holiday recipes

In my family growing up we had a tradition that I loved. On Christmas Eve my mom would make a bunch of appetizers, snacks, and sweets and we would just munch on them all throughout the day. No particular meals were planned, we just snacked. Then, on Christmas day my mom would make a nice dinner.

I loved the variety of foods we got to taste and some were such favorites that they made an appearance every year. This year I have been planning what foods to make for my family on Christmas eve. We are still narrowing it down, but here are some of our favorites.

One thing we have to make each year are my mom's Sloppy Joe Turnovers. Remember these?


Another thing I love to make is English Toffee, a recipe from my Aunt.


English Toffee
1 cup sugar
1/2 lb (2 cubes) butter or margarine
2 T. water
1/2 bag milk chocolate chips or 5 Hershey bars
finely chopped walnuts, optional

Cook sugar, butter, and water over medium-high heat stirring constantly until golden brown (this happens very quickly so keep your eye on it). If butter separates just keep going, it will go back together. Part butter and part margarine separates less than all butter. Pour quickly onto an ungreased cookie sheet. While hot, sprinkle chocolate on top of candy. Wait a minute or two for the chocolate to soften then spread evenly with a knife. Top with nuts, if desired. When cool break into small pieces and eat like crazy!



And another favorite at my house, and probably at your house too, are Oreo Balls. They are kind of like cake pops...maybe even a little better!

Oreo Balls
1 package Oreos
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 package dipping chocolate

Crush Oreos in a food processor until very fine (you could also use a blender). Mix in the cream cheese. Form into 1" balls and chill for 1 hour. Melt chocolate and dip the balls. Set on wax paper to cool. Drizzle with melted white chocolate, if desired. Refrigerate.



For something new this year, these chocolate candy cane cookies from The Pioneer Woman look absolutely divine! I might have to give them a try. Enjoy your holiday cooking!