Did you know..... Christmas Movies

Did you know that the movie "Miracle on 34th Street" was not meant to be a Christmas movie. It was released in May because it was believed more people see movies in the summer. The studio’s PR department was given the difficult task of marketing a movie about Santa Claus while trying to keep the fact that it was a Christmas movie secret. It ended up getting nominated for a Best Picture Oscar and did win the Academy Award for Best Writing, Screenplay, among others.




The character of George in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" was originally created to star Cary Grant, not Jimmy Stewart but Frank Capra rewrote the roll for Jimmy Stewart The movie was also the first to use blown snow rather than cornflakes painted white as was appropriate for the time period This movie was a flop in 1946 not even making back the money it used to make the movie. It was the popularity of t.v.s in the homes that the movie "Wonderful Life" was proved perfect for



The next movie is the favorite of my church music ministers. "A Christmas Story" was developed by the same director of the movie "Porky's" Jack Nicholson had an intention of playing the "Old Man" but the studio was not too keen on paying the actor's fees which would have been much higher. The home used in the movie "A Christmas Story" was sold in 2005 and a fan bought the house on EBAY for $150,000 and then spent another $5,000 to restore the exterior to look like the house in the movie The house is now a museum in tribute to the movie

source: http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/337-holiday-movie-trivia

What A WOnderful Night

This video is very moving and while I planned to share the song Silent Night Holy Night I decided to share this video instead I also shared the words to one of my favorite Christmas songs. I share with my first graders about the angel talking to Mary and Joseph but I am not so sure if we can totally even as adult fully understand how they must have felt as they played such grand roles

Silent night, holy night


All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace



Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Christ, the Saviour is born



Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Nutritious Christmas Snack

I happened to be on Twitter when Family Fun sent this link through. They are terrific snacks that I believe are perfect for Christmas

Low-fat cream cheese


Water crackers

Colorful veggies (such as peas, diced peppers, carrot slices and broccoli stems) 

Spread low-fat cream cheese on water crackers, then top each with colorful veggies, such as peas, diced peppers, carrot slices, and broccoli stems

sharing on a chic on a shoe string

Potato Apple Gratin

3 eggs

3 cups buttermilk

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices

2 pounds Granny Smith apples (unpeeled), cut into 1/8-inch slices

1 pound Swiss cheese, shredded

1/4 pound Parmesan, grated

Preparation

Heat oven to 400º F. Coat a 3 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, thyme, salt, and pepper; set aside. Arrange a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes in the casserole. Cover with a layer of apples and sprinkle with a third of each cheese. Pour a third of the egg mixture on top. Make 2 more layers. (Can be made up to 6 hours ahead.) Bake, covered, 1 hour, 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove from oven. Serve warm or at room temperature.

shared on momtrends and Breast Feeding moms Unite 

Potato Apple Gratin

3 eggs


3 cups buttermilk

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices

2 pounds Granny Smith apples (unpeeled), cut into 1/8-inch slices

1 pound Swiss cheese, shredded

1/4 pound Parmesan, grated

Preparation

Heat oven to 400º F. Coat a 3 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, thyme, salt, and pepper; set aside. Arrange a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes in the casserole. Cover with a layer of apples and sprinkle with a third of each cheese. Pour a third of the egg mixture on top. Make 2 more layers. (Can be made up to 6 hours ahead.) Bake, covered, 1 hour, 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove from oven. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Orange Dreamsicle Fudge

I just love fudge it is so good but oh so sweet When I was growing up I only thought there was one type of fudge and that was moms chocolate Now that I am older I realize that there are so many other different types I hope you enjoy this fudge recipe for Orange Dreamsicl Fudge

34 Cup Butter (1 1/2 sticks)







3 cups sugar

1 5 oz can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)

1 12 oz package vanilla chips

1 7 oz jar Marshmallow Crème

1 ½ tea. orange flavoring (extract)

Orange food coloring

3/4 Cup Butter (1 1/2 sticks)

3 cups sugar

1 5 oz can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)

1 12 oz package vanilla chips

1 7 oz jar Marshmallow Crème

1 ½ tea. orange flavoring (extract)

Orange food coloring



Butter a 13 X 9 or 9 X 9 pan. On MEDIUM HEAT, melt butter in heavy 3 quart sauce pan. Add sugar and milk, stir until combined. Cover pan to wash down sides of pan. Remove lid. Stir often with a plastic or wooden spoon to prevent burning. Heat to a Soft Ball Stage, 234 degrees at sea level. ** Decrease recommended temperature 2 degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level, or use a cold water test. Remove from heat, gradually stir in chips until melted, add marshmallow crème and flavoring. Stir until combined. Pour half of the fudge into the butter pan. Add orange food coloring to the remaining fudge, stir to combine. Pour orange fudge over white fudge. With a knife swirl the two colors together. Let cool at room temperature. Cut into squares to serve.



