Denise's Country Basket: December 2016

Friday, December 23, 2016

Christmas Baking

I have been very busy planning and baking this week, for our Christmas Eve Party. It has been so much fun and a lot of work, but I truly enjoy every minute of it. Christmas is a special time of year for my family. The kids could not be more excited, even my husband is acting like a kid, go figure! I have to keep a close eye on him around the cookies. He says he can be my taste-tester. How sweet of him! To kick things off, I made Mini Fruitcakes, then it was Fruitcake cookies. The next cookie was Butternuts, then Peppermint Melt Aways, after that Cinnamon Bear cookies. I am also working on some savory recipes in between each cookie that I have baked. My other cookies have been Christmas Cherry cookies (both in red and green) a Chocolate Wow cookie and a Red Velvet Chocolate Chip cookie. As well as Chocolate Cherry Blossom cookies and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls (a candy). I also made a Cherry Blossom Fudge, I would use one stick less butter, this fudge was nice and firm, but still creamy and smooth. A Fruited Rice Cream, a Christmas version of rice pudding. Some of the savory treats are Spinach Dip w/ baby carrots and assorted crackers, Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Meatballs, Spicy Lil' Smokies, Chicken Cheese ball w/assorted crackers (www.allrecipes.com), a Ham and Swiss Pinwheels, Sausage Balls, Maple Apple-Chicken Bites and Mini Party Rolls. To wash it all down, Mocha Punch (a favorite from my sister,(www.tasteofhome.com) and a beautiful Crimson Punch (www.tasteofhome.com). Christmas breakfast includes a Hash Brown Casserole and Cinnamon Rolls. Later in the day we are having our traditional ham with homemade potato salad and rolls. May you each have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! God Bless Us One and All!!