Archive for December 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Eggnog Pound Cake


Christmas was awesome. Simply awesome. The big, jolly man made the trek to our house and came down the chimney - actually, this year, he came through the front door. My ever growing clever daughter asked, "How will Santa get through the glass on the fireplace, Mommy?" Sigh. 

I had to be one step ahead of clever clogs and pull out the big guns. A very special magic key, exclusively for Santa. Universal for any door. Thankfully, I picked one up several years ago on sale at the Hallmark Shop. Once I explained to her the procedure, she seemed content and asked no more questions.

After Santa delivered on the goods, he and I kicked back and noshed on some eggnog pound cake and tea while watching classic Christmas movies; stealing kisses here and there. Brings a whole new perspective to the classic Christmas song, "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus", except my kids were sound asleep and that song is utterly ridiculous. I mean, OUR Santa wears flannel pajama bottoms and a well loved and worn Scott Dixon Indycar racing t-shirt. If he actually dressed up as Santa and delivered presents like that, I may laugh at him for all eternity.

But for the record, Santa's an awesome kisser.


EGGNOG POUND CAKE

1 box yellow cake mix - I used Duncan Hines. You can also use a pound cake mix.
1 box instant vanilla pudding
1½ cups eggnog
4 eggs
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Eggnog Glaze: (optional, but AMAZING with this cake!)

1½ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.


Pour into two lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2012! Happy New Year and Happy Baking! 

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Homemade Turtles


Wanna make the easiest treat on the planet? Then child, do I have the treat for you! The secret? It's only 3 ingredients. Yes, that's right my pretty. Three.

Now there is no excuse to show up to a Christmas party empty-handed. Unless of course you lose all control and eat them en route.

Which is a totally understandable.


TURTLES

1 bag waffle-style pretzels
Rolos - Here is a little tip I learned. When purchasing Rolos, buy the ones you find in a roll, not individually wrapped. Otherwise, you'll be peeling foil off for hours.
Halved pecans

Preheat oven to 300F. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, arrange pretzels and place Rolo on top.



Bake in the oven for 3-4 minutes - just until the chocolate is soft. Take tray out of the oven and immediately place a pecan on top, applying gentle pressure. Be sure not to smush too hard or you'll end up with a mess.


Allow to fully cool at room temperature before enjoying or packaging.

Happy Baking!

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