Christmas Goodies

Here's a couple of Christmas recipes that have been a real hit at our house!  I made some with my 4-year old and we gave out a few small tins to our friends and neighbors.  She thought it was pretty special that we got to turn them into gifts AND we got to sample some ourselves. 

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

2 1/4 c unsifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. butter or margarine, softenend
1/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. light brown sugar
1 pkg. vanilla instant pudding
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 c. white chocolate chips
1 c. Craisins (dried cranberries)

Mix flour with baking soda.  Combine butter, the sugars, pudding mix and vanilla in large mixer bowl, beat until smooth and creamy.  Beat in eggs.  Gradually add flour mixture; then stir in chips and cranberries.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 375 for 8 minutes.

Peppermint Fudge

2 c. milk choc chips
1 c. semi-sweet choc chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
dash salt
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
1/4 c. crushed hard peppermint candy

In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt.  Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.  Spread evenly into waxed paper-lined 8- or 9-inch square pan.  Sprinkle with peppermint candy.  Chill 2 hours or until firm.  Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off waxed paper and cut into squares.  Store covered in fridge.  Set out at room temp. when ready to serve.