Category Archives: Christmas

by Anne | January 16, 2013 · 10:38 am

Cinnamon Honey Butter

For Christmas this year, I made and delivered Cinnamon Honey Butter to neighbors, family and friends. The butter was very easy to make and turned out to be delicious. I have received so many requests for the recipe that I figured I should post it on HAP!

This is supposedly the recipe for the Texas Road House honey butter. You can find variations all over the internet, but this combination is my favorite.

Cinnamon Honey Butter

1 cup butter, softened (not melted)

3/4 cup honey

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

Blend all of the ingredients together with a mixer until smooth. Store in jars and refrigerate.

We have used this on everything from toast to sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless and so delicious!

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Filed under Christmas, Cook, Quick & Easy, Treats

Tagged as Cinnamon Honey Butter, homemade treats

by Stef | December 21, 2012 · 8:11 am

Rudolph the Reindeer Treat Bags

We are Rudolph obsessed in our house this year, therefore, this project was inspired by my little guy. If you are looking for a last minute way to wrap up some of those delicious Christmas cookies or homemade goodies for your friends and neighbors, or looking for a cute and simple way to wrap a gift for a little one, call on the most favorite reindeer of all – Rudolph! I recently made these goodie bags for a kid’s Christmas party and filled them with bags of homemade hot chocolate mix, hot chocolate spoons and Christmas cookies. They are easy to make and fun for your little elves to help with as well.

What you need:
Brown paper lunch bags
Large google eyes
Red pom poms
Brown cardstock
Scissors or circle punch
Black permanent marker
Brown pipe cleaners
Scissors or wire cutter
Glue (Elmers or Tacky)
Clear tape

Using a circle punch or scissors. Cut one-inch circles from brown cardstock.

Lay the paper bag flat. Glue on eyes. Make sure to leave at least 3-4 inches of space at the top to fold over. Glue brown paper circle to bag. Glue red pom on top of brown circle. Using a marker, draw a mouth. I had fun with this and made them all different. Some with buck teeth, some sticking their tongue out, etc. Allow to dry.

Fill bag with goodies or gift. Fold over firmly. Slide one pipe clear tightly to the crease of the bag. Tape the bag in place. Bend the ends of the pipe cleaner upward. With a scissors or wire cutter, cut a pipe cleaner in half. Twist one on each side to create antlers.

I’m sure everyone will love these so much, they will shout out with glee. Too far?

Happy holidays to you and yours.

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Filed under Christmas, DIY

Tagged as Christmas Kid Activity, christmas party, Christmas treat bags, Reindeer Goodie Bags, Rudolph the Reindeer Treat Bags

by kkregel | December 19, 2012 · 10:00 am

Candy Cane Oreo Truffles

Might as well throw one more cookie on just for good measure, right? My mom gave me this recipe Oreo Truffles as a “quick and easy” for a holiday party I had last week. Since then I’ve noticed similar ones here and there on the blogosphere so some of you may already be making and loving these, but because they were new to me I thought I would share anyways.

They truly were easy and turned out looking fancier than they are. Despite my scolding, my cookies-and-cream-aholic husband couldn’t get enough. In fact, he told me I should start making 20% more of every cookie when I have a party just so that he can steal some…um, 20% more, honey? Does he think I’m a mathematician? Silly…

Candy Cane Oreo Truffles
1 1/2 pkg reduced fat cream cheese, room temp
1 pkg Oreos
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 brick of vanilla almond bark
10-12 mini candy canes, crushed

Use a food processor to finely crush Oreos. Transfer to a stand mixer and mix in cream cheese and vanilla.
Roll dough into small 1 inch balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for one hour. Meanwhile, crush up candy canes in the food processor or with a meat mallet.

After dough balls are firm, remove from the fridge. Melt almond bark in the microwave according to package instructions, reheating as necessary if bark begins to get too thick. Use a spoon to gently roll balls in the bark until they are covered, then transfer each ball onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

Working quickly, top each truffle with crushed candy canes before the bark hardens. Let harden and freeze or refrigerate until serving.

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Tagged as easy christmas cookies, oreo truffles

by Anne | December 11, 2012 · 8:56 pm

{Cookie Week} Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

My mother-in-law always has the best cookie plate every year. She makes sure everyone has their annual favorites and takes the time to make dozens of batches. Last year, I couldn’t get enough of these Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints. They are somewhat time consuming, but make the most delicious cookie!

Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

Cookie:
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

For the cookies, combine butter, sugar and almond extract in large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often until creamy. Reduce speed to
low; add flour. Beat until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make indentation in center of each cookie with thumb (edges may crack slightly). Fill each indentation with about 1/4 tsp jam.

Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 1 minute, remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, stir together all glaze ingredients in small bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Makes 3 1/2 dozen
cookies.

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Tagged as Raspberry Almond shortbread

by Stef | December 10, 2012 · 8:00 am

{Cookie Week} Gingerbread Truffles

With our trees trimmed, some presents purchased and Christmas carols in our heads, it is time to start thinking about baking up a few batches of holiday cheer. It is never officially the Christmas season until you’ve eaten your first bite of buttery goodness. We are whipping up a variety of treats to share with you this year, so stay tuned every day this week!

While I enjoy the process of making everything from scratch, sometimes I like to go all Sandra Lee on my treats. When baking a lot of goodies at once, it is nice to have some fast treats to whip up in a jiffy. These Gingerbread Truffles, a form of cake ball, are fun and easy and make a beautiful addition to any cookie tray. There are a variety of similar recipes floating around the web on this one, but I am bringing you my own take and directions.

These were sold at the #MKEFoodies Cookies for Kid’s Cancer holiday bake sale this past weekend. They are a beautiful bake sale treat and keep well for wrapping and transport.

