Drizzle with the Icing Glaze of powdered sugar and milk. Decorate by alternating red and green cherries. — From Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast Makes 1 coffeecake tree

[cat lover]

PEPPERMINT CHEESECAKE

Crust

1 3/4 cups graham
cracker crumbs
1/4 cup finely ground walnuts
1 tsp cinnamon
4 oz butter, melted

Filling

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
Pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp peppermint extract
6 eggs
3 cups sour cream
1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes

Make crust: Mix all ingredients together and press into the bottom of a springform pan. Makes one crust.

Make filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, salt, vanilla and peppermint extract till smooth. Add eggs slowly, scraping often. Add sour cream, scraping often. Finish by folding in crushed candy canes. Color will melt off candy canes and turn batter pink.Pour butter into prepared graham cracker crust. Bake in a water bath at 350 degrees until internal temperature is 175 degrees, about 11/2 to 2 hours till it has a firm, solid jiggle. Chill. Makes 16 slices.

From Jackie Kerrigan, Arizona Culinary Institute

[cat lover]

Grandma's Christmas Brittle


3 cups sugar
1/2 cup ligh corn syrup
1 cup water
1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1 tsp salt
1 16 oz jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp water
1 tsp vanilla extract

Grease twp cookie sheets and keep warm in a 200 degree oven. In a large heavy saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup and 1 cup water. Cook over medium heat stiring constantly till candy thermometer reaches soft ball stage. Stir in butter, salt and peanuts. Continue heating, stirring constantly till mixture reaches 300 degrees. Combine baking soda, 1 tsp water and vanilla. Remove pan from heat and stir in baking soda mixture. Quickly pour half the mixture onto each prepared cookie sheet and spread with a buttered spatula to 1/4" thickness. Cool and break into pieces. Makes about 2 1/2 pounds

[Panj]

Yum ladies!
I am sorry I wasn't here for Christmas! I need to get to printing, these are GREAT! I feel the pounds adding just reading! lol

[cat lover]

Feel free to add any of your Christmas recipes; just because Christmas is over doesn't mean we can't keep adding! LOL We'll really be ready for next Christmas then! LOL

[Bilby]

We love fritatas, I have no particular recipe it dust depends on whats on hand at the time. The kids mostly like potatoes and vegetable ones with fried bacon or fried sausage on the side

[cat lover]

Mulled Wine

Remember the movie "It's A Wonderful Life"; this is one of the drinks Clarence the angel want -to -be ordered at Nick's Place.


1 750 ml bottle red wine (a Burgundy works well)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
zest of 1 orange
zest of 1 lemon


Place the wine in a saucepan. Gently heat the wine over low heat. While the wine warms, place the other ingredients in a disposable paper coffee filter and tie securely with string. Place the filter in the wine and steep for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm in coffee cups. 5 servings

[cat lover]

This cake looks pretty at Christmas, but is also good any time of the year!
Candy Cane Cake

2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening (I use unsweetened applesauce)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs (I use 4 egg whites)
2 oz red food coloring
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting
Crushed peppermint candy

Grease and flour two 9" roundcake pans. Ina small mixing owl stir together the flour, cocoapowder and salt. Set pansd and flour mix aside. Beat shortening with an electric blender on high speed till softened. Add sugar and vanilla to shortening and beat till combined. Add eggs at one time beating on medium after each addition. Beat in food coloring till combined. Stir together baking soda and vinegar. Add to the batter and nix till combined. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 monmutes or till toothpick tests clean. Cool cake in pans for 10m inutes. Remove cake from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting and decorate top of cake with peppermint candy. Cover and store up to 3 days in refrigerator.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8 oz fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla
5 1/2 to 6 cups powdered sugar.

In large bowl combine cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium till light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar till it reaches a spreading consistency.

[cat lover]

Eggnog Christmas Salad


2 cups crushed pineapple with juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 cups eggnog
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 (3 oz) pkg raspberry gelatin
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 (10 oz) pkg frozen cranberry orange relish
Salad greens

DRain pineapple juice into a saucepan and heat to boiling. Soften gelatin in lime juice and dissolve in boiling pineapple juice. Cool. Add eggnog and chill till partially set. Fold in pineapple and celery. Pour into a mold and chill till firm. Dissolve raspberry gelatin in boiling water and add cranberry-orange relish, stirring till relish is thawed. Chill till slightly thickened and pour over eggnog mixture. Chll till firm. Unmold on salad greens. Serves 8 to 10

[katharina]

I know Christmas is a further down the calendar, but I like to plan ahead, do you? Can anyone else dig out their December Holiday recipes, let's share them!


Oooh, I'm glad I found this thread! I know it was started in May of 06
and you were asking for recipes, and now it's already August 07... and
believe me, by August, I'm thinking about Christmas. :) I'll dig out
some of my favorites this week and post them if I remember. The
eggnog cake sounds good. Do you serve it with anything... fruit or
fat free whipped topping or something?

[katharina]

Okay, here's one of the favorites in my extended family. It is great for any time of year, but for Christmas I just sprinkle a little red and green colored sugar on top.

Ice Cream Dream Cake

1 stick butter or margarine
60 Ritz crackers (NOT graham!)
1 1/2 c. milk
2 pkgs. instant vanilla pudding mix (french vanilla works, too)
1 qt. vanilla ice cream
1 container Cool Whip (8 oz)

Crush the crackers, save a handful for top. Melt butter and add to crackers. Spread in bottom of 13x9x2" pan. Mix pudding mix, milk, ice cream, and Cool Whip. Beat and pour over crumbs. Sprinkle reserved crumbs on top. Refrigerate. There is no need to freeze this... just store it in the fridge.

[Bilby]

We've yet to decide who's hosting Christmas lunch this year.I like to do the,
A 2L tub of (van or choc) ice cream,
1 cup dried fruit soaked in rum (optional) mix into the softened tub of ice cream.
Spoon into a cling wrapped domed bowl and re freeze.
Turn upside down and with the help of the cling wrap pull out the ice cream.
You can top with big doppop of cream and a cherry to make it look like a pudding.

This recipe might be out there but it's a winner in our hot hot hot christmas time.

[cat lover]

katharina & Bilby, both of your recipes sound great! Both of them would be good on these hot nights we're having!

katharina, I just have cool whip on the side for those who want it on their eggnog cake.

[katharina]

katharina & Bilby, both of your recipes sound great! Both of them would be good on these hot nights we're having!

katharina, I just have cool whip on the side for those who want it on their eggnog cake.

I really need to soon make that ice cream cake again... you're right, and it would be great for a day like this (heat advisories out until 7 tonight for the index to go over 100 again... ugh!)

Ah yes, cool whip on the eggnog cake sounds very good! In about a month, my sister will be asking what dessert I want to bring for Thanksgiving, so I'm busy collecting all these recipes. :)

[Bilby]

Is cool whip a spray type cream or a pudding?

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Kathy, I personally never use Cool Whip. Here is why. It is supposed to be a substitute for whipped cream. They call it whipped topping, but it looks like sweetened whipped cream. I believe that it is mostly sugars and oils. There are no milk products in this product. It is sold in a plastic tub. I hope that answered your question.

[cat lover]

Is cool whip a spray type cream or a pudding?
Cool Whip
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Cool Whip logoCool Whip is a brand of imitation whipped cream called a "whipped topping" by its manufacturer. It is used as a dessert topping and in some no-bake pie recipes. It is generally described as "non-dairy" as it contains no cream or milk and no lactose, though it does contain the milk-derived protein sodium caseinate.

Cool Whip was introduced in 1967 by the Birds Eye division of General Foods. Within two years of introduction, it became the largest and most profitable product in the Birds Eye line of products. Birds Eye later merged with Kraft Foods and Philip Morris, eventually becoming part of Altria Group.

Cool Whip technology was invented by Tommy Finucane[citation needed], a scientist at the Tarrytown Laboratories of General Foods. The key to the technology was the creation of a whipped cream-like product that could be distributed in a frozen state by General Foods and grocery chains and kept in the refrigerator. This had never been done before and represented a major breakthrough in food preservation.

It is sold in 8 oz (226 g) and larger plastic tubs and is distributed through grocery outlets in a frozen state, and is refrigerated in the home prior to serving. Each nine gram serving provides 25 calories (105 J) of which 15 cal (63 J) are fat.

Current varieties sold are: Original, Extra Creamy, Light, Reduced Fat, Free (fat-free), Sugar-Free, and, seasonally (traditionally summer), Strawberry. Chocolate has now been reintroduced and French Vanilla has been added to the mix. In Canada fat free is known as ultra-low fat.

[katharina]

Cool Whip logoCool Whip is a brand of imitation whipped cream called a "whipped topping" by its manufacturer. It is used as a dessert topping and in some no-bake pie recipes. It is generally described as "non-dairy" as it contains no cream or milk and no lactose, though it does contain the milk-derived protein sodium caseinate.


I prefer the flavor of "real" whipped cream, but for people who can't have products with lactose, this allows them to enjoy some desserts that would otherwise contain dairy products.

[cat lover]

I prefer the flavor of "real" whipped cream, but for people who can't have products with lactose, this allows them to enjoy some desserts that would otherwise contain dairy products.
Some people with milk allergies can't even have cool whip. My youngest son when he was little was so allergic to milk he couldn't even have anything with the sodium caseinate in it. So if you have someone that has an allergy problem with milk it is something that may need to be checked on how allergic they are. Just a precaution I guess.

[katharina]

Some people with milk allergies can't even have cool whip. My youngest son when he was little was so allergic to milk he couldn't even have anything with the sodium caseinate in it. So if you have someone that has an allergy problem with milk it is something that may need to be checked on how allergic they are. Just a precaution I guess.

Wow, that's some serious allergy there! Did you find an alarming number of products had that ingredient that you didn't realize had it? My daughter has always had a milk allergy but things like Cool Whip never bothered her.

