(Family Features) The holiday season and all its celebrating often means full days of visiting family and friends, opening gifts and enjoying moments with loved ones, even if much of that interaction may take place virtually this year. With all the laughter and happiness, you’re bound to get hungry, and feeding the family throughout the day means you’ll need recipe ideas ready for the occasion.

Starting the big day with a bountiful breakfast helps begin the festivities on a high note, while appetizers help hold everyone over for the main course, sides and, of course, dessert. Consider these tasty dishes to take your holiday gatherings to new heights from morning to night.

Visit Culinary.net to find more holiday meal ideas.

One Terrific Turkey

Centering your holiday meal around a turkey cooked to golden perfection is the ideal way to serve a feast. Without the right preparation and execution, however, your bird could fall short. To ensure your holiday dinner centerpiece lives up to expectations, follow these simple tips, from purchase to plate:

1. Buy the right bird. Finding a turkey that’s just the right size for your expected party is the start to a successful gathering. One common rule of thumb is the buy 1 pound of turkey per person – so, for a 10-person meal, purchase a 10-pound turkey. Don’t forget that nearly everyone loves leftovers, so you may consider buying a few pounds more than necessary.

2. Be patient. If you opt for a frozen turkey, don’t rush the thawing process. For larger turkeys, it can take days to defrost properly.

3. Timing is everything. Finding the right amount of time for your turkey to spend in the oven is crucial but not always the easiest thing to do. For an 8-12-pound bird, aim for 2.5-3.5 hours; 12-16 pounds for 3.5-4 hours; 16-20 pounds for 4-4.5 hours, and so on. The key is bringing the turkey to a temperature reading of 170 F.

4. Let it rest. Instead of pulling the turkey out of the oven and immediately carving it, give it a chance to rest for 20-30 minutes, which allows the juices to soak into the meat and moisten it up.

An Easy and Cheesy Holiday Appetizer

If you need a last-minute appetizer or want to impress your friends, but don’t have the time to spend hours making something, consider this easy-to-make, easy-to-eat cheesy treat.

This Cheeseball recipe calls for a handful of common household ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, vegetables and Worcestershire sauce rolled together and chilled for a tasty dip served with crackers. For added flavor, it’s made using Buddig Beef, which has been feeding traditions for more than 75 years with its time-tested appetizer.

Find more holiday recipe ideas at buddig.com/recipes.

Cheeseball

Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

• 1          package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2          cups (8 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 1          can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
• 2          tablespoons minced green onion
• 2          tablespoons minced red bell pepper
• 1          teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8       teaspoon pepper
• 2          packages (4 ounces) Buddig Beef or Ham, chopped, divided
• 1          package assorted crackers

1. In large bowl of mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and cheddar cheese until creamy.
2. Mix in black olives, green onion, red bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and 2 ounces chopped beef until well combined.
3. Form into ball. Wrap in plastic wrap.
4. Chill at least 2-3 hours to allow flavors to blend.
5. Just before serving, roll in remaining chopped beef until completely coated.
6. Serve with assorted crackers.

Call Together Loved Ones with Cookies

A true holiday celebration calls for sharing moments with loved ones and creating memories that can last a lifetime. Crafting a sweet dessert to cap off the festivities is a perfect way to come together in the kitchen and enjoy the moment with those who matter most.

These Gingerbread Cookies made with C&H sugar can be a hallmark holiday treat that allow kids to help in the process. Once they’re out of the oven, ask little ones to help decorate the festive and delightful cookies.

Visit chsugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating with family throughout the year.

Gingerbread Cookies

Recipe courtesy of
Bernice Baran
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

• 1/2       cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2       cup C&H® Dark Brown Sugar
• 1          large egg
• 1/4       cup molasses
• 1 3/4    cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8       teaspoon ground cloves
• royal icing

1. In large bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar about 2 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses; mix until well incorporated.
2. In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Use mixer on low speed to add to butter mixture until combined and dough is formed.
3. Divide dough in half, wrap with plastic film and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Flour clean work surface. Roll dough 1/8-1/4 inches thick. Cut out shapes with desired cookie cutters.
6. Transfer cookies to lined baking sheets and bake 10-12 minutes, or until firm. Let cookies cool on baking sheets 2-3 minutes then transfer to cooling rack. Cool completely.
7. Decorate cookies with royal icing.

