Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Christmas Gifts from my Kitchen

Yesterday was a busy day in my kitchen, and today I'll finish making my edible gifts.  I love giving gifts from my kitchen to those on my gift list that seem to have everything else.

Russian Tea Balls are delicious shortbread cookies rolled in powdered sugar.  They're great with tea!


Russian Tea Balls

2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla 
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Powdered sugar for rolling cookies in

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Thoroughly mix the first three ingredients together in a large bowl.  Mix in the flour, salt, and nuts.  Shape into a ball and wrap in Saran, and chill for about an hour.  Roll into 1 inch balls.  Place on a parchment lined baking sheet an inch apart.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  While cookies are still warm, roll in powdered sugar.  Allow to cool, then roll in powdered sugar again.  Store in airtight container.  Yield: approximately 4 dozen 

~ Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake ~  


 ~ Cinnamon Almonds ~


2 cups whole almonds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup white granulated sugar
2 egg whites, slightly beaten

Coat nuts with egg white.  In separate bowl mix together cinnamon and sugar.  Toss nuts in cinnamon/sugar until well coated. Spread on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for about 30 minutes until crispy, turning once.  These are so good!

~ Peanut Brittle ~


Below is one of my Christmas teacups.   

  
It reminds me of my wonderful Canadian blogging friends because it's from Canada.


Only Chocolate drizzled Caramel Corn, English Toffee, and Caramel/Pecan Turtles to make yet. Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year!


*  *  *

Today I'm joining Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Artful Affirmations for Teacup Tuesday
Bernideen's Tea Time Blog for Friends Sharing Tea
and
Rose Chintz Cottage for Celebrate the Season Christmas Tea


11 comments:

  1. Wonderful! I love edible gifts too...they are such a gift from the heart. Love the teacup....perfect! Thanks for sharing the recipe...will be making that for family. Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea and Merry Christmas!
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Phyllis,
    You have been busy in your kitchen! What wonderful treats you are making for gifts. I haven't made peanut brittle in a couple of years. The cheesecake looks decadent! Your Canadian made Christmas teacup is lovely and I'm so happy you have joined me for my tea party this week. Thank you for your lovely comment and have a joyous week.

    Christmas blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love your Christmas tea cup. It is very festive. And what a lovely way to celebrate the season of Giving by creating delicious foods in your own kitchen to share! YUM!
    Hugs,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  4. Russian teacakes are one of my Christmas favorites! I love the way you have packaged them in pretty tea cups!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a wonderful way to give gifts by baking these special treats. The cinnamon almonds are my favorite. We bought orange glazed almonds in California and that is the only time I have found them but they were delicious. The pretty Christmas teapot caught my eye on your tea time for it is lovely. Have a Wonderful Christmas time!

    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so impressed! You have really been busy, and everything looks lovely and delicious. Those Russian teacakes are among my favorite cookies. Thank you for sharing your recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my mouth is watering, I use to bake and cook so much and give all away as gifts each year and I seem to be doing less and less, however I did have a cookie exchange this year and made and traded some amazing treats. I made cinnamon crunch last week and put pretzels in it,love the sugar and salt. Your Christmas tea cup is lovely. Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am sooooo behind this year! Too much work travel. I'll deliver New Year's presents. :-) And enjoy your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I sure wish I lived nearby so I could help you make sure those lovely treats are taste-tested before gift-giving! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I definitely like the teacup from Canada, and I'm glad you have it to remember us gals from the north.
    So many delicious goodies, I'd love to come with Angela to help. Bake, and eat!
    Merry Christmas.
    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your goodies sound delightful, Phyllis. Making homemade gifts is really a gift from the heart. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you would like to leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you!