18 • The Beacon December 16 , 2021
Christmas cookies are a fun family tradition
One Christmas we decided we were going to make Christmas gifts for each other instead of buying gifts . The kids could go any time to the craft room and use any supplies to make gifts for each other .
At first everyone was on board with the idea . But as we got closer to the holiday , the news wasn ’ t good . No one was getting into it . My husband didn ’ t get the point . When I pointed out how much money he was saving , he said he would rather go to the Dollar Store and buy gifts . The children felt the same way . I tried to make these cute snow globes out of baby-food jars from Pinterest to show everyone how this wouldn ’ t be so difficult , but the little figures glued to the bottom of the jars didn ’ t stay glued but floated around in the murky water .
I ’ d imagined this wonderful Christmas where we exchanged these
homemade presents , but it was not to be . We ended up buying the children smaller gifts that were on sale that year .
The next year when the children opened their presents , they kept telling us how thankful they were for them . I hadn ’ t thought the previous year was a success , but it turned out it was . We often don ’ t realize all we have or the true meaning of a Savior coming to us as a baby . Even if we don ’ t receive anything under the tree , we have the ultimate gift who came to earth wrapped in swaddling clothes .
I love Christmas traditions and especially sweet treats . This Christmas bark recipe turned out to be delicious and festive . It would be ideal for gift giving in a mason jar tied with a ribbon . The peppermint hot chocolate Christmas cake mix cookies are chewy and satisfying , perfect for a cookie exchange or to bring to a holiday gathering .
CHRISTMAS BARK
2 packages white chocolate almond bark 1 row of Oreo ’ s from a regular-size package 1 container Christmas sprinkles 2 sheet pans lined with foil and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray
Melt almond bark in the microwave , stirring halfway through . Spread
onto the two prepared sheet pans . Break up Oreo ’ s into quarters and sprinkle over bark , pressing down lightly . Divide sprinkles between the two pans . Put in refrigerator to set up . Break into pieces . Enjoy .
PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE COOKIES
Sheet pans lined with parchment paper or foil sprayed with nonstick spray 1 chocolate cake mix 2 large eggs 1 / 3 cup clear soda like lemon lime , ginger ale or club soda 1 cup chocolate chips Pe p p e r m i nt c a nd ie s crushed Mini marshmallows
Preheat oven to 350
F . Mix the cake mix , eggs and clear soda until fully combined . Fold in chocolate chips . Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to scoop batter onto prepared sheet pans , leaving a 2-inch space between the cookies . Bake in oven 8-10 minutes until the middle of the cookie sets and the cookies turn a light golden brown on the edges . Sprinkle with peppermint candies and mini marshmallows . Let the cookies set for 10 minutes until they release from the pan .
Julie Dearyan is a writer , mother , grandmother and pastor ’ s wife . She enjoys making memories by planning meals for the people she loves .
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