I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!

Souris

This is a very old family recipe my grandmother's sister shared with
me. It has no measurements, sorry! But the candy is delicious.

Boil a small potato. Peel it and mash it. Add a box of
confectioner's (powdered) sugar. As you mix it, you will end up with a
liquid. To this liquid add a capful or two of almond extract. Then
add a bag of sweetened coconut. Now, keep adding confectioner's sugar
until you reach a consistency of Play-Doh. Taste the mixture and see
if you want to add more almond extract. You also may want to add mor
coconut. When you get it the way you like it, shape the mixture into
individual candies. At Eastertime, it's fun top color part of the
mixture yellow, and make eggs. Color it and shape it as you like, on
wax paper. Let the shapes sit for about an hour to dry a bit. Then
melt semi-sweet chocolate and coat your shapes.

Sorry for being so vague! This candy was a highlight of my
childhood, as I only got it once a year at Easter. It is absolutely
addictive. One thing I do is add some unsweetened chocolate squares to
the semi-sweet squares as I melt them. The candy itself is so sweet
that the chocolate an border on bitter.

"Petite Souris" > wrote in message
news:vmreh.46738$rv4.27818@edtnps90...
>I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually make
>the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want to expand my
>horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering machine, but haven't
>done that in a few years. So if anyone has something good and easy to share,
>please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris

Hi there!

These are extremely easy to make and wildly popular with anyone who tries them.

FRENCH CHRISTMAS COOKIES
----------------------------------------------------
40 graham cracker singles (2 packs)
2 - 6oz pkgs mini chocolate chips
2 cups finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans..I prefer pecans)
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter, softened to room temp
1 cup 1/2&1/2 (or use 1/2 cup each milk and cream)
*frosting* (see below)
------------------------------------------------
1. Put the grahams in your processor and process in short *bursts* until
they are crushed similar to the texture of med-fine chopped
nuts.Alternately, put them into a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
(I prefer the latter, just for the texture) Pour into a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar.
3. Add to crumbs and mix (You can use a mixer on low speed)
4. Add cream, nuts and chips and mix
5. Fill baking mini-cups 2/3 full
6. Bake on a cookie sheet at 375* for 10-12 minutes...just until set--do
NOT overbake.
Frosting:
Melt 1 pkg each chocolate and butterscotch chips with 1/2 cup peanut
butter. Use to *frost* cookie (this is easier to do if you put it is a plastic baggie
or a piping bag. Makes quick work of a whole baking sheet of cookies. )

Because these are small (the mini baking cups are only slightly larger than candy
cups in a box of candy), the recipe makes alot of cookies. Don't worry, though, they
never last long!

kimberly

Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
> make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
> to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
> machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris

Rockyroad Clusters

2 cups (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips or 12 ounces
semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 1/2 cups mini marshmellows
1 cup coarsly chopped pecans
1 tsp. vanilla

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Combine the chocolate and condensed
milk in a large microwave safe bowl (or melt in a double boiler) until
smooth, stirring occasionally. Stir in the marshmellows, nuts and
vanilla. Drop by heaping TBS, in mounds onto the baking sheet.
Refrigerate until firm.
Makes about 2 dozen pieces.


Herer is another one that is easy. You can find the candy crunchies at
a craft or candy making store. They come in a few different flavors. We
like the peppermint and raspberry.

1 pound package white or milk chocolate discs (white looks nice)
about 1/2 cup of the candy crunchies or to taste

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, stir until melted and
smooth.Stir in the candy. Pour onto an ungreased cookie sheet with
sides, smooth out a bit.Put in the refrigerator until firm. Break into
pieces. Makes 1 pound. Jan

Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I
> usually make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar
> cookies. But I want to expand my horizons! I used to make
> chocolates, even have a tempering machine, but haven't done that in a
> few years. So if anyone has something good and easy to share,
> please, I would so much appreciate it!
> Souris

Easy? Rarely good.

Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
> make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
> to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
> machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!


I recommend the pecan squares in Silver Palate, page 256. You make a
crust from 2/3 cup confectioners sugar, 2 cups flour and 1 cup of butter
by cutting it all together and patting it into greased pan. Bake 20
minutes at 350 degrees.


Then melt together 2/3 cup butter, 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup if
honey is too sweet), 3 Tablespoons heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar and
3 1/2 cup nuts.


Pour the nut topping over the crust and bake for another 25 minutes.
Cool before cutting.


I've tried them. They're technically a cookie though they're
practically candy, keep well, travel well, and are impressive when
someone opens a package of them.


