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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 →

Recipes for Your Christmas Breakfast Buffet

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

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 →

Crepes for Christmas

Apparently, not everyone eats fresh muffins on Christmas morning. One of my best friends just shot me an email regarding my blog about Christmas Muffins. In it she very gently (and humorously) reminds me that some families take a different approach to Christmas breakfast. In her home the entire clan gathers in the kitchen to cook together. Their Christmas breakfast recipe of choice: Crepes. Most people consider crepes a delicious dessert option, but they can also be served as a delicate breakfast treat. If you are looking to add a special dish to your Christmas morning you might consider these … Continue reading →

Kicked Up Christmas Brownies

When a cookie just doesn’t cut it and cake is a bit too much, there’s the brownie. But, with the holiday season upon us a plain chocolate brownie just won’t do. Take a look at these kicked up recipes for Shortbread Brownies and adorable Christmas Snowmen Brownies: SHORTBREAD BROWNIES Ingredients: For the Crust: 1 cup butter or margarine 2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar For the Brownie: 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg 1 package of your favorite brownie mix Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13-by-9-inch pan. To make crust: Cut butter into flour … Continue reading →