December 20: Tasty Treats for Christmas

By: Vanessa Pitts, Webmaster

With Christmas quickly approaching, many of us may have Christmas parties to attend or family get togethers. Here are some simple and tasty recipes to make for any get together you may be attending.

Peppermint brownie bites

Brownie ingredients:

1 ¾ cups flour

1 ⅓ cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon white vinegar

⅓ cup canola oil

1 cup water

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1 bag of peppermint candies

Icing ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Directions:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
  2. Combine and mix with a fork, set aside.
  3. In another medium mixing bowl, measure and combine the vanilla, vinegar, oil and water.
  4. Slowly stir in the flour mixture.
  5. Use a whisk to mix until the batter is smooth.
  6. Measure the chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 10 second intervals until they’re melted.
  7. Combine the melted chocolate with the liquid mixture.
  8. Use a rubber spatula to stir. Stir until completely combined.
  9. Spray a cake pan (round or square) with cooking spray.
  10. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  11. While the brownies bake, it’s time to start the icing. Pour two cups of powdered sugar, four tablespoons of milk and two teaspoons of peppermint extract into a bowl. Mix with a whisk until it’s an icing consistency.
  12. Take the bag of peppermint candies and place them into a gallon bag. Use a knife to cut them up.
  13. After the brownies are out and cooled, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate.
  14. Spread the icing onto the brownies. Sprinkle the peppermint chunks over the brownies. Cut them up and enjoy!


Grinch crinkle cookies

Ingredients:

1 box vanilla cake mix

1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature

1 tablespoon canola oil

2 eggs at room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup corn starch

Green gel food coloring

Heart sprinkles

Directions:

  1. Mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl.
  2. Mix the butter, cake mix, oil and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Mix the cake batter ingredients until it’s thick.
  4. Add five drops of food coloring and stir.
  5. Place parchment paper over a cookie sheet.
  6. Use a tablespoon and scoop the dough into the powdered sugar.
  7. Roll the dough around in the powdered sugar and roll it into a ball. Place onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
  8. After the cookies are out and cooled, place a heart sprinkle on the cookie and enjoy!