Christmas Idea #3

Ok, I'm getting a little more carried away with these Christmas idea posts than I thought I would. And the previous post was long enough already without adding this length on the end. Geez, I'm posting more than I did for NaBloPoMo. What have I morphed into; some crazy blogging lady?? Not that there's anything wrong with that . . .

Christmas Idea #3:
Make cookies & treats early. Even if you don't feel like it. That way you feel like you've already accomplished something in the holiday season! And usually, if you've accomplished one thing, it snowballs into a bunch of other activities; feeding from the productive enthusiasm high of making treats! And if the temptation to eat every. single. treat. is too strong, just have one of each treat, stack them on a plate and take it to a neighbor. Or send them to work with the husband. That way you can be Superwoman. "Wow! You've already made holiday treats? You're amazing!" I know. I know. ;)

Here's some easy & quick recipes. I promise.

Lemon Curd --> seriously tasty and insanely easy. Dolloped on a Nilla wafer or sugar cookie. yum. For an added flourish, use the extra zest and sprinkle a little on top of the whole confection and it looks professional! Just follow my LINK FOR LEMON CURD. And this is the place where I found the ORIGINAL RECIPE. It has step by step pictures.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick --> This is not my creation, but it's dang good! And easy. Though I haven't made the homemade marshmallow (it looks a little time consuming. yes, i'm lazy) the fudge is super easy. Oh so yummy. And again, looks like it took forever, but didn't!

No fail sugar cookies (this makes a huge batch. though you can refrigerate the extra and have it on hand for cookie emergencies!)

Ingredients

• 6 cups flour
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 2 cups butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract or desired flavoring
• 1 tsp. salt

Directions: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Mix dry ingredients and add a little at a time to butter mixture. Mix until flour is completely incorporated and the dough comes together. Chill for 1 to 2 hours Roll to desired thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until just beginning to turn brown around the edges. This recipe can make up to 5-dozen 3” cookies.