Only Once A Year

As last year, I am a little hesitant to write this post. Due to time constraints, we were unable to deliver our goodies to as many places as we usually do, so I I have to apologize up front for not getting goodies out to everyone! If it were up to me, I would borrow Santa's sleigh for an evening so I could send Christmas cheer to all of you! But, as a mere mortal, I do what I can. And, because some of you asked for the recipes and I never posted them last year, I decided to post them this year.

Audra got to help out for the first time this year which is exciting. She helped Ben dip pretzels- her job was to put the pretzels in the bowl. She liked this job, and kept saying, "I'm helping mommy!" So cute.

Here are the finished products just as I started assembling the plates so it's not that great of a picture:BUT, I wanted to show off my new hair cut. I am a little vain this week, but I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my hair, and I feel pretty hot right now. I told you I am a little vain. But, you have to understand that I have had "mommy hair" for the past 20 years. I know I got the short end of the pretty stick, so I have to admit that I am greatly enjoying the compliments I have been getting. I will repent tomorrow.

On to the recipes.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels:

Melt chocolate in the microwave (many of the recipes require you to do this- the best way Ihave found to do this is to microwave for 1 minute, stir, microwave 1 minute, stir, etc.)

Place pretzels in chocolate. Remove with a fork. Place on wax paper to dry.

Magic Cookie Bars

Here's a link to the recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/magic-cookie-bars-from-eagle-brand/Detail.aspx

This is perhaps the greatest treat on the planet, and very easy to make.

Rice Krispies: on the box, but I wanted to just say that I make them every year and they are ALWAYS the first things to disappear, so I will continue to make them as they seem to be a favorite treat.

Choco-Mallow Bars

2 c graham cracker crumbs

1/2 c Miracle Whip

1/4 cup sugar

2 bars (7 oz. each) milk chocolate candy, broken into pieces, divided

1 c mini-marshmallows

Heat oven to 350 F. Mix crumbs, dressing, and sugar; press into 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Sprinkle with 1 1/2 of the chocolate bars; continue baking 2 minutes. Spread melted chocolate over crumb mixture. Top with marshmallows.

Microwave remaining 1 1/2 of the chocolate bar in microwave-safe bowl one high 30 seconds. Drizzle over marshmallows. Refrigerate. Makes 24.

I made these this year, and I am not sure that I like the Miracle Whip in it, but you can't really taste it so it is good. They turned out great, and I will make them again. This is a recipe from Kraft Foods.

Milk Chocolate and Caramel Clusters- I absolutely LOVE these- I always double this, and it is one of my favorites! This recipe comes from Better Homes and Gardens- the best cookbook ever.

12 vanilla caramels, unwrapped

1/2 cup milk chocolate pieces

2 T water

2 c honey graham cereal, slightly srushed (about 1 1/2 cups)

3/4 c peanuts

Line 2 cookie sheets with waxed paper; set aside. In a heavy medium saucepan combine caramels, chocolate pieces, and water. Heat and stir over low heat until caramels are melted. Remove saucepan from the heat. Stir in cereal and peanuts.

Working quickly, drop cereal mixture from a teaspoon onto prepared cookie sheets. Let stand until firm.

Marbled Mint Bark- LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe for Christmas- super easy, and super yummy! Again, from the Better Homes Cookbook.

1 lb. vanilla flavored candy coating, cut up (I use white chocolate bark)

3/4 cup finely crushed red and/or green striped peppermint candies (I use candy canes)

Red food coloring- optional

1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Line baking sheet with foil, set aside

In a microwave-safe bowl microwave candy coating pieces on 100 percent power for 2-3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Stir in crushed candies and, if desired, red food coloring to tint to desired color. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Spread to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Melt chocolate pieces in microwave. Drizzle over peppermint mixture.

Let candy stand about 2 hours or until firm. Use foil to lift candy from baking sheet; carefully break candy into pieces. Store, tightly covered, at room temperature for up to two weeks.

5 minute fudge: I won't give you this recipe because it was given to me from a friend and I don't know if it's a family recipe or something, but it is YUMMY!

That's pretty much it- if you have any questions, let me know!