Dec 29 2008
Gift Giving on A Budget, conclusion
Gift giving is stressful when you have a big list and a small budget. This year was a special challenge. But when I came up with this idea and challenged myself, I found my spirit lifted. It afforded me a creative outlet which let me express how much I care for my loved ones.So, this may be a lengthy post, as I have a number of recipes to share with you and pictures of it all coming together. My recipes were a task in themselves because a couple of people on my list have food allergies. (Nuts & chocolate). If I can’t cook or bake with nuts or chocolate, I’m LOST!
These are not only kind to your budget, but are the easiest, quickest remedy when you need volume and have little time.
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies or Barbara’s Lemon Snaps (She’s allergic to chocolate)
1 Box Lemon Cake Mix (pudding in the mix is good, but any will do) Mine are a strange brand from the dollar store. 1/2 cup butter or butter flavor shortening 1Tbs lemon juice (zest of 1 lemon optional) 1-2 TBs milk Cut butter or shortening into cake mix until it resembles coarse crumbs (like cornmeal) Add lemon juice and 1 TBs milk, adding additional TBs only if necessary. Mix until dough clumps when pressed together (it should not be sticky) A small melon ball-er will measure the right amount to roll 1″ balls; place on ungreased cookie sheet
Bake @ 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes do not brown (if bottom of cookies are browning, turn oven down to 300 degrees
Cool, then dust with sifted powdered sugar. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.
Elf helping with cookie production.
Nutter-Butter Balls (No Bake)
Mix 1 cup peanut butter (crunchy or cream-your preference), with 6 TBs room temperature butter until thoroughly incorporated. Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar till completely combined. Roll into 1″ balls and set on wax paper to dry. 20 mins to 1 hr, depending on humidity. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.
When thoroughly dried, roll in your choice of powdered sugar, melted chocolate, or finely chopped nuts.
Rocky & Bullwinkles (No Bake)
Combine 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup Rice Krispie cereal & 1/2 cup shredded coconut &/or chopped nuts
Pour melted semi-sweet chocolate over mixture and blend til well coated.
Pour into buttered 8 x 8 pan. Let sit at room temperature till set. Cut into squares.
These are all sweet treats, but I will add some savory recipes for you tomorrow. But I do have 1 quick, never fail appetizer for you. Also, super easy on the hostess.
What the Ham Roll!
The name comes from the fact the original recipe I came up with several years ago, was very HOT. I’ve since added less spicy versions. Simply beat 1 softened 8 oz package of cream cheese (please don’t use the light or fat free-you might as well skip it altogether), add finely diced jalapeno to taste. (I use my mini Quisinart and they come out perfect.) Spread on rectangular deli ham slices (patted dry). Roll up and wrap in clear plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hr. When ready to serve, remove and slice in 1 inch slices and skewer with cocktail toothpick.
Try these super simple treats for any gift occasion. Bona Yum yum!
