Christmas Recipes for Friends and Family

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Balls

from Suzie Romans

1 (18 ounce size) jar of peanut butter
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

In a double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate and set aside. In a medium sized bowl, combine all other ingredients. Blend well until mixture forms adough. Roll into 1-inch balls. Using a toothpick or fork, dip the balls into the chocolate until well coated. Place onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Sandra Lee's Peppermint Bars

From the Kitchen of Sandra Lee

Servings: Over 8 Difficulty: Easy

Cook Time: 30-60 min

If you're short on time but still want to make the perfect holiday treat try these delicious semi-homemade bars.

Ingredients

1 (16.5-ounce) package refrigerated ready-to-bake, sugar cookie
dough, Pillsbury®
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1/3 cup white chocolate morsels, Nestlé®
1/3 cup crushed hard peppermint candies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing foil to extend over sides of pan.Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Using your hands, press dough evenly into the bottom of prepared pan.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and immediately sprinkle with marshmallows and morsels. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes longer, or until marshmallows are puffed. Sprinkle with crushed candy. Cool completely in pan (about 1 hour).

To serve, lift foil to remove uncut bars from pan. Place on a cutting board. Fill a pitcher with hot water.Place a long, sharp knife in pitcher. Using warm knife, cut into 9 large squares.

Lauren Brennan's Brownie

Cheesecake Peppermint Bars

From the Kitchen of Lauren Brennan

Servings: Over 8 Difficulty: Easy Cook Time: 30-60 min

Check out Lauren Brennan's dreamy peppermint bar. This tasty dessert is as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat.

Ingredients

1 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 family-sized box brownie mix
2 (8oz.) packages cream cheese
2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
2 teaspoons peppermint extract, divided
4 candy canes, crushed

Directions

Make brownie batter according to package directions, but add 1
teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Bake according to package directions and set aside to cool.

Spray a 9-by-13'' rectangular pan with non-stick cooking spray
and spread cookie dough along the bottom, creating an even layer. Bake cookie dough according to package directions, until edges are golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Once brownies have cooled, remove any hard edges and discard (or
eat!). Scrape the rest of the baked brownies into a large bowl.
Combine brownies with cream cheese to create a thick mixture that is generally uniform in color. Scoop this mixture onto the baked and cooled cookie dough. Smooth the top.

Over a double boiler, melt white chocolate. Gently stir in 1
teaspoon of peppermint extract. Spread melted chocolate over the
cookie-brownie mixture, sprinkle with candy canes and let cool.
Once chocolate has hardened, cut into bars and enjoy!