Holiday Cooking

The Pioneer Woman (Ree) is cooking up some amazing holiday dishes...including turkey!!!

You really need to check out her site (check out the link to the right under my favorite websites), if you are cooking Thanksgiving dishes this year.

So far she has covered brining a turkey, roasting a turkey and making turkey gravy. She's been posting every 2-3 days lately, so get on over there before you miss something!!

As far as our Thanksgiving holiday, we will have 12 of us this year (our 6 and 6 others). All at our house. I've made turkey before, but this year, I am planning on following Ree's recipes for the Roasted Turkey and Gravy. I am going to make my own brine, because my son is allergic to the apples in the Williams-Sonoma brine that PW is using.

I am also going to serve our own family favorite sides, unless I see one of Ree's that piques my interest.

Our menu will include:
Appetizers/Snacks:
Vegetable Tray
Sausage Balls
Dill Snack Mix
Chex Mix
Main Course:
Brined, Roasted Turkey
Side Dishes:
Dressing (my mom is bringing this, so sorry no recipe...but it's the
best daggone stuffing ever:) Moist!)
Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Corn on the Cob
Green Beans
Turnip Greens
Sweet Potato Casserole
Deviled Eggs
Cranberry Sauce
Breads:
Homemade Rolls & Bread
Desserts:
Deep-Dish Pumpkin Pies
Double Layer Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate Chess Pie
Snickers Pie
Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Squares
Cookies (not sure which kind yet, so I haven't included recipes, but
I'm sure I've already posted the recipes, so check my labels or
archives for my cookie recipes).
Beverages:
Tea (sweet & unsweet)
Lemonade
Coffee
Water

Here are my recipes:

Mom's Sausage Balls
Recipe by: Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese -- grated
2 pounds sausage
4 cups Bisquick® baking mix

Preheat oven to 350°.

Ingredients should be at room temperature. Combine all ingredients and shape into 1" balls.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

NOTES : To freeze: Flash freeze on a cookie sheet for about 15 minutes. Then put into labeled zipper bags in desired quantities (however many you'd like to gift or take to a party). Freeze.

To reheat: Heat in 350 oven for 15 minutes or in microwave for 1-2 minutes on 50% power.

Dill Snack Mix
Recipe by: Cherylann
Categories : Snacks

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
10 ounces Cheez-its
10 ounces Wheat Thins® crackers
10 ounces tiny twist pretzels
Dressing:
1 package Hidden Valley Original Ranch Party Dip Mix -- NOT the salad dressing mix
3 Tablespoons dill weed
3/4 cup canola oil

In a big bowl, combine the crackers and pretzels.

Mix together the dressing ingredients. Pour oil mixture over crackers and pretzels, mix well, about 5 minutes (the best method for mixing is to use your hands). Divide the mixture and microwave in 2 batches, uncovered. Cook each batch 1 minute, stir, cook 1 more minute, stir, then cook another 30 seconds.

Cover and store in a tin; keeps for weeks.


Chex Party Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Snacks

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
9 cups combination of Corn, Rice and Wheat Chex Cereals
1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts
3/4 cup bite-sized pretzels
1 cup bite-size cheese crackers or goldfish

Preheat oven to 250°.

In large ungreased roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.

Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Spread on paper towels until cooled.

NOTES : Store in airtight container.

Juicy Turkey Brine
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 15

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 gallon vegetable broth (use low sodium)
1 cup sea salt or kosher salt
1 Tablespoon dried rosemary -- crushed
1 Tablespoon dried sage
1 Tablespoon dried thyme
1 Tablespoon dried savory
1 gallon ice water

In a large stock pot, combine the vegetable broth, sea salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, and savory. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to be sure salt is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature. Place brining bag into a 5 gallon bucket.

When the broth mixture is cool, pour it into brining bag. Stir in the ice water.

Wash and Dry your turkey. Make sure you have removed the innards. Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place in a bucket in the refrigerator. Marinade for 12 hours to 2 days.

Remove the turkey carefully draining off the excess brine. Rinse well and pat dry. Discard excess brine.

Cook the turkey as desired (according to PW's instructions) reserving the drippings for gravy. Keep in mind that brined turkeys cook 20 to 30 minutes faster so watch the temperature gauge.

**For Roasted Turkey & Gravy use PW’s recipes**

Mashed Potatoes
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 white potatoes -- peeled and cubed
6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
4 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup milk
salt and pepper -- to taste

Boil potatoes; drain.

Mix boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, butter, milk, salt and pepper until smooth. Add more butter and milk as needed to make potatoes smooth.

NOTES : If potatoes are runny, can add potato flakes to thicken.

Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 ounces elbow macaroni -- cooked
36 ounces processed American cheese -- cut up
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to broil.

Add processed cheese, milk and pepper to macaroni; mix well. Cook on low heat until cheese is melted, stirring frequently.

Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Add macaroni and cheese mixture to dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Put in oven, checking every few minutes. Take out when cheddar cheese is melted and golden brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Holiday Dinner Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 large sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter -- softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crunch Topping:
1/3 cup butter -- melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pecans -- chopped
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Boil potatoes til tender. Take skin off when cooled and able to handle.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Put potatoes in a large bowl and whip them til fluffy adding all other ingredients. Pour into a buttered casserole and top with the crunch topping. Bake for 45 minutes.

Deviled Eggs
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 eggs
mayonnaise -- as needed to moisten yolk mixture--do NOT add too much. You can always add more as needed.
2 Tablespoons relish
paprika -- for garnish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard -- optional

Place eggs in cold water to cover in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and leave eggs in covered pot of hot water 15 minutes. Drain eggs, refill with cold water. Remove shells.

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks. In small bowl, mash yolks, mayonnaise, relish and mustard. Fill eggs with yolk mixture.

Sprinkle with paprika.

Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Holiday Dinner Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound fresh cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, then turn to medium heat. Continue cooking until all the berries pop. Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate until cold, or serve warm.

Perfect White Bread

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup Crisco
1 cup hot milk
5 cups enriched flour

Soften yeast in 1/4 cup of the lukewarm water for 5 minutes, then stir until blended. Measure sugar, salt and Crisco into mixing bowl, pour hot milk over them and stir, mashing Crisco against sides of bowl until broken into small lumps. Add remaining water and cool to lukewarm. Stir in 1 cup flour. Add yeast and 2 more cups flour and beat with a wooden spoon until batter is smooth and elastic. Stir in 1 1/2 to 2 cups more flour, then, with floured fingers, work in enough additional flour to make a soft dough that does not stock to the fingers.

Turn dough onto lightly floured board and knead for 2 minutes, about 100 kneading strokes. Shape dough into a ball and put it in a bowl rubbed with Crisco. Spread surface of dough lightly with Crisco, cover with a towel and let dough rise until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch dough down and turn onto floured board. Cut dough in half and shape each half into a smooth ball. Shape each ball into a loaf and put into bread pan rubbed with Crisco. Cover pans with a towel and let bread rise until the sides of the raised bread reach the top of the pans and the center is nicely rounded above it, about 1 hour.

To bake: Preheat oven to 400°. Bake loaves for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown.

When baked: Turn loaves from pans immediately to keep crust crisp, and cool on a cake rack. For a soft, tender crust: Brush loaves with Crisco as soon as they come from oven.