Gingerbread Truffles
Yields around 4 dozen

2 boxes gingerbread mix (I used Betty Crocker) + ingredients on box
1 can of vanilla frosting
2-3 packages of almond bark or white melting chocolate
vegetable shortening
Sprinkles

Bake both boxes of gingerbread according to directions in two 8-inch square pans or one 9×13 inch pan. Allow to cool. Remove from pans and cool completely, at least a couple of hours.

In a large mixing bowl, break up gingerbread and crumble it into pieces with your hands. One large tablespoon at a time, add vanilla frosting. Work the frosting together with the gingerbread, using your hands, until all of the frosting is incorporated.

Using a heaping tablespoon of dough, roll into tight walnut-sized balls. Place on a wax or foil lined baking sheet. Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.

When gingerbread balls are fully chilled, place on package of almond bark in the microwave with 1/2 tsp shortening. Microwave on 50% power for 45-60 seconds and stir. Continue to microwave at 50% for 20-30 second intervals until mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.

With a teaspoon, drop the gingerbread ball into the melted chocolate. Gently roll around until full coated. Lift off and very gently place ball onto a wax or foil lined tray. You may need to give it a gently nudge with the edge of a fork. Decorate immediately with a dash of sprinkles of your choice. Continue the process (melting more chocolate when needed) until all are covered.

Allow to harden in a cool place. Store in a cool place or freeze for up to 3 months.

These do not have to be perfect. If little spots of gingerbread show through, just drizzle a little extra over the top.

We are looking forward to bringing you more holiday treats this whole week. We would love for you to share your favorite Christmas cookie recipes with us! Also, if you make any of our treats, we’d love if you’d share a picture with us on Facebook.

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Filed under Christmas, Treats

Tagged as Christmas Cookies, gingerbread cake balls, gingerbread truffles

by kkregel | December 7, 2012 · 7:45 am

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Haute Hostess

We always like to wrap things up with gifts for the haute hostess (or host) with chic ideas to bring to those holiday parties, winter weekend getaways or even the in-laws. Be sure to check back next week for our holiday cookie ideas!

Anne’s Picks

If your hostess likes to cook, then chances are her pot holders have been through the ringer. Surprise her with a brand new set that she will be sure to put to good use. Mint tea is also a great choice to keep the stress of the season at bay.

1. Cutlery Potrait Napkins ($16) 2. Organic Chestnut Honey ($12) 3. Gunpowder Mint Tea ($12) 4. Mildred Potholders ($14) 5. Alain Milliat Nectars ($12)

Katie’s Picks

In terms of bang for your buck, Restoration Hardware’s luxe throws come at a great deal because they’re often on sale. Last year I went a little overboard and bought three of them as gifts (and one for myself…shhh!) Warm, stylish and easily washed without losing their plushness, these cozy finds are a great gift especially if you’ll be someone’s house guest.

1. Pie Plate ($45) 2. Cora & Lis Tumblers ($4.90, $6.90) 3. Truck Food Cookbook ($18.95) 4. Spritely Jig Potholders ($14) 5. Olivewood Coasters ($24) 6. Luxury Plush Throw ($39)

Stef’s Picks

If your host or hostess is social media savvy, now they can rest their glasses on their own Instagram pictures. Coastergrams allow you to turn those iPhone snapped photos into stone coasters. Fancy flavored olive oils always make a great hostess gift. Who doesn’t love themselves a bottle of truffle oil?

1. Joy the Baker Cookbook ($12) 2. Coastergrams ($30) 3. Chevron Hand Towels ($23.50) 4. Labeled Kitchen Utility Jar ($16) 5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Ornament ($10) 6. Truffle Olive Oil ($16.50)

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Enthusiast

Anne’s Picks: for the Homemaker

Most homemakers love serving their creations in a creative way which is why my top pick is a versatile soup and sandwich tray. Can not only be used for soup and sandwiches but also for morning oatmeal and fruit, ice cream and apple pie or salad and croissant…the possibilities are endless! You also can’t go wring with the Capri Blue Candle from Anthropologie. It is the perfect scent for any home.

1. Soup & Sandwich Tray Duo ($30) 2. Flavor-infused Mayonnaise ($7) 3. Capri Blue candle ($25) 4. Waffle Dipper Pan ($13) 5. Storybook Romance Dishtowels ($42)

Katie’s Picks: for the Workaholic

My job has required demanding hours this year so any gift that makes my day a little more manageable – whether it’s time, travel or stress friendly – is high on my list. For your workaholic friends or family, I’d give a double de-stresser and pair Aveda’s heavenly Stress-fix rollerball concentrate with a subscription to Yogaglo’s online yoga classes. Both will help them relax at home after a hectic day and are completely travel-friendly for business trips.

1. Fix, Freeze, Feast Cookbook ($10) 2. Travel Thermos ($31) 3. Yogaglo subscription (from $18) 4. Bose headphones ($135) 5. Stress-fix concentrate ($22) 6. iPad case ($19.50) 7. Paula custom duffel ($225)

Stef’s Picks: For the Do-It-Yourselfer

For all of those people out there that love to craft, paint, knit, cook crazy things from scratch and marvel at their own masterpieces, I bring you the gift guide for the DIYers. Surprise the independent in your life with a gift certificate to Arte Paint and Wine Bar. If you don’t live in the Milwaukee area, search for paint and wine bars in your area, they are popping up everywhere. They will get a blank canvas, some painting instructions and wine galore. If the piece doesn’t turn out like Van Gogh’s, you can blame it on the wine.

1. Arte Wine Bar & Art Studio class (prices vary) 2. Cricut Create machine ($129) 3. Created with Love stamp ($20) 4. Wilton decorating set ($48) 5. DIY Butter Making Kit ($30) 6. Keep Calm and Craft On Sign ($8)