Orange Cranberry Crinkle Cookies

A classic Christmas cookie, chocolate crinkles, gets a face lift! 

This recipe uses a sugar cookie base in addition to cranberries and orange zest to make a refreshing cookie that will be a welcomed addition to any Christmas gathering. 

Orange Cranberry Crinkle Cookies – Adapted from Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• 1/2 C butter, softened
• 3/4 C sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• zest of 1 orange
• 1 T orange juice
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/8 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/2 C white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 C chopped fresh cranberries
• Powdered sugar

Directions

Begin by creaming together 1/2 C butter with 3/4 C sugar.  Add in 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 egg, along with the zest of one orange and 1 T orange juice. 

Mix together 1 1/2 C white whole wheat flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. baking powder and 1/8 tsp. baking soda.

Add the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture 1/2 C at a time.  Mix until well incorporated. 

Then, stir in 1/2 C chopped cranberries. 

Fill a small bowl with about 1/4 C powdered sugar. 

Using a cookie scoop, scoop 1 T dough into the powdered sugar and roll until the cookie is covered in powdered sugar.  (Refill the powdered sugar as needed)

Place each dough ball onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. 

Bake each cookie sheet at 350 for 9-11 minutes.  Cookies are done when the edges are set. 

Remove from the oven and allow cookies to continue cooking for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. 

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week; for longer storage, freeze after baking. 

Enjoy! 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Gift Idea: Gingerbread Play Dough

We are at the stage in life where lots of our friends have little kiddos.  While I love giving treats to families, it’s fun to be able to give a little one something special of their own. 

As long as no gluten or cinnamon allergies are a part of the child’s life, this gingerbread play dough is so festive and fun, it makes the perfect little something.

Plus – you have fun even making it!

Gingerbread Play Dough – Adapted from Mommy Savers

Ingredients

• 4 C all purpose flour
• 1 C salt
• 1 T cinnamon
• 2 tsp. ginger
• 3 T oil
• 2 C boiling water

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, cinnamon and ginger.  Stir well.

Then, add in the oil and boiling water. 

Begin by stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough cools off a bit from the boiling water. 

Then, knead on a lightly floured surface, adding more oil and/or flour as needed to achieve a non-sticky pliable dough. 

Place in a bowl and cover to prevent drying and let the dough cool completely. 

Divide into fifths by cutting the dough with a knife.  Place each section into an airtight bag or container. 

Enjoy! 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Baking Day 2013

It’s become an annual tradition.  The day following Thanksgiving (otherwise known as Black Friday) is our baking day. 

Although, to be honest, this year, we moved the date to the Saturday after Thanksgiving because of my sister’s work schedule; regardless of when it falls, it’s a day I look forward to all year long. 

My mom, sister and I make a huge mess in the kitchen, preparing goodies for the Christmas season. 

We form an assembly line:

1) One of us (my job this year) is to mix and prep all the dry ingredients.  Each dry ingredient bowl gets a label with the cookie title, the wet ingredients needed and the oven temp + bake time, and a note if the recipe needs chilling or not. 

2) Another person (my sister this year) is in charge of the mixer.  Creaming butter and sugars together according to the recipe, and adding in the dry ingredients already prepared. 

3) Finally, the last person preps any add-in ingredients, and volunteered to do the dishes.  Yes, my mom volunteered to do the dishes.  She also shuttled the cookie dough to the porch or fridge if chilling was needed. 

After the chilling is done, we line up the dough on the kitchen table and all of us scoop cookie dough balls onto wax-paper covered cookie sheets. 

Most of these end up being flash frozen and then packaged into labeled containers or freezer bags for later baking.  All bags get a cookie name, baking temperature and time written on them, as well as the date.   

But, of course, some require immediate baking and consumption. 

In the end, here’s what we made:

• 6 batches of Nut-Free Chex Mix
• 2 batches of Caramel Chex Mix Munch
• 1 batch of Muddy Buddies
• Grandma’s Spritz Cookies
• Lofthouse-Style Thick Sugar Cookies
• Peppermint Crunch Cookies
• Anise Cookies
• Mint-Surprise Cookies {new}
• Lemon Cookies {new}
• White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies {new}
• Orange Cranberry Cookies {new}
• Hot Cocoa on a Stick
• Andes Mint Fudge
• Molasses Crinkles
• And, Gingerbread Play Dough {new}

I’m tired just looking at that list!  But, we had so much fun and my freezer is stocked and ready for the Christmas season. 