Yield:
"2 loaves"

NOTES : For one loaf of perfect bread and one dozen rolls: Make Perfect White Bread and let rise until double in bulk. Punch down dough and divide in half. Shape one half into a loaf and follow directions for rising and baking. Divide remaining dough into twelve portions and shape each portion into a round roll. Place rolls 2 inches apart on baking sheet rubbed with Crisco, cover and let rise until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes, or until browned.

Sourdough Bread

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24 (per batch of bread)
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Sourdough Starter:
3 packages yeast
1 cup warm water

Starter Feed:
3/4 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons instant potatoes
1 cup warm water

Sourdough Bread:
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup starter
1 1/2 cups warm water
6 cups bread flour

SOURDOUGH STARTER: Combine and refrigerate, covered, for 3 to 5 days. Take out and feed with the starter feed.

STARTER FEED: Mix well and add to starter. Let stand out of refrigerator all day (5 to 12 hours). Mixture will be bubbly. Take out 1 cup to make bread and return starter to refrigerator. Keep in refrigerator 3 to 5 days and feed again. If not making bread after feeding starter, throw away 1 cup to avoid depleting your starter.

SOURDOUGH BREAD: Combine above ingredients and make a stiff batter. grease another bowl. Put dough in and turn over oily side on top. Cover with foil and let stand overnight. (Do not refrigerate.) The next morning, punch dough down. Divide into thirds. Knead each part on floured surface 8 to 10 times. Grease 3 loaf pans and turn each loaf over in pan so it has oil on both sides. Let rise in pans 4 or 5 hours. (All day is all right.) Cover with waxed paper. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove and brush with butter. Cool on rack. Wrap well and store. Refrigerate. Bread may be frozen.

Yeast Rolls

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Biscuits & Rolls

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 cups bread flour -- 6-8 cups
2 packets dry yeast
2 cups milk
1 Tablespoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs -- beaten

In a large mixing bowl, mix 4 cups. of flour with the yeast. Set aside. Pour the milk, salt, oil and sugar into a pot, stirring to mix, and place over medium heat until lukewarm. Pour the milk mixture into the flour and yeast; beat until smooth. Add the eggs, stirring hard to mix well (use your hands). One cup at a time, add as much of the remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough. Put the dough on cutting block. Let it rise to double its size. Knead dough 12-15 times. Roll out on floured block until about 1/2" thick. Cut rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased baking pan. Let rise again until doubled in size. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

2 Deep-Dish Pumpkin Pies
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
4 large eggs
29 ounces canned pumpkin
24 ounces evaporated milk
2 9" deep dish pie shells

Preheat oven to 425°.

Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

Pour into pie shells.

Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°; bake 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours.

Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Yield:
"2 pies"

Do NOT freeze pie. The crust will separate from the filling.

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 ounces graham cracker pie crust, 9 inch
4 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1 Tablespoon milk
1 Tablespoon sugar
8 ounces Cool Whip®
1 cup cold milk
2 packages vanilla instant pudding mix
16 ounces pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix cream cheese, 1 Tablespoon milk and sugar in large bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Gently stir in ½ of the cool whip. Spread on bottom of crust.

Pour 1 cup milk into bowl. Add pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk for 1 minute (mixture will be thick). Stir in pumpkin and spices with wire whisk until well mixed. Spread over cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Garnish with remaining cool whip.

Soften cream cheese in microwave on high 15-20 sec.

Chocolate Chess Pie
Recipe by: Cherylann
Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa
1 stick butter
pinch salt
9 inch pie shell -- unbaked

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine cocoa, butter and milk in saucepan.

Cook over low heat until smooth.

Remove from heat, add sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat well.

Pour into unbaked pie shell.

Bake 30 minutes or until well done.

Snicker Bar Pie
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1 Tablespoon milk
12 ounces Cool Whip® -- thawed and divided
2 packages Snickers candy bars -- 4.14 ounces total, chopped
1/2 cup half-and-half, fat free -- or cold milk
2 packages chocolate instant pudding and pie filling
6 ounces Oreo pie crust

Mix cream cheese & 1 Tablespoon milk in large bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Gently stir in ½ cups cool whip & chopped snickers bars.

Pour 1 ½ cups cold milk into another large bowl. Add pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Gently stir in 2 cups cool whip. Spread ½ of the pudding mixture on bottom of crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over pudding mixture. Spread remaining pudding mixture over cream cheese layer.

Refrigerate 4 hrs. or until set. Garnish with remaining cool whip. Sprinkle with/additional chopped snickers bars or chocolate curls. Store leftover pie in refrigerator.

NOTES : Soften cream cheese in microwave on high 15 seconds.


Pecan Pie
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Holiday Dinner Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter -- melted
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 9 inch pie shell -- unbaked
1 cup pecans -- chopped

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat eggs with a wire whisk or fork. Add salt, butter, syrup, sugar and vanilla; mix well. Pour into pastry shell; sprinkle with pecans.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Pumpkin Dessert Squares
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Brownies & Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 box yellow cake mix -- reserve 1 cup
1 stick unsalted butter -- melted
1/2 stick unsalted butter -- cold, and cut into small chunks
3 eggs -- divided
1 jar Pecan Pumpkin Butter
2 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 13 X 9" baking pan. Set aside reserved 1 cup cake mix. Stir remaining cake mix, melted butter and one of the eggs. Pour into prepared pan. In another bowl, stir the Pecan Pumpkin Butter, remaining eggs and milk. Pour over the cake batter in the pan. Mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon and reserved cake mix; stir to combine. Add the cold butter. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until pea-size crumbs form and the mixture clumps together. Crumble over the Pecan Pumpkin Butter mixture. Bake until golden, about 35-40 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool. Cut into squares and serve.

Appetizer Recipes

Bourbon Meatballs

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups barbecue sauce
1 1/2 cups bourbon
1 cup honey
1 cup prepared mustard
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
32 ounces cooked Italian meatballs -- thawed

Cook barbecue sauce, bourbon, honey, mustard and Worcestershire sauce in a
Dutch oven over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Add meatballs; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.

Cheese and Spinach Squares

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 eggs
6 Tablespoons flour
10 ounces frozen spinach or broccoli
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups cheddar cheese -- grated

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook, drain and press liquid from spinach. Beat eggs
and flour in large mixing bowl. Add spinach, cottage cheese and cheddar cheese
to egg mixture; blend well. Pour into well greased 8" pan. Bake, uncovered, for
45-60 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into squares.

Cheese Straws

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups cheddar cheese -- grated
1/2 cup butter -- softened
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce or sprinkle of red pepper
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix like pie crust. Roll out, cut in narrow strips
and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Cinnamon Pecans

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups pecan halves

Combine milk, sugar, cinnamon, water and vanilla in saucepan. Dissolve sugar
over medium heat. Add pecans and continue to cook, stirring frequently. Cook
until pecans are completely sugared with no syrup left in pot. Spread on waxed
paper and let cool.

Cranberry-Walnut Baked Brie

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries -- finely diced
1/4 cup walnuts -- chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley -- snipped
2 Tablespoons currant jelly
8 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls
8 ounces Brie, rind included -- 4" round; can substitute
Camembert or cream cheese
1 egg -- lightly beaten
apple or pear wedges -- optional

Preheat oven to 350°. Finely dice cranberries using Chef's Knife. Chop
walnuts with Food Chopper. Snip parsley with Kitchen Shears. In Small Batter
Bowl, combine cranberries, walnuts, parsley and jelly; mix well.