** Strawberry and Cream, just use strawberry extract and red food coloring



** Chocolate Fudge, just use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of vanilla chips. Use 1 tsp. vanilla extract instead of flavoring. Add 1 cup chopped nuts, if desired.



** Candy Cane Fudge – Add 1/3 Cup crushed "soft" candy cane, then use peppermint extract and red food coloring.





 

http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

Tracking Santa

It seems as if this is the Christmas at our house that there are no little children. To me children help make the Christmas season extra bright. My sister in law and brothers children will be home with their parents waiting for Santa to come for a visit and Princess will attend church tonight with her family and be at her home I am not sure if she realizes all about Santa or not but yet she will be nestled in her bed waiting to open presents in the morning as well. This year our youngest at home will be 17 years old, not much of a baby anymore. When they were little though it was a blast we would have to check radar on the internet to see how close Santa was to the house and as it grew closer to bed time the times for checking grew in occurance.

My Aloha Friday Question for you is:

Do you and your child have any system for checking for Santa and his reindeer?

Aloha Friday is hosted by the blog An Island Life each friday and is a place where bloggers can visit and have fun by asking easy to answer questions that require easy answers

Tame Those Tantrums During The Christmas Break

We have all been there when the youngest among us have had enough and start to melt down, when the word no does not agree with their ears and/or when the world seems to be coming apart for the youngest among us. The worst outcome is the dreaded temper tantrum the one where the wailing and fit starts and does not stop until we are finally able to calm them down. Here are some tips to help you avoid a disaster such as this:

• it is very important for you to keep your cool. If you melt down along side of them who is going to be there to pick the pieces up? Stay there and talk calmly to your child attempting to walk away from your child may leave them feeling as if they have been abandoned which will just add to the problem
• Remember you are the adult and should stay in charge. Allowing them to persuade you to give into their screams and demands will only add to a later problem as this can become learned behavior.
• When the storm is over remind them that you love them and even though things did not work out the way they wanted it to life is still good and they are still loved
• Know your child beware of times of extra stress , moments of being overtired, or just being overwhelmed. take a short time out where they can regain composer thiswill not only help them by allowing them to maintain their own behavior but the whole group in the long run

Perfect Giveaway for Baby

I have shared with my readers all about my little Princess and now some of you may have read about my new bundle of joy to arrive soon as well. I must tell you that the products on the market for babies are so much more than what used to be there when my children were small. Zooper is a wonderful company that makes great products for little ones. The blogs Thanks Mail Carrier and A Moms Balancing Act are each hosting giveaways sponsored by Zooper for the hook on chair there will be 5 winners at each blog. Yeah!!! More great chances to win I woudl love to be able to give my daughter one of these most functional hook on chairs as they do a lot of activities at church, schools etc... and could use one of these

Giveaways end January 7, 2011

Giveaway To Help Keep You Warm

In our family you will find coffee drinkers, hot chocolate drinkers, hot sweet drink lovers and some even like hot apple cider. But often you will not find two individuals together wanting the same hot drink That is why I love the Tassimo T20 Right now Leslie at the blog Leslie Loves Veggies is hosting a giveaway where a lucky individual will win the Tassimo T20. Giveaway ends January 12, 2011

Ways To Teach Children about Christ at Christmas

Matthew 1:18 - 2:23

Teaching children the true Christmas story is a very important lesson in our family and can be very fun as well. A few ideas to do this is

