Because I think we all get tired of making some of the same ol stuff each year (but mind you, perhaps NOT tired of eating it!)  I wanted to share a few recipes I’ve stumbled across that you might find helpful for your last minute parties or get togethers.

These first two were stolen from Lazy Mom, who always includes simple, yet delicious ideas!  You can read her entire post, but here are a couple of my favorites from her post, along with a few favorites of my own.

Graham Cracker Toffee  I haven’t tried this one…yet…but it may be coming to an event near you!

Holiday Pretzel Treats  Now these I have tried.  At least a version of them.  We’ve used Pretzels/Rolos/Nuts.  And Pretzels/Kisses/Nuts.  But the M&M idea makes them adorable!  And these truly are easy.  (And I’m a big fan of the salty/sweet combo!)

Oreo Balls  I honestly don’t find these incredibly easy.  Sure, sounds easy enough, but blending up oreos takes some time with my blender.  And I usually have somewhat misshapen concoctions by the time the warm white chocolate starts to warm the oreo ball back up and cause it to lose it’s shape.  But if you’re distracted by the fact that I just said “white chocolate” and “oreo” in the same sentence, these are still a great snack for you!  YUM! 

Puppy Chow  Still a favorite for me! (I think Chex themselves actually call it Muddy Buddy.)

Harvest Spiced Nuts  This is a Pampered Chef recipe, and these are delicious!  Stir in other nuts, or dried cranberries to change it up a bit.

• 1 egg, separated
• 8 oz. pecan halves
• ½ c brown sugar
• ½ tsp Pantry Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend (can substitute Pumpkin Pie Spice)

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line Stoneware Bar Pan with an 11-inch piece of Parchment Paper. Using egg separator, separate egg into Classic Batter Bowl. (Reserve yolk for another use) Whip egg white using egg separator until frothy.

2) Add pecans to batter bowl. Toss to coat evenly with egg white using Mix N Scraper. Sprinkle brown sugar & Spice Blend over pecans; toss to coat evenly. Pour pecans out onto Parchment Paper separating into a single layer.

3) Bake 18-20 minutes or until nuts begin to brown. Remove pan from oven. Carefully slide Parchment with pecans onto Non-Stick Cooling rack. Cool completely. Place in serving dish or package into a festive container to give as a gift. Yield 4 cups Store in tightly sealed container at room temperature. Delicious to nibble, garnish or have with ice cream!

Merry Christmas!  And let’s all just enjoy bulking up for the winter together.  It’s only natural, right?