Monthly Archives: December 2013

‘Tis the Season

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Is it just me or did the really late Thanksgiving just throw the normal holiday rush into super sonic speed?

Today is December 20th. Christmas is in 5 days. I was out for almost 4 hours last night running errands and am still not done with all of the things I need to do.

What does an ulcer feel like? Does chocolate help one? Cause that’s what I’m doing – eating chocolate as a coping mechanism. At least until I get home. Then I break out the hard stuff – wine ice cream.

If you’re finding yourself in a bit of a holiday tizzy and stretched a bit thin running from party to party feeling guilty for considering a bag of Doritos as your edible contribution – then let me give you a few easy, delicious and festive ideas. If you know me and are having a party, don’t be surprised if I show up with something from the list below!

Candy Cane Crinkle Cookies – makes 2 dozen

CandyCaneCrinkles

Ingredients
5 candy canes, crushed
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Preheat oven to 350.
Place candy canes in paper bags and smash with a rolling-pin or flat side of mallet. This is a fun way to take out your aggression. 🙂
In a small bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla until just combined. Then add flour mixture and mix until incorporated.
Pour in crushed candy cane and fold in with a rubber spatula. Grab about 1 Tbsp. worth of dough and roll into a ball (if you get these too big, they split on the ends!). Add powdered sugar to a plate and roll the dough balls in the sugar, shaking off any excess.
Add dough to baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove and let sit for 3 minutes to solidify before removing to cool.
(Hint: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or baking mats for easy clean up!).
 
Add a few candy canes to the serving plate for a little added touch and enjoy!

A Christmas Tree Veggie Platter – take maybe 20 minutes to assemble. Use your favorite veggies on as borders or to put in hollowed out bell peppers:

Veggie Tree

Cranberry Brie Tartlets – recipe makes 15, but super easy to double or triple! This has become a family favorite! Only 1 WW point per bite!

Cranberry Brie Tartlets

Wasabi Shrimp Bites – pretty fancy looking, but super easy and loads of flavor. Only 1 WW point per bite!

Instagram

 

So go home, make one (or two or ten) of these recipes, scoop up a bottle of wine and get your Merry on!

Have a great weekend and Merry Christmas my friends!