HolidayIdeas 2005

Compiled by: Theresa G. Howard

County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

Harlan County

ii

i

Table Of Contents Page # Scarecrow Candleholder...................................................................................................... 1

Fall Favors ........................................................................................................................... 1

Fall Vase .............................................................................................................................. 2

Fire and Ice Centerpiece ...................................................................................................... 2

Spooky Spider Mint............................................................................................................. 3

Easy Fall Centerpiece .......................................................................................................... 3

Easy Pumpkin Favor............................................................................................................ 3

Tom Gobblesom .................................................................................................................. 4

Pattern......................................................................................................................... 5

Turkey Glove Gobblers ....................................................................................................... 6

Scrabble Ornaments............................................................................................................. 7

Crystal Snow Globes ........................................................................................................... 7

Fun Fur Tri-Color Scarf....................................................................................................... 8

CD Centerpiece.................................................................................................................... 9

CD Ornaments ..................................................................................................................... 9

Glittery CD Snowmen ....................................................................................................... 10

“Snow Cool” CD Ornaments............................................................................................. 11

Pattern...................................................................................................................... 12

Reindeer Paint Brush ......................................................................................................... 13

Candy Cane Candle Holder ............................................................................................... 13

Faux Frosted Ivy Bowl Centerpiece .................................................................................. 14

Jean Pocket Memo Pad Holder.......................................................................................... 14

Jean Pocket Angel ............................................................................................................. 15

Mint Napkin Rings ............................................................................................................ 15

Spare Roll Snowman ......................................................................................................... 16

Santa’s Spare Roll ............................................................................................................. 17

Undercover Gift Tags ........................................................................................................ 17

ii

Personalized Votives ......................................................................................................... 17

Light Bulb Windy Day Snowman ..................................................................................... 18

Light Bulb Tree ................................................................................................................. 19

Bell Tree ............................................................................................................................ 20

Tulle Jar ............................................................................................................................. 20

Snowman Jar...................................................................................................................... 21

Patterns .................................................................................................................... 22

Beaded Angel Ornament ................................................................................................... 23

Candy Disc ........................................................................................................................ 23

Ribbon Doorknob Wreath ................................................................................................. 24

Santa’s Bubble Gum.......................................................................................................... 24

Nightlight Lampshade ....................................................................................................... 25

Disco Yarn Tree and Wreath ............................................................................................. 26

Snowman Snow Gauge...................................................................................................... 27

Stadium Pillows................................................................................................................. 27

Rudy and Trudy Reindeer.................................................................................................. 28

Boa Trees........................................................................................................................... 29

Jingle Bell Character Ornaments....................................................................................... 29

Penguin Gift Bag ............................................................................................................... 30

Pattern...................................................................................................................... 31

Reindeer Gift Bag.............................................................................................................. 32

Pattern...................................................................................................................... 33

Jolly Gift Bag..................................................................................................................... 34

Clothespin Snowman......................................................................................................... 34

Let It Snow Gift Bag ......................................................................................................... 35

Snowman Toss Game ........................................................................................................ 36

Pattern.......................................................................................................... 37, 38, 39

Gingerbread Couple Ornaments ........................................................................................ 40

Snowman Ornament .......................................................................................................... 40

Snowman Candleholder..................................................................................................... 41

iii

Craft Stick Santa and Snowman ........................................................................................ 42

Basket Villages ............................................................................................................ 43, 44

Bath Scrubbies................................................................................................................... 45

Warm and Fuzzy Mitten Hanging ..................................................................................... 46

Gingerbread Chip Clip and Memo Magnet ....................................................................... 47

Snowman Quilt .................................................................................................................. 48

Patterns .............................................................................................................. 49, 50

Sparkling Beaded Candles................................................................................................. 48

Envelope Album................................................................................................................ 51

Gem of a Snowman Glass Container................................................................................. 52

Playing Card Album .......................................................................................................... 52

Santa Tag ........................................................................................................................... 53

Jingle Bell Candleholder ................................................................................................... 54

Sponge Reindeer Ornament............................................................................................... 55

