~~~~~~Mealtime Memories~~~~~~: Holiday Sweets

Today is the last opportunity I will have to make goodies to share with friends! So, I have been real busy making cookies, candy and cakes! You probably won't have time to make these recipes before Christmas, but there is always New Years! Take time to enjoy every minute with your family and friends, it will be worth it!

Merry Christmas and Blessings to you and your family!

This recipe was shared with me by a friend who has since moved away. It may sound difficult, but if I can make this, you can! After cooling, place in decorative tins, unusual glass jars or printed cellophane bags! Great for gift-giving!

Caramel Corn

5 quarts plain popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Prepare popcorn and place in a very large baking dish/pan.

Melt butter in a heavy pot; stir in sugar, corn syrup and salt. Boil without stirring for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda. (Mixture will become bubbly.) Pour over popcorn and quickly begin to stir. Stir until popcorn is coated well. Bake for 1 hour; stirring every 15 minutes. Cool and place in containers.

Caramel Corn

You are reading it here first! I am sharing with you my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that has been locked in a vault for many years! I'm not bragging or anything, but all who receive these cookies as a treat are more than thrilled! They truly are delicious; crispy on the outside, but still gooey on the inside!

Stack these cookies in a slender cellophane bag and tie with a brightly colored ribbon! Perfect for friends and neighbors!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (1 bag)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Beat together shortening, sugars, and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs, beating until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour mixture and oats. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop cookie dough by well-rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheet. (I use a medium Pampered Chef scoop.) Bake 9-11 minutes. Cool two minutes before removing them to a cooling rack.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fudgy, moist, gooey, sinful...a few words to describe my Triple Chocolate Cake! So easy to make; it starts with a cake mix and boxed pudding! Once you make this cake, you will be asked to bring it to every get together...holidays, picnics or parties! I have a very good friend, Pam, who shares the same thought about this cake as I do...PMS!! Chocolate is always a perfect treat to share with your girlfriend! Enjoy with vanilla bean ice-cream and chocolate syrup for real decadence! For a little crunch, top with toasted nuts; or make your cake festive with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint! Enjoy!!!

Triple Chocolate Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix (no pudding)
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 cup water
2 boxes instant chocolate pudding
1 large bag chocolate chips (2 cups)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; mix until smooth and creamy. Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow to cool for 20 to 30 minutes; turn out onto serving plate.