I can't believe it's already mid-December! It seems like Thanksgiving just ended and I was just starting to decorate the apartment, begin the wrapping and light the pine scented candles. It actually felt too early. Like I was betraying Thanksgiving in some way. However, I guess I'm glad I got a start on it all because it's less than a week away! I got the shopping done early, and actually only had to call about two gifts that were missing, and fight over one parking space to replace one of those aforementioned gifts. So. I'm officially done with the gift getting and have a few packages to wrap up before I can sit back and relax.
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Our apartment's generally clear surfaces are currently covered by boxes wrapped in festive paper and bags full of surprises. I love to choose little things for my loved ones that I know will bring the biggest smile. I keep mental notes of all the things they've mentioned throughout the year so they get the perfect little something. However, purchased items aren't always the meaning of success, so I decided to throw in some homemade gifts to lighten the load and spread the love. Sorry for all the Instagram/camera filtered photos... I was too lazy to get out the dslr.
Here's a couple I'd like to share that are simple enough to finish just in time for the big day.
S'mores Kits
I initially found this
gem on
Pinterest during Halloween. When I saw Christmas tree shaped Peeps at the grocery story, I figured I'd give it a go. S'mores just happen to be one of my most favorite desserts, and these festive little trees make it the cutest treat.
What you'll need: (Note: I'm a craft
hoarder, ask J.. he'll confirm, so I had all of this stuff around the house. I'm saying this so you don't feel like a weirdo if you don't.)
1 box Christmas tree shaped Peeps (they also have gingerbread men and snowmen)
1 bag Hershey's mini bars
1 box of graham crackers (if you're feeling up to it you can make your own, I like this
recipe.)
Sandwich bags
Treat bags
Ribbon, Yarn or Twine
I use sandwich bags to keep the contents fresh so that the recipient can choose to eat them right away or save for later.
If you have a vacuum sealer, you're way cooler than me, and should definitely use that. Place two graham crackers, two Peeps and two hershey bars next to one another (you can also play around with the placement) in the sandwich bag and seal. Place within a festive treat bag, or sheet of tissue paper, or piece of burlap, and make a neat bow with the decorative ribbon, yarn or twine. I also bought mini snowflakes, used a hole punch, and threaded the ribbon through to make gift tags, but you can do whatever you want to add a little extra flair. Finish by smiling innocently while handing over to children already full of SUGAR.
I gave these to all the kids in my extended family and they loved them. Their parents can pop them in the microwave for a quick dessert, or they can snack on the items individually. It might not be the most HEALTHY holiday treat on your list, but it's definitely tasty! It's also really quick and easy. So... you're welcome & enjoy!
Chocolate Chunk Blondies (recipe featured and adapted from Shutterbean.com)
If you haven't tried a recipe from Tracy's blog, you need to do something about that ASAP because they are the best. Like Joy the Baker (they actually have a podcast together), she features delicious goodies that are sometimes healthy, and a lot of times not, with good ingredients and awesome photo steps to match. To say I'm in love with her blog is an understatement. When I saw her recipe for these blondies, I knew I had to make them for my Dad's family Christmas party. Total success. Seriously, I didn't even get to bring any left overs home, which is rare considering the amount of desserts often present.
(I briefly considered using butterscotch with chocolate chips, which you can totally do, but decided against it. Next time, I say!)
What you'll need:
- 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed I used half dark and half light, but it's whatever
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts I'm weird about nuts in my desserts so I didn't add these- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Small bag of decorative M&Ms of your choice I chose the green and red colored, dark chocolate.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 x 12 x 2 inch baking pan.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time, and mix well, scraping down the bowl. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt and with the mixer still on low, slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. I chose to add festive M&Ms to the top of the blondies to make a little design. Lightly press them into the very top of the dough in whatever design you choose or sprinkle them over (again lightly pressing in). Bake for 30 minutes (or what seems like forever in my ridiculous oven).
The finished product:
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Hope everyone is having a happy holiday! Remember to reach out to all those that love and let them know how much you care. :)
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