The easiest holiday snack you will ever make....

I used to love making these complex meals and desserts that took hours to prepare, cook and serve.  It made me feel like I was a wife; you know, like a real one.

Things changed, and now I'm all about recipes being easy and quick.  This is holiday fav is at the top of my easy and quick list, and I am pretty sure it will bring you right up to the top of Santa's nice list.

This is perfect for all of those holiday parties you have to go to, and even makes cute little gifts for co-workers or friends!

I don't know the name of this recipe, so I will call them "Holiday Pretzels with Chocolate"

All you need is the following:


Waffle shaped pretzels
Hershey Kisses (I used peppermint and chocolate)
M&M's

1. 1. Heat the oven to 170F. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.
   
   
2. 2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.
   
   
3. 3. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

I would love to hear from you about your favorite holiday snacks!  I am always looking for new ideas!

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

 

I had these cookies a few years back on Christmas Day, and fell in love instantly.  Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite, but stick them in a snowball cookie, and it's like a dream!   

These cookies are great if you are short on time, or just want something to wow your family with.   Hopefully the batch I made last night will last until Friday. Be warned though, these are not for those of you that are trying to watch your figure! 

But then again, the holidays only come once a year...enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies (recipe adapted from Nestle.com)

• 1.1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chipa (the recipe calls for mini, but I used regular)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
• Powdered sugar

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.


BEAT butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour; stir in morsels and nuts. Shape level tablespoons of dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.


BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set and lightly browned. Remove from oven. Sift powdered sugar over hot cookies on baking sheets. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired. Store in airtight containers.


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Happy Birthday to me...a giveaway for you!

 

As a pearista, I want to keep you up to date on all Pear Tree Greetings has to offer. I love looking at all the adorable holiday greeting cards and gifts they have on their site!  Pear Tree has items to fit every personality and every budget.

Pear Tree Greetings is also doing something awesome called  Operation Gratitude . They are sending their color-in Christmas card to teachers around the nation who sign up to have their students color in the snowman and write a message thanking our men and women serving overseas for their dedication and hard work they provide this country. Pear Tree is also giving back this holiday season by partnering with the American Cancer Society. They have designed six exclusive Christmas cards , and by purchasing one of those cards, 100% of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

One lucky reader will WIN a $30 gift code to use on anything at Pear Tree Greetings! Just in time to get your holiday photo or thank you cards in!


Mandatory entry: Tell me what you are thankful for this year!!

 * Become a FB Fan Pear Tree Greetings

* "Like" Just Another Manic Momday on Facebook

Contest will end Sunday November 28th at 11:59 pm.  Winner will be choosen via random.org and contacted via email.
Good Luck!

Red.

Never have I loved this color so much.

And it's all because...

"Am I in heaven?"

 "No," the barista said, "It's just Starbucks."