Yuletide Blog

In need of a last minute gift for your co-workers? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. Give these simple recipes to fellow foodies around the office or anyone you may work with. They are perfect to make for a holiday party or just to keep aside when needed in a hurry.

Gingerbread Cutout Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 3/4 cup molasses
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Vanilla frosting of your choice
• Red and green paste food coloring

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight or until easy to handle.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 21/2-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Tint some of the frosting red and some green. Decorate cookies.

Peanut Butter Snowballs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 1 pound white candy coating, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the sugar, peanut butter and butter. Shape into 1-in. balls and place on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.

2. Meanwhile, melt the candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip balls and place on waxed paper to harden.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Mix

*Note: The mix can be wrapped in an airtight plastic bag and placed in a pretty mug for the ultimate gift.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Additional ingredients:

• 3/4 cup hot milk

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the milk powder, sugar, creamer, cocoa and cinnamon. Add the marshmallows; mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 3 months.

To prepare 1 serving:

1. Dissolve 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix in hot milk.

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