New Years Party: Appetizers

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My favorite part about the holidays is the build up to Christmas.  The warm fuzzy feelings that you get walking past the Marshall Fields Macy’s Windows, or listening to the Red Cross Santas’ bells.  It’s semi depressing when the holidays are over, and you have no more Christmas music to listen to or holiday movies to watch.  But hey, life must go on.

Now that Christmas has passed, it’s on to the next:  New Years.   This year I keep putting it to the back of my mind;  I absolutely do not feel like planning my New Year’s events. 

 

I’m considering spending the holiday at home with a bottle of Prosecco, and a delivery pizza.  Go ahead and call me the New Year’s Grinch.  If you’re thinking of hosting a little soirée, and pizza won’t quite do the trick, here are some appetizers that will be quick and delish: 

Top Row (Left to Right): Bacon Pork Pops / Kale and Parmesan Crostini

Bottom Row: Tortilla Pinwheel / Blue Bacon Stuffed Mushroom

What are your plans for the New Year?  Have you decided on a resolution yet?  I don't have a resolution as much as I have an order to not look like an obese bridesmaid.  I have 7 months to lose one third of my body weight.  Guess I better eat as many appetizers as possible before the new year!

{25 Days of Christmas} Christmas Cookies: Peanut Butter Kisses

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It’s no secret.  I love me some sweets. So, it should be no surprise to you that today I’m going to post one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes: the Hershey kiss peanut butter cookie.

Image Courtesy of Hersheys.com

For as long as I can remember, my mom has been baking delectable Christmas cookies.  I mean, every year there are TONS of Christmas cookies (i.e. boxes and boxes).  And, every year I look forward to all of her cookies, but I hold a special place in my heart for this one particular cookie (really, it most likely stems from the fact that I get to eat the leftover Hershey kisses.  I used to live on Hershey kisses during finals week at U of I….I would walk into the classroom with glazed over eyes and a chocolate stache…but that’s a story for another day….).  

Ingredients:

• 48  HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1  egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
•   Additional granulated sugar

Directions:

1. 1 Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
   
2. 2 Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
   
3. 3 Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
   
4. 4 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each
   cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
   About 4 dozen cookies.

Recipe courtesy of Hersheys.com, which can be found here

Be sure to check back daily for more holiday tips, ideas, and recipes (nom nom nom!)