Unroll crescent dough on lightly floured Cutting Board. Separate dough
crosswise into 2 squares, pressing seams to seal. Place Brie on one square of
dough; set aside remaining square of dough. Trim corners from first dough square,
leaving about a 1" border around Brie. Using Medium Scoop, scoop apricot
mixture evenly over top of Brie.

Using Creative Cutters, cut one shape from each corner and center of
remaining square of dough; set shapes aside. Trim corners of dough. Place dough over
Brie, pinching seams to seal, if necessary. Fold and crimp edges of dough to
seal. Cover Small Round Stone with Parchment Paper. Using Large Serving
Spatula, transfer Brie to Small Round Stone. Brush egg over entire surface of
dough using Pastry Brush.

Place cut-out shapes over dough; brush with egg. Bake 30-35 minutes or until
crust is deep golden brown. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; let
stand 15 minutes before serving. Serve with apple or pear wedges.

Crêpe Cups

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 teaspoons olive oil -- divided
5 ounces fresh spinach -- about 7 cups, rinsed
3/4 teaspoon salt -- divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper -- divided
2 cups mushrooms -- sliced
4 1/2 ounces refrigerated French crêpes
10 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup each: shredded Cheddar and Swiss cheeses -- mixed
together

Generously coat 20 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.

Heat 1 tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add spinach and 1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper. Sauté 2 minutes or until
spinach wilts. Drain in a colander. When cool, squeeze dry and chop.

Meanwhile heat remaining 1 tsp. oil in skillet.

Add mushrooms and another 1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper. Sauté until
mushrooms are tender. Remove to a plate.

Stack crêpes and cut in quarters, making 4 squares per crêpe. For each cup,
stack 2 squares to make an 8-pointed star. Place over a muffin cup, press into
cup with the bottom of a glass, then twist glass to remove.

Position racks to divide oven in thirds. Preheat oven to 375°.

Beat eggs, milk and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a bowl
with a fork until well blended. Pour into a 2-cup glass measure.

Sprinkle spinach and mushrooms into crêpe cups. Pour in egg mixture, dividing
evenly; sprinkle cheeses on top.

Bake, switching position of pans, halfway through baking, 20 minutes or until
eggs are set and puffed.

Loosen cups with the tip of a spoon, place on platter and serve immediately
while hot. Loosely cover pan(s) with foil.

NOTES : Vegetables may be cooked and cheeses shredded up to 2 days ahead.
Refrigerate separately.

Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound cooked ham -- thinly sliced
1 pound Swiss cheese -- thinly sliced
1/2 cup butter -- melted
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°.

Roll up one ham slice and one cheese slice together; secure with a toothpick.

Dip in butter, bread crumbs and then Parmesan.

Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet; repeat with remaining ham and cheese
slices.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Herbed Cheese and Cracker Bits

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
21 ounces Ritz cheese bits
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 ounce ranch-style dressing mix
1 heaping Tablespoon dried dill
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery salt

Place the crackers in a large sealable freezer container; set aside.

In a bowl, mix the oil, salad dressing mix, dill garlic powder and celery
salt.

Pour the mixture over the crackers, cover the container and invert it to coat
the crackers with seasoning.

Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, turning the container often to keep the
crackers coated.

Let the mixture come to room temperature before serving. Store the covered
container in the refrigerator.

Honey-Glazed Snack Mix

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup pecan halves
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup honey

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, combine cereal, pretzels and
pecans; set aside. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in honey and blend
well. Pour over cereal mixture and stir to coat evenly. Spread in a jelly roll
pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until mixture is lightly glazed, stirring
occasionally. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Spread on waxed paper and cool
completely. Yields about 6 1/2 cups.

Yield:
"6 1/2 cups"

Mom's Sausage Balls

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese -- grated
1 pound sausage
2 cups Bisquick® baking mix

Preheat oven to 350°.

Ingredients should be at room temperature. Combine all ingredients and shape
into 1" balls.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield:
"5 dozen"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 331 Calories; 25g Fat (69.0% calories
from fat); 10g Protein; 16g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 43mg Cholesterol;
653mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 4 1/2 Fat.

NOTES : To freeze: Flash freeze on a cookie sheet for about 15 minutes.
Then put into labeled zipper bags in desired quantities (however many you'd like
to gift or take to a party). Freeze.

To reheat: Heat in 350 oven for 15 minutes or in microwave for 1-2 minutes
on 50% power.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 large mushrooms
1/4 pound butter
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 Tablespoon parsley -- chopped
1 Tablespoon onion or chives -- chopped
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 eggs -- lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup broth

Remove the stems of the mushrooms by snapping them off as far into the cap as
possible. Chop stems very fine. Wipe mushroom caps with a damp cloth.

Melt 4 Tablespoons of butter in a skillet and lightly sauté the chopped
mushroom stems, crumbs, parsley, chives or onion, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper.
Blend with the beaten eggs.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Brush the bottom of a shallow baking dish with butter. Dish should be just
large enough to hold the mushroom caps, approximately 9 X 9" or 9 X 12". Brush
the caps with melted butter, inside and out. Stuff each cap with some of the
mixture and place in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with
grated Parmesan cheese. Add broth to the dish to keep mushrooms from
sticking.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender.
You may baste with additional melted butter if you like.

Stuffing & Seafood Bites

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups herb-seasoned stuffing cubes
8 ounces minced clams with juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 pound bacon -- slices halved

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine stuffing mix, clams with juice and lemon juice; shape one teaspoonful
mixture into a ball.

Wrap one slice bacon around each ball; secure with a toothpick.

Place on an ungreased baking sheet; repeat with remaining mixture.

Bake until bacon is crisp, about 20-25 minutes.

Winter Punches

Christmas Eve Punch

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
46 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
32 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
2 cups orange juice
2/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons almond extract
33 3/4 ounces ginger ale

Mix pineapple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar and
almond extract; chill. Add ginger ale just before serving.

Evergreen Punch

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 50
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 packages lime Kool-Aid
1 quart ginger ale
46 ounces pineapple juice
2 cups sugar
2 quarts water

Dissolve sugar in water; cool.

Mix Kool-Aid, pineapple juice, sugar-water and ginger ale.

Santa Claus Punch

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 quart cranberry juice
2 packages raspberry drink powder
2 cups sugar
4 quarts water
12 ounces frozen lemonade
20 ounces 7-Up® -- or ginger ale

Mix Kool-Aid, sugar and water. Add cranberry juice and lemonade (undiluted).
Chill. Pour over ice in punch bowl. Just before serving pour 7-Up in edge
of bowl.

Wassail

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 cups sugar
9 cups water -- divided
5 cinnamon sticks
6 cups cranberry juice
3 cups orange juice
3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Combine sugar, 3 cups water and cinnamon sticks in a large stockpot; boil for
10 minutes.

Add cranberry juice, remaining water, orange juice and lemon juice and heat
through. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving.

Dinner tonight

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad and Chocolate Cake-Enjoy!~Cherylann

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Main Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion -- finely chopped
5 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 cup celery -- finely chopped
1 cup carrots -- finely chopped
1 cup zucchini -- finely chopped
1 green pepper -- finely chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary -- chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 bay leaves
3 cans mushroom pieces -- undrained
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 boxes favorite noodles -- prepared as directed

Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini and green pepper. Drain. Add to large pot.

