Christmas Baking Round-up

I can't believe how crazy these last few weeks have been for me. I recently was offered a promotion at work and will soon get me to my goal of becoming a manager hopefully the beginning of the new year! So I'm just working a lot of hours and being it is in retail and it is the holidays, it is pure craziness. I'm glad it is almost over though. I'm so behind in everything I usually do and just end up heading to bed at the end of the night. I'm also excited to announce my boyfriend arrived home on Wednesday, right before Christmas! Let's get onto Christmas baking! I decided against any cakes this year and instead to do an array of goodies. I make these goodies every year and I know they are good recipes. People enjoy them and it is easier then a cake! So let's get started.  

Peppermint Bark

 
The recipe is real simple. I melt 30oz of semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler, then spread it onto a baking sheet. While that is set, I will melt 30oz of white chocolate over a double boiler. I'll take off the heat, add in 2tsp of organic peppermint extract and about 2 cups of crushed candy canes. Spread on top of the semi-sheet chocolate and set in the fridge for an hour. Just break apart into pieces when done. Sometimes I will swirl the chocolates together, or I will layer them, so the chocolates do not get mixed together. It depends on my holiday mood. ;)  

Fantasy Fudge

   

I tried a different recipe for fudge this year. Normally it is made with condensed milk and it makes for a creamier fudge. I opted to try fantasy fudge. The recipe is located on the jar of marshmallow creme. I made it as directed, just omitting the walnuts. I wasn't happy with the results. It was super sweet and didn't have that creaminess I was expecting. I had to try it, but next year I'll go back to my old standby. Although everyone seemed to enjoy it because they kept complimenting me on how good it tasted! Click HERE for Fantasy Fudge recipe.  

Toffee Biscotti

 
Biscotti is becoming one my favorite cookies to bake. I loved the toffee biscotti because it is sweet and nutty from the toffee bits. Goes GREAT with coffee. Definitely a great coffee dunker! Click HERE for Toffee Biscotti recipe.  

Caramel Popcorn Brittle

   

This recipe was SO easy! I've made caramel corn before in the oven and it was more of a hassle. This recipe was done on the stove top and then was spread out onto a baking sheet to cool off. Then it is broken up into pieces like a peanut brittle. I like the zing of the molasses flavor it called for. These were a bit sweet, but I found myself not knowing when to stop eating it! They are really addicting, but a crowd favorite to anyone who likes caramel corn! Click HERE for Caramel Popcorn Brittle recipe.

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies 

The chocolate chip cookies are the darker ones!
I could go for a cookie now, but they are all gone!

Nothing makes a better chocolate chip cookie then the recipe on the back of the Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips bag! I've never made a chocolate chip cookie for Christmas before, but I was in the mood this year. These were such a hit at my boyfriend's parents house. They couldn't believe how good they were! I think cookies are just always a hit with anyone. These were best straight out the oven, warm and gooey! Click HERE for the Toll-House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.  

White Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies

   

From Baking Bites, I made her White Chocolate Cherry Cookies. These were another successful cookie along with the chocolate chip cookies! I've made these before and remember how delicious they were. They are festive with the white chips and red dried cherries for Christmas. They are light, buttery and sweet. The chocolate and cherry compliment each other, making for a great tasting cookie. Click HERE for White Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookie recipe.

That was my 2009 holiday baking! I'm glad it is over with, I was really getting tired of all the sweets. Of course that only lasts for a few days and then I want dessert again! I hope everyone else had a great holiday just as much as I did. I was able to celebrate it with my boyfriend at his family's house. It was great. I couldn't of had a better Christmas. He also knows how to pick out a nice Christmas present. :) 

I'm off to the gym!

Fallon