Tag: fun

Cookie Exchange 2011

Tis the season for get togethers in all shapes and forms. Last weekend I had a relaxing, fun time with my Mom, Sister, Aunts and Cousins, Sister in Law and her Mom and Daughter too. What a nice time we had, it was our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.

We each made a 6 dozen cookies and other goodies to share, see my recent article at Social Moms on how to host a Cookie Exchange.

My cousin made enchiladas while my Mom whipped up chips, delicious salsa, and the best guacamole. We had conversation, yummy food and door prizes! I won a really nice apron, I was so happy – I never win anything!

Extended list of goodies:

Carmelitas

Homemade Twinkies

Buck Eye Balls

Black and White Cookies

Peanut Butter bars with Chocolate Granache

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Pretzels

Pizzelles

Blondies

Chocolate Cookies

Homemade Fudge

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Matzo Toffee

No Bake Cookies

Rocky Road Bars

I highly recommended doing this with the ladies in your life! It is the perfect break from all the hustle and bustle.

All the beautiful women who participated, love you ladies!

December 16, 2011
Melted Snowman Cookies
I must say that Pinterest has inspired me to do many things I could never think of. For instance, this time around, I came across these adorable Christmas cookies – Melted Snowmen, so cute! It was posted on the Crazy Domestic blog, hers turned out really good! She credits another blogger for the inspiration: “To see the originalMelted Snowman Cookie, and meet the inventor herself, go check out Meaghan (great name) @ The Decorated Cookie!” Thank you Ladies!

I wanted to try making the melted snowman cookies for our 2^nd grade class.

Mine certainly did not come out as cute, but 2^{nd^{graders are forgiving! They gobbled em’ up and loved them. I had made enough that we were able to share with the Kindergarten class that our middle son is in. Smiles all around!}}

They turned out perfectly golden and crisp.

Frosted, add partially melted marshmellows

For the frosting I used this recipe from allrecipes.com. It is not pure white like the pre-made stuff but it is good!

Frosting

Ingredients
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening (I used butter crisco)
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- food coloring
Directions
1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners’ sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.
Couple of notes: I mistakenly bought gel frosting, not a good idea! Definitely need a thinner frosting tip too.
These taste really, really good! Crisp, not too sweet, great with milk!

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December 7, 2011
Vanilla Snow Shakes

This past Wednesday we had our first snowfall, this called for celebration! My boys love the snow and they were so excited to be getting a storm. They woke early Wednesday to peak outside…

I have never seen them get dressed and ready so fast, they bundled up and headed out.

Talk of the coming storm was mentioned on many Facebook pages’. My friend Tom had a comment on his wall talking about Vanilla Creams made with snow. My boys love eating snow (against everything my husband stands for, lol) and I knew they would love to use it in a recipe. We strayed a little from the recipe and ended up with delicious Vanilla Snow Shakes.

After coming in and putting warm jammies, we made these delicious concoctions.

Pour Milk into Snow, add Vanilla and Sugar

Whisk together until creamy and smooth, pour into cups

Enjoy!

October 28, 2011