My Favorite Christmas Treats

The holiday season is great for many things, but one of the best things are all the treats and goodies that you get to have that aren't made any other time of the year. My favorites range from desserts to just plain old snacks, but they all remind me of Christmas time and family.

3.) Peppermint Bark

 

This is a holiday favorite in my family. The only time it is made is between Thanksgiving and New Years, so it pretty much symbolizes Christmas for me. My aunt mastered the craft of peppermint bark, and it is the best thing to just snack on during the holidays. I'm not exactly sure how this is made but I'll post a recipe I found online, which I plan on trying.

Recipe : http://www.food.com/recipe/chocolate-peppermint-bark-christmas-394114

2.) Russian Tea Cakes

Russian Tea Cakes are my ABSOLUTE favorite Christmas dessert. They are cookie-like with a white powder on the outside. They are crunchy on the outside softer on the inside with some nuts in the center. They are the most unique-tasting cookie I have ever had. My uncle makes a ton of these around Christmas, and they are the dessert that I must have during the holidays. I'll post a recipe: 

Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/russian-tea-cakes-recipe.html

1.) Pepperoni Dip

This is my favorite thing about the holidays. This dip is spicy, and creamy, and hearty and so good. It is a recipe that a friend gave my mom, and I haven't been able to find a similar one elsewhere. The only draw back is that this recipe is a LOT of work. My mom recommends making three or four at a time and then freezing them, because they can be placed in the oven to be cooked. They are great to bring to holiday parties too, because everyone seems to love them.

Ok, so in a food processor, you need to grind up a stick of pepperoni. (cut the pepperoni into smaller parts so it doesn't brake the processor)

Then, in a bowl, combine a bar of cream cheese, the pepperoni, a diced half of a green pepper, and two dollops of sour cream. Mix with an electric mixture until all combine, and place in a tin foil or glass pan. Sprinkle walnuts over the top and bake until the edges are bubbly. Best served with crackers and pretzels!! 

(I did not have the exact recipe on hand while typing this, but if anyone wants the recipe, ill get it from my mum.)