A Memorable Morning Breakfast

Holiday mornings are iconic for those moments spent together opening gifts, sharing stories and enjoying a meal. Skip the cereal and frozen foods for a spread like these Orange Eggs Benedict with a homemade hollandaise sauce.

With six servings, it’s perfect for a family breakfast to fill empty stomachs after a morning of gift-giving. Plus, kids can join in on the fun by helping make the hollandaise, which simply requires mixing a few ingredients before pouring over the completed dish.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Orange Eggs Benedict

Serves: 6
Orange Hollandaise:

• 2          egg yolks
• 1          orange, juice only
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2       cup unsalted butter, melted

• water
• 1          tablespoon white vinegar
• 8          eggs
• 1/2       cup butter, softened
• 6          French baguette slices, 3/4-inch thick each
• 6          thick slices ham
• 1/2       cup orange marmalade
• orange zest, for garnish

1. To make Orange Hollandaise: In small bowl, blend egg yolks, orange juice and salt until combined. Gradually add melted butter into egg mixture while blending. Set aside.
2. In skillet, add water halfway up sides. Add vinegar. Bring to simmer. Break eggs into water to poach. Cook 3-4 minutes until whites are cooked through and yolks are still runny. Using slotted spoon, remove eggs and drain on paper towels.
3. Spread butter on one side of bread slices. Place bread in skillet and cook until golden brown. Add ham to same skillet and cook until browned on both sides.
4. To assemble, spread bread slices with orange marmalade. Top each with one slice cooked ham and one poached egg. Pour hollandaise over eggs and garnish with orange zest.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Holiday table)

Buddig 
C&H

(Culinary.net) St. Patrick’s Day may call to mind hearty meals and pots o’ gold, but that doesn’t mean sweets can’t be part of the equation, too. Add dessert to your celebration with this green Minty Shake, a cold, refreshing way to honor the colorful tradition.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.
 

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

St. Patty’s Minty Shake

Serves: 1

• 1          cup whipping cream
• 1/2       teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2          teaspoons powdered sugar
• 1/2       cup milk
• 1 3/4    ounces Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
• 3          scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream
• chocolate syrup
• chopped sugar cookies, for garnish (optional)
• pistachios, for garnish (optional)
• mint chocolate candy, for garnish (optional)

1. Using mixer, whisk whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add peppermint extract and powdered sugar; mix until well blended. Set aside.
2. In blender, blend milk, liqueur and ice cream until smooth.
3. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside soda glass. Pour ice cream mixture into glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cookies, pistachios and mint chocolate candy, if desired.

(Culinary.net) Halloween calls for candies and treats of all kinds as trick-or-treaters roam neighborhoods, but don’t forget to stock your own snack supply with homemade goodies.

Skip the store-bought sweets this year and instead opt for ideas like these that can be whipped up in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Party Mix
As one of the easiest recipes you could imagine, a Halloween-themed party mix simply calls for your favorite snack-type foods tossed together in a group-sized bowl or individual containers. You can try just about anything from candy corns and miniature chocolates to pretzels, popcorn and more.

Spooky Cupcakes
Kid-friendly treats are the name of the game when it comes to Halloween, and there’s almost no better way to get children involved in the kitchen than with some personalized decorations. Bake your preferred cupcakes – chocolate or vanilla – then call on the kiddos to use icing and toppings for creepy custom creations.

Pumpkin Pie
There’s nothing wrong with going with a classic. While it may not scream All Hallows’ Eve, pumpkin is the flavor of the season, which makes pumpkin pie a traditional taste this time of year. Because most versions call for a fairly small number of ingredients, it’s a simple way to bake a desirable dessert. Plus, you can easily give pumpkin pie some Halloween flair using whipped cream to “draw” a spooky Jack-o-lantern-like face.

Creepy Cookies
Whether your family craves chocolate chip or prefers the sweetness of sugar cookies, you can lay out your favorite dough and use seasonal cookie cutters – think Frankenstein, witches, ghosts, spiders and more – for a frightful bite.