A regular devotion time is a perfect time to share with your child about the first Christmas. Sharing stories, asking questions and holding discussions can help them understand even more. Share with your child the characters who were involved with the Christmas story from Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus to the wisemen and shepherds and of course the angels that announced his birth. Ask them questions about the story and have them to tell you the story using their own words. You may want to include these two verses into your lessons
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:11 The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Decorating for Christmas also offers opportunities to teach and learn. The Christmas tree itself points to heaven and stands for eternal life. Lights on the tree help us to recognize that Jesus is the light of the world. The baby jesus was presented presents at his birth and we can exchange presents to help children understand God's greatest gift. Having a nativity in your scene can help tell the story of that first christmas

Take the opportunity to have the whole family participate in activities. Watch videos together, take in a christmas movie such as Narnia, Attend a church Christmas service as a family and listen to and sing Christmas songs together.
Keep the meaning of Christmas clear throughout the holiday season by frequently commenting, "Christmas is a happy time because it celebrates Jesus’ birthday."


Bake and decorate a birthday cake for Jesus. Children will understand that because Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birthday there should be a cake. Sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and plan together what your family can give him for a gift of love.

Hold a Happy Birthday Baby Jesus party for the family. On this day do something special for other members of the family, perhaps adopt a needy family or child during the holiday to help out with Christmas. Make cookies or dinner to deliver to an elderly relative, shut in, expecting mother, etc... Take can goods and personal items to a food pantry or shelter.

shared at internet cafe

we are that family

Giveaway For Safety Sakes

With one little one all ready here and another on the way my daughter often has her thoughts on safety and taking care of my grand babies. One feature that she often has checked is the car seats to make sure they are all working well. Safety checks with car seats are a wonderful idea to ensure that the children riding in them are safe. A new car seat from time to time when needed is nice as well. Dee from the blog Two of a Kind Working ON A Full House is hosting a giveaway sponsored by Evenflo where the prize is a

 Evenflo Momentum65 Convertible Car Seat The giveaway ends January 3, 2010

Christmas Lights Display

shared at A Southern Day Dreamer for Outdoors Wednesday

Totally Into Decorating

shared at 5 minutes for mom and Two of A Kind Working On a Full House and momstart

Totally Tuesday Blog Hop

 I am participating in the totally Tuesday Blog Hop. If you happen to stop by Thanks please follow my blog where I share lots of tips, recipes, reviews and giveaways. Please leave a comment and i will come see you at your blog and follow as well

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/

Every since my children were old enough to eat and have Christmas memories I have always made a Cinnamon Roll Christmas tree for them to enjoy Christmas Morn. This year will be no different all though they are all grown the little child in the still desires the old way of doing things

12 frozen cinnamon rolls

toffee bits
maraschino cherries

Center one roll near the top of a large sprayed baking sheet. Arrange rolls in three more rows 1 inch apart, adding one roll to each row, forming a tree. Add two rolls to the bottom to form the trunk. If using Any Time! rolls, bake according to package instructions. For traditional rolls, cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise until double in size. Remove wrap and bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. When cool, decorate with icing, toffee bits and cherries as desired.

shared on Toot Your Horn Tuesday

The Bossy Frog Band

The Bossy Frog Band is a band that entertains children. In fact they are so good that they also entertain the parents of these children. Just take a quick look at just one song that is performed by The Bossy Frog Band.




The Bossy Frog Band provides fun and funky musical experience that is contagious and spreads to both the young and old. The leader of the group Jeffrey Friedberg is a certified music therapist and plays banjo. In this world where danger seems to be around every corner The Bossy Frog Band provides a chance for children to let loose and discover the world around them. Along with being fun the music provides a chance for children to grow socially, personally, cognitively and physically by dancing, singing, and immersing themselves in a fun experience.


You can find the band on youtube, facebook, and twitter You can also purchase cd's from the Bossy Frog Website

Decorated Ginger Bread House

Which one is more precious the beautiful smile on my friends daughter or the gingerbread house that looks beautiful?

Menu Plan for Christmas Week 2010 with lots of links to delicious recipes

This is the week of Christmas so while many things still are the same there are some festive plans ahead as well.

Monday: stir fry beef and peppers, rice, peanut butter cup brownies
Tuesday: chili, crackers, Peanut butter sandwich, iced sugar cookies
Wednesday: cheeseburger macaroni, PB fudge
Thursday: hamburger pie, bread, fudge
Friday: Christmas eve traditional pizza (we go to candle light service at church this night as well)
Saturday Christmas dinner ham, roll, potatoes, cranberry salad, pea salad, ambrosia salad, potato, gravy peanut butter pie as well as other  variety of pies, strawberry dessert
Sunday: leftovers prepared buffet style

Whats on menu this week?