--Lia

Petite,

Here is a good collection of holiday dessert recipes:


http://www.gosyro.com/subcategory.as...s%20Desser ts


Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
> make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
> to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
> machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris

"Petite Souris" > wrote in message
news:vmreh.46738$rv4.27818@edtnps90...
>I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I
>usually make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But
>I want to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a
>tempering machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has
>something good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris
>

Go to FoodTV's 12 days of Cookies link. Each year they do 12 different
cookie recipes in varying stages of difficulty. This year's is a pretty
good batch. They are up to day nine, but they are archived. Today's is
cranberry macaroons.
-ginny

"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Petite Souris" > wrote in message
> news:vmreh.46738$rv4.27818@edtnps90...
>>I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I
>>usually make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies.
>>But I want to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a
>>tempering machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has
>>something good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>>
>> Souris
>>
>
> Go to FoodTV's 12 days of Cookies link. Each year they do 12 different
> cookie recipes in varying stages of difficulty. This year's is a pretty
> good batch. They are up to day nine, but they are archived. Today's is
> cranberry macaroons.
> -ginny
>
>

Thank you to everyone who posted a link or a recipe! I might just try make
all the recipes posted, they all look good and interesting. Thanks so
much!!!!!

Souris

Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
> make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
> to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
> machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris

These are my absolute favorate; I hope Damsel won't mind me reposting
her recipe. I know them as russian tea cookies...

...fred

------------------------

This is a recipe that I got from my maternal grandmother. They're also

called Mexican Wedding Cakes and Russian Tea Cakes. I'm going to make
a
double batch of these tomorrow. One whole batch goes to my daughter.
It's
her annual Christmas present from Mom.

* Exported from MasterCook *


Snowball Cookies


Recipe By amsel in dis Dress
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Christmas/Yule cookies


Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup soft butter -- (1 stick)
1/2 cup shortening
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup pecans -- finely chopped
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar -- for coating


Combine ingredients in order given.


Roll dough into 3/4-inch balls. To form into crescent moon shapes,
roll
the balls of dough between palms to form a 2-inch rope. Pinch ends of
logs
to taper and turn in slightly, forming crescents. Place balls or
crescents
1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.


Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375F, or until set but not brown. Let stand 5

minutes; remove from cookie sheets.


Immediately roll hot cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool and re-coat
cooled cookies with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container.


PISTACHIO CRESCENT VARIATION:
Omit pecans. Add 1 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts and 1 tablespoon
lemon zest. (Add a few drops of green food coloring for Christmas)


ALMOND CRESCENT VARIATION:
Omit pecans. Add 1 cup finely chopped almonds and 1/2 teaspoon almond
extract. (Add a few drops of red food coloring for Christmas)

"kuvasz guy" > wrote

> These are my absolute favorate; I hope Damsel won't mind me reposting
> her recipe. I know them as russian tea cookies...

Wait a second. She posts them for me, they're my favorite.

Dams! He's copyin my favorite!

nancy

Nancy Young wrote:
> "kuvasz guy" > wrote
>
> > These are my absolute favorate; I hope Damsel won't mind me reposting
> > her recipe. I know them as russian tea cookies...
>
> Wait a second. She posts them for me, they're my favorite.
>
> Dams! He's copyin my favorite!
>
> nancy

How bout that! We'll have to see which one of us Mom likes best...

...fred

Petite Souris wrote:
> So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>

Quaker's Best Oatmeal cookies. Add half to a full cup of raisins.


QUAKER'S BEST OATMEAL COOKIES

3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
1 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (opt.)
3 c. Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and
vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to butter
mixture, mixing well. Stir in oats. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto
ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 9 minutes for a chewy cookie, 10 to 11
minutes for a crisp cookie. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to
wire cooling rack. Store in tightly covered container. 4 1/2 dozen.



Dawn

"kuvasz guy" > wrote

> Nancy Young wrote:
>> "kuvasz guy" > wrote
>>
>> > These are my absolute favorate; I hope Damsel won't mind me reposting
>> > her recipe. I know them as russian tea cookies...
>>
>> Wait a second. She posts them for me, they're my favorite.
>>
>> Dams! He's copyin my favorite!

> How bout that! We'll have to see which one of us Mom likes best...

Andy!! Dams said give mr kuvasz a THWACK!!

nancy

>Petite Souris wrote:
>> So if anyone has something
>> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>>
Macaroons

1 bag of sweeten coconut 14 oz.
1 can condensed milk 14 oz
1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract
2 egg whites
dash of salt.

