Holiday Treats

Here are some holiday yummies that I'm enjoying...

Ginger Chocolate Chip Bars: I've made this easy recipe twice this holiday season with excellent results. I plan to make another batch for the Baker family Christmas party this weekend. http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=printerFriendly&recipe_id=1859012

Peanut Butter Balls: These made an appearance at my holiday cookie exchange and they definitely remind me of my childhood Christmases. Speaking of that...when I think back to Christmas as a youngster, I always run into this same memory of watching holiday episodes of old t.v. shows on Nickelodeon with my brother. There was definitely a holiday episode of Lassie, Dennis the Menace, Mr. Ed and Patty Duke among others. Anyway, here's the recipe:

• 1 bag of Hershey Kisses
• 1 can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk (14 oz)
• 3/4 to 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups baking mix (Bisquick)
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Beat milk, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until smooth. Add Bisquick.
• Chill for one hour.
• Form dough into balls. Bake 6-8 minutes. Place Hershey Kiss in center of cookie while still hot.

Pecan Toffee Fudge: Good news...after a brief hiatus last Christmas season, Mrs. Bailey's treat is back! If peanut butter balls make me think of childhood Christmases, pecan toffee fudge reminds me of teenage Christmases for sure. She won't reveal her recipe, of course, so I had to do my best guess as to what's in this addictive creation. Here are two possible recipes:

http://www.mycookingblog.com/post/1-shirley/16162/Pecan-Toffee-Fudge

http://shaymees.blogspot.com/2006/10/toffee-fudge-squares.html

Gum Drop Pops: I'm planning on making these little do-dads tomorrow with my nephews. It seems like a fun, crafty holiday activity that's not too complicated or too messy. Plus, the treats are dairy-free, which is a must since we have an allergy in the group. http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/gumdrop-pops?autonomy_kw=gumdrops&rsc=image_1