Favorite Christmas Treat Recipes

On The 22nd Day of Christmas it’s time for something good to eat…MoSop shares several favorite recipes, choose your treat! 

  Click to Listen: “Jingle Bells” 

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YE MERRY OLDE DIP (Toffee Apple)

Something easy to make and take that’s delightfully different! 

1 package (8/227 g) cream cheese, softened

1/2 C packed brown sugar

1/4 C sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

10 ounces (284 g) crushed and crumbled English toffee

1 Large Red Apple, sliced

1 Large Green Apple, sliced 

Beat the cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla in a bowl. Fold in the English toffee. Serve with the Christmas colored apple slices for dipping. A  jolly good yule treat! 

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Grandma June’s Christmas Crunch 

In a heavy pan over low heat, add the following:

2 Cubes Butter

1 C sugar

1/4 water

Stir continually. As soon as it begins to boil, remove from heat and cover with a lid. 

Let stand 2 minutes. Then, Add:

1/2 C chopped almonds 

Return to low heat, stir continually. Watch the color. When it turns to a darker tan, and slightly smokes, remove from heat and pour quickly onto a cookie sheet with a lipped edge. 

Cover hot mixture with:

1/2 pound chocolate: I like to use 1 bag chocolate chips, or you may break a large candy bar into little pieces. As the chocolate begins to melt spread it gently across the sheet with a spatula, until evenly coated. 

Evenly sprinkle on top of the melted mixture:

3/4 C ground walnuts

1/4 C ground peppermint candycane 

[Hint, lightly press down on the toppings with back of spatula,  to set them into the mix] Allow the tray to fully cool and harden. [Hint: I place the tray into my refrigerator overnight.] Then, break into pieces using a mallet or hammer. (the kids love this task)  

Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon, and give to all your friends and neighbors! 

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Santa’s Brownies 

Here is the treat we always leave on a plate by the fireplace on christmas eve! 

2 C sugar

2 C flour

1 cube butter, softened

4 Tb. cocoa

1/4 C. oil

1 C water

1 C Buttermilk

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs 

Mix sugar and flour well. Set aside.

Place butter, cocoa, oil and water in pan on med heat. Stir and bring just to a boil. Pour hot mixture slowly into the flour/sugar and mix until well blended. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour into large baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 min. Do not over-bake. Remove and cool. 

Santa’s Peppermint Brownie Frosting 

2 egg whites, unbeaten

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. lemon extract

dash of salt

1 pkg. powdered sugar

1/3 C. butter softened

Red food coloring 

Beat first 4 ingredients until fairly stiff. Gradually add (about 1 Cup at a time) the powdered sugar and blend well.

Beat until completely smooth, scraping the bowl often.

Add the butter, and a few drops of red food coloring – beat well

Next, hand stir in crushed peppermint stick candy (hint: try using 1/2 red peppermint and 1/2 green starlight mint for an extra festive look) 

Frost Santa’s brownies, slice into squares, and  be sure to serve with milk! 

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Candy Cane Popcorn Balls 

I saved the best for last! These popcorn balls are sure to become a favorite family tradition! [Hint: One batch is never enough!] 

Ingredients:

4 quarts popped popcorn

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup butter

2 cups sugar

24 miniature candy canes 

Directions:

Place popcorn in a large greased bowl or roasting pan; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the water, baking soda and vanilla; set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, combine corn syrup and butter; heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Add sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reaches 230° (thread stage), about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla mixture (mixture will foam) until blended. Immediately pour over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Cool for about 5 minutes, stirring several times. When cool enough to handle, firmly shape with buttered hands into 2-in. balls. Insert straight end of candy cane in the center of each ball. Yield: 2 dozen. 

These make great gifts for children to give, or receive. When guests are expected, hang several popcorn balls on your Christmas tree. They not only make great conversation pieces, they serve as fun and tasty party favors!  🙂