Cookie Time!!!

Sorry for not posting yesterday but I was swamped with school parties, play dates and a haircut! But I'm back with a new activity for all to enjoy! Today's activity is a family favorite for sure and it can be done totally from scratch or you can go the easy and convenient route of store bought. It's time to make Christmas cookies!!!!!

As you bake together,or do any of these other activities, you'll begin to see that you have created a time for conversation. A great time to talk about what happened at school this week or what their favorite part of the Christmas season is..the topics are endless! Having something to do while you talk takes the pressure off and allows for easy conversation.

If you are not the patient type of you just don't have the time or energy to get out the mixer and sift the flour no sweat!!! Go to your local grocery store and get the refrigerated cookie dough, ready made frosting and some sprinkles. In about 30 minutes time you'll have decorated cookies and hopefully you would have made a memory.

For all of you ambitious baker types, start your mixers!!!! This is probably your VERY favorite thing to do and no doubt you have some traditional go to recipes that you like to use. So you probably need little encouragement if any! So for you guys, I have included a few of my favorite cookie recipes that I have gotten from some of my best girlfriends.

The first is Oreo Cookie Truffles (they are to DIE for!!!)

1 package of Oreo Cookies, crushed
1 8oz. block of Cream Cheese
1 package of white chocolate chips
1 small package of chocolate chips

Mix the two together by hand.
After they are mixed well, roll them into balls.
Melt the white chocolate and dip the balls into the chocolate.
Refrigerate for about 5 minutes then drizzle with melted chocolate chips.

The other recipe is for Praline Bars (these are amazing and addicting!!!)

1/3 of a 16oz. box of Graham Crackers
1 cup of butter (no substitutions!)
1/2 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of chopped pecans
1 package of chocolate chips (optional)

Break the graham crackers apart into 3 sections and line the bottom of a 10"x15" jellyroll pan. Bring butter and sugar to a boil and boil for 3 minutes and stir constantly. Pour evenly over crackers and sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan (this is where you sprinkle with chocolate chips if you like). Lift out with a spatula onto wax paper or foil to cool completely.

These are great recipes to wrap up in tissue and share with your neighbors unless you want to eat them all yourself! These are also great to take to a cookie swap at this time of year!

Happy Baking!!!!