Merry Christmas!!

In this Season there is Reason to Celebrate!

From our "Packed Table" to yours! We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

“But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:10-14

Pecan Praline Cookie Triangles

Any type of confection with the word praline in it and I am all over it! When my husband and I first got married we found an ice cream–Pralines and Cream made by Frusen Glädjé. (Whatever happened to that ice cream anyway?) It was a Friday night treat for us and it may have been one of the best ice creams ever made! Consequently, I am a huge praline fan!

This would be a great cookie to add to any goodie plate. Buttery, rich and full of pecans. I caught my hubby sneaking one last night and he said something to the effect that they were out-of-this-world good. Yes, I have to agree!

Pecan Praline Cookie Triangles

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup butter, melted

Filling

• 3 cups pecan halves, divided
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, combine flour, powdered sugar and baking soda. Add the butter and mix until crumbly. Lightly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 10 x 15 1/2 inch cookie sheet (9x13 will work as well, cooking times may be a bit longer). Bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, for the filling, reserve 1 cup of the pecans for garnish; chop the remaining pecans. Combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Pour filling over the warm crust, spreading to the edges of the pan.

Arrange the remaining pecan halves over the filling.

Bake 17-19 minutes or until filling is set in the center.

Remove from oven, cool completely.

Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired.

Cut into 32 squares. Cut each square in half diagonally.

Yield: 64 triangles (if using 10 x 15 1/2 inch pan)

M & M Cookies

I am going to try to post as many cookies, treats, and desserts as possible between now and Christmas. Since I like to have goodies on hand between Christmas and New Years,I don't like to get my baking done too far in advance. My plans are to freeze some, give some away, and still have plenty to go around.

This particular cookie recipe was given to me when I first got married, almost 30 years ago, gasp! There was a sweet older woman in the church my Dad pastored that made these and I had to have the recipe. That same year I made them for a cookie swap and it won first prize! I'm happy to share it with you today.

Our family began a tradition years ago that includes having hot apple cider and cookies—right out of the oven—while we put up the Christmas tree. It's always a real tree, of course! Usually we put it up around the 10th of December. This year we had a bit of trouble finding a tree so we went to a tree farm and cut our own for the very first time. Had so much fun! Our only regret is that that we forgot to take the camera.

This cookie is a great alternative to chocolate chip cookies–its wonderful counterpart. I love the addition of oatmeal—Yum!

M & M Cookies

• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups oatmeal (quick cooking or old fashioned)
• 1 1/2 cups m&m's

Directions

Preheat oven to 375.

In a mixing bowl combine the shortening, butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy. Add eggs, one at at time. Beat well. Add vanilla, mix.

In a separate bowl combine flour, soda and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, beat until incorporated. Add oatmeal and chocolate chips. Stir until mixed.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly, remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

Note: This makes a lot of cookies (6-7 dozen). You can bake some right away and freeze the rest of the dough. Frozen cookie dough will need more time in the oven.