Some Fun Christmas Recipes

Did anyone wonder what I was going to with the 8 bags of M&M's that I mentioned buying in this post?

Here are a few of the things I am putting together for small Christmas gifts to let some people know that we appreciate them...


This is probably one of my favorite things to make. It's easy & yummy! :) Our whole family really enjoys it but it is addicting...which is why I need to give most of it away.

White Chocolate Covered Snack Mix
18 oz. White Almond Bark
6 c. Rice Chex
3 c. Cheerios
2-3 c. small pretzel twists
1/2 "medium" bag of Holiday Plain M&M's
1/2 "medium" bag of Holiday Peanut M&M's

Melt the almond bark in the microwave until smooth (put it in for 30 seconds at a time and stir in between till completely melted).

In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients.

Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture and stir to coat it evenly.

Spread mixture out on waxed paper to cool. Once it is cool, break it into small pieces. Store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

*This is they way we like this mix. You could add in different kinds of Chex cereals, peanuts, different pretzels...whatever your preference. You could probably do Chocolate Almond Bark if you really like chocolate!? I have found Aldi's to have the best price on Almond Bark. I did notice that Meijer had it on sale for around $2.50 the other day when I was there, which isn't terrible, but Aldi's is right around $1.87.


These are also easy to make and fun to do with the kids...they can pretty much do most of the work on their own. They enjoy being able to open all of the Hershey's Kisses...and when they are done they get to eat one...which I'm pretty sure is their favorite part!? ;)

Pretzel Treats
You will need:
Small Pretzel Twists
Hershey's Kisses OR Rolos
M&M's

Heat oven to 170 degrees.

Cover cookie sheet with pretzels. Put a Hershey's Kiss or Rolo (Tim's personal favorite!) on top of each pretzel. Place in oven for about 4-6 minutes until chocolate is soft (Rolos sometimes take a bit longer). Pull them out of the oven and press an M&M's into the top of each chocolate candy. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or longer until chocolate is set.

*I store these in the fridge but I don't think you have to.



These cookies are a little more time consuming than the last two recipes but a family favorite. I make them all year long but just use regular M&M's instead of the holiday version.

Monster Cookies
I found a recipe for these on AllRecipes.com a while back and have tweaked it a bit to make them how we like them. This is what I use:
1/2 c. margarine, softened
1/2 c. peanut butter (crunchy or creamy...crunchy is probably our fave!)
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1-2 t. light corn syrup (I don't always use this)
1 t. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 c. quick oats
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. Holiday Plain M&M's

In a large bowl, combine margarine, peanut butter and sugars. Mix well. Then add in the eggs, corn syrup and vanilla. Mix well. Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; mix. Stir in oats, chips and M&M's.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 11 minutes.

ENJOY!!

What items do you like making at Christmas time? Please share!!