Candy Cane Punch and More

Do you have a special Christmas recipe you make every year?

I have several recipes that are becoming a tradition in my family. One is Candy Cane Punch. I've made this for the past three or four years. Everyone seems to really enjoy it, and I have a request from a special boy who wants it again this year. Of course I'll make it for you, my sweet Cameron. I also had a few inquiring minds want to know, so here is the festive, delicious punch.



Ingredients:

2 jars (10 ounces each) strawberry jelly
2 liters of lemon-lime soda, divided
2 quarts peppermint stick ice cream
miniature candy canes

In a saucepan, melt jelly with 2 cups soda. Chill the jelly mixture and remaining soda. Just before serving, place 6 cups ice cream in a punch bowl. Gently stir in jelly mixture. Add remaining soda. Add remaining ice cream by scoopfuls. Garnish with candy canes. Yield 3-1/2 quarts.

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Another favorite I make every Christmas is Tiny Cherry Cheesecakes. These perfect sized bites are a scrumptious chocolate, cherry goodness! Not to mention...adorable too.

Tiny Cherry Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1/2 cup cold butter

2 tbs. cold water

Filling:

2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

2 tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

1 can (21 ounces) cherry or strawberry pie filling

In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cocoa; cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork, until dough forms a ball. Shape into 24 balls. Place in greased miniature muffin cups; press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each cup.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in milk and vanilla. Add egg; beat on low just until combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoonful into each cup. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Carefully remove from pans to cool completely. Top with pie filling. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 dozen

You cannot go wrong with either recipe. After all, both recipes come from The Best Holiday Recipes, Taste of Home. I love this book! I have never made anything in it that wasn't just fabulous. They will disappear before you know it!

I would love to know if you try the recipes.

Enjoy!