Add spices, tomatoes, sauce, paste and noodles to ground beef mixture. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer on low for hours. Stir occasionally.

Discard bay leaves.

Garlic Bread

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 loaf fresh baked bread -- cut into 1" slices
1 stick butter
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon marjoram

Preheat oven to 350°.

Put butter, garlic and spices in large microwaveable mug. Heat for one minute until melted. Stir.

Brush on all sides of bread slices.

Toast in oven. (make croutons out of 4 of the pieces of bread)

Garden Salad

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Salads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 ounces salad mix
16 ounces carrots -- shredded
1 bunch celery -- chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 large cucumber -- peeled and sliced
1 cup Mexican cheese blend -- grated
1 bag seasoned croutons
salad toppings
1 pound bacon -- crisply cooked and crumbled
6 hard-boiled eggs -- chopped
1 bottle salad dressing -- of your choice

Toss salad mix, carrots, celery, tomatoes and cucumber. Top with cheese, croutons, toppings and dressing.

All-American Chocolate Cake

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Cakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup shortening -- or 1/2 pound butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups cake flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour two 9" cake pans.

In a small, heavy-bottomed pan, melt chocolate and shortening, stirring over low heat until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate mixture, milk and eggs, beating until smooth.

Spread mixture into two cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pans 5 minutes before turning out onto wire rack.

5 Christmas Candies & 2 Hot beverages (for a crowd)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter -- softened
2 cups Holiday Rice Krispies
1 cup powdered sugar
14 ounces almond bark
2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening
14 ounces white candy coating multicolored sprinkles

In large bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Add cereal and sugar, mixing
until evenly combined. Drop mixture by rounded measuring teaspoons onto waxed
paper-lined tray; roll into balls and set aside. [It's very sticky. If you
refrigerate it first, it's not as messy.]

In top of double boiler, over hot water, melt chocolate coating and
shortening. [I do it in the microwave.] Dip each peanut butter ball in chocolate and
place on waxed paper-lined tray. [Let stand till hardened.] Dip balls in melted
white candy coating and top with sprinkles. Refrigerate until firm. [I like to
drizzle chocolate over the tops instead of using sprinkles.]

To serve, place balls in small candy paper liners.

French Chocolate

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 64
Categories : Beverage

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3 cups cold water
40 ounces granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 1/2 gallons milk

Combine chocolate and water. Cook over direct heat, stirring constantly, for
5 minutes or until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Beat with a wire
whip until smooth.

Add sugar and salt to chocolate mixture. Return to heat. Cook over hot water
20-30 minutes or until thick. Chill.

Whip cream. Fold into cold chocolate mixture.

Heat milk to scalding. To serve, place 1 Tbsp (rounded) chocolate mixture in
each serving cup. Add hot milk to fill cup. Stir until well blended. Serve
immediately.

Yield:
"3 gallons"

NOTES : Potentially hazardous food. Food Safety Standards: Hold for service
at 185°F. Cool leftover product quickly (within 4 hours) to below 41°F. See p.
44 for cooling procedures. Reheat leftover product quickly (within 2 hours) to
185°F. Reheat product only once; discard if not used.

The milk must be kept at 185°F during the serving period.

The chocolate mixture may be stored for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

To make in quantity, prepare chocolate syrup and add hot milk. Whip cream to
soft peaks and fold into hot chocolate. Keep hot.

Spiced Tea

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Beverage

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 gallons boiling water
24 ounces granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 lemon peel -- grated
1 cup orange juice
1 grated orange peel
4 teaspoons whole cloves
8 cinnamon sticks
1 (1-ounce) tea bag

Mix all ingredients except tea. Simmer 20 minutes. Strain.

Add tea bag to hot liquid. Steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Serve hot.

Yield:
"1 1/2 gallons"


Almond Roca

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons corn syrup
1 1/3 cups slivered almonds -- toasted
8 squares semisweet chocolate -- cut up
2/3 cup slivered almonds -- toasted and finely chopped

Melt butter in heavy saucepan over low heat. Add sugar. Stir to dissolve,
Stir in water and corn syrup. Cook over low heart, stirring often but gently,
until candy thermometer reads 290 deg F (142C) Be patient this will take 30-40
minutes. remove from heat and stir in first amount of slivered almonds. Pour on
to greased 10 X 15 jelly roll pan about 1/4 inch deep. Let cool.

Melt 4 squares of chocolate. Cool until you can hold you hold your hand on
sauce pan but it still feels hot. Spread over candy.

Sprinkle with 1/2 of remaining almonds. Wait until chocolate hardens. Cover
with waxed paper, put another pan over top. Invert. Melt 4 more squares of
chocolate and spread over candy and sprinkle with last of the almonds. Allow to
harden then break into pieces.

Description:
"tastes similar to a Skor bar"

Bavarian Mints

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound chocolate almond bark
1 unsweetened chocolate square
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Melt chocolate almond bark, unsweetened chocolate and butter in saucepan.
Add sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Beat 1 minute, cool 5
minutes, beat 1 minute, cool 5 minutes, beat 1 minute, cool 5 minutes. Pour in wax
paper lined 9x13" pan. Let stand 2 days & cut in very small pieces.

Candy Cane Fudge

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package vanilla milk (white) chips
1 can vanilla creamy icing
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 drops red food coloring
2 Tablespoons peppermint candy canes -- chopped

Put vanilla chips in pan on the stove at medium heat. Continue stirring until
the chips have melted. Add icing to pan and continue stirring.

Take off heat and add peppermint extract until dissolved. Pour mixture into
pan. Take food coloring and add one drop in each corner of pan. Take butter
knife and begin stirring until the food coloring has been swirled into the fudge.
Add chopped peppermint pieces to top of fudge.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until the fudge
has harden. Cut into small pieces.

Chocolate-Covered Cherries

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
maraschino cherries
2 semisweet chocolate squares

Pat cherries dry with paper towels; set aside. Microwave chocolate on High 1
minute; stir until melted. Dip cherries in chocolate; place on wax
paper-covered baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm.

Christmas Fudge

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 120
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
36 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 pound unsalted butter
12 ounces evaporated milk
4 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place chocolate chips and butter in a large mixing bowl; set aside.

Blend together milk, sugar and cream of tartar in a 3-quart saucepan; bring
to a boil. Continue to boil for 6 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour mixture into bowl of chocolate chips and butter have melted and are
smooth.

Spray a 15X10 baking sheet with non-stick spray, line with wax paper, then
coat wax paper with non-stick spray. Pour chocolate mixture into baking sheet;
set aside until cooled.

Chill one hour or until firm. To remove fudge, lift wax paper off of baking
sheet; turn out onto a flat surface. Cut in bars, cover with plastic wrap and
store in the refrigerator.

Yield:
"5 pounds"

Christmas Cookies

Here are some more Christmas cookie recipes. Please forgive me if I've posted duplicates.~Cherylann

Peppermint Squares

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Brownies/Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 squares white chocolate
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 egg whites
2 Tablespoons milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crushed candy canes -- 4-6; divided

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2-8" square baking pans with nonstick foil.

Melt 2 squares white baking chocolate in microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. If needed, continue to melt in 15-second increments. Cool slightly.

Beat together butter and sugar, about 1 minute. Add cooled chocolate and vanilla; beat another minute. Add egg whites and milk, beating constantly. On low speed, beat in flour and salt.

