Holiday Baking and Treats

Cookie Truffles

If you're looking for holiday treats and baking ideas, here's links to recipes I've published before.  

I'm making many of them again this year, plus some new ones, which I'll be posting soon. They're fairly simple to make, and ever so good.  

Several I've made for over 40 years and are family favorites I used to make with my kids.

http://gooddealmeals.blogspot.com/2011/12/cookie-truffles.html

Microwave Caramel Corn

http://gooddealmeals.blogspot.com/2012/02/microwave-caramel-corn-cracker-jacks.html

Cake Mix Cookies

http://gooddealmeals.blogspot.com/2011/11/cake-mix-cookies.html

Mini Puff Pastry

http://gooddealmeals.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-party-delights.html

This link includes old fashioned Chex Mix, Mini-Puff Pastry, Date Nut Bread, Rosettes/Crullers, Liver Sausage Paste, Clam Dip, and Black Russian Liqueur.




http://gooddealmeals.blogspot.com/2011/12/peanut-butter-pie_15.html

Peanut Butter Pie

Microwave Caramel Corn, Cracker Jacks

Caramel Corn, Cracker Jacks, a childhood favorite!  A good treat anytime, around the holidays, or at game time.  When microwaves became the new rage back in the early 80s, ladies were sharing cooking ideas like crazy. 


 A friend shared this recipe which became popular at the time, especially when raising kids, as they could join in and "help."


This recipe has that old-fashioned taste of caramel corn without all the mess, and is quick and easy.  Adding peanuts gives it that Cracker Jacks taste.


Microwave Caramel Corn, Cracker Jacks
3 - 1/2 quarts of plain popped corn, yellow preferred
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup (cube) margarine or butter
1/4 cup white kayo syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp.baking soda
1 large paper grocery sack
peanuts, optional

In 2-quart microwave safe glass container bring to boil, then boil for 2 minutes on high: sugar, syrup, butter and salt. Watch closely as it rises and is hot. Remove and stir in baking soda with a wooden spoon, until dissolved.

Place popped corn in paper bag (add peanuts if desired) and pour mixture over and shake well.  Return to microwave for 1- 1/2 minutes.  Remove and shake well.  Repeat one more time. Pour into a large bowl to cool.

Can be put in decorated containers, or cellophane bags tied with a bow for gifts during the holidays.