Some 'Easy Does It' Recipes For Christmas ~ LoupDargent.info

"Because Christmas is not just about presents, you know..."

Okay, so you're almost done with the presents
buying and cards writing and sending activities,
and the decorations do look good... well done!

But, what about the food?
Will you have enough time to do that as well?

Being a Frenchman, the food aspect of Christmas does
rank very high on my end of year's agenda... Perhaps not
as high as for the drinks, but it's still very high.

(Hmmm.... Okay. Perhaps not as high as making sure
to not miss the Doctor Who Special on Christmas Day,
but, hey, that would be practically impossible to top that
anyway...)

Obviously, if we were Timelords and owned a Tardis,

we would not have to worry about having the Christmas
dinner ready in time... A trip ot two back in time would
swiftly sort any Christmas dinner problem out.

But, of course, that's not what time machines are for...

(Apparently, a previous suggestion of mine regarding

another use of time machines was not very well received
by a certain Time Control Agency that I won't name, so I'm
a bit more careful with what I say now...)

And, we are not Timelords anyway, are we?...

So, sadly, we have to deal with the Christmas food preparation the
good old and time consuming (and so boring) traditional way.

Image by jem via Flickr

Fortunately, Monica Resinger, our Guest Writer for today,
has come to the rescue and has shared with us some "easy
does it" recipes for... Christmas.

Cool... That's the Christmas food aspect sorted.

Enjoy...

Loup Dargent

Easy Does It Christmas Recipes
Monica Resinger

Since both my husband and I have family to see at
Christmas time, we spend time with his family at our
house on Christmas Eve and my family at their house
on Christmas day. Since my mom always makes a big
beautiful dinner and we have so much going on at the
time, I usually make a snack buffet table for the Christmas
Eve celebration at our house.

It is very simple and helps keep my stress level down. I can
make all of it ahead of time and just set the table up later.
I don't get fancy with the table decorations, but do include
a pretty poinsettia tablecloth and pretty holiday paper
plates and napkins. It's now a tradition that everyone looks
forward to because it's easy and provides delicious snacks
all day long. The best part is that by using paper plates,
there are no dishes or pots and pans to wash! The only
clean up involved is putting away any leftovers, that is,
if there is any!

Here are a few tips to plan your own snack buffet.
When you have time, take out a piece of paper and start
writing down some possibilities. Write down any recipes
that come to mind as you read the following:

Trays of things to dip is always popular. I like to put out a veggie platter with ranch dip (I use the packet of `Uncle Dans' found in the grocery store to make the dip) and an assortment of crackers with my popular recipe `clam dip'.

Trays of things to dip is always popular. I like to put out a veggie platter with ranch dip (I use the packet of `Uncle Dans' found in the grocery store to make the dip) and an assortment of crackers with my popular recipe `clam dip'.

A tray of sandwich makings. I load a tray with deli meats and cheeses, and other sandwich makings such as onion, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, and mustard. You might try a tray of club sandwich makings or Reuben sandwich makings. You can also experiment with different breads such as party rye or sourdough.

Cookies and Candies. Each year I make two or three of our family's favorite recipes which are included below. What's your family's favorite cookie and candy recipes?

Beverages. The Irish Cream recipe below served over ice is wonderful and a special treat. We also buy pop and beer and this seems to make everyone happy. You might have a favorite punch, eggnog or hot buttered rum recipe you'd like to serve.

Crunchy things. I always have the Chex mix out.

Don't forget that you can have family members or other guests contribute! This will give you more variety and less work! Just tell them to bring a snack type item.

Recipes

Clam Dip

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (6-ounce) can minced clams, save juice
1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce salt to taste

Combine cream cheese and clams.
Stir in just enough clam juice to make a nice consistency for dipping.
Add remaining ingredients and thoroughly combine.
Serve or cover and chill.
Serve with crackers or chips.

Toffee Treats

1/4 Box Saltine Crackers
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Butter or Margarine
1 large bag Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts-Opt.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cover a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
Grease with butter.
Cover with saltine crackers.
Bring 1 cup sugar and 1 cup butter to a boil
Continue to boil for 2 1/2 minutes.
Pour over crackers & spread fast. Bake 5-7 minutes.
Spread a large bag of chocolate chips over, like icing.
Top with chopped walnuts if desired.

Irish Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 2/3 c. Whiskey
1 tsp. instant coffee
2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
1 tsp Vanilla

Put all the ingredients in a blender
Mix on high for 30 seconds.
Refrigerate.
Shake well before serving over ice.

Should keep for at least 2 months.

Peanut Butter
Bon Bons

1 - 1 Lb Box Powdered Sugar
2 Cubes Margarine (1 cup)
1 Cup Peanut Butter Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Almond Bark

Mix all ingredients except chocolate.
Shape into round balls.
Chill.
Insert toothpick and dip into melted chocolate.
Chill until set.

I know the recipes aren't for the health conscious,
but it's only once a year. Here's to hoping you have
an `easy does it' Christmas celebration this year.

About Today's Guest Writer:
Monica is the founder of Homemaker's Journal E-publications,
the growing home of many fun and informative home and
garden e-books, tip sheets, articles and more!

Get ideas on how to make this Christmas the best ever
with the 'Frugal and Creative Christmas Ideas' E-book!

Get a free Slowcooker Recipe E-book when you
subscribe to Monica's free e-zine for homemakers!
To subscribe and receive instructions for picking up
your free e-book, just send a blank e-mail to:
HomemakersJournal-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Tags: How To Recipes
Christmas Recipes Christmas