Fold in 1/4 cup of the crushed candy. Spread dough evenly between prepared pans (about 1 1/4 cups dough per pan), smoothing tops.

Bake 13-15 minutes, or until top is dry.

Use foil to lift bars from pans. Cool on wire racks.

Melt remaining chocolate. Spread half onto one cookie square. Top with second square. Spread with remaining chocolate; sprinkle with remaining candy.

Cut into 1" squares. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.


Toffee Bars

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Brownies/Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 egg yolks
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
6 Hershey bars

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix all ingredients except Hershey bars together.

Spread in small cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Place Hershey bars on top of warm bars and spread. Cool and slice.


Turtle Bars

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Brownies/Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
14 ounces caramels
2/3 cup evaporated milk -- divided
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup pecans -- chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
6 ounces chocolate chips

In heavy saucepan, melt caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Stir constantly until caramels are completely melted; set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13X9" pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pecans, butter and remaining milk. Pat 1/2 dough inot prepared pan.

Bake for 6 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over dough, then pour on melted caramel. Crumble remaining dough over top.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Cool slighly and cut into squares.


Candy Cane Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
red food coloring

Cream butter and sugars together; add egg yolks. Stir in extracts and set aside.

Combine salt and flour well; mix into dough.

Divide dough in 2 equal portions and tint one portion red. Chill dough in separate bowls, covered, for one hour. Preheat oven to 350°.

Remove 1 Tablespoon of dough from each bowl. On a very lightly floured surface, shape each Tablespoon of dough by rolling under both hands to form a rope. Place the 2 ropes side-by-side and gently twist together. Carefully bend the top to form a candy cane; continue with remaining dough in each bowl.

Place candy canes on an ungreased baking sheet, about 1" apart; bake for 8 minutes. Do not brown.

Yield:
"3 dozen"


Candy Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1 large egg
1 cup candy bar chunks -- Reese's peanut butter cups, Butterfinger bars, white or milk chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed, making sure all brown sugar lumps are crushed.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until it is smooth. Add the egg and continue beating until the egg is combined.

Add the dry ingredients and blend on low just until the cookie mix is incorporated.

Form the cookies into 1-1/2 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined cookie sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden on the edges. Remove from oven, and cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.


Chocolate Truffle Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 30
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
60 Hershey's Chocolate Truffles Kisses wrapped in dark chocolate -- unwrapped
1 package supreme brownie mix with syrup pouch
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
powdered sugar

Place unwrapped truffles in freezer several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.

Stir brownie mix, syrup pouch, cocoa, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended. Drop by scant teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.

Bake 8 minutes or until set. Cool 3-4 minutes; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Immediately press frozen truffle into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Yield:
"5 dozen"

Christmas Wreath Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup unsalted butter
16 ounces marshmallows
7 cups corn flakes
green food coloring
blue food coloring
red hots candy

Melt butter in a pan. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add drops of food coloring until mixture is a nice "holly" green. Remove from heat and pour over corn flakes in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. On wax paper, form wreath-shaped cookies and decorate with Red Hots to look like berries.

NOTES : This one is liked by all the big kids because of the Red Hots candy.


Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream together shortening, butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well.

Gradually add flour and remaining ingredients and mix well. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll through additional sugar.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.


Fairy Drops

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Cookies:
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons almond extract
candy canes -- crushed; for garnish
Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 each vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 cups
3 Tablespoons light cream -- or milk

Stir together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; set aside.

Beat butter on medium-low speed of mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and sugar; beat until fluffy. Beat in oil, eggs and almond extract until just combined.

With mixer on medium speed, gradually add dry ingredients, then cover and chill dough 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Arrange balls on an ungreased baking sheet and gently flatten to about 1/4" thickness using the bottom of a glass.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool completely on a wire rack; frost and top with crushed candy canes.

Frosting: Beat butter until fluffy; add extracts. Blend in powdered sugar alternately with cream or milk; beat until smooth.

Yield:
"5 dozen"

Festive Cookie Tree

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Decorator's Icing:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 egg whites
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
1 pound powdered sugar
2 large eggs
several drops green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tablespoon water -- as needed
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
mini M&M's
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

In large bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs and vanilla.

In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; blend into creamed mixture. Wrap and refrigerate dough for 2-3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Working with half the dough at a time on a lightly floured surface, roll to 1/8" thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters in 5 graduated sizes to cut 3 cookies from each of the four largest stars and 4 cookies from the smallest star (total of 16 star cookies). Transfer cutouts to ungreased cookie sheets with a rigid spatula.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.

Frosting: In mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric beaters, until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat mixture at High speed 4-7 minutes or until of spreading consistency. If mixture is too thick, add water, one Tablespoon at a time, until mixture is of desired consistency. (Keep bowl covered with damp cloth, as icing will dry quickly.

Ice both sides of one of the smallest stars; set aside to dry. To remaining icing, add green food coloring until mixture is of desired color. Ice one side of remaining 15 star cookies; let dry.

To assemble tree: Place one of the largest stars on serving platter. Begin stacking remaining stars from largest to smallest, using a small dab of icing to secure in place; alternate position of points of each star as stacking continues to create tree. Top tree with solid white star. Decorate tree by placing M&M's on all tree branches to create lights; secure with additional dabs of icing. Dust tree lightly with powdered sugar to cream "snow".

Yield:
"1 tree"

Gingerbread Men

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 32
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
2 eggs -- well beaten
1 teaspoon vinegar
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream butter with sugar. Add corn syrup and spices.

Heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. When lukewarm, stir in eggs and vinegar.

Sift together flour and baking soda. Stir into wet mixture to form a smooth dough. Chill for several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out; cut with your favorite cookie cutter.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

NOTES : Makes a great gift-in-a-jar recipe.


Holiday Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts -- finely chopped
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream butter and sugar together; add flour, mixing well.

Stir in walnuts; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll dough into 1" balls; bake on ungreased baking sheets for 12 minutes.

Roll in powdered sugar while warm.


Holiday Nut Drop Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar -- packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup unsalted mixed nuts -- chopped
1/2 cup mini M&M's

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

Mix together flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.

Beat brown sugar and butter in bowl until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate pieces.

Drop by rounded measuring tablespoons, 2" apart, onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned at edges. Let cool slightly on baking sheets. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Store in airtight container.

Yield:
"2 dozen"


Kris Kringle Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 squares semisweet chocolate -- chopped
2 cups walnuts -- toasted and chopped
1 1/2 cups raisins

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer at medium speed, until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg and vanilla.

Mix in flour, baking soda and salt.

Stir in chocolate, walnuts and raisins.

Drop by rounded Tablespoonfuls, 1 1/2" apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool 2-3 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely on wire racks.

Store in tightly covered container.


Magical Christmas Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs -- beaten
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking oats -- uncooked
2 cups mini baking M&Ms
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 325°.

Combine sugar, brown sugar and butter; beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in oats, candy and raisins.

Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Transfer to cooling rack.

Yield:
"2 dozen"

Mexican Wedding Cakes

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pecans or almonds -- finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Blend well.

Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool slightly and roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely and reroll in powdered sugar.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

Pecan Bites

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
2/3 cup unsalted butter -- melted
2 eggs -- beaten

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine sugar, flour and pecans; set aside.

Blend butter and eggs together; mix into flour mixture.

Fill greased and floured mini muffin tins 2/3 full; bake for 22-25 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.