[cat lover]

He is 28 now, so I don't remember all the things, but yes it was a shock on how many products that is in! Even to this day he can't tolerate much milk products. It varies on what he can do. He finds Soymilk great for drinking though.

[Bilby]

Easy Rum Balls
Approx 15 depends on size.

500g moist Christmas cake or heavy fruit cake
½ cup dark rum

1 block of dark chocolate (250 grams)
1 cup desiccated coconutPlace Christmas cake and rum in a food processor and blend until combined. Let stand for 30 minutes in fridge.

Melt chocolate. Roll cake mix into balls, smother with chocolate and roll in coconut.

Place on a tray and chill. Serve.

Can be made ahead and frozen.

[cat lover]

Hmmm sounds good! I like the idea of using fruit cake, never heard of doing that, but sounds good~! Thanks for sharing!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Kathy, this sounds like a terrific way to use that fruitcake! lol

[Bilby]

If your fruit cake is a little dry or not as moist as usual, pour a little brandy or rum over the top and let soak in.

I was thinking DeBora that you could probably do the same with chocolate or vanilla cake to make a differnt kind of nibble/finger food ball.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Can you believe that I have never had rum balls before? I will have to try them between semesters, if I think about it.

[cat lover]

Oh gosh, yes, depending on who has made them; give yourself some time after eating a few! I know someone that injects theirs with more alcohol after following the regular recipe! LOL

[Bilby]

Rum balls are great with a bit of Zing!
When I make my xmas cake I put a bit of extra rum in, but it
does cookout so you don't really notice it, it's more for preserving.
If we eat enough of catlovers friends rum balls we may be preserved
for years LOL

[cat lover]

Bilby, you'll have to try my whiskey cake! LOL The whiskey is soaked down into it by poking with a fork and pouring some over it and doing his over and over; after the cake is cooked so nothing cooks out! LOL

[cat lover]

Holiday Salad

1 lb. bag large marshmallows
1/2 cup ,ilk
1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese
1 pint small curd cottage cheese
1 8 oz ctn cool whip
1/2 cup pecans
1 large can fruit ****tail,drained

In a saucepan cook the milk, and marshmallows over low heat till melted. Stir in cream cheese till dissolved and let cool. Add cottage cheese and fruit ****tail. Fold in cool whip and nuts. Chill several hours.

[cat lover]

Greek Christmas Bread

1 package dry yeast ( 2 1/4 tsp)
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
6 tbsp butter, softened
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp nonfat dry milk
2 tsp aniseed, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
Cooking spray
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
8 candied cherries



Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm water in a large bowl and let stand 5 minutes. Add the butter and eggs and beat at medium speed with a mixer till smooth. Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups and level with a knife. Combine 3 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, dry milk, aniseed, and salt and add to yeast mixture beating well. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes) and add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Put dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°) that is free from drafts about 1 1/2 hours. Dough will not double in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)Punch dough down and let rest 5 minutes. Pinch 2 (1 1/2") balls off dough; cover and set aside. Shape remaining dough into an 8" round and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush with egg white. Shape each dough ball into an 8" long rope then cut a 2" slash into the ends of each rope. Place 1 rope across middle of dough and brush the middle of the rope with egg white. Place the other rope across the middle of the rope, forming a cross. Curl the slashed ends together to form a circle and place a cherry in the middle of each circle. Arrange 4 cherries around center of cross. Cover and let rise 1 hour.Preheat oven to 350degrees.Uncover dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or till loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove loaf from pan and cool on a wire rack.

[cat lover]

Jingle Bell Punch

2 quarts cranberry juice
1 (6 oz can) frozen lemonade, thawed
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
1 2-liter sprite, well chilled

Combine all ingredients. Serve over a ice ring in a punch bowl. Makes 40 (4 oz) servings

[lghtheart4]

I am looking forward to trying some of these recipes! So glad I stopped in. Happy Holidays everyone!

[cat lover]

Glad you dropped in lghtheart4! Hope to see you around some more!

[Bilby]

It's that time of year again ... lets see what I've missed previously.

[cat lover]

Christmas Lane Cake

1/2 cup margarine or butter
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond flavoring
7 egg whites
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup milk
Filling (recipe follows)

Cream the margarine and sugar in a bowl and stir in vanilla and almond flavoring. Add egg whites one at a time beating well after each addition. Sift dry ingredietns together in another bowl and add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Pour into 4 waxed paper lined greased and floured 8" layer pans. Bake at 350 degrees aboput 25 to 30 minutes abd cool. Spread filling between layers and then on top and sides of cake.

Filling

1/2 lb butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
7 egg yolks, well beaten
1 cup raisins
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup English walnuts, chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 tsp vanilla

Melt the butter in top of a double boiler. Add the sugar and egg yolks and mix well. Cook over boiling water till thick, stirring constantly. Add raisins, coconut, walnuts, pecans and vanilla and mix.

[lghtheart4]

Glad you dropped in lghtheart4! Hope to see you around some more!

Thanks catlover. I've missed being here...:)

Elaine;)

[cat lover]

Good to see you back lghtheart43, hope to see posting and joining in the fun!