Pattern...................................................................................................................... 56

Kringles Can ...................................................................................................................... 56

Soda Bottle Baskets ..................................................................................................... 57, 58

Patterns .................................................................................................................... 59

Craft Foam Containers....................................................................................................... 60

Patterns .................................................................................................................... 61

Paperweight ....................................................................................................................... 60

Marshmallow Shooter........................................................................................................ 62

Tic-Tac-Toe Boards........................................................................................................... 63

Pocket Stuffers................................................................................................................... 64

Disguising Airtight Containers.......................................................................................... 65

15 Things to Place in a Christmas Card ............................................................................ 66

Recipes Cherry Cider...................................................................................................................................69

Luscious Slush Punch ....................................................................................................................69

iv

Fast and Easy Party Punch.............................................................................................................69

Pineapple Smoothie (Sugar Free) ..................................................................................................70

Cider Cheer ....................................................................................................................................70

Cranberry-Pineapple Punch ...........................................................................................................70

Chili Gift Basket ............................................................................................................................71

Last Minute Guests Cheese Ball ....................................................................................................71

Turkey Noodle Soup Mix ..............................................................................................................72

Crockpot Easy Cheesy Chicken.....................................................................................................72

Make-Ahead Snowman Cheese Ball .............................................................................................73

Crockpot Pork Chops and Potatoes ...............................................................................................74

Uglies .............................................................................................................................................75

Turkey Casserole Recipe ...............................................................................................................75

Baked Chicken Nuggets.................................................................................................................76

Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese .....................................................................................................76

Chicken Crescent Rolls..................................................................................................................77

Three Packets and a Roast .............................................................................................................77

Mozzarella Dip...............................................................................................................................77

Cinnamon Spiced Pecans...............................................................................................................78

Scrambled Potatoes........................................................................................................................78

Onion Shortcake Casserole ............................................................................................................79

Apple Cobbler Cake.......................................................................................................................79

No Bake Sugar Free Cheese Cake .................................................................................................80

German Chocolate Bars .................................................................................................................80

Pina Colada Banana Cake..............................................................................................................81

Paula Deen’s Better-Than-Sex Cake .............................................................................................81

Cheesey Bacon Bites......................................................................................................................82

Pretty Petit Fours............................................................................................................................82

Unforgettable Cake ........................................................................................................................83

Miniature Sausage Quiches............................................................................................................83

Frozen Strawberry Salad................................................................................................................84

Pineapple-Cream Cheese Sandwiches ...........................................................................................84

Tea Punch.......................................................................................................................................84

v

Crockpot Candy .............................................................................................................................85

Christmas Crunch...........................................................................................................................85

Pickles ............................................................................................................................................85

Cottage Potatoes.............................................................................................................................86

Christmas Casserole.......................................................................................................................86

Christmas Crunch Cookies ............................................................................................................87

Party Mix .......................................................................................................................................87

Pumpkin Butter ..............................................................................................................................88

Party Garbage Bag Mix .................................................................................................................88

Noel Ice Cream Cups .....................................................................................................................88

Dipsy Doodle No-Bake Cookies In A Jar......................................................................................89

Christmas Peppermint Dreams ......................................................................................................90

Chicken Holiday ............................................................................................................................90

Christmas Punch ............................................................................................................................90

Christmas Punch #2 .......................................................................................................................91

Hot Dr. Pepper ...............................................................................................................................91

Toffee Coffee Mix .........................................................................................................................91

Graham Cracker Santas..................................................................................................................91

Coconut Snowmen.........................................................................................................................92

No-Bake Chocolate Cookie Triangles ...........................................................................................92

Spaghetti Casserole........................................................................................................................93

Turkey Taco Bake..........................................................................................................................93

Cheesecake Waffle Cups ...............................................................................................................94

Crunchy Snowman.........................................................................................................................94

Mini Cornucopias...........................................................................................................................94

Cookie Turkeys..............................................................................................................................95

Crockpot Chicken ..........................................................................................................................95

Instant Smores................................................................................................................................95

Holiday S’more Treats...................................................................................................................96

Acknowledgements ...............................................................................inside of back cover

vi

Scarecrow Candleholder

Ivy bowl Glass votive Acrylic paint: Acorn Brown; Medium Orange; Peach; Poppy Red; Medium Green; Licorice; and Tapioca

Natural raffia Glass & Tile Medium Flat paintbrush, ½ inch Palette, rubbing alcohol Miracle Sponge

1. Follow manufacturer’s label instructions for cleaning glass and applying

medium. Apply to both glass containers on the outside only with the ½-inch flat paintbrush.

