Christmas countdown!

Merry Christmas to y'all! The big day is quickly approaching! Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit more than baking. Every year, I spend hours and hours baking homemade gifts for family and friends. This year is no different, I have spent the last two days baking our traditional favorites and a few new things. I stocked up at the grocery store on Monday morning...

Got my tools and gadgets out...

And started the baking marathon!
Most of my recipes are from Everyday Food.

I started with a special request from Justin. His favorite from last year was Molasses Sandwich Cookies (click links for recipes). These are amazing, like big gooey christmas- filled sandwiches!
They start out with chewy molasses cookies.

The cookies are filled with a buttery molasses filling.

Soft, chewy, spicy goodness! Make sure you have a huge glass of milk, or better yet, hot coffee!


Next up: Chunky Chocolate Everything Cookies! I got the idea for these cookies from this Food Network recipe. I had pecans on hand (like, a lot...) so I used them instead of cashews. Also, I replaced the M&M's with Craisins and dried cherries, but otherwise followed the recipe. The dough was very dry, so I added a few tablespoons of milk at the end to pull it together.
Yum, yum!


I always make these shortbread cookies every year...they are MY favorite! Another one from Everyday Food...Martha is always right on time! You can make them with ANY mix in or coating you can imagine. My favorite is the orange- cranberry. This year I also tried dark chocolate, dried cherries, and pecans (like I said, I have a lot of pecans...). Both turned out quite delicious!
Icebox Shortbread



I decided to try another shortbread variation, too! Chocolate Shortbread Wedges...I got a tad carried away with the shortbread...but it is soooo easy!



Moving on...Butter Pecan Cookies! These are seriously the easiest cookies I have ever made. Plus they are delicious, and look like you got them from a bakery! Justin and I both love these sparkly, sugary treats!


Whew! Yep, there's more!

Pumpkin Chocolate chip Squares. This was a new one, but it will definitely be a repeat next year. So, so good! I love pumpkin. I love chocolate. I love these!!


Almost there...Hope my family is hungry! :)

Chocolate Chunk Biscotti
Again, I needed to use my pecans...so I replaced the pistacios and raisins in the Everyday Food recipe with pecans and chocolate chunks. I also had some coconut left over from the Chunky Chocolate Everything cookies, so I threw that in, too! MMMMMM! I love biscotti and coffee!




And finally, last but certainly not least, the infamous Red Velvet Truffle! Everyone loves these, but I have to admit....I hate to make them! I know. It's the one thing (baking-wise) that is just a total pain in the butt! I make them because Justin loves them and I love Justin! :)

Red Velvet Truffles

1 red velvet cake mix, baked according to package directions
1 can cream cheese icing
2 bags white chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or crisco
chopped pecans

Crumble cake into a large bowl and stir in icing until uniform in color. Scoop out cake mixture with a cookie scoop onto parchment paper- lined cookie sheets. Place cake balls in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm. Meanwhile, melt white chocolate chips with oil or crisco in a double boiler. Using two forks, coat each ball in white chocolate and rest on parchment paper. You can sprinkle with leftover cake crumbs or chopped pecans.



I packed everything up in tins and plastic goodie bags...



All ready for the trip to Meridian...get ready, everyone!