Kourabiethes (Greek Christmas Cookies)

I found this recipe in the Friend Magazine 3 years ago. They are so yummy. I have to search really hard to find them every year. I am posting the recipe here so I don't have to look so hard next year. They look really fancy, but are super easy to make...everyone will be impressed if you make them for your friends.

1 cup butter

1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

3 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1. 1. 
   Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. 2. 
   Put the butter and powdered sugar in a bowl and beat them together until fluffy.
3. 3. 
   Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat to combine.
4. 4. 
   Put the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix them together.
5. 5. 
   Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix.
6. 6. 
   Roll dough into small balls. Then form them into crescent shapes.
7. 7. 
   Place cookies on a cookie sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15–20 minutes.
8. 8. 
   Remove cookies from oven. Cool cookies slightly and roll them in powdered sugar.

Pineapple Cheeseball

I really like this cheese ball recipe. My friend in Provo gave me the recipe and I use it every year. I usually 1/2 the recipe because it is just our little family. Also, make sure you drain the pineapple really well or else the cheese ball will be hard to form into a ball. Sometimes I will chill the mixture first and then form into a ball and roll in the pecans.

If you have time post some yummy appetizer/snack recipes you are making this Christmas. Let the eating begin! ;)

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 T green onion minced
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 T chopped green pepper (optional)

Mix all ingredients together except the pecans and green peppers. Roll into a ball & roll in pecans. Chill before serving.

Cranberry Salsa

If you do nothing else this holiday season, make this salsa. It is so, so, so good!

However, only add one jalapeno unless you like things spicy!

Should have taken a picture of mine. It was quite pretty and festive!

http://haverecipes-willcook.blogspot.com/2010/12/cranberry-salsa.html

Wedding Reception Sugar Cookies

Anytime I go to make sugar cookies, I have to look up the recipe that we used for my wedding reception (thanks, Angi!). To save me from having to go back to my email every time to find the recipe, I figured I would post it here so that it would be easy to find and you all can make delicious cookies as well.

Here is the link to the cookies:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/12/sugar-cookies/

And here is the link to the raspberry cream cheese frosting (it makes A LOT!))

http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2010/12/sugar-cookies-with-raspberry-and-cream-cheese-frosting.html

Do NOT make the sugar cookies on that page. They taste like flour!

Sandwich Loaf

When Nate and I were dating I went to visit him in Wyoming. His mom made a yummy Reuben sandwich for  dinner one night. Instead of making individual sandwiches she made one huge loaf. I made the Reuben loaf on Monday and then started thinking I really could make any kind of sandwich loaf I wanted. I just made a pizza loaf and think it is going to turn out great! Another one I am thinking about trying is a ham and cheese loaf. I am pretty excited to send this for Nate's lunch tomorrow and take it with me and the kids while we are out and about tomorrow. I am really tired of PB&J.

You all should try making one of these. :) I even took pictures to show you how to finish it off.

Here is the basic roll recipe.

1/3 c. instant powdered milk
1 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c hot tap water
1/4 c butter or shortening
1/4 c. sugar
1 T yeast
2 eggs

Stir together dry ingredients. Add hot water. Mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Add eggs and shortening. Mix until smooth  Add 1 cup more flour. Beat for a few minutes. Let dough rest 10 min. Add 1 cup flour and beat a few minutes. Let dough rest 10 min. Add enough flour to make the dough sticky, but not so sticky it sticks to your fingers. (at this point I usually just add another cup let it rest and then add whatever I think it needs. You are supposed to do this about 8 times, but I don't have the patience for that so I skip some steps) Knead dough and let rise in a warm place. When doubled in size roll out into a long rectangle and put on desired toppings. Look at the pictures to see how I assembled it. I made one huge loaf and then cut it in half and place each half on a cookie sheet. Let the loafs rise and bake 325 for about 20 minutes or until dough is cooked through and top is brown.

Coconut Cream Pie of My Dreams!

We made this over Thanksgiving and it was AMAZING! Seriously. If you make it, make sure you have friends to share it with or you will eat it all for yourself and then have post pie regrets!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/freezer-caramel-drizzle-pie/detail.aspx