
She folded down lots and lots of pages and then I narrowed it down to 6. I chose things that I could make all in the same day and then threw in a couple more treats at the end.
First up is Peppermint Bark. This is a Christmas goodie that my mom has made for quite a few years and she uses Martha Stewarts recipe. I actually like it better when you use almond bark instead of white chocolate, so that is what I did. I like to sprinkle some of the chopped candy canes on top, as well as mixing them into the melted white stuff. My hubby really likes this and so do my kids. Great gift.
Recipe for Peppermint Bark

I sent some of the last batch to my family, so they will be super excited to get more of them in the mail.
Recipe for Sugar Topped Molasses Spice Cookies

These also have orange zest and they aren't overly sweet. Great cookie.
Recipe for Cornmeal-Cranberry Cookies


I subbed in peanut butter chips for the butterscotch chips, toffee bits for the white chocolate and then, on top of that, these have chocolate chips, cut up caramels, and marshmallows.
What a combination. I think I will have to make these again. My son was upset that he didn't get to sample one.
Recipe for Rocky Ledge Bars

Recipe for Peanut Butter Bars


Great way to use fresh cranberries.
Recipe for Cranberry Pistachio Bars

I wasn't too excited about these, but I did taste a small square and they really were good. Definitely more tasty then they might seem.
So, these are all the items that made it into my treat box. I sent a few of most of these cookies to my Secret Baker.
I also made a batch of Spiced Pecans and the upcoming cookie for Tuesdays with Dorie got thrown into the mix too.
Needless to say, after this day of baking, packaging and mailing, I was wiped out. It was worth it though.

How-to for Cake Pops

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cup quick oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup walnuts (I omitted these)
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheets.
2. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins.
4. Drop by rounded Tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned and set in centers. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Recipe for Peppermint Bark
Recipe for Cornmeal-Cranberry Cookies
Recipe for Rocky Ledge Bars
Recipe for Peanut Butter Bars
Recipe for Cranberry Pistachio Bars
Recipe for Sugar Topped Molasses Spice Cookies
Cake Pops

Your sister is so lucky and I am sure she'll enjoy every bite. My sister and I trade recipes all the time and we love cooking together. Beautiful pictures Mary Ann!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lot of yummy treats - definitely a couple I'm going to have to try out! Lucky sister!
ReplyDeleteWould you like another sister? Those look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove this post....I just did cookies too...(LOL)!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks soo yuummy!
ReplyDeleteWe're obessed with Christmas Baking!
On our blog, we are on Day 2 of our "12 days of Christmas Baking."
So much fun!
You have a great blog!
All of the treats looks wonderful, but I think that the cranberry pistachio might be my favorite!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite kind of post! They look so yummy! I can't wait to try them! I Love your photos too!
ReplyDeletePlease don't make me choose. Just send one of each. I'll be your very best friend. Oh, okay, you can send two of the Cranberry Pistachio Bars. They look so darn festive!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Mary Ann.
I think I just gained 5 lbs just looking over all of this! It all looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love the cookie roundup and the cake pops are adorable! I am actually making some of those for a catering thing next week - it's nice to see yours for some inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list - thank you! I want to make them all :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing post!!! Yumma yumma. Thanks for all the great ideas and gorgeous photos. Which one should I try first???? I'm leaning towards that cranberry cornmeal.
ReplyDeleteWow, you've been baking up a storm! Everything looks wonderful :) I saw those cornmeal cookies and have been meaning to make them too so glad to hear they're yummy.
ReplyDeletePistachio cranberry??? I have to make these... great pics!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays! I pray that your year was full of joy and success, and that 2010 will bring favor and prosperity.
ReplyDeleteMmm, that's a yummy assortment of holiday treats!
ReplyDeleteGosh, Mare! Everything looks so good. I just love all of the baking options at Christmas time. You can try so much and share it all. Great for everyone, and even better for my hips!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic array of cookies/bars. I'm AMAZED that you got all these baked in one day! Lucky sister!! And you are brilliant to post them all in one fab post. Lots of great ideas, here, thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are unreal!! How did you make all of that!?!? Your sister must have been sooooo happy! Everything looks incredible. I am drooling over those rocky ledge bars!!
ReplyDelete