It’s Almost Christmas

Christmas is a time when family and friends gathering together to celebrate, and old and young alike enjoy an array of special Christmas goodies to munch on.

Almost Healthy Holiday Cookies

One of my favorites is an easy and inexpensive treat called “No-Bake Cookies”. These are called cookies but are almost like candy using the cookie name to make themselves seem more healthy. They do contain oatmeal, though, which is considered a healthful food, and peanut butter which is a great source of protein, so we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and stick to calling them cookies. Here’s the recipe:

No-Bake Cookies

Dash of salt
2 cups of sugar
1/2 stick oleo
1/2 cup milk
4 level tablespoons cocoa
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1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth is OK, but for a bit more zip, try crunchy style)
3 cups quick oats
1 large teaspoon vanilla

Cook the first five ingredients in a saucepan, bringing them to a good boil. Remove mixture from heat. While this mixture is still hot, add the rest of the ingredients and blend them in well. Mix well until thickened, then drop by spoonfuls on wax paper or a cookie sheet. Makes about two dozen cookies.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Another great holiday recipe that’s also quick and easy, fairly inexpensive, contains ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and looks like you worked for hours on is No-Cook Fudge and there actually is no cooking! Here’s that recipe:

No-Cook Fudge

1 stick oleo
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup milk
1 pound powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup cocoa

Melt the oleo and mix with the other liquids. Mix the dry ingredients separately, then mix the liquid and dry mixtures together. If you want nuts in your fudge, add them at this point. Stir well. Pour into an 8 inch pan and refrigerate until ready to eat. Cut into squares and serve.

If you make two batches, skip the nuts in one. There are lots of folks who are allergic to nuts or find them hard to chew and digest. But nobody will have a problem enjoying the plain no-cook fudge.

A Must for Holiday Parties

How about something to drink to go along with the sweets? Punch is a welcome change after chocolate and sweet treats. But maybe you are one of the people who believe you can never have too much chocolate, especially during the holiday season!

Christmas Punch

6 ounce can of frozen orange juice
6 ounce can of frozen lemonade
1 package unsweetened cherry drink mix
1 1/2 cups sugar
10 cups water

Mix all ingredients together well in a large container. You can start with a bit less sugar and then sweeten to taste. Freeze until slushy or freeze solid and then thaw partially before needed.

Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy these great treats. In fact, why wait for Christmas when you can enjoy these recipes year round.

Author: Santa's Helper | Filed under: Holiday Food and Drink Monday Nov 24,2008