Caramel-Dipped Apples
Skip out on bobbing for apples and instead dip yours in caramel for a traditional Halloween treat. Just insert wooden skewers in the tops of your apples, dip the opposite end into melted caramel and enjoy. To add a bit of fun and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed candies on the caramel end of each apple.

Find more snacks, desserts and treats at Culinary.net.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) Lemon is one of many popular tastes of summer.  Enjoy a citrus burst with every bite of these Glazed Lemon Cookies. 

Find more recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Glazed Lemon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More

• 1/2       cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4       cup granulated sugar
• 1          egg
• 2          tablespoons fresh lemon zest
• 2          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon lemon extract
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon salt

Glaze:

• 2          cups powdered sugar
• 2          tablespoons fresh lemon zest
• 1/4       cup fresh lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
3. In large bowl, mix butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and lemon extract; beat until combined.
4. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly beat dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Beat until combined.
5. Spoon out dough and roll into balls. Place on parchment paper 1 inch apart and lightly press with fingers to slightly flatten dough.
6. Bake 15 minutes, or until edges start to brown.
7. Transfer cookies to wire rack to completely cool.
8. To make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth.
9. Dip top sides of cookies into glaze for full coverage.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) For a fresh take on Easter treats, these egg-shaped cookie pops will surprise and delight. Easy and delicious, each one is uniquely decorated -an unexpected, but festive way to say "Happy Easter!"

To begin, a simple butter cookie dough flavored with vanilla and almond extracts is cut into egg shapes with a cookie cutter. Once they're baked and cooled, tint white Candy Melts (or use colored) with favorite Easter colors - pastel, bold, or both - then "dye" the eggs by pouring the melted candy over the cookies.

Now the decorating fun begins. Pipe with melted candy to make spirals and stripes, then attach confetti sprinkles. Other decorating options include brushing with pearl dust for a luminous effect, or sprinkling with colored sugars. You could even write messages on them. After decorating, use a dab of melted candy to attach the "pops" stick to the backs of the cookies.

A decorated flower "pot" is an ideal way to present the pops. Place the pops in the convenient insert that comes with the Flower Pot Kit and add some green curling ribbon for grass. This bouquet of pops can do double-duty as a centerpiece for the table, or as an Easter gift for friends and family when wrapped in clear bags and tied with ribbon.

Visit www.wilton.com for more Easter project ideas, to order supplies including the Pops Flower Pot Kit, or a copy of the new Wilton book, "Pops! Sweets On A Stick!"

Fresh Eggs Cookie Pops

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• White Candy Melts, melted
• Primary, Garden Candy Color Sets
• Yellow, White Pearl Dust
• Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract
• Blue, Lavender Colored Sugar
• Jumbo Confetti Sprinkles
• Cookie Treat Sticks

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix until blended. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Stir in flour mixture. Do not chill dough; divide into 2 balls. On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 in. in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. Dip egg shaped cookie cutter in flour and cut dough; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 6 - 7 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove from sheet and cool completely on cooling grid.
4. Tint melted white candy desired colors. Pour over cooled cookies to cover. Tap to settle; chill until firm.
5. Use melted candy in cut parchment or disposable decorating bags to pipe spirals, stripes and attach Confetti Sprinkles. While still wet, sprinkle some shapes with Colored Sugars. Brush set candy decorations with Pearl Dust/vanilla mixture. Attach sticks to back of cookies using melted candy. If desired, place in assembled Pops Flower Pot Kit.

Source: Wilton Products

(Family Features) When it’s cold outside and snow blankets the ground, try heating up the oven and whipping up a batch of Snowball Cookies.  These cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and with a hint of coconut added to the frosting, your senses might think you’ve been transported to a tropical beach. 

For more cookie recipes, visit www.culinary.net.   

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Snowball Cookies

• 1/2         cup shortening
• 1            cup sugar
• 1            egg
• 1            teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2      cups flour
• 1/4         teaspoon salt
• 1/2         teaspoon baking soda
• 1/ 2        cup Greek yogurt
• 3 3/4      cups powdered sugar
• 1/2         cup butter
• 3            tablespoons milk
• 2            teaspoons coconut extract
• 1            cup shredded coconut

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Cream together shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla extract.
3. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda.  Add mixture to wet ingredients, alternatively adding in Greek yogurt.
4. Flour surface and roll out cookie dough. Use top of jar or biscuit cutter to make round cookie shapes.
5. Bake 8 minutes.  Transfer to cooling rack immediately.
6. In medium bowl, using a mixer on low, mix powdered sugar, butter, milk and coconut extract until thoroughly combined.  Beat on high until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
7. Spread frosting on cookies.  Pour shredded coconut into small bowl.  Press cookies, frosting side down, into shredded coconut.
8. Store in airtight container.

