A Christmas Recipe Post

Thought I should put some holiday recipes on my blog since baking and sharing goodies is part of the fun on this time of year for me, so here are a few of my SUPER EASY AND FAST favorites to make!

Nutty Clusters
These are really easy to make and very yummy! Also great to put in tin or bags for little gifts!

6 squares chocolate "almond bark" (can buy this time or year at store - or use an extra cup of chocolate chips if you cannot find almond bark)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 cups peanuts or mixed nuts

Combine chocolate almond bark, chocolate morsels, and peanut butter in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Pour nuts in; stir well. Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper. Freeze for a few minutes to set quickly. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Makes about 2 dozen.

Hulihan Family Shortbread
This is a family recipe from my mom and is one of those indulgent treats only to be eaten around the holidays!

2 c. unsalted Butter @ room temperature
1 ½ Bakers sugar
4 Cups of flour
1 package 12 oz chocolate chips (if you are going to make smaller squares, best to use mini chips)
Preheat oven at 275 degrees. Coat cookie sheets with spray oil.
Cream butter and sugar together. Stir in flour. Add chocolate chips. Roll into ¼ inch thick. Poke with fork. Cook for 20 minutes. Cut into squares.

Frozen Cranberry Salad
This is from Jon's mom and is one of my favorite recipes and can be considered kind of healthy because of the fruit and nuts in it. Sometimes I will eat leftovers slightly defrosted with cottage cheese or yogurt mixed in to pretend it is more healthy too! This is SOOOO good!

1 20 oz. Can Pineapple Tidbits (or if you cannot find tidbits, use crushed pineapple)
5 Medium Bananas
1 can whole cranberries
½ C. Sugar
12 oz. Cool whip
½ cup chopped walnuts

Drain Pineapple. Cut Banana into slices. Mix cranberries with sugar, add pineapple and bananas. Fold in cool whip and nuts. Freeze overnight. Remove from freeze 15 minutes before serving!

Okay - eat your heart out!