Christmas - Around My Family Table

Where in the World is AMFT?

December 16, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 3 Comments

I’ve been busy….but I have a Twitter party invite for you! Plus Peppermint Cake Pops and a delicious Leftover Turkey Sandwich! I hope you’ll join the party and check out the two great recipes!

I’ve teamed up with my former Rice Krispies team and the other teams from last year’s competitions for a mini-reunion.

Remember our fabulous recipes? Swirly Peppermint Rice Krispies Roll-Ups, Chewy Gooey Rice Krispies Chicks, Stuffed Peanut Butter Pops, and Rice Krispies Caramel Apple Treats.

When: Wednesday, December 19, 2-3 p.m. ET

Where: Follow the #RiceKrispies hashtag to track the conversation.

Hashtag: #RiceKrispies

Prizes: Rice Krispies will give away five total prizes, each consisting of a Rice Krispies Treat making kit with all the ingredients you will need to create yummy Rice Krispies Tree Trimmer Treats at home with your little helpers, plus additional holiday-themed goodies. Winners will be chosen randomly from among participants who respond correctly to trivia questions.

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann

Other info: Rice Krispies’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ricekrispies
Rice Krispies Tree Trimmer Treats recipe: http://bit.ly/RZSOQI

Official Twitter party rules: http://bit.ly/SOe77w

These fun babies were featured over at Zak Designs last week! Use up all those leftover peppermint cake balls from the Peppermint Cake….that’s what I did. Bake once and get two holiday treats!

If you need a great sammie for after Christmas then this is one that you MUST try. Check out my recipe featured over at Zak Designs last month. It’s a turkey sandwich on a hearty bread with a spicy cranberry aioli.

Filed Under: christmas, desserts, holidays and activities, main dishes, other desserts, parties, party food, poultry · Tagged: cake, Christmas, dessert, leftovers, news, sandwich, turkey

Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

December 13, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 43 Comments

Oh cheese…how I love thee! Let me count the ways! I always gravitate to any cheese platter…it doesn’t really matter what type of cheese, I will eat any of it! And how cute is the cheese platter in the shape of a Christmas tree?!?!? (Keep reading…there are fun cheese facts, a dairy tour, and a fun giveaway at the end.)

It’s so easy and everyone will just love it at you parties this month or on Christmas. We are always snacking before Christmas supper, so this is a great way to get some healthy snacks into everyone, all those fresh veggies and dairy…two things that are usually missing from the holiday table.

Did you know it takes about 2.6 gallons of milk to make 2 pounds of hard cheese? I had no idea it took so much milk to make a pound of cheese.

Cheese has it’s optimal flavor at room temperature, so set out your platter before guests arrive…just don’t leave it out for more than a couple hours. My guess is that this cheese plate will be devoured before you even get the main dish on the table! If, for some weird reason the cheese isn’t devoured by supper, then put it back in the fridge and bring it out after supper for a little snack/dessert!

Before we get to how I assembled the cheese platter, I have to share some photos from my recent tour of the Kerr Dairy Farm, which is located just outside Phoenix, AZ.

Isn’t she adorable..she was just a few days old when I met her. All the newborns were lined up and so happy to see us! What surprised me the most was how clean the farm was. No smell, no mess, nothing!

I was able to get up close and personal in the milking area. The ladies were so calm and “happy” to be there. They really seemed to enjoy their time. In fact they often don’t want to leave and at this farm, they aren’t forced to leave the area until they are ready.

After hanging out here for awhile, I was able to check out the room where they cool the milk and store it. It’s cooled from cow temp to fridge temp super fast and then stored in giant tanks. The tanks keep the milk churning so it won’t separate. There are so many details that go into running a farm, that I can’t possibly share them here. One pretty fascinating fact is that if the cow is sick and on antibiotics, she is not allowed to be in the general herd population. She is isolated and her milk is “pumped and dumped” for 30 days (I might have the exact time frame wrong, but it was close to that). Also, when the general milk is collected by the milk tankers, it is tested for antibiotics and other things. If it’s tainted the ENTIRE batch is thrown out.

Had to include this photo…no matter how interesting I found the cows, Little Man eventually got bored and was fascinated by the big trucks moving all the feed around. Boys will be Boys!

Now that we know where the milk comes from….let’s move on with the “recipe”. You can really use any of your favorite cheeses on this platter, but just make sure you pick different colors and flavors to make it interesting.

Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

2 pints cherry tomatoes

16 oz sharp cheddar block

16 oz pepper jack block

16 oz colby jack block

fresh rosemary

fresh thyme

Cut cheese into bite-sized chunks.

Alternate layers of rows of cheese and tomatoes. Rows should get smaller as you move up the platter. In between each row of cheese and tomatoes add a layer of herbs.