Recipe adapted from Milk Means More.

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) A commitment to eating better-for-you foods and living a healthier lifestyle in the new year doesn’t need to break the bank.

To help achieve a more nutritious routine without blowing your budget, consider a one-stop shop like ALDI for high-quality, affordable ingredients to incorporate into better-for-you recipes. Plus, it carries the foods and ingredients to fit nearly any dietary lifestyle and budget – including a wide variety of options for plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free diets.

Start the year with a clean slate and make practical, better-for-you eating goals with these recipes for main courses, sides, desserts and kid-friendly meals and snacks. Find more nutritious eating solutions and recipes at ALDI.us.

Harvest Breakfast Skillet – This hearty meal can be enjoyed any time of day. Combining fresh vegetables, eggs and sweet potatoes with diced quinoa crunch veggie burgers, this skillet puts a new spin on breakfast for dinner.

Crunchy Fish Bites – For a kid-friendly dish adults can enjoy as well, these crunchy fish bites feature breaded tilapia with a flavorful mustard-yogurt sauce that can win over nearly any crowd – including picky eaters.

Cauliflower-Quinoa Pizza – With the right ingredients, even pizza can help you attain your health goals in the new year. To create a healthier pizza option the whole family can enjoy, swap out the standard crust for a cauliflower-based version to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor.

Fresh Avocado Pasta – This pasta requires just four ingredients along with an easy-to-make, creamy sauce perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Avocado lends a colorful hue to this kid-friendly main course.

Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries – Skip the fried snacks and go for this better-for-you version of breaded veggies. A simple breading and just 15 minutes in the oven put a crunchy, guilt-free, crispy side dish on the table.

Soft-Baked Granola Cups – Topped with a dollop of strawberry yogurt and fresh berries, these granola cups are ideal for breakfast or as an after-school snack. They’re perfect to make ahead of time – just store the premade cups in an airtight container and add toppings before serving. Fun tip: Let your child decorate his or her own cups.

Cocoa Mocha Oatmeal Cookies – A mocha drizzle makes these oatmeal cookies stand out among healthier dessert options. After 15 minutes in the oven, you’re left with a delightful treat that doesn’t send your diet down the drain.  

Chocolate Mug Cake – A better-for-you dessert, these miniature cakes made in mugs can be on the table in just 3 1/2 minutes. Simply combine a short list of ingredients, mix in your microwave-safe mug and pop it in the microwave for a quick, chocolaty snack.

Source: ALDI.us

With Irish Classics and Green-Tinted Treats

(Family Features) It doesn’t take the Luck o’ the Irish to throw a great St. Patrick’s Day party. These tips and recipes will help you throw a festive celebration you’ll enjoy as much as your guests — including make-ahead corned beef and a minty-green cookie recipe both adults and little leprechauns will love.

For more St. Patrick’s Day recipes, check out www.McCormick.com and visit McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.“We’ve developed recipes that make the tastes of Ireland easy to create — from a simple Irish Soda Bread to a classic corned beef and cabbage recipe that can be made in a slow cooker,” said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. “And don’t forget the treats! Our Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect ending to a perfectly green party.”

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1–1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Green Food Color
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and peppermint extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.
2. Drop by heaping tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Savory Irish Cheese Soda Bread

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Caraway Seed
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Red Pepper, Ground
• 1/2 cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and seasonings in large bowl. Stir in cheese. Set aside. Mix eggs and buttermilk in medium bowl. Add to dry ingredients; stir until well blended. Spread in lightly grease 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Bake 30–40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

Tip: Make muffins instead of bread. Prepare dough as directed and divide among 12 greased muffin cups. Bake 20–25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

• 8 small red potatoes
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 1 corned beef brisket (4 pounds), rinsed and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Mixed Pickling Spice
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Minced Garlic
• 1/2 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges

1. Place potatoes, carrots and onion in slow cooker. Place corned beef brisket over vegetables. Sprinkle with pickling spice and minced garlic. Add enough water (about 8 cups) to just cover meat. Cover.
2. Cook 7 hours on high. Add cabbage. Cover. Cook 1–2 hours on high or until cabbage is tender-crisp.
3. Remove corned beef brisket to serving platter. Slice thinly across grain. Serve with vegetables.

