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December 17th, 2014
It's that time of year again. The time to put up the Christmas tree, and decorate inside and out. The time to shop until you just don't want to shop anymore. . . and then go home and wrap. More importantly, it's time to bake CHRISTMAS COOKIES! I absolutely love to bake. For me, baking is a form of relaxation. I don't bake as often as I would like because the finished product has to go somewhere and I don't eat sweets often. As a result, I usually only bake at Christmas, for friends' birthdays and if I am hosting or going to a party. Creating an excuse to bake, I started making the dessert of choice for some of my co-workers' birthdays. Jay Stoneking and Jason Causey consistently request cheesecake. Jeremy McGraw is more of a chocolate-chocolate chip cake kind of guy. Zak Zatezalo appreciates whatever I choose to make, but also has a preference for cheesecake. I am a little behind on our birthday celebrations this year - even though Jason put his request in at least a month before the big day. Maybe a plate of Christmas cookies will make up for the delays???
The variety and quantity of cookies I make varies each year based upon the amount of time I have to bake. I always set aside one full day devoted solely to baking, but prefer to have at least two. If everything falls into place this year, I will have the entire weekend before Christmas to bake so I'm looking for some new cookies to try. Each year I have my "must-dos": snowballs, snickerdoodles, chocolate crinkles, peanut blossoms, chocolate chip, lemon bars, congo bars and seven layer cookies. I have my timing down to a point where I can get all of these done in a single day. I have it down to such a science that even the year I was on crutches until just days before Christmas, the must-dos were still made by Christmas Eve. There are a number of other cookies and candies I will make if I have the time including, maple cookies, almond crunchies, thumbprints, cheesecake bars, candy cane cookies, caramel corn and white chocolate candy to name a few. While I love decorated sugar cookies and am told by many that they are some of the easiest cookies to make, they aren't on my list. For some reason, however, mine never seem to turn out to my liking so I have stopped even trying. I like to try at least one "new" recipe each year.
I'm excited that this year it looks like I may have at least the entire weekend before Christmas to bake if I can get my shopping done. The last time I had that much time, I think I ended up with 15 different kinds of cookies and candies. That means I need some ideas and new recipes to try. What are your family favorites? Are there any cookies that are simply a must each year in your house? There are several cookies I've enjoyed over the years that I wish I knew the names of or had the recipes for. Any recipes you want to share? If all goes well, I am going to have lots of cookies to give to family and friends this year, including having my baking done in time to bring a plate or to the office for some pre-holiday cheer.
I know many people don't bake, but if you are looking for a quick, easy recipe or treat to give as gifts or serve when guests come over or just want to try something new, I thought I would share my white chocolate candy recipe. This treat, known as "Lois's Candy Recipe" in my house after the family friend who first shared it with us. It's always a big hit with family and friends.
Lois's Candy
1 - One pound white chocolate (I use the white chocolate baking chips)
2 cups Captain Crunch Peanut Butter cereal
2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
Mix the cereal and nuts together well in a large mixing bowl. Melt the white chocolate until smooth, stirring regularly so it does not burn or scorch. Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal/nut mixture and mix well. Spread evenly over wax paper until completely cool. Break about and enjoy. The finished candy should be stored in a cool-dry place.
I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the holiday season.
