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 →

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 →

Easy Chocolate Christmas Treats

Posted on December 6, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

You can’t go wrong with chocolate during the holiday season (or anytime of year for that matter). Whether you are looking for a decadent treat to bring along to a holiday office party, your kid’s school, or to give as a gift to family and friends, the following simple recipes will help put the ho-ho-ho in your holiday festivities: MOCHA BROWNIE COOKIES Ingredients: 1 egg 1 egg white 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons instant decaf coffee granules 1 tablespoon boiling water 1/4 cup melted butter 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 … Continue reading →

Recipes for Your Christmas Breakfast Buffet

Posted on December 17, 2008 by Michele Cheplic

If you are a hosting a house full of family members for Christmas, then you are likely spending this week putting the final touches on your holiday menu. While most of us fret over what to serve for Christmas dinner, there are some of us (me) who dwell on what to serve the morning after Santa visits. Cold cereal and dry toast won’t cut it on Christmas morning, but you don’t want to chain yourself to the stove either. After all, who wants to be slaving away in the kitchen while the rest of the family is enjoying their new … Continue reading →

Super Simple Cheese Snacks for Your Holiday Party

Posted on December 16, 2008 by Michele Cheplic

These aren’t your typical boring cheese and cracker snacks. Rather, the following super simple recipes (super simple because most can be made in three steps or less) are both eye and palate pleasing. The main ingredient is fresh cheese. If you live in a smaller town you might consider shopping at a specialty cheese store to get the fresh Brie needed for the following snacks. However, if you reside in a larger city you can get all the ingredients at Whole Foods or your favorite major grocery chain. JARLSBERG CHEESE SPREAD Ingredients: 2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, shredded 1 to 2 … Continue reading →

Affordable Finger Foods for Your Holiday Party

Posted on December 15, 2008 by Michele Cheplic

Despite being in a recession, many families are still planning to host loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you are gathering to celebrate Christmas or are planning to toast the New Year, your get together will likely involve food. However, just because you’ve volunteered your home to be party central doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to impress your guests. There are hundreds of easy and affordable finger foods that make for prime party grub. The power is in the presentation. The following recipes may sound like typical finger food fare, but you can kick them up … Continue reading →

Holiday Drinks for Kids

Posted on December 10, 2008 by Michele Cheplic

While you are making plans to stock your bar for holiday guests don’t forget your youngest visitors who can’t imbibe in seasonal libations. It’s a good idea to mix up a few festive beverages for them to enjoy too. Whether you are looking for something warm to serve or need a way to liven up your holiday punchbowl, the following recipes should come in very handy: HOT CANDY CANE COCOA Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk 3 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 4 peppermint candy canes, crushed 1 cup whipped cream 2 to 3 extra candy canes Directions: In a … Continue reading →