And just like that we are 21 days from Christmas! That’s 3 weeks from today, but don’t get your tinsel in a tangle, I have some great ideas for you!
Did you decorate last weekend? Other than our tree (which we will get tomorrow), we decorated most of the house.
New Holiday Treat Recipe, DIY Gift Ideas & Printable Christmas Gift Tags
I love the challenge of making Christmas decor look new and fresh, not by purchasing more, but changing things. Swap our a candle, put red berries in a vase; one must for me is always using fresh greens in my decor, with fairy lights strewn about.
Sit down, grab a cup something hot and enjoy the Advent season, if you don’t already have an Advent book you are going through, check out my Advent Resources post.
Table of contents
Christmas Bar Recipe You Will Love!
First up are these incredible Mint Fudge Brownies! As part of the Freaky Friday Virtual Cookie exchange, I was blessed to be assigned to a favorite blogger, read all about it in the Mint Brownie post.
Seriously, they are incredible and much easier than they might appear.
If you are all about the mint, try these minty recipes; Andes Mint Brownies Bites, White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake, Chocolate-Peppermint Ice Cream Cake
TAKE ME TO THE NEW RECIPE ALREADY!
Speaking of cookies, or holiday treats at least, check out a couple ofmy faves:
Classic Scottish Shortbread, Oatmeal Rolled Sugar Cookies (a unique cutout cookie), but, in case you are a traditionalist, try my mom’s best classic cutout sugar cookies.
Greek Sugar Cookies Koulourakia are a new favorite, pictured below and these Pan Banging Sugar Cookies are caramel-y, chewy, crispy all in one!
BRAND NEW! GIFT TAGS FOR DIY GIFTING
I have had more fun this week making these gift tags! In fact, I went a bit overboard, lol, so not like me (lying through my teeth here) and made lots of options.
Check out all 3 styles, with 4 designs per style.
Great for gifting spiced or candied nuts, any handmade or homemade item and definitely gifts from the kitchen, click here to see all of the cute designs! (more than what you see below)
HOLIDAY DIY GIFT IDEAS
I personally love GIVING AND RECEIVING a homemade gift! You might enjoy doing this same, here are some simple ideas for your holiday gifting.
I made a batch of these Maple Bourbon Candied Pecans to give to neighbors, so scrumptious and I will soon be making these classic Rosemary Cashews!
It’s never too late to make homemade vanilla or bourbon vanilla, just make sure you print the free labels to go with them!
Want to give something non-food? Try this lovely Lemon & Peppermint Hand Scrub, Carrabba’s Spice Rub, or Christmas Simmering Spices, or visit my dear friend Lynn’s post on DIY Gifts Ideas that Don’t Scream ‘DIY’! (love that!)
- Irish Mule | Delicious anytime of year!
- Stocking Stuffers for Teens | one of my most popular posts at this time of year!
- Best Cookbooks for 2020 | brand new with gift pairing ideas!
- Grandpa Frank’s Spaghetti Sauce | easy winner for dinner
- Asian Marinated Grilled Pork Loin | why not, we grill year round in the snow!
Thanks for hanging out with me today, if I could give each of you a gift I would, but I will leave you with this; love came down at Christmas, in the form of a baby, fully human, yet fully God, he was born to die, so we might live!
P.S. Check out last weeks Fresh Fridays, for more great ideas and recipes!
My sweet neighbor,
Every Friday morning I look forward to seeing what visually beautiful and taste bud tempting delight you have put together in your Fresh Cooky blog. You NEVER disappoint! Knowing how it all works in the mechanics of publishing, marketing and mothering – then add in the best spice of all, the guidance of the Holy Spirit – I just smile. So very proud of all you have accomplished.
Kieran had to be drooling the last few miles to home knowing NO guy has a Mom who is a better cook. Pretty sure he missed your meals and presence of home a LOT this first semester. Also know Gabe loved getting first taste of all while he was gone, but happy bro is home too.
God has used you, Kathleen to reach countless others and guide them to helping others feel His love through the gift of food. Merry Christmas season!
Love, Bagga
Oh Sweet Bagga, you made my morning, my day, my month! Thank you so much for your gift of encouragement, you bless me in your support and encouragement!
Merry Christmas Season right back!
Love, Kathleen