It’s been a long time coming! Since launching Tasty Kitchen last summer, I’ve been working on getting the Tasty Kitchen blog up and running, so I can communicate with users more easily, highlight delicious recipes, and—the best part—feature the awesomely creative Tasty Kitchen members.
Members like Angie Arthur, who created the delicious Candy Cane Treats you see above. Give these yummy babies a try! Thanks, Angie, for the sharing this sweet treat!
I’m looking for recipes for all the little treats that creative folks put in Christmas treat baskets: cookies, candies, brownies, etc. Feel free to leave an idea (or link) in the Comments. There are some incredible goody recipes here on Tasty Kitchen!
Can’t wait to touch base with you more and more. I’ve been dying to brag on you guys.
Love,
Ree
120 Comments
Comments are closed for this recipe.
nlowen on 12.9.2009
Soooo… I have questions.
When you submit a recipe the disclaimer about not posting from other websites, cookbooks or magazines narrows down the universe of possibilities by quite a bit. And I am noticing recipes that are published on here.
How does this work – can I just post away?
Emily on 12.9.2009
These are beautiful and would be really fun to give as gifts. I’ve been looking for food gift ideas this year. So far I’ve made this Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter which is amazing and perfect for canning!
http://kitchenbite.com/?p=218
yardsailor on 12.9.2009
Great! another reason to sit here and read!
joluv2bake on 12.8.2009
I just got home from the Atlanta book signing (12:30a.m.), left with my signed book at 11:30 and there were still people waiting and Ree, Betsy and Hyacinth were just as gracious and smiling at 11:30 as they were at 7:00. My hat is off to all of you ladies. The line was L-O-N-G and L-O-T-S and L-O-T-S of folks but everyone was so friendly and spending time talking and meeting one another. I think everyone felt like they feel about Ree and that is “like they knew one another” already. It was truly a fun evening. Thanks Ree, Betsy, Hyacinth and also Bakerella!
Liz on 12.7.2009
I need, want and would love to have a recipe for a egg nog, gingerbread trifle. Anybody have one?
marisaleemiller on 12.7.2009
Dried fruit dipped halfway in chocolate. Mangoes, apricots, and cherries are amazing in dark chocolate. Also, a jar of really good gourmet peanut butter and fancy chocolate in a nice basket is perfect for a Reese’s lover.
How do I attach a photo to a comment?
Calamity Anne on 12.7.2009
This blog is such a fantastic idea!!! YEA!!!
boschka on 12.7.2009
Yeah …..another blog to follow…..outstanding.
Flavia on 12.7.2009
Love the new Tasty Kitchen blog! I’ll be posting a recipe for a treat I make every year at Christmas for my friends and family. Thanks for this great new feature, Ree! It was so wonderful to meet you in Houston this past weekend. Can’t wait to read about it on your blog!
fire wife katie on 12.7.2009
Oooh, thanks Linda, pear butter sounds even better! I didn’t know that about the pectin in apples compared to pears. Learn something (or two somethings) new every day!
fire wife katie on 12.7.2009
Thanks Erika! I had searched for it, but I didn’t use quotation marks. *smacks forehead with palm of hand*
MS Hospitality on 12.7.2009
azkate,
Thanks for the fudge recipe. My old recipe doesn’t like my new microwave and I will try this one!
callimakesdo on 12.7.2009
azkate, thanks for the fudge recipe! cheers, Calli
Shanni Alexandrovitz on 12.7.2009
Wow a TK blog!! How wonderful!! PW – you are the best…I am a US citizen living in Israel (yes, the Holyland…) and your website, recipes and overall amazingness truly make my day
I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with Health & Happiness.
To ALL TK members: thank you for your wonderful contributions – recipes and humor and fun!!
Love
Shanni
Linda on 12.7.2009
For Fire Wife Katie
Apple butter – yech! Way too gummy for us. Try pear butter instead (Ball Canning Book). Not as much pectin in pears as apples.
Pear Butter
2 quarts pear pulp
4 cups sugar
1/ 3 cup orange juice
1 tsp grated orange rind
1 /2 tsp nutmeg
Peel, core and chop pears. Cook until soft, adding only enough water to prevent sticking. Process smooth. Measure out 2 quarts. Add remaining ingred, cook until thick about 35 min. Stir frequently. Pour hot into hot jars, leave ¼ “ head space. Adjust caps. Process 10 minutes Makes 4 pints.
azkate on 12.6.2009
A fudge reciepe my kids demand every holiday
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
3 c. sugar
2/3 c. evaporated milk
5 c. marshmallows (mini)
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
*1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
Bring milk, sugar and butter to a rolling boil. Cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add marshmallows, chocolate chips and vanilla; mix fast using a wooden spoon until all the marshmellows are gone. You have to do this step quickly or the fudge starts to set.
*if desired
Pour into buttered 13 x 9 inch cake pan for thin fudge – put in buttered 8×8 glass pan for thick fudge. Cool until room temp. Do not put in fridge. cut into squares
ameliaknapp on 12.6.2009
I love to make rugelach with apricot jam and pistaschios. It’s a hit everywhere and freezes pretty well so I can make ahead and pull out when needed! This year I’m thinking of doing bean soup “kits” as a hostess present. Basically all that’s needed to be added is the veggies and broth and ham hock/turkey wing.
poenut on 12.6.2009
Hey! Cool! A Tasty Kitchen Blog! Wee!!
