It’s Snowing Sweets or Family Favorites

Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies

OK. I know you have already seen the above cookies. I’m not losing my mind, I promise. Think of today as a day without words. A quiet day, where one thinks in thoughts. Imagine if you will, all the sweets in the world without calories. Not a bad thought, eh? (I suppose then I’d find another vice and one that would probably be loaded with calories!)

Well, I don’t know about you, but I am in total overload and I kind of feel guilty about overloading you more. So today, I’m just posting some of our sweet family favorites, that I usually make about now. This year it is just me and Manservant, so looking at these are kind of like taking a trip down memory lane.

First up, is my famous Fool’s Toffee. I’ve been making these since before the kid’s were born. It is buttery, chocolatey and crisp like real toffee, and totally addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. And did I say these take about 15 minutes to prepare? A perfect gift if you don’t eat it all yourself! Alex and Manservant love these.

Fool’s Toffee

Next we have Magic Cookie Bars. These are magic because they are so simple to prepare and taste like chewy, chocolate goodness in just one bite. You will quickly be taking the second and third bite, too! Even if you don’t like coconut these will change your mind. They have everyone’s favorite graham cracker crumb crust and are totally delectable. Feel free to throw in your favorite ingredients and put your own signature on these great bars. They travel well, too!

Magic Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Lover’s adore these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites. Much better than those in the orange wrappers, though those definitely work in a pinch. These are no bake and they have been tested by our family  for over 23 years. But who’s counting? Just stuff the face, man!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites

Have you ever had Mocha Macadamia Chocolate Bark? Shame, shame, if you haven’t. This also probably means you aren’t one of my neighbors which is to bad. Really. You don’t know what you are missing! This is decadent stuff. Splurge. Buy those macs-you know you want them. Make this. Quick is the word. BUT-they are even quicker going down!

Mocha Macadamia Chocolate Bark

By now I guess, if this is registering, you might be detecting a chocolate thing. Yes, chocolate reigns in our home. But sometimes you have to get out the sprinkles and decorate. And I don’t mean the floor. These shortbread cut outs always work for us and in my opinion are like WAY better than sugar cookie dough. But you won’t know ’til you try them, so go ahead…I dare you!

Shortbread Cookie Cut Outs

Everyone needs an icebox cookie, which is why I love these. We discovered these at a bed and breakfast many moons ago and I still keep them in our regular lineup. Well, you know what I mean. These are buttery and have tiny flecks of toffee, plus the extra bite that all icebox cookies have. And of course they still contain a wee bit of chocolate. Totally love these!

Gazebo Icebox Cookies

Well, I guess everyone needs a chocolate chip cookie. If you don’t I’m sorry, but I just don’t know you! I have tried many and I know I will try many more, but when it comes to a chewy chocolate chip cookie I love Alton Brown’s. OMG! This man will never let me down. Well, at least he hasn’t yet. No one ever refuses these cookies. Really.

Alton’s Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Spritz Cookies

Last, but certainly not least…I have to give you this. A Chocolate Krantz Cake or Babka. Yes, it is more like a bread and one I could totally collapse in. It is over the top delicious and I am not taking that word lightly. Yes, this takes some time to make. Yes, it looks difficult, but it really isn’t. All I’m saying is…  if you happen to be snowed in-well this will take your mind off of it. Some things you just have to do and I promise you that this recipe will do just that. I’ve tried quite a few and this is the one that reigns supreme!

Chocolate Babka or Krantz Cake

So, I guess these will keep you busy. I’m assuming you aren’t busy enough! This way though, I have many of the family jewels all in one spot. (If you aren’t considering my tummy!)

Have a great weekend!  Soon I’ll be posting a few quick appetziers and two people can win a $25 Whole Foods gift card. So get ready. And in the meantime, please tell me what is your favorite sweet?

P.S. It feels weird not writing a recipe!

December Treats:
Gingerbread Waffles
German Apple Pancake
Belgian Liege Waffles

Cranberry Chipotle Wonton Cups
Mushroom Lover’s Pastry
Onion Dip
3 Ingredient Artichoke Dip
Smoked Trout Pate
Savory Sweet Potato Latkes

Not My Mama’s Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken, Artichoke, Mushroom Casserole
Porcini Mushroom Lasagna
My Mother’s Brisket
Boneless Rib Roast and Baked Rice
Hot Brown Sandwich
Sweet and Hot Green Onion Mustard
Frozen Cranberry Salad
Fresh Cranberry and Apple Salad

Shortbread Nut Bars
Spritz Cookies
Fool’s Toffee
World Peace Cookies
Chocolate Icebox Toffee Cookies
Shortbread Cookie Cut Outs
Double Chocolate Mocha Macadamia Bark
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Marshmallows
Chocolate Krantz Cake or Babka