Christmas Blessings Snack Mix

This makes a great table favor at Christmas!

2 c. Bugles corn snacks
2 c. “tiny Twists” pretzels
1 c. cinnamon “red hots”
1 c. peanuts
1 c. M & Ms

Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl. Divide as desired; place into cello bags; attach the following explanation to the bag with ribbon or raffia.


Christmas Blessings Snack Mix

Every ingredient in this mix is symbolic:
Bugles remind us the joyful message of the Heavenly Host,
announcing peace on earth, good will to men.
Pretzels are the symbol of a mother’s loving arms; as Mary wrapped
her Son in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.
Red Hots symbolize the holly berries which represent the
shed blood of Jesus, who came to save us.
Peanuts are the symbol for planting seeds for peace on earth like
the angels sang.
M & Ms symbolize memories of family and friends who have
enriched our lives.

“He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Gifts from the Heart That are Fast, Fun and Frugal!

Here are 2 segments from Fox 6's Real Milwaukee show with ideas for a simple, home-made Christmas.

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies

On my very first post way back in May, I wrote about the 7 F's. Frugal is one of them! This cookie is definitely an inexpensive, yet lovely cookie to make and give for Christmas.

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter
1 c. peanut butter (I like creamy-style best)
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
about 1/2 pound chocolate coating

Cream butter, shortening, peanut butter and sugars. Add eggs; beat well. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until combined. Cover and refrigerate dough about 1 hour.

Form into balls about the size of a walnut. Flatten with a fork dipped in flour or use the "waffle" pattern on a meat tenderizer to flatten. Bake 350 for about 15 minutes. Cool on pan about 5 minutes; finish cooling on wire rack.

Melt chocolate over double boiler. Dip half of the cookie; dry on wire racks.

Christmas Gift Idea

This Christmas, how about giving a gift that is always the correct size and you don't have to remember to ask for a gift receipt at the register? It is something that everyone can use--and it's a gift that is economical and from the "heart"! I recommend making a gift basket, filled with your homemade mixes and add finishing touches like candles or Christmas decor. In this basket, I've added recipes from "Recipes for a Full-Filled Life" cookbook. They take almost no time to assemble and are always appreciated.

On the left side of the basket, I've got Cranberry Hootycreek Cookie Mix. Just that alone would make a nice gift--attach the recipe with a pretty ribbon or raffia. Then I've added "Dinner in a Bag" and a Chili Mix--both would be great time-savers on a busy day.

www.allrecipes.com has more ideas for gift mixes. Have fun!