Tip: For best results, do not remove cover while cooking in slow cooker.

Source:  McCormick & Company, Inc.

(Family Features) The next best thing to baking cookies for many home chefs is baking cookies with friends. Dust off your favorite recipes, create a festive playlist and fill your home with the tantalizing aroma of baked goodies for the ultimate Christmas cookie party.

Turn things up a notch and swap classic sugar cookies for these festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, Peppermint Truffle Cookies and Almond Gingerbread Cookies. Along with those tasty treats, don’t let your guests go thirsty. Add peppermint extract to a slow cooker hot chocolate so guests can sip and be merry throughout the party.

Find more holiday recipes at McCormick.com.

Peppermint Truffle Cookies

• 8          ounces bittersweet baking chocolate
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) butter
• 1          cup sugar, divided
• 1          egg
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract
• 2          cups flour
• 36        milk chocolate kiss-shaped candies, unwrapped

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large, microwavable bowl, heat chocolate and butter on high 1-2 minutes, or until butter is melted. Let stand 10 minutes to cool slightly. Add 1/2 cup sugar, egg and peppermint extract. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually beat in flour on low speed until well mixed.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Press chocolate candy into center of each ball, forming dough around candy to enclose it. Roll in remaining sugar to coat. Place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
4. Bake 9-11 minutes, or until cookies are set. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Almond Gingerbread Cookies

• 3          cups flour
• 2          teaspoons McCormick Ginger, Ground
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Cinnamon, Ground
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Nutmeg, Ground
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 3/4       cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4       cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2       cup molasses
• 1          egg
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/3    cups sliced almonds

1. In large bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.
2. In separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into thick, flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours, or as long as overnight.
3. Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sliced almonds, pressing almonds into dough. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.

Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 1/2       gallon (8 cups) whole milk
• 1          can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1          package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
• 1/2       teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

1. Place whole milk, condensed milk, chocolate chips and peppermint extract in slow cooker. Cover. Cook 60-70 minutes on high, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring every 15 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to warm or low to serve.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

• 1 2/3    cups flour
• 1/3       cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 1/4    cups granulated sugar
• 2          eggs
• 1 1/2    teaspoons McCormick Red Food Color
• 1          teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2       cup confectioners’ sugar
• nonstick cooking spray

1. In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Refrigerate 4 hours.
2. Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioners’ sugar to completely coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are puffed. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a gift from your kitchen is truly a gift from the heart. For the holidays, treat everyone on your list to a heartfelt food gift.

Gather for a casual holiday open house and give one of your hand-made or hand-picked creations as party favors. Offer hot cider, cocoa or flavored coffee and serve a spectacular cupcake cake — the latest in show-stopping desserts. Order a holiday-themed cupcake creation from your neighborhood Wal-Mart for easy pickup that morning.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bark and Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie are just two easy-to-make treats, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. They’re a few favorite recipes from best-selling author of “Semi-Homemade Cooking,” Sandra Lee for holiday gifting. Not only is her complete collection of 200 recipes in the new Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade recipe card collection a great resource for holiday gift treats but it’s also the perfect gift. Packaged in a holiday red tin, the collection is available exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations this holiday season.

There’s something for everyone on your list — friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, postal carrier, hairdresser, even the kids’ teachers. These gifts from your heart are sure to be appreciated.