Rudolph Treats

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 bag miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
5 cups Rice Krispies® or Cocoa Rice Krispies
36 large pretzel twists -- broken
36 red cinnamon candies
72 miniature chocolate chips or candies

Melt marshmallows, butter and cocoa in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted (4-5 minutes). Add cereal; gently stir until well coated.

Drop by buttered Tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Use buttered hands to shape into heads. Quickly push pretzel pieces into top for antlers. Press in cinnamon candy for red nose and chocolate chips for eyes.

Cool completely. Store between sheets of waxed paper in airtight container.


Scottish Shortbread

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat together butter, sugar and vanilla until well blended.

Add flour, one cup at a time, to butter mixture.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-1/2" thick. With a sharp knife, cut dough into 2" squares or cut into rounds with a cookie cutter.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and prick top of cookies with a fork.

Bake 25-30 minutes until bottoms are golden brown and tops are light in color.

Cool completely on wire racks.

Store in airtight containers.


Secret Kisses with Almonds Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
36 Hershey kisses with almonds -- unwrapped
2 sticks unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups slivered almonds -- finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon almond extract -- optional
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375°.

Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl until fluffy. Add flour and almonds; beat on low speed of mixer until well blended.

Using about 1 Tablespoon dough for each cookie, shape dough around chocolate piece; roll in hand to make ball. Be sure to cover each kiss completely.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set, but not browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

While still slightly warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container. Roll again in powdered sugar just before serving.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

Snowball Surprise Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
48 almond or peanut M&M's -- unbroken
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Reduce speed to low; add flour. Beat, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Shape dough around M&M's, into 1" balls. Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake fo 12-14 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet.

Place powdered sugar in a gallon Ziploc bag. Shake 3-4 cookies at a time in sugar. Cool completely.

Return 3-4 cookies at a time to bag. Shake to coat again with powdered sugar.

Gift in a Jar recipes

Here are a "few" recipes to get the ideas flowing for Christmas.

A Little Bit of Everything Cookies-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Mix:
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup sugar
A Little Bit of Everything Cookies:
1 jar cookie mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1 egg
2 Tablespoons water

In a 1-qt. jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Pack down firmly after each addition. Attach the following instructions:

A Little Bit of Everything Cookies: Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and water. Add the entire contents of the jar and stir until well blended.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.



Almond Joy Brownie Mix-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder -- wipe inside of jar after this layer
1 1/4 cups flaked coconut, sprinkledwith 1 teaspoon almond extract and tossed to blend
3/4 cup whole almonds -- coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups flour mixed with1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt

Layer ingredients in order given in a 1-quart wide-mouth canning jar. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Attach this to the Jar:
Almond Joy Brownies
Makes 2 dozen brownies
1. Empty jar of brownie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix.
2. Add:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, not diet, melted
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3. Mix until completely blended.
4. Spread batter in a sprayed 9x13-inch baking pan. Preheat oven to 350°.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Cut into 2-inch squares.

Yield:
"2 dozen"


American Blessings Mix-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups Bugles® snacks
2 cups small pretzels
1 cup candy corn
1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins
1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds
1 cup M&Ms® plain chocolate candies
1 Hershey kiss

Put in jars with this tag:
American Blessings Mix
Bugles: shaped like a cornucopia or horn of plenty-a symbol of our nations abundance.
Pretzels: arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.
Candy Corn: sacrifices of the pilgrim's first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.
Nuts or Seeds: promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.
Dried Fruits: harvest gifts of our bountiful land.
M&MS: memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.
Hershey's Kiss: the love of family and friends that sweeten our lives.


Apple Butter

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 apples -- peeled, cored and sliced
4 cups sugar
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Fill crockpot with all ingredients. Cook on high for 1 hour, Reduce heat. Stir occasionally for 12 hours or until thick and a dark golden in color. Puree if desired. Fill pint jars with hot apple butter, leaving about 3/4 inch space at top. Seal jar with their lids.

Yield:
"10 8 oz. jars"

NOTES : These make wonderful gifts. What I did was wrote out the receipe and put it on the jar and then put a ribbon around the top of the jar and there you go, you have a beautiful gift for any occasion. Your whole house smells great when this is cooking in the crockpot.


Apple Crisp-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup raisins or craisins
1 pint jar

Layer in 1-pint wide-mouth canning jar in order listed above.

Attach instructions:
4-cups sliced tart apples (about 4 medium)
1/3-cup butter, softened
Preheat oven to 375°. Arrange apples in greased square pan, 8x8x2" inches. Dot apples with butter. Mix contents of jar in large bowl: sprinkle over apples. Bake until topping is golden brown and apples are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve warm and if desired, with cream or ice cream.


Apple, Cinnamon, Walnut Oatmeal Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 15
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
7 ounces dried apples
18 ounces quick cooking oats
3 ounces non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup walnuts -- chopped
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Place dried apples in a processor; process until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and process until well blended. Store in airtight container. Give with serving instructions.

ATTACH TO JAR OR CONTAINER:
Stir 2/3 cup boiling water into 1/2 cup oatmeal mix until well blended. Let stand until thickened.

Yield:
"7 1/2 cups"


Banana Bread Mix-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup nuts
1/2 cup dried bananas -- finely chopped
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups bisquick® baking mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Layer ingredients in a wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Banana Bread mix
1 ¼ cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, slightly beaten
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large bowl, place the Banana Bread mix. Make a well in the center. Mix well milk, vanilla, eggs and butter into dry mixture. Mix until completely blended. Spoon the batter into a large loaf pan that is well greased with waxed paper in the bottom. Bake for 1 hour or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before removing.


Bavarian Mint Coffee Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/3 cup nondairy creamer, fat-free
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup instant coffee granules
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
5 peppermints -- crushed

Combine all together. Store in an airtight container.

Use 2-2 1/2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water.


Brownies In A Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips -- or chunks
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts -- chopped
1/2 cup white baking pieces

LAYER in a 1-quart glass jar or canister the following ingredients. Cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate pieces, flour, baking powder, salt, walnuts, and white baking pieces. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next. Cover jar and attach baking directions.

BAKING DIRECTIONS: Use within 1 month.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Grease and flour an 8x8x2-inch baking pan.
Combine 1/2 cup melted and cooled butter and 2 slightly beaten eggs in a large bowl, Stir in jar contents. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes or till edges begin to pull away from pan. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 16.


Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup baking cocoa
2 Tablespoons baking cocoa
1 1/2 cups nondairy creamer, fat-free
20 peppermints -- broken up
miniature marshmallows

In a one-quart wide-mouth jar, layer powdered sugar, then cocoa, packing each layer as tightly as possible.

Wipe the inside of the jar with a paper towel to remove any excess cocoa before adding the next layer.

Add nondairy creamer to jar, packing tightly.

Add peppermint pieces. Fill any remaining space in top of jar with a layer of miniature marshmallows; secure lid.

Directions: Empty jar into a large mixing bowl; blend well. Spoon mixture back into jar. To serve, add 3/4 boiling water to 1/4 cup cocoa mixture; stir to blend.



Cherry-Almond White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup almonds -- sliced
3/4 cup white chocolate chips -- or pieces, or vanilla flavored chips or pieces

Layering the mix: Combine flour and salt. Put mixture into a 1 quart jar and pack mixture down firmly. Layer brown sugar into jar, firmly packing down. Combine the dried cherries, almonds, and white chocolate chips and put into a sandwich size ziplock bag. Put bag on top of the other layers. Close jar with lid. Attach recipe to jar.

