Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Things That Make You Merry #3: Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies!

Last year I discovered this recipe for Chocolate Mint Crinkles from Betty Crocker and I cannot wait to make them again this year!  The cookies are fun to bake (on your own or with helpers), they look pretty, and they're delicious!  Chocolate mint crinkles are perfect for a holiday party, christmas cookie bake-off, or a night in with your loved ones, your favorite christmas movie and a mug of hot chocolate! 

Ingredients

2
cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1
cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2
teaspoons baking powder
1/2
teaspoon salt
2
cups granulated sugar
1/2
cup vegetable oil
4
large eggs
1
teaspoon vanilla
1
teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2
cup powdered sugar
Hershey's® Kisses® Brand mint or candy cane flavored candies

Directions

  • 1
    In medium bowl, mix flour, baking cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside.
  • 2
    In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, oil and eggs with whisk until well mixed. Beat in vanilla and peppermint extract.
  • 3
    Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • 4
    Heat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper. Place powdered sugar in small bowl. Shape dough into tablespoon-size balls; roll in powdered sugar. Place on cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart.
  • 5
    Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until cookies crackle and dough doesn’t look raw. When cookies are done, immediately place a KISSES candy in center of each cookie, and press lightly. Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes. Remove to cooling rack; cool completely until candy is set.
ENJOY! :)

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Things That Make You Merry #2: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular & The Rockettes


The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been filling hearts with joy since 1933.  Whether you're visiting New York City for the first time or you've lived here for years, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular & The Rockettes are an iconic part of Christmas in New York City.  This year's show features The Nutcracker, the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, and the living Nativity.  For more information on The Radio City Christmas Spectacular click here: http://www.radiocitychristmas.com


Monday, December 1, 2014

Things That Make You Merry #1: Christmas Music!

Nothing warms your heart and puts a smile on your face like Christmas Music!  It's the most wonderful time of the year, and this year there are so many amazing new Christmas Albums to download!  Below are a couple of my all time favorite Christmas Albums as well as two new albums to check out. 

ALL TIME FAVORITES:
1. Wynton Marsalis, Crescent City Christmas Card: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/crescent-city-christmas-card/id311555142
2.  Harry Connick, Jr., What A Night: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/what-night!-christmas-album/id294373574

NEW TO TRY:
1. Idina Menzel, Holiday Wishes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/holiday-wishes/id924313589
2. Nashville Cast, Christmas With Nashville: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-with-nashville/id934150517