Simplify Christmas: Easy Holiday Treats

By Contributing Writer, Kelly Crawford

Holidays gatherings, potluck dinners, food gifts and crowded calendars plead for us to find simple solutions to the year’s most popular feasting season. I have scoured and searched for some ways we are simplifying the food department this year. Share your secrets too!

Food Gifts and Holiday Dishes

Look for recipes you can make ahead and freeze or do not require a lot of time. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried or plan to try this year:

We have already made Oreo Cookie Bark several times and found it to be one of the simplest and most delicious snacks around! Melt white chocolate over low heat, crumble Oreo cookies into it (or use bite-sized if you’re in a real hurry), pour out on a cookie sheet, let cool, and break into pieces.

This recipe is also yummy made with peppermint candy.

Fudge!

Isn’t this a cute idea for a child’s gift? Or a hostess gift? Or guest favors? I’ll slip one into a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon.

Sugared Nuts

1 lb whole walnuts or pecans (or nuts of choice)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup milk (I used low fat milk)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a saucepan combine the sugar, milk, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk over medium high heat until all of the ingredients combine completely, then stop stirring and bring to a boil. Boil the mixture gently until it reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer; about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Add walnuts, working as quickly as possible to coat them all. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Break apart any big chunks and allow to cool completely.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Sticks

Honeycomb Brittle

(Click here for recipe)

Easy Apple/Cranberry Cider

• 1 quart apple cider or apple juice
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

An inexpensive way to share your treats!

***Bonus: Simple Breakfast***

These can be made the day before, refrigerated, and popped in oven or microwave the next morning! My family loved these. Scramble eggs, (I mixed a little milk in) drop in your favorite breakfast foods (sausage, mushrooms, bell pepper, onions, cheese, etc.), bake and pop out for perfect, hand-sized breakfast muffins.

What are your favorite, quick/easy holiday treats?

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