Shared on monday menu at Organized Junkie

MyBlogSpark shared this video from Green Giant with me I hope you have a Merry Christmas and when you hear the fond Ho Ho Ho check and see if it is the Jolly Green Giant or Santa around the corner

Nutted Popcorn Snack and Amazing Grace Christmas Light Show

8 cups popped popcorn


2 cups pecan halves

1 cup whole unblanched almonds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 250° F. Combine the popcorn, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chili powder, and cinnamon on 1 or 2 large baking sheets and place in the oven to warm through. Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a medium saucepan and heat to boiling. Without stirring, cook over medium-high heat about 10 minutes or until the syrup turns a rich brown and a few drops of it form stiff threads in a cup of cold water. Stir in the vanilla. Remove baking sheet from oven and pour the syrup over the popcorn. Toss quickly with a spoon. Cool and break into pieces.

post shared at http://beautyandbedlam.com/

Hot Cocoa Whip Cream

1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons cocoa mix
3 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
Directions
1.Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons cocoa mix and up to 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes.

Cookie Recipe and Tune to go with it

2/3 cup almonds


1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1 12-ounce jar raspberry jam

Heat oven to 350° F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool. In a food processor, process the almonds and ¼ cup of the brown sugar until the almonds are finely ground. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the almond mixture, then the flour mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix). Divide the dough in half, shape into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours. Heat oven to 350° F. On a lightly-floured surface, roll out each piece of dough to a ⅛-inch thickness. Using a 2- to 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter, cut the dough into rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Using a ¾- to 1-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the centers from half of the cookies. Reroll and cut the scraps as necessary. Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle the confectioners’ sugar on the cookies with the holes. Spread 1 teaspoon jam on the remaining cookies and top with the sugared cookies. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

This is a rather good sounding song but I loved the video that shows a family at Christmas time My thought would be that the video is from the 1970s

Asian Snack Mix

rice crackers, wasabi peas, and sesame sticks makes a wonderful asian snack mix and let me also share with you an Asian Christmas Carol as you prepare this snack

Fresh Wave review Help Balance The Air In Your Life

many of us will have a bit more company during the holidays than what we normally see. I can remember as a child we would travel to my grandparents and stay for a few nights while enjoying Christmas eve, Christmas and then head back home. Now days it is my turn to be host and for days we will clean and spiffy the place because we know that company is coming. Then after the company all leaves we take a look and decide that once again we must clean up. So if you are awaiting company to come and want to make the house smell great or you want to refresh your house after the company leaves Fresh Wave has the perfect product for you. Fresh Wave is currently having a sale for the next couple of days December 20-22 where they have 20% off all products.

Products like the Stinky Dorm Kit that helps even the college elite to keep their dorm room smelling great. I shared with you in my Stinky Dorm Kit Review how the kit has more functions than just the dorm room when you are a mom of six and have a few teens that do not like to clean their rooms. Included in the Stinky Dorm Kit are one Fresh Wave 16 oz. Crystal Gel and one Fresh Wave 8 oz. Spray for total dorm de-stinkification and all for $19.99

The Fresh Wave Green Home Kit includes one Fresh Wave 16 oz. Crystal Gel, one Fresh Wave 8 oz. Spray and one Fresh Wave 6.25 oz. Soy Candle to deodorize your home. It is safe around the home because it is green and would make a perfect gift for someone you love. The Fresh Wave Green Home Kit is perfect for using at your house to keep the air fresh safely and for $29.99 is an unbelievable deal.

Have a pet that needs a bit of freshening up? There is a Fresh Wave product for that as well. You can easily clear the air of the dreaded pet spell by using the Fresh Wave Pet Shampoo. Safely washes away pet oils and debris that our pets often get in their paws with Fresh Wave Pet Shampoo. The pet shampoo is safe for both our pets and humans

During the Holidays we may do a bit more cooking, baking and entertaining. If the meal that you prepared last night or the cookies that you somehow burnt leaves a stanch in your kitchen then try the Fresh Wave kitchen candle. The kitchen candle will help to neutralize the odor and place balance back in the air in the kitchen.

