Thursday, December 10, 2009

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!

12 comments:

Angie said...

YUM! I can't wait to try them both, but the punch looks superb!

Miller Racing Family said...

Wow, these look great. I will have to try the cheesecake. I agree with you anything from taste of home is wonderful! Have a fabulous day!

He & Me + 3 said...

Those both sound so good. I had never heard of Candy Cane punch.

shortmama said...

Sounds yummy!

Unknown said...

Oh yummy! I will be trying both of these this year for sure!

Unknown said...

ok I love tiny things then you throw in cheese cake I have died an gone to heaven ♥

Oh an the punch looks good too!

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Yummm, that punch sounds delish! I love anything peppermint!!!

Have a wonderful evening and thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,
Marsha

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

That punch sounds so good! I am going to have to try that Rhonda! I hope you are having a good week!

XOXO
Jen

Sandra said...

The punch sounds so good...have to give it a try! Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Stacey @ Fun to Craft said...

That punch sounds fab!! I am going to have to try it for sure. Thanks so much for sharing it!

Holly Lefevre said...

Thanks for stoppign by my place. Candy Cane punch! My son would love this...I see it happening in the near future (like for the class party)
Holly @ 504 Main

Anonymous said...

I got a recipe just like the cherry cheese cakes one when I was in home ec in middle school. Wow!! great ideas!