A Few Of My Favorite Things

When it comes to holiday eating, I have many, many favorite recipes. But my one staple, something that I make every single year for guests who come to my house and for small gifts to give out, is my "Holiday Brittle & Bark". Yup - a Christmas bonus - two recipes in one! And they are quick and easy too!

Tools you will require: cookie sheets and candy (or digital) thermometer.

Peanut Brittle 

You'll need:

     White sugar (1 Cup)

     Light Corn Syrup (1/2 Cup)

     Salt (1/4 Tsp)

     Water (1/4 Cup)

     Peanuts ( 1 Cup)

     Butter (2 Tbsp)

     Baking Soda (1 Tsp)

Bring corn syrup, salt and water to a boil. Add sugar until completely dissolved. Slowly stir in peanuts. Put candy (or digital) thermometer into mixture and keep stirring until temperature is 300 degrees F (150 degree C).

Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter and baking soda. Once combined pour onto greased cookie sheet. Spread mixture across cookie sheet using two metal spoons to form flat, square surface. Let cool. When completely cooled, snap into uneven pieces and enjoy!

Christmas Bark

You'll need:

     Bittersweet Chocolate chips (9 Oz) - I prefer Ghirardelli Dark

     Chopped walnuts (6 Oz)

     Craisins - chopped (1 Cup) - Really good with the pomegranate ones too

     Candy Canes - broken (1/2 Cup)

     Ginger - finely chopped (2 Tbsp)

Toast chopped walnuts on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F pre-heated oven for 8 minutes.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler (or in a pot over a pot of boiling water), stirring until smooth. Add walnuts first, then craisins and then ginger, ensuring that all are coated well with the chocolate. Remove from heat and add candy canes. Stir well and then spread onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. When cool, break into pieces. Enjoy!


My very best to all of you for a happy, healthy holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Elisabeth Mayer

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