2. Use scissors to cut three simple shaped from compressed sponge; a small triangle, a 1-inch diameter circle and a 2-inch diameter circle. Dip sponge in water, squeeze to remove excess water.

3. Sponge paint both of the containers using the 2-inch circle sponge with the base coat color Tapioca. Sponge paint the small votive and the ruffled edge of ivy bowl with Acorn Brown.

4. With the 1-inch circle sponge, sponge paint cheeks with Peach Perfection, and sponge paint the collar with Medium Orange plus Poppy Red.

5. Sponge paint the small triangle nose with Medium Orange. 6. Add Licorice dip dots for the eyes. Use Licorice on the liner brush to paint

mouth. 7. To make collar stripes use Hauser Green Medium on liner brush. 8. To assemble, wrap 9 strands of raffia around the top of the ivy bowl, tying

loosely. Slip 9 strands between bowl and raffia on other side of and tie in a double knot. Glue raffia knots to head, trim as necessary.

9. Place candle/small votive in top of ivy bowl.

Fall Favors For a quick treat, take fall, Halloween, Christmas, etc. cupcake papers, and flatten them out a little. Glue two together at the edges face to face, so they bulge out on each side, leaving a small area open. When glue dries, fill them with small pieces of candy, etc., then glue the opening shut. You may add any trim you wish (bow, sticker, etc.)

2

Fall Vase

Gold Metallic dimensional paint Reverse collage glue ½” flat brush Raffia Silk leaves, autumn colors Vase Waxed paper

1. Clean vase; let dry. Remove all plastic or wire stems from silk leaves and

iron flat. Cover work space with waxed paper. 2. Brush back of first leaf with Reverse Collage Glue and position on vase.

Brush a coat of glue over the leaf, being sure to cover edges. Continue process with each leaf until vase is covered as desired.

3. Dip brush into Reverse Collage Glue and brush onto background, making sure strokes are applied in the same direction. Let dry.

4. Outline each leaf, vein and stem with Gold Dimensional paint. If desired, add random swirls. Let dry.

5. To finish vase, tie strands of raffia around neck. Optional: Add foiling glue to silk leaves and let dry, then apply craft foil as above. Glue leaves onto the raffia strands.

Fire and Ice Centerpiece

Clear glass bowl Plastic wrap Floating candle Water

Crumple plastic wrap and place in glass bowl. Add enough to fill bowl to 3 inches from rim. Pour water into bowl, leaving space for a floating candle. When it, the candle appears to be floating on ice!

3

Spooky Spider Mint 1” black pom-pom Four 12” black chenille stems Two 5mm wiggle eyes Eight orange pony beads Peppermint patty with orange foil Thick craft glue Scissors, ruler, glue gun and glue sticks

For legs, cut each chenille stem in half. Holding stems together, twist twice at center. Use glue gun to glue twisted legs to bottom of candy (body). Refer to photo. Separate legs so four are at each side of body. Bend ends down 1”. Apply craft glue to ends of legs; place pony bead over glue. For head, glue pom-pom to front of body. Use craft glue to glue eyes side-by-side to head.

Easy Fall Centerpiece Foam pumpkin Fall picks and Silk Fall leaves Decorative gold floral curley-ques Scrapbook cut-outs, shape/color of your choice

Arrange Fall floral picks into stem area of pumpkin – use tip of pencil to punch a small hole to hold picks, if needed. Arrange silk Fall leaves underneath picks.