Fresh Wave Pearl Packs come in set of 5 pre-filled mesh pouches that are ideal for neutralizing malodors in small, tight or otherwise confined spaces. Safe to use around people and pets. If you plan to do a bit more exercise over the holidays or will be setting a New Years Resolution to work out more and loose a few pounds then you may want to get a few of the Fresh Wave Pearl Packs and place them in gym bags, lockers or any small place that needs a bit of refreshing. We used our sample Pearl Packs in my sons gym bags and they worked wonderfully. My son even commented on how the smell of his bag went from dreaded to standard.

Are you needing to freshen up the area where you live? Then check out Fresh Wave products for the product you need to help balance the air in your life.

we received a few different products samples for use in review purposes. The comments expressed in this post are those of mine alone

All In One Spaghetti Meal and An Italian Christmas Song

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
3 cups tomato juice
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash of pepper
1 (7-ounce) package spaghetti, uncooked
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish: fresh Italian parsley sprigs

Cook first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well. Return beef mixture to pan. Stir in tomato sauce and next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 30 minutes. Add pasta; cover and simmer, stirring often, 20 minutes or until pasta is tender. Serve with cheese, and garnish, if desired.

recipe source : southern living 1998
we all know the importance of the donkey in the nativity story and carrying Mary to Bethleham here is a song that celebrates a certian Italian Donkey

Slow Cooker Chili Perfect for the Christmas Hustle

This is a delicious meal that is easy to prepare for those days when the hustle and bustle gets to be to much for you.

2 large carrots, diced (1 cup)


2 celery ribs, diced (1/2 cup)

1 medium-size sweet onion, diced

Vegetable cooking spray

2 (8-oz.) packages sliced fresh mushrooms

1 large zucchini, chopped (1 1/2 cups)

1 yellow squash, chopped (1 cup)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon seasoned pepper

1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce

3 cups tomato juice

2 (14 1/2-oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

4 (15-oz.) cans pinto, black, great Northern, or kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn

 Sauté first 3 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add mushrooms, zucchini, and squash; sauté 3 more minutes. Add chili powder and next 2 ingredients, and sauté 5 more minutes.  Stir together tomato sauce and tomato juice in a 6-qt. slow cooker until smooth. Stir in diced tomatoes, next 2 ingredients, and carrot mixture. Cover and cook on LOW 8 hours.

Recipe Source : Southern Living 2008

Broccoli and Cheese Soup and a Veggie Tale Song

At one of my first jobs when I was in my early 20s the girls would earn money each year for the Christmas party by selling lunches. One of the weekly affairs was a soup and sandwich lunch Broccoli and Cheese soup was a soup that was nearly always available and I fell in love with it and made it for my family and now it is a soup that I serve here as well.

Cooking spray


1 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

1 (16-ounce) package broccoli florets

2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

8 ounces light processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta Light)

Heat a large nonstick saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Bring broccoli mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes. Combine milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Add milk mixture to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Stir in pepper. Remove from heat; add cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Place one-third of the soup in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Return pureed soup mixture to pan

post shared on Homemakers Haven

Rudolph & Christmas Tree Cookies

1 (16.5-oz.) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough


36 pretzel twists

36 semisweet chocolate mini morsels

18 red cinnamon candies

Freeze dough 15 minutes. Roll dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut dough with a 3-inch round cutter, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Using thumb and forefinger, pinch opposite sides of each slice about two-thirds of the way down to shape face.  Break curved sides away from center of each pretzel twist to form antlers. Press bottom of 1 set of antlers on each side at top of each reindeer face.  Bake at 350° according to package directions or until lightly browned. Remove from oven; press in 2 chocolate mini morsels for eyes and 1 red cinnamon candy for nose. Let cool 1 minute on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks; cool 20 minutes or until completely cool.

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: Omit pretzels, chocolate mini morsels, and cinnamon candies. Freeze dough 15 minutes. Roll dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface, and cut with a 3-inch Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° according to package directions or until lightly browned. Remove from oven, and cool as directed. Frost tops of cookies with ready-to-spread vanilla frosting, and sprinkle with red and green colored sugars and sprinkles.



Recipe Source: Southern Living November 2007