Use a chunk of cheese at the bottom for a trunk. I also freehand cut a star shape out of one piece of cheese.

Serve with crackers on the side.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/12/christmas-tree-cheese-platter/

Now that you know all about where the milk comes from and how to much this crowd pleasing appetizer platter, I have a giveaway for you! WOOT!

Gift basket includes:

Holstein Print Apron
Holstein Print hot mits
The Cookie Book
Spatula
Measuring cup
Mini Cow cookie jar
Stir stick
Jar opener
Cow kitchen timer
Travel coffee mug
Cold beverage travel cup
Wooden cheese cutting board
Cheese slicer
Stress cow
Bag clip

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post was made in partnership with AZ Milk Producers. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Filed Under: appetizers, christmas, holidays and activities, parties, party food, places, travel · Tagged: appetizers, cheese, Christmas

Christmas Marshmallow Pops

December 10, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 4 Comments

I think these Christmas Marshmallow Pops are just adorable and so easy. It’s a perfect activity for the kids. Let them make up a bunch to give to their friends for the holidays or take them to school for a special treat. Or just make up a bunch to share with your friends! Christmas is coming quickly…how does that happen. It seems like it comes quicker and quicker every year. Maybe because I’m getting older!

Today, I’m guest posting over at Celebrating Family! Janice is one of my dear friends..we’ve been friends for over 8 years and I just love her to death. Her site is wonderful too…crafts, family activities, recipes, and inspiration. I know you will love her site!

So go check out my recipe on her site today! Go now…what are you waiting for!

Filed Under: christmas, desserts, holidays and activities, kid friendly, kids in the kitchen, other desserts, parties, party food · Tagged: Christmas, desserts, kids

Peppermint Cake

December 7, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 2 Comments

Well, this wraps up peppermint week here on AMFT. I hope you’ve been inspired and found something new for your holiday parties and treat platters. But if you need a big show stopping dessert…I’ve saved the best for last! I promise you CAN make this Peppermint Cake. It’s super easy! Before we get started on the cake, here’s a quick list of some other tasty peppermint treats:

I recently bought a cake ball maker. I love cake balls and have requests for them every Christmas…they are rich and decadent and so good. But I wanted something to make cake in the shape of balls and to make other cute treats…so off to the store I went and I came home a cake ball maker! I’ve made fun pancakes and desserts with it so far and am really having a great time with it. I made peppermint cake balls for another project recently and had some leftover. I didn’t want them to go to waste, so I thought how would it work if I baked them into another cake.

I made one mistake…so do as I say, not as I do. LOL! Use two separate pans for the cake instead of one large pan. Torting this cake does NOT work well and was a big ol’ pain and, as you can see, did not work out so much for me. All my cake balls ended up in the bottom layer. Not pretty! However, baking two separate cakes with cake balls will ensure that your double layer cake will look beautiful when cutting into!

Peppermint Cake Balls

1 box white cake mix, prepared according to box instructions

1 1/2 tsps pepperming extract

red food coloring

cake pop maker

Follow cake pop maker instructions for cooking cake.

Mix prepared cake batter with peppermint extract and red food coloring. (If you are okay with it, taste for peppermint flavor and add more if desired.)

Bake cake pops according to maker, remove and let cool on baking rack before using in cake. Or insert a candy stick and dip in melted chocolate or candy melts.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/12/peppermint-cake/

Peppermint Cake

12-16 peppermint cake balls

1 box white cake mix, prepared as directed on box

4 cups white buttercream frosting (or 2 containers white frosting)

2 cups crushed peppermints or candy canes

Prepare 2 8x3 cake pans with non-stick cooking spray or non-stick spray with flour. Spray well, so that the cakes won't stick. Preheat oven according to cake package or 325F.

In each of the prepared cake pans add 6-8 cake balls. Gently pour cake batter over the balls until the pan is 2/3 full (all of the batter may not be used).

Bake for 35-45 minutes and check the progress. This cake may take up to one hour, but depends on the number of cake balls, the accuracy of the oven temp, the amount of batter used. Cake is done when toothpick inserted into a white batter part comes out clean or with fine crumbs.

When done, remove from oven and immediately turn out onto a baking rack to cool completely. When cooled, smear a little frosting on the center of the serving plate and add one cake to plate. Use about 3/4-1 cup frosting on top of first cake. Top with second cake. Frost cakes with remaining white frosting.

Before frosting sets up, gently tip the cake on plate at a slight angle to add the crushed candy all over. Press gently into frosting for it to stay in place. If cake starts to slip, set plate down and add the candy.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/12/peppermint-cake/

Filed Under: cakes/cupcakes, christmas, desserts, parties, party food · Tagged: cake, Christmas, dessert, peppermint

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

December 3, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 8 Comments

This year, I’ve been on a total peppermint kick. So buckle your seat belts….I have a week of wonderful peppermint recipes for your holiday baking and giving needs! First up Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!

