A Winter Winner from the First American Cookbook

In New England, Christmas didn’t become an important holiday until about the middle of the nineteenth century. The Puritans didn’t like it. In time, they became less strict about some of their beliefs, but not their hostility to Christmas. But the Puritans and their descendants weren’t nearly as consistent as they liked to think they were. In the eighteenth century, when Thanksgiving began to develop as the most important regional holiday, New Englanders began sneaking Christmas in by the back door by featuring traditional English Christmas foods in their Thanksgiving feasts. That’s how turkey became the centerpiece of the American Thanksgiving dinner. It’s also how several traditional English Christmas desserts like mince pie and plum pudding found their way onto the festive New England board. The recipe we’re going to tell you about in this column, for “Plumb Cake,” is an example of an English treat that became popular in New England for Thanksgiving and, later on, for Christmas.

Monsters On A Stick

monsters-om-a-stick I found this great little website called Little Nummies that has all kinds of interesting food creations and recipes on display of things you can do with food. This one is called Monsters on a Stick and I thought it would be a healthy and fitting Halloween snack recipe for kids and the entire family to enjoy making...and eating !!! Be sure to check out Little Nummies for more great food art and entertaining ideas !!! Thanks so much, Kellie, for sharing !!!

Marshmallows On A Stick

Yup, it's just a dressed-up marshmallow on a stick...but, with Valentine's Day just around the corner, these sweet puffs of goo are sure to be a hit in the classroom or at the office. This is a quick, easy, an inexpensive recipe that you and the kids can enjoy making. All you need is a bag of large marshmallows, white chocolate for melting, red food coloring, sprinkles and toppings, and lollipop sticks. No need to save them just for for Valentine's Day, they are great for any holiday theme or party. This recipe can be easily modified. For example, try melting milk or dark chocolate or Caramel for dipping; if using the white chocolate you can create any color of the rainbow with food coloring, and instead of lollipop sticks you can use anything from pretzel sticks to candy canes. Instead of sprinkles try nuts or coconut-basically anything that will stick. You can set them upside down on a pretty plate, display them in a clear glass, or wrap them up in clear bags tied with a bow. Have fun getting creative and making this recipe your own!

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Olivia’s Organics Healthier Holiday Recipe Contest

This Is Not Your Grandmother’s Holiday Casserole!

CHELSEA, MA – The ingredients for happy holidays begin with family, friends and, of course, delicious food! This holiday season Olivia’s Organics is inviting home chefs to get creative and share their new healthy holiday recipes, competing for 52 weeks worth of Olivia’s Organics salads. The prize, valued at approximately $200.00 is a great way to kick off the New Year!

Olivia’s Organics is ravenous for recipes that offer flavorful and healthy alternatives to traditional heavy holiday meals, from golden roasted turkey with lighter fixings, to putting a nutritious twist on grandma’s holiday casserole. In order to be considered, recipes must incorporate at least one of Olivia’s Organics fresh greens. The complete line of Olivia’s Organics Salads featuring: 50/50 blend, Baby Arugula, Asian Salad, Herb Salad, Baby or Crispy Romaine, Baby Spinach, Spring Mix, Sweet Baby Lettuce Blend and Italian Crunch.

Christmas Eve Mice Cookies

Holiday Recipes

I thought these mice were just the cutest little critters and had to share! I particularly liked the sweet cherry tail. Pretty simple to make and a great, inexpensive holiday activity to do with kids and family. For more great holiday cookie and dessert recipes as well as other holiday cooking and dinner ideas check out Taste of Home...nice site with lots of helpful iinformation!

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