Cherry-Almond White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars:
1 jar Cherry-Almond White Chocolate Cheesecake Bar Mix
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
Cream Cheese Topping:
4 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup cherry preserves

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease (or spray) an 8 -inch or 9-inch square pan. Remove the bag of cherries, almonds and chips from jar; set aside.

Cream together the brown sugar, butter, vanilla and almond extract in a medium bowl. Put remaining ingredients from jar (flour and salt), into sugar mixture, blending well. Add the dried cherries, almonds, and white chocolate chips, stirring until evenly combined.

Press batter into prepared pan. Beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar and egg in a small bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Mixture will be thin, but will thicken during baking.

Spread cream cheese mixture over batter. Heat cherry preserves in a microwave oven on high for about 20 seconds. Stir preserves to remove lumps. Drop cherry preserves over cream cheese topping. Lightly draw the blade of a knife through the topping to swirl preserves into the cream cheese mixture.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cool. Cut into 1-1/2 x 2-inch bars. Refrigerate.

Add your own creative touch: When giving this mix as a gift, carry out the cherry theme by sealing the jar with a red gingham lid and band (Collection Elite), tie a red satin ribbon around the neck of the jar with a recipe card. Decorate recipe card with colorful cherry design stickers.

Yield:
"2 dozen"


Chili Gift Basket

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Mix:
3 cups dried kidney beans
3 Tablespoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons dehydrated onions
1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon oregano
2 Tablespoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper -- optional

Put beans into a jar or large bag. Combine spices and put into a small bag. Include in your gift basket: 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce, 2 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes in juice, 1 package Corn Bread Mix. Attach instructions.

1 pound ground beef
Wash beans. Put into pot with spices. Cook until done, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, brown ground beef, and drain. Add meat to the beans with the tomatoes and sauce. Simmer to blend flavors. Prepare corn bread while chili is cooking.


Chocolate Pecan Chewies Cookie Mix in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 60 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup chopped pecans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

Mix flour and baking soda together in a small bowl. Set aside. Layer ingredients in order given (ending with the flour mixture) in a 1 quart wide mouth jar. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.

Attach the following directions to the jar:
Chocolate Pecan Chewies Cookies
1 jar Chocolate Pecan Chewies Cookie mix in a jar
1 stick butter or margarine, softened
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 375°. Empty jar mix into a large mixing bowl, use your hands to thoroughly mix. Add the butter, egg and vanilla. Mix until completely blended--you will need to finish mixing with your hands. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place 2 inches apart on sprayed (or parchment paper lined) cookie sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are
lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on the cookie sheets then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield:
"5 dozen"

Country Oatmeal Cookies-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts -- optional

Using a 1-qt. jar, layer in the ingredients in the order given. Pack down the layer after each addition.

Attach directions:
Country Oatmeal Cookies
1 jar country oatmeal cookie mix
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, margarine and vanilla. Add the entire contents of the jar, and mix by hand until combined. Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased (or parchment paper lined) cookie sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cool on wire racks.


Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 30
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour -- mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt

Layer ingredients in the order given in a 1 quart WIDE MOUTH canning jar.

Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.

Decorate jar for gift giving and attach the following directions:
Cowboy Cookies
1 jar Cowboy cookie mix
½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°. Empty jar of cookie mix into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix. Add the melted butter, egg and vanilla. Mix until completely blended. You may need to finish mixing with your hands. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place 2 inches apart on sprayed baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheets. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield:
"2 1/2 dozen"

Cranberry Hootycreeks-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine the flour, soda and salt together. Layer the ingredients in the order given into a 1-qt. canning jar.

Attach these instructions:
Cranberry Hootycreeks
1 jar Cranberry Hootycreeks mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, egg and vanilla until fluffy. Add the entire jar of ingredients, and mix together until well blended. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets, or remove to cool on wire racks.

Yield:
"1 1/2 dozen"

Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup Rice Krispies®
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

In a wide mouth quart jar, layer sugar, brown sugar, cooking oats, cereal and chocolate; pressing firmly after each addition.

Combine flour, salt and baking powder together, mixing well. Add to top of jar.

Attach directions:
1 jar Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix jar of ingredients with butter, egg and vanilla; blend well.
Shape into 1" balls. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

Death By Chocolate Cookie Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

Combine dry ingredients. Place in a Ziploc and store up to six months.

Attach instructions:
Death By Chocolate Cookies
1 1/4 cups Butter -- softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, eggs and vanilla. Add mix and stir until well-mixed. Drop dough by heaping teaspoons onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. (Do not over bake!) Cool for five minutes; then remove to a baking rack. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

NOTES : Print instructions on a decorative card and attach to mix for gift giving. Instructions can also be printed onto large labels and placed onto zip baggies before filling with mixes when making several
mixes.


Gingerbread Cookie Mix-in-a-Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed brown sugar

Mix 2 cups of the flour with the baking soda and the baking powder. Mix the remaining 1-1/2 cups flour with the ginger, cloves, cinnamon and allspice. In a 1-qt. wide mouth canning jar, layer the ingredients starting with the flour and baking powder mixture, then the brown sugar, and finally the flour and spice mixture. Pack firmly between layers.

Attach following directions:
Gingerbread Cookies
1 jar gingerbread cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup molasses
1 egg, slightly beaten

Empty contents of jar into a large mixing bowl. Stir to blend together. Mix in the butter, molasses, and egg. Dough will be very stiff, so you may need to use your hands. Cover, and let refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies on a lightly greased (or parchment paper lined) cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Decorate as desired.

Herbal Spiced Cider Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon
1/2 Tablespoon dried lemon balm -- chopped
3 Tablespoons dried orange mint -- chopped
1 teaspoon dried lemon verbena -- chopped
2 teaspoons dried lemon basil -- chopped

To prepare:
3 Tablespoons mix
1 quart apple cider, cranberry juice or red wine
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Place in a plastic bag and tie shut with a ribbon. Make a sticker with the directions for how to prepare, and attach to bag; or put directions on a little card, punch a hole in the corner of the card and tie on with the ribbon.

To prepare: Add about 3 Tablespoons mix to one quart of apple cider, cranberry juice or red wine. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and steep 20-30 minutes. Strain and serve.


Hot Chocolate Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 30 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 1/4 cups instant dry milk
2 cups instant chocolate drink powder
1/2 cup malted milk powder, chocolate
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup nondairy creamer, fat-free -- regular or flavored
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and store in an airtight container.

Include these directions with mix: Place 1/3 cup of mix in an 8-10 ounce mug. Pour 3/4 cup of hot water over mix and stir to dissolve.

Serving Ideas : For a richer cup of cocoa, try using warm milk instead of water.


Jolly Holiday Jar Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup mini red & green M&M's
1/2 cup quick cooking oats -- uncooked
1/2 cup cocoa Rice Krispies
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Layer the dry ingredients in a one-quart, wide-mouth jar in the order listed; packing down each layer firmly.

Tighten the lid and attach the wet ingredient list and the following instructions:
Jolly Holiday Cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream together butter, vanilla extract and egg in a large mixing bowl. Add cookie mix, stirring until well blended.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

Old-Fashioned Breakfast Bars in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
pinch salt
3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons almonds -- sliced
1/2 cup raisins

Layering Dry Mix:
Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt. Put mixture into a 1-PINT jar. Pack down firmly. Layer rolled oats and brown sugar into jar, firmly packing down. Add raisins and almonds. Adjust cap.

