How Not to Go Broke Celebrating Halloween

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Michele Cheplic

(All treat no trick) You don’t need to be a parent to know that celebrating Halloween is not cheap. These days dressing up as a naughty nun and gorging on 100 Grand bars can really set you back, and not just spiritually. The cost of costumes, candy, decorations and fillings for cavities caused by giving into your Laffy Taffy addiction is scary expensive. And, if you have multiple kids to costume and provide school treats for, the total cost of the holiday can be even more frightening. In 2011, Halloween surpassed Valentine’s Day as the second most expensive holiday celebrated … Continue reading →

Gift Giving on a Budget

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Carol Paxman

As a single mom sometimes I need to get creative with gift giving. My budget is always tight so I try to look for bargains all year long but most of the time I just have to try to give from the heart. Other adults are usually the hardest to buy for, they usually already have everything they need. Here are a few ideas for a budget friendly holiday. *Use your kid’s artwork instead of buying Christmas cards. Even if the artwork is not holiday themed you can still turn it into a card, write a personal message on the … Continue reading →

Handmade Christmas Gifts

Posted on November 26, 2010 by Dale Harcombe

Handmade gifts can make the perfect Christmas gift especially for that hard to buy for person – you know the one I mean who seems to have everything. Nearly all of us know someone like that and it can be stressful trying to think what to give them. So why not give then something you have made yourself. Food products are nearly always welcome. In our food blog, you will find suggestions of slices, cookies and chocolates you can make. For those with a wheat and gluten allergy, many of them are gluten free. Don’t just put the gluten intolerant … Continue reading →

To Die For Christmas Treats

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

Have you ever had a dessert that you absolutely fell in love with? One that you dream of at night and placed on your list of foods to be included in your last meal on earth? That’s how I feel about the Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake I was served at a friend’s house last Christmas. The decadent dessert is to die for. Honestly, I would contemplate swimming in shark-invested waters if it meant that I would be rewarded with a slice of this incredibly rich cheesecake. I included the recipe below in case you want to impress your friends at your … Continue reading →

Quick and Easy Christmas Treats

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

My daughter’s school Christmas party is two days away and I haven’t bought a single ingredient for the dish I’m required to donate. Time has flown by this month and I’m behind of nearly all of my holiday baking. Fortunately, I have a stock of quick and easy Christmas treat recipes that can be whipped up at the last minute. If you need to donate holiday goodies to a class party or office get-together this week, consider the following super simple recipes: FRUIT CAKE BARS Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter or margarine 1 … Continue reading →

Bite-Sized Holiday Treats

Posted on December 20, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

Tis the season to be eating… and eating… and eating. I’ve been stuffing my mouth for the past week and Christmas is still five days away. Wherever you go during the holiday season, there’s usually some type of Christmas goodie to be devoured. Bite-sized treats are my favorite because you can sample a variety of recipes without feeling guilty. The following mini treats are among my holiday favorites: RASPBERRY BRIE BITES Ingredients: 4 ounces Brie 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 1/4 cup sliced almonds 12 phyllo cups Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash raspberries. Cut Brie into 12 … Continue reading →

Chocolate Covered Christmas Goodies

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

So much for a low-calorie Christmas. My mom just sent a container full of homemade chocolate Christmas goodies and we just about polished off the entire tin. UGH! It’s a case of not being able to eat just one. The Mint Chocolate Wafers are heavenly, and once you start eating you simply can’t stop. Then again, I was never known for my exceptional willpower. Regardless, the treats are gone and if we want more I’m going to have to make them myself. Fortunately, the recipe is not hard. Take a look, and you will see how easy it is to … Continue reading →

Merry Christmas Breakfast Recipes

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

Christmas morning is not the time to be serving cold cereal and dry toast for breakfast. The special day deserves an extra special morning meal. However, it shouldn’t require you spending hours in the kitchen while the rest of the family enjoys playtime with their new gifts. So, what do you do? Consider whipping up the following simple, yet festively sweet breakfast recipes: ORANGE AND CRANBERRY CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST Ingredients: 2 tablespoons corn syrup 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1 loaf Texas Toast 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups half and half 1 teaspoon vanilla … Continue reading →

Christmas Cake and Cookies

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

I love the elaborate Christmas dessert buffets found at upscale restaurants and hotels during the holiday season. I prefer sampling a variety of sweet treats than gorging on a single piece of rich cake or pie. Those holiday dessert buffets inspire me this time of year. While I am far from an expert baker, I do my best to whip up an array of different desserts to serve on Christmas Day. Some are traditional, while others are far from holiday fare. Regardless, they are all delicious, and as you can see from the recipes I’ve listed below, they are also … Continue reading →