Christmas Preparations

This is our FIRST large official tree! We have never had a big tree in our entire marriage. We have always had a small one with very few ornaments, if any. I was very excited this year to have the real deal but very overwhelmed as well. Luckily, I have a good friend who went shopping with me and helped me pick out all my ornaments and decorate it. I am so proud! Who knew I could put together a nice tree!




Here is our candy-covered gingerbread house. Charles just dumped the entire box of nerds, runts on the roof and patted it all down. Abby and Sammy meticulously put on the bottle caps and gum drops. I love that it is just coated with candy!

Here is an incredibly delicious treat for the holidays! They were a big hit at a party I went to.

Peppermint Meltaways

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
FROSTING:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
½ cup crushed peppermint candies

In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Shape into 1-inch balls. Place 2-inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. In a small mixing bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, milk, extract and food coloring if desired; beat until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3 ½ dozen