---

It’s almost time for Christmas celebrations. Are you ready? If you’re still wondering what to give a special friend or relative, I have more “made especially for you” recipes. Hope you’re not getting tired of them, but remember––you can just make them for your family, a gift from you to them. Done talking as I have lots of good ideas for you.

+++++

If you like peanut brittle, you’ll like this variety of brittle. It’s so easy to make. Remember––candy-making takes time, so don’t rush it and when it says not to stir––don’t stir! Follow directions carefully.

PISTACHIO BRITTLE

1 c. shelled natural pistachio nuts (You may have to crack them yourself.)

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted (butter is better)

2 T. water

1 T. light corn syrup

1/8 t. lemon or vanilla extract (lemon is better)

Put nuts on baking sheet; bake at 200 degrees to keep warm while making the brittle.

In a 2-3 quart saucepan (preferably if you have teflon as it goes faster and won’t stick) combine sugar and next three ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; stir just to combine.

Cook without stirring on medium heat to soft crack (275 degrees) on candy thermometer.

Take off heat and stir in extract and nuts.

Pour onto foil-lined or very lightly buttered baking sheet, spreading about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness. Cool and break into serving size pieces.

+++++

A chocolate, really chocolate, truffle that’s a snap to make.

MOCK MILK CHOCOLATE MOCHA TRUFFLES

2-12 oz. packages milk chocolate chips

1-8 oz. package regular or low-fat cream cheese, room temperature

3 T. instant coffee granules (1 t. mint, almond or orange extract may be added instead of the coffee and water)

2 t. water

1 lb. or more, chocolate or white candy coating (almond bark)

Put chips in micro safe bowl on medium-high for 15 second intervals until melted.

Remove and add cream cheese, stir to combine.

Dissolve coffee in water and stir into chocolate mixture; chill in fridge at least two hours.

Form into 1-inch balls and chill again on cookie sheet, covered with wax paper, until firm. (Cover balls with wax paper while chilling.)

Melt about six squares of candy coating in micro. Dip truffles into candy coating, using toothpicks or metal turkey lacing pins, to coat truffles. Let extra coating drip off and set truffle on waxed paper to harden.

Makes about 5-1/2 dozen. Box them or use a pretty tin to put them in.

+++++

And, a really good cookie to share.

CINNAMON STICK COOKIES

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. shortening

1-1/2 t. vanilla or almond flavoring

5 T. sugar

2 c. flour

Cream first four ingredients until well mixed. Stir in flour.

Form into 1-1/2 inch sticks, about 3/4-inches in diameter.

Put on ungreased baking sheets and bake at 350 degrees 18-23 minutes or until lightly browned.

While still warm roll in a mixture of 1/2 t. cinnamon and 1/2 c. sugar. Makes about 4-5 dozen.

+++++

You’ll get a snicker out of the name of this candy. It’s so easy to make–– your 10- or 11-year-old can make it while you sit down and have a cup of coffee, cider or tea, as you supervise.

COW PIES

2 c. milk chocolate chips

1 T. shortening (not butter or margarine)

1/2 c. raisins

1/2 c. chopped slivered almonds

In a double boiler, over simmering water, or in a micro, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stirring until smooth.

Take off heat; stir in raisins and almonds.

Immediately drop by heaping teaspoonful onto wax paper-lined cookie sheet, spread a bit to form the “pie.” Chill completely.

Makes about 2 dozen. They are really good and makes for a conversational gift. Be sure not to make them too big, about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter.

+++++

Surely you’ll want a hot beverage to drink with friends or family at your gatherings. I finagled this drink from a street vendor when we were in Branson a couple of years ago.

WASSAIL

(hot spiced punch)

5 c. apple cider or juice

2 c. cranberry juice or cocktail

2 oranges, halved and squeezed (or about 1/3 c. orange juice)

10 whole cloves

4 - 3-1/2 inch cinnamon sticks

2 heaping T. brown sugar

1 T. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in 3 qt. saucepan; bring to a boil. Lower heat so mixture simmers and simmer 10-15 minutes. Pour into crockpot, straining out spices or other container to keep hot.

It makes a wonderful aroma in the house. Makes about eight one cup servings. A good drink without the liquor.

+++++

My thoughts: Will you rejoice in the birth of a king or just in the things Christmas will bring?

This Christmas . . . seek out a forgotten friend, share some treasure, give a soft answer, keep a promise, listen, apologize if you were wrong, be gentle, laugh a lot, have faith, gladden the heart of a child, take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth, express your gratitude, speak your love . . . speak it once again.

In my Slovak native tongue: “Christos Raszdaetja” –– Christ is born. “Slavite jeho” –– Praise Him.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Come visit and see our lights. Directions: south from Lindstrom to Glader, left at “T” intersection.

---