Favorite Cookie Recipe~Buckeyes!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! In honor of all the winter holidays, I'm participating in the 12 days of Holidays Carnival. Starting today, I'm posting my favorite holiday traditions, budget friendly ideas, etc. I'll also be linking up with some of my favorite bloggers!  Today is day #6, my favorite holiday cookie recipe.

I'm sure by now, most of you know I'm Ohio and as a kid we made buckeyes (as in our state tree and the OSU buckeyes).  The real buckeyes are a nut that you can't eat but these are a peanut butter/chocolate ball of yum!

Disclaimer, this is not a really good for you recipe but if you like peanut butter cups...these are so much better!!!

2 cups creamy peanut butter, (not all-natural)

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, softened

3 3/4 cups  powdered sugar ( I usually use a little less, but you have to have enough to make everything stick together!)

2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Combine peanut butter & butter in a bowl & stir until creamy.  Slowly add in powdered sugar until the dough starts to "stick".  You'll be rolling them into balls so they need to stick together but not to your hands.  Once you have a dough consistency, roll them into 1 inch balls & place on wax paper in the freezer until firm. (about 30-40 minutes usually works)

Melt chocolate & vegetable shortening in a double boiler or microwave right before you take the peanut butter balls out of the freezer.  Use a tooth pick to dip the peanut butter balls in the chocolate, leaving a small spot of peanut butter on top to keep the buckeye look. Once they're dipped, place them back in the freezer or fridge until you're ready to eat them. 

*My note: If you're going to make these, I also purchase pretzels and small cookies to dip because there is always left over chocolate that you can use to make a nice holiday treat. 

Check out what my friends wrote while participating in the 12 days of Christmas, at A Life in Balance.

Holiday Memories~My Mother Gave Me Coal for Christmas

Day number 5 of 12 days and today's topic: Holiday Memories.

Yeah, you read that right, I got coal for Christmas...in my stocking.  I told my mother that year that I didn't believe in Santa anymore....I was 14 after all, the magic wasn't there anymore.  I had known for years but come-on, how long am I am supposed to keep this going?!  We woke up that morning early (because my brother is 6 years younger, he still had surprises under the tree)...I'm sure I walked down slower, too cool for school of course.  When I get to the living room my brother & sister already had their stockings & tearing into them.  My stocking is looking a little empty....and in it was a little tin of coal and nothing else. 

This is exactly what I had in my stocking that year!!!

Not a tube of chapstick, no cd.  Nothing. Coal. Even though I was 14, I was seriously upset, I wanted all the knick knack crap that came in that stocking.  One look at my mother's smug face and you could tell she knew she had done well.  So after the sibs get through their stockings we set out to open our gifts under the tree.  The last gift my mother hands me is a box.  

To Jessica From Santa.  Inside a little note: You really should believe in the magic of Santa because you're not to old to believe and if you don't then you'll get nothing for Christmas next year.   All the stuff that should have been in my stocking was in the box and  I've believed ever since!!!

 
Do you have a family memory to share?!

New Traditions for My Family

Today is day #4 of the 12 days of the holiday series.  Today we're talking new traditions! 

 This year we actually started a new tradition for our family.  We've only been at it a few days but we all love it and I think it will stick around for a few years.  I got the idea from my friend Robin.  We're "wrapping" a gift everyday from Thanksgiving to Christmas eve and the kids take turns opening it.  The gifts are actually books or movies that are holiday or winter themed.  The kids love the idea of opening a gift and enjoy reading the book or watching the movie.  I rooted around our house & the libraries book sale and found over 25 books.  We also have the Polar Express & a few other Christmas movies that I can wrap for our fun.  I'm also planning to wrap up a coupon for hot chocolate and driving around looking at Christmas lights. 

Did you start a new family tradition this year? What have you done every year that makes the holidays more fun?

Check out what my friends wrote while participating in the 12 days of Christmas, at A Life in Balance.

Do you have any new traditions?

Holiday Bucket List

Day #3 of the 12 days for the holidays.  Today is my Holiday Bucket List! 

This year I want to go into Philly to see the city decorated with lights, go to the Polish deli to get real kielbasa like my grandpa used to get me and check out the Wanamaker Light show with my family!  I can't wait, I have to make it happen this year!

Check out what my friends wrote while participating in the 12 days of Christmas, at A Life in Balance.

Budget Friendly Ideas

This is post #2 in my 12 day holiday series.  Yesterday I told you about my favorite local charities, today my budget friendly ideas.

• Start early:  The earlier you start shopping and looking the less rushed you'll be to find the perfect gift.
• Pick up decorations after the holidays for the following year, they're always cheaper!
• Handmade gifts can be awesome too. If you can knit or crochet, you're lucky, if not, think cookies, ornaments, etc.
• Don't over do it!  So often we find our children & ourselves overwhelmed by the holidays, the gifts the running.  Keep it simple & concentrate on your family & friends for a beautiful holiday

What are your tricks & tips for a budget friendly holiday! 

 

Check out what my friends wrote while participating in the 12 days of Christmas, at A Life in Balance.

Favorite Local Nonprofit

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! In honor of all the winter holidays, I'm participating in the 12 days of Holidays Carnival. Starting today, I'm posting my favorite holiday traditions, budget friendly ideas, etc.  I'll also be linking up with some of my favorite bloggers!

Today's topic:  1. Favorite Local Nonprofit

This is a tough one for me.  There are so many great nonprofits that help so many people in our area.  So I'll list my top three~maybe cheating but I don't care!

#1.  Philabundance:  Did you know there are nearly 1 million people who face hunger every day in the Delaware Valley?  "Philabundance was created in 1984 with the simple belief that no man, woman or child should go hungry."  Philabundance is the areas largest food bank and can feed one person for as little as 30 cents.  Find more information and consider making a donation at http://www.philabundance.org/

#2.  Cradles to Crayons:  How can this not be my top 3?!  The mission of Cradles to Crayons (C2C) is to provide children living in low income and homeless situations from birth to preteen the basic essentials,free of charge, that they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn.  What I love the most about C2C is that it is so easy to help.  I can donate the clothes my children have never worn or worn very little & that makes a big difference in the life of another child!   C2C also accepts monetary donations.  To learn more check out http://cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia/about-us. 

#3.  Delaware County SPCA:  I have to be honest, I've know about the SPCA for a while but until we decided it was time to get a dog for our family, I had never been to the SPCA.  One trip was all it took, we found a great dog that our family loves and it made us realize how many other animals need the help of organizations like the SPCA. No donation it too big or too small.  Old towels and blankets, they use them for the animals, a few minutes a week to walk a dog, you can help too!  This year my 8 year old daughter wants to use some of her birthday money to buy treats for the dogs who are still at the SPCA.  I love that we have found an organization that she wants to help!  If you're interested in finding out more about the SPCA or considering adopting a pet of your own go to http://delcospca.org/. 

What are your favorite local nonprofit organizations?  Do any of yours match mine?