Hosting a party is hard work as it is, and Christmas parties seem to add more pressure. The cooking involved should be easy yet result in a taste that doesn't tattle tail. These recipes keep in mind your time limits during the bustling season of Christmas, and are sure not to disappoint.
Christmas Recipes for Adults
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cup raw (skin on) peanuts
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Spray non-stick spray on a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil. In a large, microwave-safe bowl combine sugar, light corn syrup, peanuts and salt, and mix. Heat in microwave for 4 minutes. Stir well and heat for another 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and butter and stir. Microwave 2 minutes. Caution: Bowl will be HOT.
Add baking soda and stir immediately until you see the mixture is foamy and light. Be sure not to over stir. Poor onto baking sheet and spread to about 1/4 inch thick. When cooled, break the peanut brittle into big pieces. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Makes about 1 pound.
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 8 oz package softened cream cheese
- 8 oz can crushed pineapple
- 2 - 3 cups flaked coconut
This recipe must chill for 6 hours or overnight.
Drain pineapple. Beat cream cheese and pineapple in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and roll in coconut. Lay in a tray or tupperware and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight. Makes about 24.
Christmas Party Punch
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Oranges and cranberries for garnishing (optional)
In a large container, pour all of the ingredients together and stir until sugar is dissolved. Provide toothpicks of cranberries and oranges for garnishing if desired.
Christmas Recipes for Kids
Eskimo Igloo Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can fruit cocktail
- 1 can mandarin oranges
- ½ cup flaked coconut
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 2 ½ cups marshmallows
Drain fruit cocktail and oranges. Combine them in a bowl and add coconut, 1 cup of the whipped topping and ½ cup marshmallows. Spoon on a serving plate into two balls, one ¾ the mixture, the other ¼ of the mixture. The smaller ball should be in the front as the entrance to the igloo. Make the doorway by spooning out some of the front of the small ball. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the model and top it all with remaining marshmallows.
Christmas Party Cookie Tray
This traditional idea never gets old for the kids. Bake you and your kids favorite holiday cookies and display on a tray for good eats!
Christmas Cocoa Top-Off
Not only is this a tasty, warm beverage for the kids to enjoy on a cold winter day or night, but it can provide some entertainment value as well. Have microwave safe mugs on hand for heating the cocoa in. Arrange whipped topping and additional toppings like sprinkles, coconut, chocolate chips, etc on the table and let each child garnish their own cocoa and enjoy!
For some more recipe ideas during the holiday's, visit Family Fun, which has several lists of festive treats to keep you busy in the kitchen.
If you're hosting a kid's party, check out Christmas Games and Activities for Kids to find some more ways to make this year a holly jolly one!
ChristaCarol Jones - A stay-at-home mother of two and preschool music teacher during the school year, ChristaCarol thrives on finding or creating educational, ...
