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 It is the season of winter……..Br-r-r-r. Special  parties, shopping, baking, homemade gifts and whatever else you have on your list of things to get done in the days ahead before the celebration of Christmas. My list isn’t very long as each of our 5 children takes  a holiday and entertains the rest of the family at their home. All of our grandchildren are young adults and they appreciate given gift cards which lead them to choosing something they would like to have. Our one great-grandson is in to the “Peppa Pig” craze so that’s easy to do. Yea for the pigs!

This season is a time to bake special cookies, breads, candy, etc. to share with others. Today it’s cookie recipes….perhaps to add to your collection of traditional Christmas cookie recipes.

The first two recipes are quick and easy to make and no baking.

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This cookie says “snowballs” in its title. You probably have all three of the ingredients in your cupboard.

PINEAPPLE COCONUT SNOWBALLS
1 – 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 – 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
2 -1/2 c. flaked coconut

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and pineapple until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll into 1-in. balls about the size of a quarter in diamater; roll in. coconut. Refrigerate, covered, 6 hours or overnight.   Makes about 2 dozen.  Note: When I drain crushed pineapple I put it in a strainer and press with the back of a spoon to release more liquid. Also, I put the coconut in a small deep bowl and snip some of the “strings” a bit so they’re not so long. These little snowballs make a perfect addition to your festive cookie trays.

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This cookie makes a nice gift for older people, or anyone to enjoy, with its’ soft texture.

MACAROON KISSES
1/3 c. butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese,
     softened
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg yolk
1-1/2 T. almond extract
 2 T. orange juice
 1-1/4 c. flour
 2 t. baking powder
 1/4 t. salt
 5 c. flaked coconut,
    divided

Candied cherries and/or chocolate kisses

In a mixing bowl cream butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. In a small bowl, combine egg yolk, almond extract and orange juice; add to creamed mixture and mix well. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in 3 c. of coconut. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

  Shape into 1-in. balls; roll in remaining coconut. Place 2-in. apart on ungreased or parchment paper lined baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until very light brown. Immediately place a cherry or chocolate kiss on top of each cookie. Cool 5 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.

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BLACK FOREST
OATMEAL CRISPS
1 c. each, butter-flavored shortening, sugar and packed brown sugar
 2 eggs
 2 T. milk
 1 t. almond extract
 1-2/3 c. flour
 1 t. baking soda
 3/4 t. salt
 1/2 t. baking powder
 2-1/2 c. quick oats
 6 squares (1 oz. each)white baking chocolate, chopped or 1 c. white or vanilla chips
 1-1/2 c. chopped red candied cherries
 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. slivered almonds

 In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in milk and extract. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients.

  Drop by heaping tablespoons 2-in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.  Makes about 14 dozen. Note:  This recipe can easily be cut in half making about 7 dozen.

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DATE DELIGHTS
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 egg
3/4 c. each, chopped dates and chopped pecans
2 c. crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
Powdered sugar
Combine all ingredients, except cereal, in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat until well blended, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and gently stir in cereal. Cool. With buttered hands, roll into 1-in. balls; roll in powdered sugar.  Makes about 4 dozen.  Note: You can buy dates that are already chopped in the dried fruit aisle in the grocery store.

Thought for the Day: Lucky parents who have fine children usually have lucky children who have fine parents.

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