Search Results for: blog how to have a choco licious christmas

Simple Teacher Gifts For Christmas

The carols are blaring and the decorations are out, and I am tempted to put my head under something minty-scented until January. Although I love the giving aspect of the Christmas season, its commercial bent gives me a strong desire to flee. But then there’s the problem of homemade. In this world of busy and this world of “but I don’t know HOW to make things,” how can you create homemade Christmas items for teachers, friends, and family and have them delight in what you have made? Over the next two weeks, I’ll explore some super simple ways to create … Continue reading →

Low Fat Chocolate Banana Bread

Are you looking for an indulgent snack to sit beside a hot cup of coffee in the morning or in the afternoon? If you want to snack but do not want the calories then try the Low Fat Chocolate Banana Bread recipe below. Think about bringing this to Christmas parties. You can also make these in mini loaf pans and give as homemade gifts to friends and family. They will enjoy having an alternative to the high sugar and fat food Christmas normally involves. If you do not want a loaf you can make these in a muffin pan for … Continue reading →

Christmas Cake and Cookies

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 →

Preventing White Chocolate from Seizing

Yesterday, it was late at night. The kids should have been in bed, but weren’t. They have been too excited with all of the preparations for Thanksgiving and christmas happening in our house, church and community. I started making “celebration sticks,” which is basically pretzel rods covered with chocolate and some delicious or colorful toppings. This was a request from my daughter, who just turned five. She wanted to make sure that these were available for the Thanksgiving table. Ah a girl after my own heart, making sure that the sweets have a place. Anyway, as I was melting the … Continue reading →

A Sweet Christmas Morning Treat

German pancakes, also known as, Dutch baby pancakes are a popular sweet treat served on Christmas morning–at least in homes where muffins and crepes don’t reign supreme. What makes the dish special is that unlike traditional pancakes, German pancakes are placed in the oven so they puff up (though they rapidly deflate once they’re removed from the oven), and then they are doused with powdered sugar and sweet fruit toppings. If you are looking to sugar coat your Christmas breakfast this year, consider making the following recipe for Traditional German Pancakes: TRADITIONAL GERMAN PANCAKES Ingredients: 3 eggs, room temperature 1/2 … Continue reading →

Last-Minute Christmas Treats

This is it! Christmas is just two days away. If you are still in need of edible gifts to pass out on the big day or you are hosting out-of-town guests, then you’ve come to the right place. The following sweet recipes are extremely easy to prepare and can be on the table or in a decorative tin in about an hour. HOMEMADE COOKIES AND CREME FUDGE Ingredients: 3 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) Evaporated Milk 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) white chocolate chips 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme 1/2 cup … Continue reading →

Super Shepard’s Pie for Christmas

Shepard’s Pie ranks up there as one of the most popular comfort foods in the world. This classic homestyle dish exudes warmth and is especially welcome on a cold winter’s day. If you are looking for an affordable Christmas dish that is loaded with flavor, you might consider making the following recipes. The first is for a Traditional Shepard’s Pie with ground beef. It is rich and hearty, but doesn’t require a ton of prep time. The second recipe is for a Ground Turkey Shepard’s Pie. It appeals to those who might be watching their fat intake, but still want … Continue reading →

Recipe for a Christmas Classic

When you think of classic Christmas dinners what comes to mind? Some families celebrate the occasion with a traditional Christmas turkey or ham, while others opt for prime rib. Christmas at my house always included my grandfather’s favorite Beef Wellington. If you are hosting a house full of people on Christmas and have the means to afford this elaborate dish, I highly recommend going all out for your guests. After all, Christmas comes just once a year. TRADITIONAL BEEF WELLINGTON Ingredients: 2 (8-ounce) steaks Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) 3/4 pound mushrooms, minced 1 shallot, minced 2 … Continue reading →

Christmas Dinner: Surf and Turf

Not everyone is headed over the river and through the woods to spend Christmas with grandma, grandpa and 25 other relatives. Some clans actually spend time in their own homes, with their immediate family members celebrating the holiday minus parents, in-laws and second cousins. If you are one of the millions of families who has decided to go at it alone this holiday season you might be interested in the following festive recipes. They are spectacularly decadent and prove that you don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant or to another person’s home to enjoy a mouthwatering holiday meal. … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Christmas Feast

What are you serving for Christmas dinner? With such an auspicious occasion to celebrate you might consider giving Chef Boyardee a break for the night and instead whip up the following festive dishes for your family. It’s a fancy meal fit for a king, but you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing it. SHRIMP WITH HOMEMADE COCKTAIL SAUCE Ingredients: 32 to 40 medium to large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails intact Cocktail sauce (recipe below) 1 fresh lemon, sliced Parsley sprigs for garnish Directions: Spoon cocktail sauce into martini glasses. Place 8 to 10 … Continue reading →