Monday Munchies - Party Time

Although party season is winding down, many people have some type of New Year's Eve gathering ahead of them tomorrow.  For as long as I can remember, we have always hung out with our next door neighbors on New Year's eve. Neither of our families liked to stay out late and it's my least favorite day of the year to drive anywhere once it gets late, so hanging out with the neighbors seems like the perfect evening!  We always have enough food for an army, but it's a great excuse to try new recipes and then swap leftovers.

So far, here's our contribution to this year's lineup.  Check out these recipes and let me know what recipes you're wanting to try in 2014!

• Chocolate Chip Fruit Dip - served with graham cracker sticks and apples
• Crispix Mix
• Sausage, Cheese and Cracker platter
• Skewers of Glory - from my new PW cookbook, SUPER excited about this one!
• Chocolate Pistachio Sables

Merry Christmas!

As we spend today in preparation and anticipation of Christmas, let us not forget the reason we celebrate - God made flesh.  Whether you're spending time with family or feeling alone without them, whether you're celebrating with parties, dinners or open houses, or if you're working, weary or struggling, don't let anything overshadow the celebration of our great Savior.

Check out this short video of some spoken word that reminds us what the incarnation really means for Christ, and for us.

Merry Christmas!

Monday Munchies - Snowballs

Christmas baking has officially started!  These little cookies are known by a bunch of names and Russian Teacakes are the official (cookbook assigned) title, but I think snowballs are the most fitting for this time of year.  My mom and I made a batch of these last night, and although I always forget about them, they're one of my favorite Christmas treats.  They melt in your mouth, and I love the nutty flavor (without a chunky texture) and that the actual cookie isn't too sweet (until they're rolled in powdered sugar)! So, if you need something else to add to your holiday baking list, give these a try!

I love cooking from actual old cookbooks where you can see how they've been worn and splattered on throughout the years, so I just took a picture of the recipe today.

Recipe Source: Vintage Betty Crocker Cookbook

Monday Munchies - Easy Chocolate (Non)Dipped Pretzels

Once again, I was MIA on the blog last week.  I had friends in town, then made the 16 hour trek once again from Jackson to St. Joseph, but hopefully I'll give you guys a picture update soon.  In the meantime, check out this quick and simple recipe for a tasty and cute holiday snack!  I've made these several times for different events, and they taste just like chocolate dipped pretzels, but without the mess and hassle of dipping and drying (really, how do people get them to not have a flat side?!?), and I love that these are more colorful!

Chocolate (Non)Dipped Pretzels
1 bag of square pretzels
Candy coating (chocolate, white chocolate, colorful, basically whatever you want!  I've also seen Hershey's kisses and hugs used!)
1 bag M&Ms

Directions:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat (unashamed author's plug - buy one...or two, it will become a favorite kitchen item), and place a single layer of pretzels on the baking sheet.  Put one piece of candy coating on each pretzel.  Bake for 4-5 minutes or until candy coating is soft but NOT melted.  Remove from oven, then working quickly, press an M&M down into the center of each piece of candy coating. Cool in the refrigerator until chocolate has set and store in an airtight container.