As for a tasty holiday treat, my mom always makes “Almond Bark Cookies.” They’re super easy and super yummy. You just make some peanut butter Ritz cracker sandwiches and then dip them in melted chocolate almond bark and/or vanilla almond bark and let ‘em set. Salty and Sweet. Yummy
Erika (TK) on 12.6.2009
Katie, there are a few apple butter recipes here. Just do a search for “apple butter” enlosed in double quotes, and you’ll be able to browse through them. I have to admit I’ve never tried apple butter myself, so maybe I’ll join you!
callimakesdo on 12.6.2009
Now I’ve really gone overboard. I forgot Shortbread. It is so yummy and easy. It one of my husband’s Holiday favorites: https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/shortbread-with-butter-pecan-glaze-2/
I’m on the lookout for a really good Fudge recipe. I’ve tried a few… ruined a few more. Does anyone have a Fudge recipe to die for?
callimakesdo on 12.6.2009
Here’s a few of the things I’ve been working on this year.
Orange Glazed Poppy Seed Bread is one of my favorite holiday treats:
http://makeitdo.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/orange-glazed-poppy-seed-bread/
I just made 75 bags of Peppermint Popcorn and it turned out delicious:
http://makeitdo.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/make-it-do-gift-peppermint-popcorn/
It wouldn’t be the holidays without making Chocolate Mint Brownies:
http://makeitdo.wordpress.com/?s=mint+brownies&searchbutton=Go!
And for neighbor gifts I put a twist on Bakerella’s Cowgirl Cookies and made Cookies for Santa:
http://makeitdo.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/cookies-in-a-jar-for-santa/
I hope I didn’t go overboard here… I love cooking for the Holidays, I am making lots of other goodies like Ginger Snaps with White Chocolate, English Toffee, and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels.
fire wife katie on 12.6.2009
I don’t have a fancy treat to share, but I do have a request – I was watching HGTV tonight and they were making apple butter. I’m very curious!
Carol on 12.5.2009
Ohhhh look at all these yummy ideas………..that’s it……..the drool-o-meter is gonna definitely explode! I envy all of you talented people!!!
Carol
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen on 12.5.2009
Ree, This is such a great idea! I made this Chocolate Popcorn with Sea Salt that I plan on packaging up and giving away during the holidays!
Here’s the link:
http://www.acozykitchen.com/chocolate-popcorn-with-sea-salt/
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Jaclyn on 12.5.2009
Oh man – one more thing for me to get addicted to, thanks Ree!
Amanda on 12.5.2009
lol You ladies are hilarious!! And I am also loving have this new way of chatting with you all… I have grown to know so many of you through your wonderful recipes, so its just a huge treat for me to get to chat with you!!
MS Hospitality, I live in Minnesota, and you are more then welcome to come over anytime!
Thanks so much Ree… those little petit fours (is that an oxy moron?) are a lot more simple then you would think… I am about to go and post the recipe here!!
Blessings all!
Amanda
MS Hospitality on 12.5.2009
Manda2177! Those petit fours are fantastic looking! Where do you live? I’ll come help you out! LOL! Message me!
TK-Erika, bacon and gals from Mississippi are best friends! We also hold real butter in high esteem. No kidding, those bacon bread sticks are really good and so easy… just a bit time consuming but worth every minute. I like to mix the cheesy bacon crunchies from the the bottom of the Parm bag with popcorn… OMGoodness… now that’s a movie watching treat! HA! The secret is out of the bag as to why I have so much weight to lose. ; )
sprucehill on 12.5.2009
I am so excited about the blog! He He!
Last year my kids and I made chocolate covered pretzels for Christmas and they turned out really well. We used chocolate melts, and chocolate chips and pretzels and all kinds of sprinkles and things even crushed up candy canes. The kids enjoyed making them by them selves and they turned out great. We bought little selifane baggies at the craft store and wrapped them up and gave them as gifts they really were pretty and fun too!
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/cookie-palooza-2008.html
Dakota on 12.5.2009
Hopefully you will see this question.
When you are in West Chester, Pa., for your book signing on December 13…..are you possibly going to be on QVC? On Sundays they always have their “in the kitchen” show…..seems like too much of a coincidence. Are you going to be on to present your book?
babskitchen on 12.5.2009
Ha ha, TK (Erika). I think I only have 2 recipes that use marshmallow creme. One is the fudge, I can’t remember the other. Some people like it on ice cream. That fudge recipe has been around at least since the 80’s. It’s the first one I attempted to make way back when first married. It’s pretty easy. You can find the marshmallow creme generally in the baking aisle. At least that’s where they have it in the store I shop at. And it’s got a LONG shelf life. Now THAT’S scary!
Erika (TK) on 12.5.2009
Babskitchen, yes I live in the US. But I’ve never acquainted myself with a bottle of marshmallow creme. Is that bad? (I just know it is.)
