Christmas Cookies: Oreo Truffles

I can't even think about this recipe without drooling. Every time I make these, it is so hard not to eat every last one of them myself! So be careful: if you are making them for a party, be sure and hide them!

You'll find the complete, illustrated recipe here.

Christmas Cookies

I will be attending a Christmas Cookie Exchange this week. I have participated in these just about every year for the past 8 years or so. It is always lots of fun to be creative with baking and to enjoy the baking of others as well. In honor of the delectable and fun cookie exchanges, I will be posting a series of recipes here throughout the month. Check back periodically for a new cookie or candy recipe. You might find something you could use for your next social gathering or even your own cookie exchange party!

White Chicken Chili

The weather in our neck of the woods has turned chilly today. It's a beautiful, breezy fall day that calls for hearty chilis and soups on the menu. In honor of the blustery day, I'm posting one of my favorite recipes.

2 T. oil
1 onion chopped
4 oz. chopped green chili
2 t. garlic
2 t. salt (or less)
2 t. ground cumin
2 t. ground oregano
2 t. ground coriander (optional)
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
3 (16 oz) cans great northern beans (drained)
2 (10.75 oz) cans chicken broth
2 (5 oz) cans chicken (drained)
2 c. cream of chicken soup

In small saucepan, saute onion in oil. Place onion and all other ingredients in crockpot. Cook until heated through and flavors blend.

This can also be cooked on the stovetop. Cook until heated through and flavors blended.

And of course, home stewed chicken is always a great substitute for the canned chicken.

The photos of the beautiful tree were taken last fall. For more pictures of it, click here.

Enrobed (and sprinkled) Marshmallows

During our summer vacation to Myrtle Beach, we saw these yummy looking treats at a candy shop:


I thought they looked like great treats to serve at children's birthday parties, so I took a picture to help me remember them.

When I was recently asked to supply a snack for the children's choir rehearsal at church, I remembered these treats, and decided to make my own version of them.

I took lollipop sticks (found in the cake/candy section of craft department at WalMart) and placed 2 large marshmallows on each one.


Then I covered them in melted chocolate candy coating and sprinkled them with fall candy sprinkles. I hope the kiddos in the choir have fun eating these tasty, chocolaty treats!

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Bring water and sugar to a boil, whisking until sugar is dissolved. Whisk in cocoa and salt and simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla, then cool (syrup will continue to thicken as it cools).

**Thanks to Andrea Howard for this recipe**

Spicy Potato Soup

1 lb ground beef
4 c. cubed, peeled potatoes (1 1/2" cubes)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cans (8oz ea.) tomato sauce
4 c. water
2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. pepper
1/2 to 1 t. hot pepper sauce

In Dutch oven or large kettle, brown ground beef. Drain. Add potatoes, onion and tomato sauce. Stir in water, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender and soup has thickened.

Yield: 2 quarts (6-8 servings)

**VERY yummy soup; perfect for fall and winter evenings!**

Glorious Morning Muffins

2 c. wheat flour
2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. applesauce
1 1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 1/2 c. apples, peeled and shredded
3/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. raisins
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Combine flour, sugar, soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine carrot, apple, coconut, raisins, and pecans. Stir in beaten eggs, applesauce and vanilla. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened. Grease and flour muffin tin and spoon batter in. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on rack. (Store in refrigerator and warm before serving.)

Yields 18 regular size or 12 larger ones

WW – 3 points

Thanks, Judy for this awesome tasting and diet friendly muffin!