Mix coconut, milk and flavoring
beat egg whites and salt to stiff peaks
Fold together
portion out , a tablespoon at a time, onto parchment paper on sheet
pans .
bake at 325 for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until
Golden Brown and Delicious. :-)

easy , fast and good.

Dawn wrote:
> Petite Souris wrote:
> > So if anyone has something
> > good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
> >
>
> Quaker's Best Oatmeal cookies. Add half to a full cup of raisins.
>
>
> QUAKER'S BEST OATMEAL COOKIES
>
[snip]

It's interesting to note at Quaker's 4.5 dozen cookie recipe calls for
3 cups of oatmeal, while most 3-dozen recipes call for 1 cup - Quaker's
has twice as much per cookie. What a coincidence.

Anyway, for a nice seasonal but non-traditional variant, try 1/2-3/4 C
of "Holiday" M&Ms (red and green) instead of the raisins.

On Sun, 10 Dec 2006 12:57:23 -0600, Pan Ohco > wrote:

>
>>Petite Souris wrote:
>>> So if anyone has something
>>> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>>>
>Macaroons
>
>1 bag of sweeten coconut 14 oz.
>1 can condensed milk 14 oz
>1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract
> 2 egg whites
>dash of salt.
>
>Mix coconut, milk and flavoring
>beat egg whites and salt to stiff peaks
>Fold together
>portion out , a tablespoon at a time, onto parchment paper on sheet
>pans .
>bake at 325 for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until
>Golden Brown and Delicious. :-)
>
>easy , fast and good.

That one has to be my top favorite.... however, today I'm making
something new:

SEVEN LAYER BARS

1/4 lb. butter, melted
1 c. crushed graham crackers
1 c. coconut
1 c. butterscotch chips
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. nuts, chopped

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Layer each ingredient just as they are given in a 9 x 12 inch pan.
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk all over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

When cooled, cut into bars.



--
See return address to reply by email

Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
> make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
> to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
> machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris
>


I made a pan of these yesterday to take to church tonite. I got the recipe
from my brother a few weeks ago. It's a great way to use up the cake mixes
I feel compelled to buy whenever they are on sale for 79¢ even though I
almost never make cakes from a mix :-)

Cut into small squares (they are very rich) when completely cooled:

_John's Cake Mix Bars_

1 box yellow or white cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup margarine, softened
pecans, chopped [he didn't say how many. I used 2 cups of chopped walnuts]

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pound powdered sugar

Combine cake mix, margarine, and one egg. Press in bottom of 9x13" pan.
Sprinkle with pecans. Mix remaining ingredients and spread over the crust
mixture and the pecans. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes.

--
Best regards,
Bob

Petite Souris wrote:
> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I usually
> make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But I want
> to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a tempering
> machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has something
> good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
>
> Souris
>


Here's another one:


Cranberry Cookies
(from Betty Crocker Recipe Card Library, 1971)

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped nuts
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped frozen cranberries

Heat oven to 375. Cream butter and sugars, stir in remaining ingredients.
Drop by tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets and
bake 10 to 15 minutes.

--
Best regards,
Bob

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
> "Petite Souris" > wrote in message
> news:vmreh.46738$rv4.27818@edtnps90...
> >I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I
> >usually make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar cookies. But
> >I want to expand my horizons! I used to make chocolates, even have a
> >tempering machine, but haven't done that in a few years. So if anyone has
> >something good and easy to share, please, I would so much appreciate it!
> >
> > Souris
> >
>
> Go to FoodTV's 12 days of Cookies link. Each year they do 12 different
> cookie recipes in varying stages of difficulty. This year's is a pretty
> good batch. They are up to day nine, but they are archived. Today's is
> cranberry macaroons.
> -ginny

I'm doing the cranberry macaroons for our staff cookie exchange this
year. They looked delicious.

On Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:52:56 GMT, "Janet Puistonen"
> wrote:

>Petite Souris wrote:
>> I would love some easy candy and cookie recipes for the holidays. I
>> usually make the same old fudge, shortbread, spritz and sugar
>> cookies. But I want to expand my horizons! I used to make
>> chocolates, even have a tempering machine, but haven't done that in a
>> few years. So if anyone has something good and easy to share,
>> please, I would so much appreciate it!
>> Souris
>
>Easy? Rarely good.
>

My toffee is easy and good:

http://serenejournal.livejournal.com/346918.html

Serene
--
"I can't decide if I feel more like four ten-year-olds or ten four-year-olds." Laurie Anderson , on turning 40.

http://serenejournal.livejournal.com