holiday baking

it seems the next two weeks are full of parties where everyone needs a baked goodie. i think i have spend my fair share of time in the kitchen today.

peppermint bark

1 (12 ounce) package nestle toll house premier white morsels

24 hard peppermint candies

1.line baking sheet with waxed paper

2.microwave morsels in microwave safe bowl on medium high for 1 min. stir. microwave at additional 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring until smooth.

3.place peppermint candies in plastic bag. crush candies. while holding stainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. stir morsel peppermint mixture.

4.spread mixture to desired thickness on baking sheet. sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. let stand for about 1 hour until firm. break into pieces.

chocolate chocolate chip cookies

chocolate fudge cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 C oil

1 C chocolate chips

mix well and bake 350 for 8-9 mins

chocolate cherry bars

(picture from book, mine are still cooling ;)

1C butter

3/4 C cocoa

2C sugar

4eggs

1 1/2 C plus 1/3C flour

1/3C chopped almonds

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2t almond extract

1C chocolate chips

1C chopped maraschino cherries drained

1. heat over to 350 generously grease 13x9x2-inch pan

2.melt butter in large saucepan over low hear. stir in cocoa until smooth. remove from heat. add sugar, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups flour and almonds; mix well. pour into prepared pan. bake 20 minutes.

3.meanwhile, whisk together remaining 1 egg. remaining 1/3 cup flour, sweetened condensed milk and almond extract. pour over baked layer; sprinkle chips and cherries over top. return to over

4.bake additional 20-25 mins. or until set and edges are golden brown. cool completely in pan on wire rack. refrigerate until cold, six hours or overnight. cut into bars. cover; refrigerate leftover bars

makes about 48 bars