Now, whenever we have people over, I can bake up a fresh batch of cookies and serve it with hot cocoa. 

On my baking list are a few more treats before the season is over (and, by over, I mean before February):

• Dark Chocolate Cherry Bark
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Shortbread (we leave these for Santa)
• Dark Chocolate Toffee
• Mint Oreo Cookie Crunch
• Carmelitas
• Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
• and, my mom’s famous fudge (she already made this one!!)

We finished up the baking day with pizza and a cute Hallmark Christmas Movie featuring Candace Cameron Bure (remember DJ from Full House?!) called Let It Snow.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful day. 

Do you do a Christmas goodie baking day, or do you spread out your baking all Christmas season?  I’d love to hear your baking traditions!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Time To Say Hello With Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Significant Strategies Before You Make Gluten Free Christmas Cakes

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Significant Strategies Before You Make Gluten Free Christmas Cakes

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Time To Say Hello With Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Time To Say Hello With Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Significant Strategies Before You Make Gluten Free Christmas Cakes

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Merry Christmas!

Oh, how joyfully,
Oh, how hopefully,
Waits the world on Christmas Eve!
Love comes healing.
God revealing.
Friends, be joyful and believe. 

Oh, how joyfully,
Oh, how peacefully,
Sleeps the world on Christmas Night!
Sins are covered.
Grace discovered.
In our darkness shines the light!

Oh, how joyfully,
Oh, how thankfully,
Wakes the world on Christmas Morn!
God has spoken,
Death is broken,
Alleluia!  Christ is born!

-Brian Wren

 

Frog Prince and I wish you a very merry Christmas. 

See you back here on the 26th for the Countdown to 2013!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Candy Cane Crunch Ice Cream Cake

One of our new family traditions is making Jesus a birthday cake to celebrate Christmas. 

With all the other sweet treats around at this time of year, an ice cream cake is much more appealing to us than a super sweet frosted cake. 

Best yet, you can make it ahead, and the cake keeps for 1 month in the freezer – so we can make it now, and have it on hand incase unexpected visitors stop by during the holiday season. 

It’s festive and light, creamy and delicious. 

The best kind of birthday cake, for the best birthday celebration. 

Candy Cane Crunch Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 1 C white whole wheat flour
• 1/4 C {heaping} Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 C sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 C plain Greek Yogurt
• 3/4 C warm water
• 1 T vanilla
• 1 recipe peppermint candy cane ice cream
• Andes Mints Peppermint Crunch
• Homemade hot fudge {optional}

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together 1 C white whole wheat flour, 1/4 C cocoa powder, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 C sugar.  Stir well. 

To the dry ingredients, mix in 1 egg, 1/3 C Greek Yogurt and 1 T vanilla. 

Add in 3/4 C warm water.  Stir well. 

Spread into a 9x13 cake pan that has been lightly greased. 

Bake at 325 for 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake. 

Cool completely.  About 1 hour. 

Meanwhile, prepare the peppermint candy cane ice cream according to directions found here. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to make your own ice cream, choose your favorite peppermint or candy cane ice cream variety from the store.  Other yummy options include: Mint Chocolate Chip or Mint Cookies & Cream!

When the ice cream is ready, spread the ice cream over the top of the chocolate cake.  Sprinkle the top with the Andes Peppermint Crunch. 

Freeze until set (4-6 hours, or overnight). 

Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. 

If desired, drizzle homemade hot fudge over the top of the cake.  Yum, yum!

Enjoy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

9 Christmas Breakfast Ideas

I can’t believe Christmas is just right around the corner.  I am super excited.  I love everything about Christmas, from the twinkling lights to the snow on the ground.  But, more than that, I love the REASON for Christmas.  The fact that the God of the Universe sent His son to earth because He LOVES us still takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes. 

That is love. 

We celebrate Christmas by gathering with family and those we love – sharing the gift of Christ with them all, and give presents to honor His great gift. 

To start things off, we enjoy a special breakfast – I’m hoping some of these ideas might give you some Christmas morning inspiration! 

1. Kris Kringle Pancakes {make the mix ahead of time & use like a boxed mix"}

2. Gingerbread Muffins

3. Overnight Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake

4. Gingerbread Cranberry Scones

5. Christmas Eggs

6. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

7. Make-Ahead Brunch Bake

8. Garden Veggie Quiche

9. Chicken Spinach Quiche

Do you have a Christmas breakfast tradition?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad