What do you plan to do this Christmas (recipes, crafts,etc)?

[sarahmv]

This thread is awesome! Can't wait... I think I'll stamp my Christmas stamping today

[elimaxandlela]

I am trying the Oreo Truffle recipe tomorrow! I am so excited!!! I wonder what would happen if you used other types of cookies? Like maybe those E.L. Fudge cookies?

Alison

[mamahowe]

bump

[vegaswife]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elimaxandlela

I am trying the Oreo Truffle recipe tomorrow! I am so excited!!! I wonder what would happen if you used other types of cookies? Like maybe those E.L. Fudge cookies?

Alison

So did ya try the recipe? It is soooo good!

[wiggynine]

what a great thread. I had to subscribe because there are some great ideas here.

We have our annual holiday craft fair next month, so much of my handcrafter fall/christmas items are done for this. In the past I have sewn pillow cases with pretty trims, wallhangings, decorative pillows, etc.

I have made "Mamie's Million Dollar Fudge", which is excellent and makes a huge pan. I wrap these in the plastic treat holders and tie with ribbon and a halloween stamped image. I have made things like caramel popcorn in pretty tins, cookies, brownies, halloween and Christmas themed chocolate pops on a stick, etc, for our bake table.

For paper-crafting items, I've made sticky note holders, coasters with sticky notes attached and a magnet on the back for the fridge, treat boxes, and nugget boxes. This year I may make the coffin-shaped treat boxes and the little purses filled with Lindt truffles. Or maybe I'll try the spiced nuts.

I send out my own Christmas cards each year, but sadly they do not sell at my craft fair.

[Minders]

Besides my cards I make Christmas ornaments. I usually make some using styrofoam balls and small squares of material. You take a butter knife and push the edges of the material into the ball and the result is an ornament that looks like it was quilted. My dad made these over 20 years ago for our kids choir at church and I've made them almost every year since. They are SO cute

I also take glass ball ornaments and curl lots of curling ribbon. You take some of the ribbon and put the curls into the ball and leave a little hanging out and put the top back on. So quick but so cute and glitzy!

PM me if you'd like pictures!

[elimaxandlela]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegaswife

So did ya try the recipe? It is soooo good!

I did with the oreos- its great! I haven't tried with a different cookie yet, its hard to vary from something SO good!

Alison

[kinglake]

[QUOTE=Minders;11222175]Besides my cards I make Christmas ornaments. I usually make some using styrofoam balls and small squares of material. You take a butter knife and push the edges of the material into the ball and the result is an ornament that looks like it was quilted. My dad made these over 20 years ago for our kids choir at church and I've made them almost every year since. They are SO cute

I also take glass ball ornaments and curl lots of curling ribbon. You take some of the ribbon and put the curls into the ball and leave a little hanging out and put the top back on. So quick but so cute and glitzy!

PM me if you'd like pictures![/QUOT
have you any pictures please ? xx jo xx

[bamagal]

bumpin' for more ideas!

[creatingisfun]

subscribing!
i love all these ideas ;)

[Minders]

[QUOTE=kinglake;11223435]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minders

Besides my cards I make Christmas ornaments. I usually make some using styrofoam balls and small squares of material. You take a butter knife and push the edges of the material into the ball and the result is an ornament that looks like it was quilted. My dad made these over 20 years ago for our kids choir at church and I've made them almost every year since. They are SO cute

I also take glass ball ornaments and curl lots of curling ribbon. You take some of the ribbon and put the curls into the ball and leave a little hanging out and put the top back on. So quick but so cute and glitzy!

PM me if you'd like pictures![/QUOT
have you any pictures please ? xx jo xx

So unfortuanely between moving 4 times in 2 years I can't find the ornaments to take pictures of them. If and when I find them I will try to get some pictures out. Sorry ladies!!!! I'm way bummed I can't find them:(

[Cathy H]

We'll wait while you make your ornaments for this year! I want to see them! Thanks for sharing the idea

[Laurie FW]

I just checked out my document from this thread from last year, wow, 56 or 57 pages of great ideas! Thanks for bumping it back up!

[stampinprincess]

Here's another super-easy recipe for holiday sharing - Maybe you can come up with a better name, but we just call them Cake Balls.

You make a cake from a mix - any flavor, but chocolate is my favorite. When it comes out of the oven, you dump it into a large mixing bowl and pour in a can of frosting - any flavor, but chocolate is my favorite. Stir it all together. Put the bowl in the fridge for an hour or so to chill. Roll the cake/frosting mixture into small balls. Put them in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to get really cold. Dip the balls in melted chocolate and let harden.

It's a really simple recipe, but you'll be surprised at how decadent the result!

Chocolate/Chocolate is my favorite combination, but it will work with your favorites too. Some other good ones to try are:
Strawberry Cake/White Frosting covered in Milk Chocolate
Red Velvet Cake/Cherry Frosting covered in Dark Chocolate (it's like chocolate covered cherries!)

To make them fancy you could melt some white chocolate and make little curlicues on the top - or you could roll them in oreo crumbs or crushed candies while the chocolate is still warm.

Enjoy!

[paperchick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampinprincess

Here's another super-easy recipe for holiday sharing - Maybe you can come up with a better name, but we just call them Cake Balls.

You make a cake from a mix - any flavor, but chocolate is my favorite. When it comes out of the oven, you dump it into a large mixing bowl and pour in a can of frosting - any flavor, but chocolate is my favorite. Stir it all together. Put the bowl in the fridge for an hour or so to chill. Roll the cake/frosting mixture into small balls. Put them in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to get really cold. Dip the balls in melted chocolate and let harden.

It's a really simple recipe, but you'll be surprised at how decadent the result!

Chocolate/Chocolate is my favorite combination, but it will work with your favorites too. Some other good ones to try are:
Strawberry Cake/White Frosting covered in Milk Chocolate
Red Velvet Cake/Cherry Frosting covered in Dark Chocolate (it's like chocolate covered cherries!)

To make them fancy you could melt some white chocolate and make little curlicues on the top - or you could roll them in oreo crumbs or crushed candies while the chocolate is still warm.

Enjoy!

These sound so easy and so good! I will definitely have to try this !

THANKS!

[ctab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampinprincess

Here's another super-easy recipe for holiday sharing - Maybe you can come up with a better name, but we just call them Cake Balls.

You make a cake from a mix - any flavor, but chocolate is my favorite. When it comes out of the oven, you dump it into a large mixing bowl and pour in a can of frosting - any flavor, but chocolate is my favorite. Stir it all together. Put the bowl in the fridge for an hour or so to chill. Roll the cake/frosting mixture into small balls. Put them in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to get really cold. Dip the balls in melted chocolate and let harden.

It's a really simple recipe, but you'll be surprised at how decadent the result!

Chocolate/Chocolate is my favorite combination, but it will work with your favorites too. Some other good ones to try are:
Strawberry Cake/White Frosting covered in Milk Chocolate
Red Velvet Cake/Cherry Frosting covered in Dark Chocolate (it's like chocolate covered cherries!)

To make them fancy you could melt some white chocolate and make little curlicues on the top - or you could roll them in oreo crumbs or crushed candies while the chocolate is still warm.

Enjoy!

Oh my gosh! That sounds so so yummy.

[Londonblue]

FYI cake decorators call them "cake balls" too!

I also love to take doublestuff oreo cookies, insert sucker stick,dip in milk chocolate and sprinkle jimmies to decorate. Lay on wax paper to dry..place in small cello bag..tie with ribbon and you have fantastic stocking stuffers/gift embellishments/craft fair goodies (at $1 each they sell out!)

here's my stocking stuffers for my clients from last year
December_2007_016_by_Londonblue by Londonblue at Splitcoaststampers

I have lot's of chocolate moulds and make all kinds of candies..my favorites are the andes mints and the peanut butter cups..oh and the almond joys and ok:rolleyes: ...I'll stop!

[tinlizzy]

I just love Almond Joys, would you shair your recipe.
Please, please and thankyou.
Eliz.

[Londonblue]

I'll start digging out the recipe

[Katie018075]

;) wow Londonblue, can I be on your Christmas list this year?

[josh's mommy]

ooooohhhhhhhhhhhh

me too please

[stamplovinglatina]

Is there a good/easy fudge recipe someone can share? I have never made fudge in my life, and thought it would be an 'easy gift' Thanks !!!

[KraftyChic]

I made a really good chocolate fudge last year for Christmas. It was made with Velveeta Cheese and shaped like a wreath. I got it from Paula Deen on foodtv.com. Everyone at work raved about it!

[Stampnf1n]

Does anyone have a good carmel recipe? My sis and I got some in Minnesota one time. They were wrapped in wax paper and melted in you mouth! THey didnt stick to you teeth at all.

Bonnie

[jekkaj]

I would love to have your grandmother's macadamia pineapple square receipe if you don't mind giving it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzy_H

As far as baking/crafting/stamping goes?

Thanks to Papertreys tins and containers I am going to do a lot more baking and stamping/decorating on the containers.

I think I will make fudge, Russian tea cakes (melt in your mouth butter cookies with ground nuts, dusted in icing sugar), hot and spicy nuts, spumonic slices (tri color cookies of red with cherries. green with pistachio pieces and chocolate with chunks), and caramel corn. Oh and my grandma's very special macadamia pineapple squares.

For crafts, I am going to make frames that say joy/noel/etc and mini star book ornaments for everyone. Maybe CD ornaments too as DH is in radio and we get so many CDs we use them as coasters LOL. I need to get rid of them.

If anyone wants any recipes I will be happy to provide.

Would love to hear your recipe and craft ideas. I am ready to get into the Christmas spirit. Am I too early? LOL

[Londonblue]

Carmel Recipe.. Betty Crocker cookbook has a fantastic carmel recipe that I have used for years. I was going to skip doing carmels last year and my youngest DD almost cried.. her job is wrapping them and she was so upset that I made 2 batches for her to wrap (I had not been feeling well and was making carmel corn like crazy and was tired)


The only change I make is that I use full cream instead of half and half that it calls for..watch carefully carmels burn easily!

[tinlizzy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonblue

I'll start digging out the recipe

Just checking back to see if you found the recipe for those Almond Joys yet. I sure hope you have not lost it like I do half of the time. To much to think of these days or just getting old maybe.
Eliz.P

[craftymomto2]

bumping to the top!!

[Laurie FW]

Go to post 678 on page 17 of this thread to find the document that already has a lot of these recipes (fudge, macadamia pineapple squares, etc.) you are all requesting on there! I tried to repost it here, but it didn't work! I am sorry!

I highly recommend the Oreo Truffles from Countryheart, YUM!

[Noel in TX]

subscribing to post

[craftymomto2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebethneu

Here is the recipe, it's from a Gooseberry Patch book titled "Gifts for Giving" (this is a GREAT book by the way if you want lots of ideas for gifts, and it's sister book "More Gifts for Giving")


Stawberry's and cream milk bath:

1 cup powdered milk
3/4 cup sea salt
1/4 tsp strawberry essential oil

Place the milk and salt in a bowl and mix until well blended. Scoop out about a 1/2 cup and place in a seperate bowl, sprinkle the oil over the smaller ammount and mix. Add oil mix back to the large bowl and stir well. Store in an air tight container.

Instructions:
Scoop out 1/4 cup and dissolve under running bath water.



I found milk bottles at a local "country" type store, we actually have an outdoor mall nearby called "Country Village" and I was able to find them there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Denise's Lotion Recipe
15 ounce vaseline
16 ounce vitamin e cream
"2" 16 ounce baby lotion

Mix all this together with hand mixer in METAL bowl.(it will look like thick cake frosting)
Then spoon into jars with a METAL spoon
(note: don't use anything plastic or your stuff may taste like lotion)



There it it ladies! Very simple but very good! It is really thick so good for winter. I use all generic stuff. Also when I made it a few years ago, I spooned it into baby food jars and sealed it with the lids that I had painted gold/silver, and then added a sticker to the lid. Of course, you can use different jars BUT this stuff is thick so make sure you can get fingers into jar to get it out. KWIM?


I'm going tomorrow to get this stuff and put it with the lotion recipe that is on other thread with a similar title as this one, paste the recipe about (I hope), The name of the lotion is Denise's Lotion and she said that she buys all of her ingredients for it at Dollar General.

[bound4london]

My mom always asks for the Almond Joys from the kids at Halloween so I am going to try this

Makes about 3 dozen bars

5 ounces Eagle sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

14 ounces premium shredded or flaked coconut

One 24-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips

Blend the condensed milk and vanilla.

Add the powdered sugar to the above mixture a little bit at a time, stirring until smooth.

Stir in the coconut. The mixture should be firm.

Pat the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13x2-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator until firm.

In a double boiler over hot (not boiling) water, melt the chocolate, stirring often. You may also use a microwave oven. Place the chips in a bowl and heat for 1 minute on high: stir, then heat for 1 minute more.

Remove the coconut mixture from the refrigerator and cut it into 1x2-inch bars.

Set each coconut bar onto a fork and dip into the chocolate. Tap the fork against the side of the pan or bowl to remove any excess chocolate.

Air-dry at room temperature on waxed paper. This could take several hours, but chocolate sets best at cool room temperature (below 70 degrees). You may speed up the process by placing the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Peter Paul Almond Joy



And if you feel like a nut, follow the above recipe with these changes:

Add 1 cup dry-roasted almonds to the list of ingredients.

Substitute milk-chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate.

In step 8, place two almonds atop each bar before dipping.

[bound4london]

What am I going to do this year? I am going to make my Christmas cards--even if they don't turn out as I like they are going out (but I hope and pray that they do). I am using a great retired set from SU--well, that is the plan anyways. I have a quilt that I started for my youngest a couple years ago and then it got put away--I will finish it for him--just needs the edge and binding from what I remember. He'll be shocked. I am sending small scrapbooks to my boy in Mexico with pictures of his family and friends. It is his first Christmas away from home so he needs that--or perhaps I need to do it for him. I am also working on Christmas cards that he can send from Mexico. My daughter is graduating from University, then there is Christmas followed quickly by her birthday--we already gave her the computer she wanted/needed so I am working on scrapbooks for her. I thought it would be simple. HA! I am up to 4 months of age and several scrapbooks and tons of money!!! Pajama pants for the family for Christmas eve. Napkins and placemats with the skills I am learning in my serger class. Pumpkin pies for ladies I visit with at church. And I know I have more but I haven't thought that far ahead yet.

[craftymomto2]

Thanks for the Almond Joy recipe, will go on my Christmas trays to the neighbors this year!

[Tracy-Stamper]

In case anyone is looking for some gift packaging ideas. I made up this little tin this morning

Hope you like!

[craftymomto2]

Very Pretty!! Thanks! Could you use the Wilton round containers found in the bridal section at Michael's?? Than you could buy those with a 40 or 50% off coupon!!

[bonniejo]

Bound4london,

Thanks for the recipe. I may have to make it for gifts or myself!!! It is my favorite candy bar.

[craftymomto2]

;)

[wiggynine]

Today I was making up some items for a swap I am in and thinking about the holidays (how can I help it, the radio stations are already playing the holiday music!). I made these little treat bags using a stamp I purchased for $1.00

gift bag

I will fill these with spiced nuts and give them out to people in my office as a little gift. I also am making the pillow pouches. I'm using some flower stamps I've had forever, but I guess with the silver embossing and the colors I chose, they look like Christmas, so I'll fill those with gift cards. What fun!

[bound4london]

How cute with the bag--I've never seen a stamp like that one BUT my mom has a Cricut and has the bags, tags cartridge that she has never played with. Looks like I need to go visit my mommy with some cardstock in hand so that I can play with it.