Attach Recipe:
Old-Fashioned Breakfast Bars
1 jar breakfast bar mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- melted
1 egg -- lightly beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8-1/2x4-1/2x2-1/4-inch pan with foil and lightly grease (or spray). Remove almonds and raisins from jar; set aside. Put remaining ingredients from jar into a large bowl, stirring to remove any lumps. Add almonds, raisins, melted butter, egg and almond extract. Stir until evenly combined. The dough will be moist and crumbly. Press dough evenly into pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Cool. Lift foil and bars from pan.

Remove foil. Cut into 2-inch square bars. Makes about 8 bars.

ADD YOUR OWN CREATIVE TOUCH:
Drizzle butterscotch topping, warm orange marmalade, or warm peanut butter over the top of the bars for a heartwarming snack as you sit around the fire-pit on cool evenings or as a nutritious after school snack.

Pancake & Waffle Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 cups all-purpose flour
6 Tablespoons baking powder
6 Tablespoons sugar
2 cups instant dry milk
1 Tablespoon salt

Combine basic mix ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Attach recipe:
Batter:
1 1/2 cups basic mix
1 cup water
1 egg -- beaten
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

To make batter: Beat ingredients with a fork. Fry in a tiny bit of oil in a skillet.

Yield:
"6 batches"

Peach Crumb Cake Mix in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a Wide-Mouth 1-quart canning jar. Pack each layer into place before adding the next ingredient.

Attach a gift tag with the following mixing and baking instructions:
PEACH CRUMB CAKE
1 jar Peach Crumb Cake mix
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (29-oz.) can peach pie filling
Preheat oven to 350°. Empty contents of the jar into a mixing bowl, stirring to combine. Melt butter and stir into dry ingredients to form a crumbly mixture. Press half of the crumbs into a greased 9x13 inch pan and top with the peach pie filling. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

NOTES : This is a very tight fit so be sure to use a Wide-Mouth jar.

I think this would be good using other pie fillings also...like apple, blueberry, strawberry, etc.

If desired, you could include a 9x13 inch pan and a can of pie filling with your gift.


Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 30 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
8 large peanut butter cup candies -- cut in half

Mix flour with baking powder and baking soda.

Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Attach recipe to jar:
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 375°.
Remove candies from jar; set aside.
Empty cookie mix into a large mixing bowl; stir to combine.
Add butter, egg and vanilla; mix until completely blended. Stir in candies.
Roll dough into walnut size balls. Place 2" apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.


Pizza Dough Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 3/4 cups bread flour
1 package active dry yeast
1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt


In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Place the mix in an airtight container tied with a pretty ribbon.

Attach this to the Jar: Pizza:
1 package Pizza dough mix
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 cup warm water
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese -- grated
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese -- freshly grated
1 teaspoon crushed oregano

Place the Pizza Dough Mix in a large bowl, add the oil and water. Beat with a wooden spoon or dough hook until mixture forms a ball. Turn out onto a floured board and knead for 5 minutes. Transfer to a greased bowl and let the dough rise for 90 minutes.

Divide the dough in half and pat into two 12 inch circles. For thin crust, fill and bake the pizzas now. For thicker crust, let pizzas rise 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425°.

Top the pizza dough with tomato sauce, cheeses, toppings of your choice, crushed oregano and olive oil drizzled over the pizzas. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

Yield:
"2 12" pizzas"

Scottish Shortbread Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients, blending well. Store in an airtight container decorated with a pretty ribbon.

Attach this to the Jar:
Scottish Shortbread:
1 jar Scottish Shortbread Mix
1 cup butter -- softened
Preheat the oven to 300°. Knead the butter into the shortbread mix and press the mixture firmly into an 8 inch pie plate, or shortbread mold. Bake for 1 hour. The shortbread should be pale in color, not browned. Cut into wedges while still warm.


Snow Balls in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar -- put in a snack-size ziploc bag and label

In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and the flour. Place into a 1 quart jar. Put the chopped pecans on top. Add the ziplock bag to the top.

Close the lid and attach a tag with the following instructions:
Snow Balls
3/4 cup shortening (or Crisco sticks)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 325°. Grease cookie sheets. Remove bag of confectioners' sugar and set aside (this will be used after the cookies are baked).

In a medium bowl, cream together shortening and butter. Stir in vanilla. Add contents of the jar and mix well. Roll dough into 1" balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool, and roll in the confectioners' sugar.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

Spiced Cider Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 4
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon orange zest -- grated
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg -- optional

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

To make one serving: Combine 1/4 cup mix, one cup apple juice (or red wine) and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.


Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 14
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves -- crushed
2 Tablespoons whole allspice

In a small bowl, stir the cranberries and spices together. Store in an airtight container. Attach this to the Jar.
Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix:
Serves 12 to 14
2 quarts apple cider
1 quart water
1 package Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
2 oranges, sliced
In a large saucepan combine the cider, water, and Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix. Heat through but do not boil. Add most of the orange slices. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining orange slices.


Sunset Orchard Spiced Tea Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup dry orange drink mix
2/3 cup dry instant tea
2 envelopes instant spiced cider mix

Combine sugar, drink mix and tea. Blend in cider mix.

Place in airtight container.

For each 7 ounces of hot water used, add 3 1/2 teaspoons of mix; let steep 2 minutes.


Super Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick cooking oats
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chunks
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins -- optional

Attach baking directions (see below) to a jar. Give as a gift.
Baking directions:
¾ cups softened butter
1 egg
1 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 375°. Beat butter, egg and vanilla in large bowl with/ electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Empty contents of jar into bowl. Stir until well mixed. Drop by heaping TABLESPOONS's onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 12-13 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks and cool completely. Yields 3 doz.


Texas Two-Step Soup Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package brown gravy mix
2 Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
12 tortilla chips -- coarsely crushed
2 cups pasta -- uncooked
Instructions:
1 jar mix
1/2 pound ground beef -- browned and drained
7 cups water
15 ounces corn with red and green peppers
16 ounces crushed tomatoes

Layer ingredients in a quart jar in the order listed. Attach recipe. Can give as a gift basket, with soup mix, canned corn and tomatoes, fabric napkins, nice bowls, etc.

Recipe:
In a crockpot combine contents of jar, browned beef, water, corn and tomatoes. Simmer several hours or until macaroni is fully cooked.




Vanilla Coffee

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups nondairy creamer, fat-free
1 cup dry hot chocolate mix
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee granules
2 Tablespoons vanilla powder

Mix all ingredients together and place in cellophane bags.

When ready to use, put 2-4 Tablespoons in a mug of boiling water and enjoy.

NOTES : Keep on hand for guests.


White Christmas Bars in a Jar

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup white chocolate chips -- or vanilla milk chips
1/2 cup sliced almonds -- toasted and cooled
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk baking mix

In 1-qt. wide-mouth jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed, beginning with white chocolate chips. If there is any space remaining after adding the last ingredient, add more white chocolate chips or almonds to fill the jar. Place lid on top.

Make a gift card to attach as follows:
White Christmas Bars
1 jar White Christmas Bar Mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 350°.

Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, egg and almond extract. Press into an 8-inch square pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and center is almost set.

NOTES : There are 2 layers of biscuit mix (each layer is 1 cup).