Create Personalized Goodie Gifts

Gather the contents by collecting goods from the grocery aisles and housewares department of your favorite superstore:

• Holiday sweets: Pre-wrapped and packaged cookies and candies in fun Snowman and Santa Towers are great to have on hand; simply hang a decorative homemade card or gift tag around the neck.
• Help with happy hour: Line a pretty basket with a festive towel and fill with a bottle of sparkling juice or wine, two elegant wine glasses, a fragrant candle, a tin of fancy nuts and some stylish cocktail napkins.
• Love you a latte: Give a bag of gourmet coffee and include a beautiful coffee mug — or pick up an already-packaged gift set.
• Bring brunch for a bunch: Load up a festive gift box or basket with brunch favorites — try fresh oranges and pears, pancake mix, maple syrup, a loaf of cinnamon or banana nut bread, plus an assortment of jams and spreader knives with holiday handles.
• Time for some reel fun: For the film buff, include microwave movie popcorn, king-sized candy bars, a few cans of soda and the latest DVD releases, in a large plastic snack bowl.
• Fuel-up power pack: Fill a draw-string knapsack with energy bars, bottled sports drinks, banana chips, a box of whole wheat pasta and wrist weights for the avid athlete.

Make a list for one-stop shopping for gift ideas by visiting www.walmart.com. Additional recipes are also available by clicking on In Stores Now/Ideas Center.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These pretty-as-a-picture cookies are amazingly easy to make. Let the kids help make these by rolling cookie balls and unwrapping the chocolate morsels.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies

• 1 16-ounce container dark chocolate frosting
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup very finely ground almonds
• 48 large chocolate morsels, unwrapped

1. Beat chocolate frosting and butter in large bowl until well blended.
2. Mix in graham cracker crumbs and almond extract. Place almonds in pie plate or other shallow bowl.
3. Shape chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls (about 48). Roll each ball in almonds to coat.
4. Place balls on cookie sheet. Using finger, make deep indentation in center of each ball.
5. Fill each indentation with chocolate morsel. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until cold.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bark

Easy and irresistible — be sure to make a batch for yourself as well. Package in a pretty cellophane bag or in a holiday candy dish tied with a festive ribbon.

Makes 1 1/2 pounds

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 2 cups white vanilla milk chips
• 2/3 cup macadamia nuts or almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped

1. Line 13- by 9-inch cookie sheet with waxed paper, allowing 2 inches of paper to hang over sides.
2. Melt 1 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate morsels in microwave on medium power for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until smooth.
3. Pour melted semisweet chocolate onto prepared sheet and spread to cover entire surface and form one even layer.
4. Melt 1 3/4 cups white chips in microwave on medium power 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
5. Drizzle melted white chips over semisweet chocolate layer. Using toothpick or skewer, swirl melted chocolates together, creating marbled effect.
6. Sprinkle with nuts and remaining 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate morsels and 1/4 cup white chips. Gently press toppings into melted chocolates.
7. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm.
8. Remove waxed paper from chocolate. Cut or break chocolate into bite-size pieces.

Morning Coffee Cake

What better way to wake up the holidays than with a delicious cinnamon swirl coffee cake? Give this breakfast treat on a red or green platter with a ribbon-wrapped serving knife.

Makes 12 to 16 slices

• 7 sweet dinner rolls
• 1 box (1 pound, 14 ounces) cinnamon swirl coffee cake mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 10-cup Bundt pan. Slice 1 inch off tops of rolls and tear tops into 1-inch pieces; set aside. Place bottoms of rolls, cut sides up, in prepared pan.
2. In large bowl, combine coffee cake batter mix, water, oil and 2 eggs. Beat until well blended.
3. Pour half of batter over rolls. Sprinkle with cinnamon swirl packet from coffee cake mix. Pour remaining batter over rolls.
4. Whisk remaining egg, milk and sugar in another bowl to blend. Add reserved roll tops to milk mixture; set aside until milk mixture is absorbed.
5. Pour roll top mixture over cake batter in pan. Swirl batters together with a skewer.
6. Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 25 minutes. Invert cake onto cooling rack; remove pan.
7. Place cake, right side up, on platter. Slice cake and serve.

Candy Cane Cocktail

Perfect for an evening of holiday entertaining. Or for gift-giving, bundle the ingredients in a candy cane themed basket complete with martini glasses and a cocktail shaker.

Makes: 1 drink

• 1 shot vanilla rum
• 1 shot white chocolate liqueur
• 1 shot peppermint schnapps
• Candy cane, garnish

1. Add all liquid ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with candy cane.

Source: Wal-Mart