One of my favorite flavor combinations is chocolate and peppermint. Seriously, who doesn’t? This cookie offers the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint and cookie!

Honestly, I took a super shortcut with these cookies…I needed a quick holiday cookie for a party and I was out of butter (shocking, I know)! But I did have a package of sugar cookie dough in the fridge that was supposed to be for the kids to decorate, so I used them!

Hold on though…the secret to using the sugar cookies in the fridge case for something like this…gently rolling about 1 1/2 tbls of dough into a ball and then placing on your baking pan. It helps them bake into a perfect round cookie. If you want to make your sugar cookies from scratch for an extra special touch, try my Sugar Cookie recipe.

I always buy way too many candy canes this time of year. We hang them on our tree, attach them to gifts, give them to friends, bake with them, swirl them in my hot cocoa, and of course just plain ol’ eat them! I’m not 100% sure, but I think peppermint candies taste better when they are served in a cane shape as opposed to the little mint shapes. Don’t they?!?!

These cookies ended up going to hubbyman’s office…gotta keep up morale. And they were devoured before lunch. Hubbyman said that everyone loved them!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

1 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough

1 10-12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tbls shortening

8-10 mini candy canes, crushed

Preheat oven according to cookie package instructions and prepare a pan with non-stick cookie spray. Drop dough onto pan in about 1 1/2 tbls sized scoops. Gently roll each scoop into a loose ball, return to pan. Bake according to package. Remove from oven baking rack and let cool completely.

Line a pan with parchment paper and place crushed candy canes in a shallow dish.

In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave on high for one minute. Stir. Return to microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate is completely melted.

Dip half of a cookie into melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and place on parchment to dry. Repeat until all cookies are done. Let sit for several hours to dry.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/12/chocolate-peppermint-cookies/

Filed Under: christmas, cookies, desserts, holidays and activities, kid friendly, kids in the kitchen, kitchen gadgets, review · Tagged: baking, chocolate, Christmas, cookies, peppermint

Christmas Tree Brownies

November 29, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 1 Comment

It’s only one week after Thanksgiving and I just couldn’t hold off any longer…my first Christmas recipe of the year! This is such a fun and easy recipe/craft project to do with the kids. Okay…secretly…I had a ton of fun decorating my own too and enjoyed eating one (or two) of them myself.

I love doing simple projects with my kids and even at holiday parties. It gets the kids involved and keeps them happily occupied for awhile. These would be fun to do at a school party, Christmas dinner (while waiting for everything to be ready), instead of gingerbread houses, or just cuz you really REALLY want a brownie.

The plan was to send these to hubbyman’s office, but they were gobbled up too fast!

I have to show off the ones my kids made…I love them! I only let them make two each because I knew they were going to want to eat their creations right away. Boy was I right…I didn’t even get the frosting put away before they were all eaten and the kids were begging to make more.

Christmas Tree Brownies

1 9x9 pan of brownies, cooked and completely cooled***

2-4 frosting colors (I used premade frosting in a squeeze tube from the grocery store)

various candies such as holiday sprinkles, red hots, silver dragees, etc

8 small candy canes

*** Bake the brownies in a 9x9 pan that is lined with parchment paper. It will make removing the brownies in one piece much easier.***

Remove entire pan of brownies from the pan and place on a large cutting board. Cut brownies into 4 large squares. Then cut squares on the diagonal to make triangles. Trim or gently shape into desired tree shapes.

Remove candy canes from wrapper and gently break off the curved part. Insert a straight candy cane piece into bottom of tree.

Use green colored frosting in a zigzag pattern over triangles to look like a tree.

Use other colored frosting as decorations or use a dab of green and a red hot for ornaments.

Top the tree with a yellow frosting star or several silver dragees.

Enjoy!

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/11/christmas-tree-brownies/

Filed Under: brownies/bars, christmas, desserts, holidays and activities, kid friendly, kids in the kitchen, party food · Tagged: brownies, Christmas, desserts, kids

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

November 13, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 5 Comments

My favorite part of the holidays is making pecan pie! It’s my all time favorite dessert. Sometimes, the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas you might find me having a piece for breakfast. I know…so bad but that is the only time I have it, so I take advantage of the opportunity. Unfortunately, I’m not quite ready to part with my family’s recipe for a good ol’ southern pecan pie…so I thought I would come up with a fun spin on my favorite. This dessert will have it’s own place at the table this year…it is super good and easy to make.

