Holiday Baking Items You Need in Your Kitchen

It’s holiday baking time, my favorite time of year! I’ve already started my baking and can’t wait to try out a few new recipes, as well as bake some of my old standby recipes.  I just created this little list of items that you’ll want to have on hand before you start your holiday baking.  If you have these items in your pantry/refrigerator, you’ll be able to create many, many of the tasty recipes that you find in your favorite cookbooks and on your favorite websites.  Hopefully this will be a great reference for you as you begin your holiday baking!

Happy baking, everyone!!

The Greatest Brownie Recipe…Ever!

Oh my goodness, friends, I LOVE brownies.  Brownies are the ultimate treat.  They’re delicious on their own, topped with ice cream, warm out of the oven, or the next day…you can’t go wrong! While I have NO problem with brownies from a mix, recently, I was hungry for some brownies, but didn’t happen to have a mix on hand, so I found a recipe online and gave it a try.

At the risk of sounding bossy, let me just say…..you. must. try. this. recipe!!! You know those recipes when immediately after you try it, you instantly text your dearest friends telling them that they, too, must try the recipe? THIS is one of those recipes…and yes, I actually did text my friends…

These brownies are a fudge brownie as opposed to a more cake brownie, which I definitely prefer.  AND, they bake in a 9×13 pan, which is kind of unusual for a from scratch recipe.  Because really, an 8×8 pan?? That would be gone in my house in a matter of hours! When it comes to brownies, it’s definitely a case of “go big or go home”!

I used the Christmas chocolate chips that are available in stores now for my brownies to give it a more festive look, but feel free to use whatever you like…they’re your brownies, go crazy!

So, here is the recipe I used.  Bookmark the site…you’ll be back…often!

Other Brownie Recipes You Might Like:

Chocolate Pudding Brownies with Cranberries and Almonds
Brownies, Brownies, Brownies!

 

Our Blessings Count!

The holidays are upon us and that means it’s time to start reflecting on our blessings. Nothing gives me more joy during this time of year than to think about how I can help those around me feel blessed and cared for. While we all have huge ideas on how we can be a blessing to someone in need, it doesn’t have to be something huge. The way we can make someone feel costs nothing, and can have a larger impact than anything we can do that requires money.

{image source}

One way you can be a blessing to people during the holidays is to take them some homemade Christmas cookies. Sure, they’ll moan and groan about the extra calories, but we all know that people actually appreciate the gesture. It makes them feel special that you’ve taken time out of your life to do something specifically for them.

Need some ideas??

I’ve got them!

Gingerbread cookies! They’ll make your home smell amazing and they’ll be a tasty treat for someone you love!

Bark candy! Either peppermint, gingerbread, or any other flavor you can think of, bark candy is one of the quickest and easiest treats you can make for someone. Packaged up cutely, this gift will be one that anyone will be pleased arrive at their doorstep.

So, while you’re busy doing your holiday baking, set some of the treats aside, plate them up, and take them to those who may not otherwise have special homemade treats this holiday season. Sharing the love, during the holidays and always, is something that doesn’t have to take anything out of your pocket, but just a little bit of your time.

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Mercy recognizes the stress we put on ourselves and our families over the holidays. They want to remind us that ‘Our greatest blessing is to see others blessed.’ One way we can do this is to pause, list our blessings, and share them with others. Let’s count our blessings together at www.ourblessingscount.com.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mercy. The opinions and text are all mine.

Gingerbread Oreo Bark Candy

Have you seen the Gingerbread Oreos that are available in supermarkets now? As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to get them…even though I’m a little particular when it comes to gingerbread.  I love gingerbread cookies…they’re soft and spicy and the way they make your kitchen smell while baking in the oven, is like a little piece of heaven.  BUT, sometimes gingerbread flavored things can be a bit extreme.  The Gingerbread Oreos are quite tasty, but one or two is plenty for me….until I made them into Gingerbread Oreo Bark Candy!

 

Gingerbread doesn’t have to be just for Christmas does it? The flavors of gingerbread marry well with the flavors of fall…and Thanksgiving!

Look at that…lots and lots of cookie and gingerbread goodness!

I used this recipe and from start to finish, this took about 15 minutes…perfect for the busy baker!

Make sure you keep checking back soon, because I plan on sharing lots of recipes for no bake Christmas cookies.  No bake cookies are perfect for those of you who are short on time, or who want to share tasty Christmas treats, but don’t like spending all day in the kitchen working on them.  Just because cookies are thrown together quickly, doesn’t mean they’re not from the heart, right??


More Holiday Baking: Shortbread

Hello, everyone! I’m just popping in for a quick moment to share with you what I plan on baking today…shortbread! Lately, I’ve been kind of obsessed with Walker’s Shortbread cookies, so I’ve decided to jump in and give it a try on my own.  Check back soon for the results of my work!

Click here to find the recipe I’ll be using!

{image via Martha Stewart}

 

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