Saturday Recipes and Ideas for Christmas

First I want you to go and visit Amber at Redmommy Crafts! She has been posting the most interesting and yummy sounding fudge recipes!! Amber is a first class crafter and is busy this time of year with bazaars and craft shows. I for one, really appreciate her sharing some of these great and different fudge recipes with us! Don't stop with just the base fudge recipe! Make sure you check her blog for all the great recipes using this base fudge! Editted to add: You can freeze fudge if you wrap it well. I usually wrap with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil and freeze up to 3 months.

Since I am thinking declutter, I am thinking Christmas gifts that won't clutter my family or friends' homes. Homemade mixes, baskets and gifts are the order there. So over the next few weeks, I will be sharing my recipes and ideas. And perhaps even some gift packaging. We will see what happens!

Almond Roca
Source: Friend and sister in Christ, Lynda from P.A.
I have been making this for over 20 years and it is simple and good!

Almond Roca

3 1/2 cubes butter (MUST BE BUTTER)
2 C sugar
1 C sliced almonds

12 oz bag chocolate chips

Melt butter. Bring to boil Add sugar and bring to boil. Stir and add in almonds. Continue to stir up to hard crack (310) Be careful!!! Pour into 2 greased pie pans. When cool enough lay out on to wax paper. Melt 12 oz chocolate chips. Spread on one side of roca. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Turn over and repeat. Break after chocolate has hardened. Store in airtight container. To break I use a nut picker and a mallet to help crack. Decorate a mason jar to give as a gift. Or wrap in clear wrap and tie with a ribbon and set in a sleigh shaped basket.

Easy Pomanders for Christmas

Push whole cloves into a styrofoam ball to form your desired design - circles, stars, Christmas tree - your imagination is your limits!

Take a large plastic bag and fill with ground nutmeg and cinnamon. Gently shake it to mix the spices. In a small bowl, add a few drops of scented oil to Elmers glue. Brush this on the cloves and ball completely covering. Drop the ball into the spice bag, carefull NOT to let the ball touch the sides of the ba. Now shake this gently until the ball is completely covered. Let dry completely. Put in a Christmas bowl or basket with some pinecones and holly. Decorate by tying a bow around it. :) Placing this next to the warmth of a fireplace with enhance the aroma!

Chocolate Coffee Mix:

1/2 C instant coffee crystals
1 1/2 C powdered creamer
1/ C chocolate flavored powdered drink mix
1/4 C Sugar
1/8 t salt
1/2 t nutmeg

Mix ingredients together in a blender. Put into a decorated jar. To use: add to hot water according to your taste.

Caramel Pretzels and Nuts

16 C small pretzel twists
2 C roasted peanuts
2 C brown sugar, packed
1/4 C light corn syrup
1/4 C molasses
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
1 t almond extract

Place pretzels and peanuts in a 20" x 14" oven cooking bag sprayed with cooking spray. In a 2 qt microwave safe bowl, combine sugar, corn syrup and molasses. Microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes or until mixture boils. Stir and microwave 2 minutes longer. Stir in salt, baking soda and almond extract. Pour syrup over pretzel mixture; stir and shake until all is well coated. microwave 1 1/2 min more on high. Stir, shake and microwave again for 1 1/2 min longer. Spread on greased aluminum foil and cool. Store in airtight containers. Again this is a great mix to share with friends.


Layered Oatmeal Chip Cookie Mix

1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar packed
1 C quick cooking oats
1 C Rice Krispies
1/2 C chocolate chips
1 C flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking powder

Layer first 5 ingredients in order listed, in a one quart wide mouth glass canning jar. (Always use a wide mouth jar for mixes) Press down firmly on each layer before adding the next ingredient. Combine flour, salt and baking powder together, mixing well. Add flour mixture on top of the chocolate chip layer. Add a gift card with the following instructions:

Mix the jar of ingredients with 1/2 C softened margarine, one beaten egg and one teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend well. Shape into one inch balls and place 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies.