Winter Break

With 10 'days' still to go on my holiday list, I am going to have to call it quits for a while. We are having some MAJOR computer issues and I have to limit my usage until we fix the one we've got or (gasp) buy something new.

Thanks so much for crafting and baking with me. I just wish I could have kept it current and finished the full 40 days. Guess that's what happens when you think you can take on a little of everything right before Christmas...Ah, who am I kidding, I'll try again next year!

Merry Christmas!

Day 10 - PB&J Cookies

I had the genius idea to turn my plain old peanut butter cookies into some sweet PB&J thumbprints for my cookie swap. I'm sure it's been done before, but here is the recipe I came up with.

PB&J Thumbprint Cookies

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup crisco

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

3 Tbsp milk

1 Tbsp vanilla

1 egg

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup strawberry jam

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine peanut butter, crisco, sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add egg and mix well. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well blended.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on greased baking sheet. With thumb, gently press a small indent in the middle of each cookie. Bake for 5 minutes.

Remove cookies from oven and fill indents with jam. Return to oven for 7 minutes.

Cool finished cookies on sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. 

Day 11 - Clothespin Wreath

Nate and I made this a few years back. It was so adorable, and it kept him busy for a good deal of time.

Clothespin Wreath

What you need:

2 brass rings, 1 10" and 1 12" (found in any craft store)

clothespins (enough to cover the entire clothespin)

Green spray paint

Red puffy paint

Glue Gun

What you do:

Spray all of the clothespins with green paint so they are completely covered. Let dry completely.

Once dry, clip clothespins around the small ring, making sure to cover the entire ring. Glue the larger ring to the back of the clothespins with the glue gun. Let dry.

Use red puffy paint to add 'holly' to the wreath. You can also use pom poms, glitter, or buttons to decorate.

(Wreath should hang well by the back ring, but if it does not, glue a small piece of wire, shaped like a U, to the back for hanging.)

Day 12 & 13 - Simple Soaps and Bath Salts

You can make a relaxing gift for any lady on your list in just about an hour. Here's how...

Simple Soaps

What you need:

Melt and Pour Soap Brick (a variety of kinds are available at Michaels)

Scents and Colors, optional (also at Michaels)

Shaped Silicone Muffin Pans

What you do:

Melt soap according to package directions. Add color and scents as desired, then pour into molds. Let molds cool on a flat surface for at least 2 hours. Once the soaps set, gently pop them out of the mold (they should come out very easily if they are done).

Relaxing Bath Salts

What you need:

5 cups Epsom Salts (you can get these in any Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc.)

5 drops food coloring (any color)

3-5 drops essential oils (at Michaels)

What you do:

Place all ingredients in a large resealable bag. Shake and knead until food coloring appears evenly distributed. Pour salts into small glass/plastic jars (I got mine in the scrap booking storage section of Michaels) and attach directions to pour into warm water.

*Package soaps and salts with a few washcloths or a big fluffy robe.*

Day 14 - Microwave Fudge

Making fudge doesn't have to be an all day affair.

Make a quick batch in the microwave and enjoy it right away!

Microwave Fudge

1 pound confectioners sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup baking soda

1 Tablespoon vanilla

Mix everything together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, remove and stir well. Line an 8x8 pan with wax paper, then spray with cooking spray. Pour mixture into pan and chill in fridge until firm (about 2 hours). Cut into squares and enjoy!

Day 15 - Magical Reindeer Food

When I worked with the kindergartners we had Mrs. Claus come by for a special story time the last day of school before Christmas break. Once she was done reading, she passed out these little baggies of 'Santa's Magical Reindeer Food'  to all of the kids. They went bananas for the stuff and it could not be simpler to whip up a batch for your kiddos!

Santa's Magical Reindeer Food

Mix 2 cups dry oats with 2 tablespoons glitter, any color. Sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve so Santa's reindeer will be sure to stop by!

Day 16 - Photo Frames

Make a cute frame for your holiday pics!

What you need:

Acrylic picture frame (I used a magnetic one for the fridge)

Puffy fabric paint

What you do:

Draw on the frame! I did holly & stars.

(See, super easy!)

Day 17 - Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits

I've been looking all over for a sugar cookie recipe that resembles my fave childhood cookie, the smiley face. I stumbled across the recipe below, from a woman trying to replicate a similar treat from a Pittsburgh bakery. While I didn't think it was anywhere near what I was looking for, I thought it would make a great breakfast biscuit for Christmas morning!

Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits 

1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
4 1/2 cups flour
6 teaspoons baking powder
1 Tsp cinnamon 

2 Tbsp sugar

In mixing bowl, cream together sugar, shortening, milk, and eggs. Add in flour and baking powder (mixture will be stiff, you may need to use your hands to mix). Roll dough until it is 1/2-inch thick and cut using a circular cutter or the rim of a drinking glass. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle on biscuits.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Remove immediately and cool on a wire rack.

Day 18 - Marshmallow Pops

Rex pretty much made these by himself, with a little help in the melting department. Good news for those of you trying to occupy your 5 year old and knock off things on your to-do list...

Marshmallow Pops

What you need:

Large Marshmallows

Melting Chocolate (either bark or Wilton chips work best)

Sprinkles
Small Popsicle Sticks

What you do:

 In a small bowl, melt chocolate according to package directions. Put 1 marshmallow on each popsicle stick. Dip marshmallow into chocolate, being sure to remove excess chocolate by gently tapping stick on the side of the bowl. Pour desired amount of sprinkles in a small bowl. Gently roll coated marshmallow in sprinkles and place directly onto waxed paper to set.

Package using sucker wrappers (found at any craft store)
and tie with ribbon.

Day 19 - Oreo Truffles

I made these a few years back for a Christmas party at Turbo's work. Everyone loved them, and they were dubbed Ky-lobites by my wonderful husband and his office buds. I still have no idea why they were named after me and some fossils, but considering how easy and delicious they are I have no problem making a batch when they ask.

Oreo Truffles

1 package Oreo cookies, crushed

1 8 oz. pack of cream cheese, softened

1 package of semi-sweet chocolate, melted

1 package of white chocolate, melted

sprinkles for decorating

Mix 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 1-inch balls.

Dip each ball into chocolate and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Quickly garnish with sprinkles or cookie crumbs. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to let chocolate set.

Store in refrigerator.

Day 20 - Photo Gifts

Every year I try to pass on photos of the kids to Turbo's mama out in Cali. Thankfully there are lots of places out there where you can get great deals on lots of prints and fun gifts. Here are some hot coupons from a couple of my fave places to get you started!

Walgreens: If you're looking for photo books and calendars, use coupon code FIND25 to save 25%.Otherwise, SALE25 will get you 25% off all other photo gifts. If it's just prints you need, try PRINT to get 50 pics for $5!

Snapfish:  SHIPCHEER will get you free shipping on orders over $30. If you're not quite sure what to get, go with the flow and save 35% off their best sellers with coupon code DEC7 or get a free 10 page flip book using GMAFREE.

(Don't shoot me if some codes don't work!)

Day 21 - Gift Card Holders

I came up with the idea to do these a few weeks ago, and though I would like to share all of it with you, today you're getting only 1 of the 3 versions of the kid friendly card holder I designed for this holiday blog. Turns out, this easy no-sew idea I had for my blogger space has become one of my best selling Etsy items. Big thanks to Rex for asking me to take the next step and sew one for him...

No-Sew Felt Gift Card Holder

What you need:

Scraps of Felt

Fabric Glue

Ruler

Scissors

Ribbon

What you do:

Cut 1 piece of felt 5-inches tall by 4-inches wide. In a coordinating color, cut a second piece 3-inches tall by 2 1/2-inches wide. With the fabric glue, carefully glue around three edges of the small piece of felt and place it in the center of the large piece, 1/2 an inch from the bottom. (Add any embellishments now, like felt shapes or pom poms.)  Let dry.



Fold over the top of the holder 1/2 an inch and cut 2 small slits in the gift card holder, placing them 1/2 an inch from each side. Feed a small piece of ribbon through the slits. Tie a small knot in the ribbons on the back side of the holder. 


Add gift card and hang on a tree, stocking, or doorknob!

(Photos coming as soon as my battery recharges!!)

Day 22 - Smart Shopper

Everyone knows I am a huge fan of saving money. Thankfully, I know a whole lot of people who love bargains too and don't mind sharing where they go to find them. Here is a list of my current fave places to score some sweet holiday (or everyday) deals!

1. woot. I LOVE this site! It's a great place to find extraordinary deals, the only catch is that you have to pounce on the good ones immediately because they are only around for one day and only while supplies last.

2. GottaDeal. This is my favorite place to search for Black Friday bargains, but they also compile daily deals and coupons from loads of stores. I highly suggest checking them out.

3. Shop it to me. My cousin just turned me on to this one, and though I haven't ordered anything yet, the deals are awesome! You add your brand preferences and sizes and they give you the best prices found for those items. Plus, for every 10 people you sign up, you get a free gift card to the store of your choice. (So, email if you want to sign up!)

4. Coupon Cabin. This place has loads and loads of coupons for online and retail shopping. You can search by type, store, or expiration to make the most of your money. Not to mention on the topmost part of the site, there are links to other great saving sites like this one...

5. CheapUncle. You tell them what you want, they find it, and show you exactly where you can get it and for how much. They'll even calculate shipping and tax so you know you're getting the very best deal out there. How awesome is that!

Day 23 - Microwave Peanut Brittle

Like the peppermint bark, peanut brittle is a holiday candy staple at our house. This easy version allows you to have all of the yummy, with none of the fuss!

Microwave Peanut Brittle

1 1/2 cup raw peanuts

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp butter

1 tsp vanilla

Combine peanuts, corn syrup, sugar and salt in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once in the middle and again at the end. Add butter and vanilla, mixing well, then heat for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in baking soda.

Pour mixture onto greased baking sheet and let cool. Break into small pieces.

Day 24 - Snowman Pots

Nate and I made these a few years back, with rave reviews from everyone we handed them out to. They are super simple and make great gifts filled with a handful of Hershey's kisses!

What you need:

small clay pot

assorted black buttons, 2 large and 4 small

small piece of cork (at craft stores)

white, black, blue, pink, and orange paint

small ivy leaves

1 red button

paint brushes

pencil

glue (a hot glue gun works best, but any type of glue should work fine)

How to do it:

Paint your pot white on the bottom and black around the rim. Paint the cork orange. Once the pot is dry, add two small pink circles for cheeks on the front of your pot and small dabs of blue to the rim of the pot. Let dry.

With a pencil, map out where you would like the face to be. Glue the 2 large buttons on as eyes, the cork as the nose, and the 4 small buttons for the mouth. Finish by gluing the ivy and red button to the rim of the pot, placing the button carefully in the center of the ivy.

Fill with candy and give to someone special on your list!  

Day 27, 26, 25 - Freezer Cookies

Sorry I neglected you for a few days. Truth be told, I had a very hectic weekend with a sick kid, a crabby toddler, and an Etsy boom over the big holiday shopping days. Now that it is over, I am back with a few recipes for some awesome cookies you can make now and eat later.

- Day 27 -

Pinwheels

1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temp

1 pack of cream cheese, 8 oz., at room temp

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

1 egg, beaten

2 tbsp coarse sugar

Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla. Gradually add flour until just mixed.

Knead dough on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes. Divide the dough into 2 1-inch thick squares. Wrap in plastic wrap and refirgerate 1 hour.

Roll 1 square into a 9x12-inch rectangle on parchment paper. Spread half of the jam over dough. Cut dough crosswise into three 9x4-inch rectangles. Start on the long side and roll each rectangle into a log. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate 30 minutes. Repeat with other dough square. TO FREEZE: Skip the fridge and freeze the finished log for up to 2 months, then follow directions below and bake from frozen for 25 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice logs into 1-inch pieces and space 1 1/2-inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Brush with egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes.  

- Day 26 -

Glazed Lemon Cookies

1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temp

3/4 cup sugar

2  large egg yolks

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups flour

1 cup confectioners sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp grated lemon zest

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour until just mixed.

Divide dough in half and shape into 1 1/4-inch logs. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes. TO FREEZE: Skip the fridge and freeze the finished log for up to 2 months, then follow directions below and bake from frozen for 25 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice logs into 3/8-inch pieces and space 1 1/2-inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 16-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk confectioners sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until it forms a thick, but pourable glaze. Dip each cookie in glaze and let set 15 minutes. 

- Day 25 - 

 Pecan Snowballs

1 cup pecans

2 sticks butter, at room temp

1 3/4 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt

2 cups flour

Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet for 8 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool and chop.

Beat butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Gradually add flour until just mixed. Mix in pecans.

Shape dough into tablespoon sized balls and place on lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. TO FREEZE: Skip the fridge and freeze the balls of dough on sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Follow directions below and bake from frozen for 25 minutes.

Space balls 1 1/2-inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Place 1/2 cup sugar in bowl. Toss warm cookies in sugar and return to baking sheet. Sift remaining flour over cookies before serving.