Domestic Diva: Part II

For the holidays, I like to get my teammates something nice. This year, I opted for all those Christmas goodies that come but once a year. I also wanted to get in touch with inner Paula Deen and Martha Stewart. While I didn't make any of their recipes, I channel my Domestic Diva.

For their sugar rush, I made them all of the following delicious recipes:

My assembly line...Buckeyes, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels, Peppermint Bark, Fudge, and Muddy Buddies.

Buckeyes

     To prepare: Don’t tell people that there is paraffin wax. They’ll be biased against it and the    chocolate doesn’t adhere as well.

Ingredients

Directions

1 stick butter, melted 1 lb. powdered sugar 1 ½ c. peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla 12 oz. chocolate chips ½ brick parawax (found in canning section)

Mix butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla together. ·         Roll batter into 1” balls and arrange on lined baking sheet. ·         Freeze balls for at least 2 hours. ·         In double-boiler, mix chocolate chips and wax, melt over medium heat until smooth. ·         Using a toothpick, dip balls into chocolate leaving small area at top for the buckeye. ·         Cool. ·         Store in fridge or freezer. Makes 8 dozen.

Buckeyes

Since I had lots of chocolate left over from dipping the buckeyes, I decided to dip the pretzel sticks I had in the pantry, too.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Sticks

For Peppermint Bark, I don't really use a recipe. I melt some good (Ghiradelli) dark chocolate in a double boiler, then pour onto a lined cookie sheet. I have that cool in the fridge, then melt the white chocolate. (Adding a drop or two of peppermint flavoring for a punch. Then I pour the white chocolate over the top of the dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed up candy canes. Voila! Peppermint Bark!

Peppermint Bark

For Muddy Buddies, I wanted to make something that I only really get around Christmas time. My best friend's mom always makes it this time of year and she always makes me a little.

Muddy Buddies

     To prepare: A great snack that you can make in 15 minutes…just don’t wear black.

Ingredients

Directions

9 c. Chex (1 box) 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ c. peanut butter ¼ c. butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ c. powdered sugar

·         In bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter uncovered for 1 minute. ·         Stir and microwave for 30 second intervals until smooth. ·         Stir in vanilla. ·         Pour mixture over cereal and stir. ·         Once the cereal is coated, pour into gallon-sized Ziploc bag. ·         Pour in powdered sugar, seal bag, and mix the bag to coat the pieces. ·         Spread onto waxed paper to cool. Makes 9 cups.

Chex Muddy Buddies

 

Fudge

     To prepare: Melt in your mouth fudge that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Directions

3 c. sugar 1 ½ sticks butter, room temperature 5 oz. evaporated milk 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 jar marshmallow crème 1 tsp. vanilla

·         Line cookie sheet with waxed paper, set aside. ·         In large saucepan, mix sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. ·         Bring to a full and rolling over medium heat. ·         Stirring constantly for 12 minutes. ·         Remove from heat. ·         Add chocolate, marshmallow crème, and vanilla. ·         Mix well. ·         Pour immediately into lined baking sheet. ·         Chill at least 2 hours. Makes 3 pounds.

I didn't take a picture of the fudge...I think that it would look weird as a swirling mass of chocolate wouldn't photograph well, but it's wrapped in waxed paper in the final product!

The finished product in a cute plastic tub that only cost $1.49!

I will post more about the daunting task of Christmas dinner as it nears and I have finalized the menu. So far, we've got ham as the main dish, so talk amongst yourselves and post ideas for me for the side dishes and embellishments....oh crap. I just realized I haven't even thought about dessert for the blessed day. oy.

OK, so please please please post your ideas for Christmas desserts. Thanks in advance.