MERRY CHRISTMAS

Just a quick post to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!

In recent weeks I have watched dear friends of mine deal with life threatening issues. Two have had surgery to remove brain tumors, for the SECOND time! A third is grateful to be alive and fighting to walk again after a hard landing in a helicopter. Another is fighting breast cancer and is being told she will be lucky to have two more years with her husband and young children. Others are dealing with loss of loved ones and other health issues.

Each of these situations serves to remind me that spending time with those we love is so much more important than any gifts we can buy. I encourage you to give the gift of time. Spend time with your spouse. Spend time with your kids. Spend time with aging parents and siblings who have their own busy lives.

Create memories that will last forever. Gifts will be used, lost and often forgotten. But memories will be with you and your loved ones forever.

If you are Christian, as I am, I ask you to remember the reason for this season. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, gave his life for us. He reminds us that this is a season for service. What greater gift can we give to those we care about than that of love and time.

May you have a blessed Christmas Day. My hope for you is that you are able to spend it with those you love.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

BUTTERFINGER (LICK YOUR FINGERS) PIE

Okay, only one more Christmas treat this week, then I am moving to some really easy recipes for quick and special holiday breakfasts and lunches.


This recipe doesn't go into the Goodie Bags, but can be whipped up in 5 minutes flat and put in the freezer for dinner or company or office party...it's always a hit at the office party!


This Butterfinger Pie recipe is soooo easy, yet soooo good!


What you need:
6 Butterfinger Candy Bars (or 18 mini's)
3 oz Cream Cheese, room temp (1/3 of standard package)
1-8oz container whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip, but any brand will work)
Pre-made Graham Cracker Crust


Crumble the Butterfinger candy bars into a bowl.
Add room temp Cream Cheese to it and mush together with a fork.
Add whipped topping to bowl and mix thoroughly with fork,
Pour into Graham Cracker Crust.
Freeze!


Wasn't that easy? Let me put emphasis on FREEZE. The family couldn't wait to eat it, so the pie in the pic below isn't totally frozen. I was lucky to get a picture before the whole pie was gone.But the more frozen it is, the better it tastes!! 
Served here with hot chocolate...Mmmmmm!!

VARIATION:
My favorite variation is Heath Bars. Recipe exactly the same using 6 Heath bars. I like to put this one in a chocolate cookie crust. Again, you can purchase the pre-made chocolate cookie crust. (Also goes well in graham cracker).


You can't go wrong with this pie at any holiday gathering! Enjoy!
Merry Christmas!!

OREO BARK/PEPPERMINT BARK-2nd HOLIDAY TREAT

Here is the 2nd of several quick and easy treats to make for the holidays. Can whip these up in a matter of minutes for last minute guests or to fill goodie bags. If you missed the 1st treat, you can see the Pretzel Kisses here.


Today's recipe has variations so you can actually create multiple flavors quickly. Here I will show Chocolate Peppermint Bark and Oreo Bark.


This process is so quick and easy. Start by crushing candy canes and Oreos in gallon size baggies before starting.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK

Purchase Almond Bark in chocolate and vanilla. You can also use 'melting chocolates' or 'candy coating'...different names in different stores. I found Candy Coating at Fry's and Almond Bark at Walmart. Michaels, JoAnn's and all grocery stores will carry one or the other.

Almond Bark typically comes in a 1 pound package.
Break it in half and put one half in a microwave safe bowl.
Microwave for 1 minute. Use a plastic knife or silicone spatula to begin stirring. Continue to microwave in 15 second intervals until melted. It will continue to melt as you stir.

Now you can use a variety of containers to create the candy. I prefer a flat plastic storage container because I can twist it to pop the hardened candy out. You can use several small ones or a larger (9x13) size flat container. You could also use a cookie sheet, you just need to be able to twist it a little. I spray my plastic container with non-stick cooking spray. I'm not sure it is necessary but I do it anyway.


Pour the melted chocolate into the plastic container. Spread to about 1/8 inch thick.

Next put 1/2 pound of the Vanilla Almond Bark in another bowl and melt. Start with one minute in the microwave and stir. Add 15 seconds increments, stirring between each one.


Pour the melted Vanilla Bark on top of the Chocolate. I like to dribble it all over. It will not spread as you pour, so it's important not to dump it all in one spot. If you do, you will end up with a 'dirty' mixture of black and white as you try to spread it. That's not so bad, you can cover it with candy and it still tastes great. After dribbling the white on, take a plastic knife and gently cut through it, which spreads it and creates cool designs. You can do it nice and neatly, or a little chaotic.

Next, pick up a handful of crushed Peppermint and sprinkle on top. It's important to have the candy already crushed because you don't want the chocolate to harden while you are busy crushing candy canes.

Now, stick the plastic container in the fridge to harden.


Next I take 1/2 pound of Vanilla Bark (white), put it in microwave bowl and melt. Same process...start with one minute, stir, add 15 seconds, stir, etc.


When melted, add a couple handfuls of crushed Oreos and gently fold in. Pour into another flat plastic container and spread gently with the plastic knife. Put it in the fridge to harden.

When hardened (only takes a few minutes), twist the container so you can pick up the entire piece of bark. Gently break into pieces of whatever size you want. Here is a plate of peppermint and Oreo bark side by side.

This is great in goodie bags for neighbors, friends, co-workers, car-pool buddies, postal carrier, hair dresser, and well, anyone! It is also great to set out at a party broken into small pieces. It is always the first to go!
Merry Christmas!!

PRETZEL KISSES-FIRST OF HOLIDAY TREATS!

I know I usually post about healthy habits, including recipes, exercise, juicing etc. Don't be confused with this post. I still value and support a healthy lifestyle. But, it's the HOLIDAYS! And I just can't help but make treats. So I thought I'd share some of them.


There are always people we like to give a little something to. Heck, if I was independently wealthy I'd buy gifts for everyone I know! I love seeing the look of surprise and pleasure when someone receives something unexpectedly.


But, I digress...little holiday bags full of homemade goodies are  perfect for neighbors, co-workers, carpool buddies, mail carrier, music teacher...well, you get the idea. Goodie bags are great for everyone. It's a little piece of homemade love.


Here is the first item I made to fill my goodie bags. I call them Pretzel Kisses. They are so easy and so good!

PRETZEL KISSES
Preheat oven to 225* while preparing pretzels
Place pretzel squares or knots on cookie sheet
Place Hershey's Kiss centered on each pretzel

Put cookie sheet with pretzels and kisses in the 225* oven for 3-5 min. (You can test one by pressing M&M into it until you get the feel for  how they look when warmed completely.) If you heat them at higher temp they will melt and drip. Heating at low heat just warms and softens them.


When kisses are warmed through, remove from oven. Set M&M on top and gently press into kiss. I used plain and peanut M&M's. You could also use peanut butter M&M's.

Place cookie sheet in fridge for 30 minutes to let chocolate harden. Then you can throw them all into a plastic container for storage until you are ready to fill your goodie bags. I like to keep them in the fridge until giving them away.

Stay tuned for more goodies for holiday gifting or parties.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!