The chocolate adds a nice flavor to the traditional dessert. I thought using a bittersweet chip was best as it really helped cut down on the over the top sweetness factor. It was just enough that it cut down on the sweet factor, but the traditional flavor was still there. And what pecan pie is complete without a huge dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream!

Take this to your holiday potluck, family dinner, or just make some for yourself! You’ll be glad you did!

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups lightly chopped pecans

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup corn syrup

2 tbls butter melted

1/2 tsp vanilla

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 (325 for dark or nonstick pans). Combine flour, brown sugar, and butter in large bowl with a wooden spoon. Press mixture on bottom of a 9x13 pan prepared with non-stick cooking spray. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, stir remaining ingredients together in medium bowl until well combined. Pour over baked crust.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Cool about 15 minutes and then refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm. Cut into bars, cover, and store in refrigerator.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/11/chocolate-pecan-pie-bars/

With the holiday’s quickly approaching, I’ve decided to stay away from the mega club warehouse stores and stick close to home. I’ve been shopping a lot at my Smart & Final..it’s only like 3 miles away. So close! And I’m loving how quick and easy it is to shop there! Check out my whole shopping adventure on my Google + page! I’d love to have you follow me over there too!

I love Smart & Final and I know that you will too! Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, or on their Social Circular!

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Smart & Final #CBias #SocialFabric

Filed Under: brownies/bars, christmas, desserts, holidays and activities, thanksgiving · Tagged: Christmas, dessert, pecans, Thanksgiving

Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

February 16, 2012 · by Wendy O'Neal · 7 Comments

Yes, I was on a cookie kick last weekend when I came up with these Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies! I ended up splitting my dough and doing something more creative than Chocolate Chip Cookies with the second half of the dough. So, I dug through the cabinets and found some leftover dried cranberries and about 4 bags of white chocolate chips. Apparently, I buy them and forget to use them.

Do you have a box that looks like this? I think I have a little of everything I would ever need for making cookies or dessert. No wonder I can’t lose any weight! I love to bake!!! Come on…I can’t be the only one!

My daughter was not thrilled with this idea, but I promised they would be good. She liked them, but not as much as the chocolate chip ones. My husband loved them and even texted me the next day from work after he saw that he had one in his lunch. He was really enjoying the cookies. My dad asked for more cranberries. So, if you are a super cranberry fan….add more!

So I suppose these are more of an adult cookie since the kids don’t seem to fond of the tart cranberries!

Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

1/2 cup + 2 tbls butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup almond meal

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350F. In a mixer, combine butter and sugars until light and creamed well. Add remaining ingredients, expect chocolate chips. Mix until well combined. Dough will be thick. Add white chocolate and cranberries and incorporate by hand.

Prepare a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper. Drop by 1 1/2 tablespoonfuls (or use a #40 cookie scoop) onto prepared pan leaving 2 inch spaces between cookies. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are just starting to set.

Notes

*Don't have almond meal...make your own by grinding almonds. Or substitute an equal amount of AP flour for the almond meal.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2012/02/cranberry-white-chocolate-cookies/

Filed Under: christmas, cookies, desserts, holidays and activities · Tagged: baking, Christmas, cookies, cranberries

Christmas Buttercrisp Cookies

December 23, 2011 · by Wendy O'Neal · 5 Comments

I was flipping through an old church cookbook (I think from the 70′s) and found a simple recipe for buttercrisp cookies. I’d never heard of them much less tried them, so I thought I would give them a try one afternoon. Because of the holidays, I knew they had to be Christmas Buttercrisp Cookies, so I added some festive sprinkles to them and they turned out super cute.

Honestly, they were just okay for me. I liked them, but I think I prefer a regular cookie, but these were a nice change from a traditional cookie. The kids seemed to agree with me. There isn’t anything wrong with them, but I think I prefer a homemade sugar cookie. On the plus side, they were super easy to make. They ended up crispy and very delicate. I bet they would make a great cookie for a tea party. Since butter is the main flavor of these cookies, please please please use a good quality butter (don’t you dare use the m*** stuff….that’s like a 4-letter word in my house).

Although, I will take ANY homemade cookie to a store bought cookie any day. Have you ever had a buttercrisp cookie?

Christmas Buttercrisp Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup cornstarch

opt. colored sprinkles/sugar for decorating

Blend first four ingredients. With greased hands, shape into 1 inch balls. Roll in sprinkles and place on baking sheet. Chill for about an hour.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Remove from refrigerator while oven preheats. Flatten with floured tines of a fork. Bake for 10-20 minutes. Cookies should remain a little color. Don't overbake. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2011/12/christmas-buttercrisp-cookies/

Filed Under: christmas, cookies, desserts, holidays and activities · Tagged: baking, Christmas, cookies