These traditional Christmas treats are called Mendiants, hailing from the country of France in the Middle Ages. Mendiants are basically discs of chocolate topped with dried fruits and nuts. They're incredibly tasty and insanely easy to make! A quick history: The name, mendiant, comes from the Latin word, mendicans, meaning beggar, referring to the Roman … Continue reading French Mendiants
Christmas Favorites
Russian Tea Cakes
These little nutty shortbread cookies are found in several different cultures throughout the world. In Russia, they're made with hazelnuts and called Tea Cakes. In Mexico, they're made with almonds and called Wedding Cookies. In the Southern USA, they're made with pecans and called Pecan Sandies. And sometimes, usually at the holidays, they're simply referred … Continue reading Russian Tea Cakes
Sugar Plum Cream Cheese Danish
The only thing I like more than Starbucks' Sugar Plum Danish during the holiday season is the freedom to make it at home all throughout the year, using cleaner ingredients, and for much cheaper! I'm including two different options: one using premade puff pastry from the grocery store, and the other for those who wish … Continue reading Sugar Plum Cream Cheese Danish
Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is easily one of the most popular holiday sweet treats. It can be pricy to buy premade, but not to worry: it's super easy to make at home! This version is special, however. Sprinkles and candies turns this tasty peppermint bark into adorable Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark. Try making this with your kiddos, … Continue reading Melted Snowman Peppermint Bark
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Did you know macaroons are popular sweet treats during Jewish holidays, like Hanukkah and Passover? They don't contain any of the forbidden foods for traditional Jews during these sacred celebrations. That's just a bonus, however, to the fact that they're absolutely delicious! Even though I'm not Jewish, I plan to make them every December and … Continue reading Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Homemade Egg Nog
I've only recently learned that egg nog is a polarizing subject. I didn't realize people hated it, but apparently they do. However, those that like egg nog - like myself - love it. And we really love it! I've long been one of the people who squeals when she sees the first cartons of the … Continue reading Homemade Egg Nog
Spiced Molasses Crackle Cookies
Molasses is a classic holiday flavor, but traditional gingerbread can be hard and dry. That's where these chewy molasses cookies come in! They are characterized by a chewy interior, surrounded by a crunchy exterior covered in delicious sparkling sugar. The trick is to let them cool on a sheet of wax paper to keep the … Continue reading Spiced Molasses Crackle Cookies
Coffee Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Today's Christmas cookie recipe originated with a dear friend who has been making them for her friends and family for decades. She has always known these are my very favorite, so she was gracious enough to share her recipe with me. However, in my anticipation, I was too impatient to chill the dough before baking. … Continue reading Coffee Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Today's Christmas cookie recipe is Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies, perfect for fans of grasshopper cookies or Thin Mint cookies. These little gems taste like little brownie bites with a delicate hint of mint, and while they look stunning, they taste even better! They're perfect for the holidays, or pretty much any other day, since the … Continue reading Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies
This week, we're focusing on Christmas cookies and sweet treats, and we're starting off with one of the best! I probably should've labeled this post Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, because that's precisely what they are. However, at their heart, these are just orange-flavored blondies, festively dressed with cranberries and white chocolate chips, smothered in … Continue reading Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies
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