MS Hospitality, thanks! As much for your kind words as for that recipe. And I thought I had exhausted all possible reasons to buy more bacon …
Nikki W on 12.5.2009
oh goodness ree… i’m so excited about the tasty kitchen blog!! wooohooo!!
here is a different take on gingerbread… i think that it just might be a perfect fit for your christmas goody baskets!
https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/chai-gingerbread-bars-2/
Ree | The Pioneer Woman on 12.5.2009
Oh my gosh, those heart attacks on a stick…I would probably embarrass myself with those! Yum. And Amanda, your petit fours are gorgeous. I’m not sure I’ll ever have the patience (or dexterity) to be that artistic.
I get home from the book trip in a week…and I’m thinking the girls and I need to jump right into Christmas goody baskets. If nothing else, it’ll get me reacquainted with my kitchen…mess and all!
MS Hospitality on 12.5.2009
Hi TK-Erika! Nice to meet you! You do a wonderful job as Ree’s co-heart in recipe posting! Thank you for all you do and I can’t wait to get into this blog site! Yippeeeee!
MS Hospitality on 12.5.2009
This is the link to my savory snack…
https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/heart-attacks-on-a-stick/
Hope it works!
Margo/MS Hospitaltiy on 12.5.2009
OMGoodness… I have been waiting for a way to speak with you gals in this type of conversation! I love it! Thanks Ree for starting this feature! I have several Holiday goody bag treats that I usually make and will be happy to talk about them here. You can go to Heart Attacks on a Stick in the appetizer section of TK and these little goodies are a savory snack to share. They sure made a hit in my Mississippi neighborhood. Hopefully my new Texas neighbors will like them. I usually add a bottle of wine to this gift basket.
Oh my.. this is fun… did I write too much for this forum? LOL? I’m a bit verbose!
lean on 12.5.2009
I envision myself making these and eating them too
More time at the gym is in my future.
Sue on 12.5.2009
Seems I have been invited to a lot of Pot Luck parties this year…anybody have good ideas for dishes that hold up well and that most will devour…
babskitchen on 12.5.2009
Hey TK (Erika) – If you live here in the states, the Fantasy Fudge Recipe can be found on the jar of any marshmallow cream jar. It’s the name brand one – I think it’s Kraft? Super easy to make and really delicious. And the kahlua sounds fantastic. That just went onto my baking list for Christmas this year!
babskitchen on 12.5.2009
Here’s a few that I always make at Christmas:
https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/decorator-icing/
https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/drinks/eggnog/
https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/pizzelle-cookies/
https://tastykitchen.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/drinks/mulled-cider-in-a-crockpot/
Erika (TK) on 12.5.2009
Glad to see everyone here! I’m with Ree on the Kahlua fudge. I don’t know what Fantasy Fudge is, but I like the sound of it already.
You all constantly amaze me with your creativity. Excited to see all the suggestions!
Leigh Anne Wilkes on 12.5.2009
I’ve been having lots of fun making different flavors of candy bark for my holiday gift bags. Reinderr Corn Cookie Bark and Lemon Bark! EnJOY!
http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/lemon-bark/
http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/reindeer-corn-cookie-bark/
Amy J in SC on 12.4.2009
Angie I want to come over to your house ’cause if you’re making cutie patootie stuff like that it must be a Christmas wonderland. Those Candy Cane Treats are just perfect!
manda2177, i am baker, i am mommy on 12.4.2009
I forgot to leave my link!
http://iammommy.typepad.com/i_am_baker/petit-fours/
These are my Christmas petit fours… SUPER easy and fun!
lilyroccodommom on 12.4.2009
I don’t know how creative it is, but try putting some palmiers in the Christmas treats. You will make friends for life. I made them from scratch last year from Maven Martha Stewart’s book for a holiday cookie exchange and they were epic.
Teresa in Tennessee on 12.4.2009
Great news! Also, love the cookbook. I’m planning to give it as gifts to several of my friends. Can you believe the turn your life has taken?
Teslaca on 12.4.2009
Glad to see your new blog! Gift baskets of homemade treats are just the best to give and to receive. I like to bake bread, so usually include a panettone or another festive bread, sometimes English muffins along with a jam or jelly made earlier in the year. I also enjoy making candies, so include lots of different ones. Many people share cookies so I don’t do them. Also, don’t forget your recipients pets! It’s easy to make some treats for the furkids to add to your basket. Maybe I can post some of those soon.
Ree | The Pioneer Woman on 12.4.2009
Kahlua Fudge? YUUUMMMMMMMMY.
Morgawse, TK-Erika and I do moderate/proofread all recipes before they’re published, just to make sure all the ingredients/quantities/directions are all ready to go before folks try the recipes!
This is fun, guys—thanks for saying hi.
Morgawse on 12.4.2009
And the pepernoten recipe is now uploaded, picture and all! Can’t see it yet though, I assume it needs to be admin-moderated?
(Oh, please excuse picture quality. Depressingly, the camera on my phone is the best in the house…)
Loukia on 12.4.2009
Thanks Ree! Hope you can join in sometime