Easy Pumpkin Favor

Orange Printed Fabric Green Pipe Cleaner Halloween candies/treats

Cut out a square of the orange printed fabric. Place a handful of candies/treats in the center of the fabric. Gather the outside of the fabric together and tie it close with the green pipe cleaner. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner around a pencil to create the vines of the pumpkin.

4

Tom Gobblesom

Patio paver Acrylic paints: Cloud White; Deep Waterfall Blue; Golden Honey; Patio Brick; Red Pepper; Sunflower Yellow; Woodland Brown; Wrought Iron Black, Clear Coat

Paint stir stick Black permanent fine-line marker White paint marker Industrial strength water-proof adhesive Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, paintbrush, stencil brush, paper plate (for palette), sand paper, rubbing alcohol

1. Trace and cut out pattern. Follow directions on pattern. Use rubbing alcohol to clean paver. Let dry.

2. Make the hat brim. Cut away handle end of paint stick to measure 8½”. Sand rough edges. Apply Clear Coat to hat brim. Let dry.

3. Paint the turkey. Paint hat brim and top of paver (hat crown) Deep Waterfall Blue, and bottom of paver (face) Golden Honey. Let dry. Rub pencil on back of pattern. Place pattern, pencil side down, on paver and trace pattern lines. Remove pattern. Paint the following: hat band Wrought Iron Black; buckle and beak Sunflower Yellow; wattle Patio Brick; eyes Cloud White; pupils Wrought Iron Black. Dry brush cheeks Red Pepper. (Note: to dry brush, dip stencil brush into paint, stroke on paper towel until almost dry, and brush surface in a circular motion.) For highlight dots, dip handle end of paintbrush into Cloud White and touch to eyes and face as shown; reapply paint after each dot. Use marker to draw smile, eyelashes, and eyebrows, and to outline beak, wattle, and buckle.

4. Finish up. Use paint marker to write “Happy Turkey Day!” on hat brim, dot letter ends as shown.

5

6

Turkey Glove Gobblers

Stretch glove: rust, tan, or brown Craft foam scraps: tan, red, yellow Two 7mm wiggle eyes Yellow chenille stem Thick craft glue Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, plastic sandwich bag, measuring cup, candy

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Follow

directions on patterns. 2. Make the turkey. Refer to photo. Glue

eyes, beak, and wattle to thumb and wing to palm of glove as shown. For legs, cut chenille stem to measure 9”. Fill sandwich bag with approximately ½ cup of candy. Center and twist legs around bag above candy; cut away excess bag. Wrap ends of each leg around feet; twist to secure.

3. Finish up. Place candy bag inside glove so feet are sticking out. Fold up glove cuff 3/4” and bend legs up.

7

Scrabble Ornaments

Scrabble tiles Cinnamon sticks Wire Ribbon for bow Pencil Hot glue gun and glue sticks Jingle bells (optional)

Choose tiles to spell Christmas words (Santa, Noel, Ho Ho Ho, etc.) Place on cinnamon stick and glue, leaving enough room for a bow above your letters. Cut a long piece of wire and carefully push it down through the hole in the top of the cinnamon stick, leaving extra wire at the top. Push wire out the bottom. Thread wire at the bottom of the cinnamon stick through the hole in a jingle bell (if desired) and twist wire around itself. Twist extra wire at the top around a pencil to make a hanger. Tie a bow out of ribbon and glue onto cinnamon stick above letters. Note: You may hot glue the wire to the back of the cinnamon stick at the top and bottom if you wish.

Crystal Snow Globes

Glass Bubble (your choice of size) Holiday Rub-on (your choice) Spray acrylic sealer Diamond dust

1. Clean and dry the glass bubble thoroughly and add

your holiday rub-on according to the directions on the package.

2. Spray the outside of the bubble with the acrylic sealer. While the sealer is still wet, coat the bubble with the diamond dust. When dry, shake off the excess diamond dust.

Ideas: Place them on painted wood plaques accented with snow. Group them in various sizes with candles inside for a centerpiece. Use small bubbles or roly-poly votives for party favors.

8

Fun Fur Tri-Color Scarf

Fun Fur – 1 ball each of three different colors, your choice Size Q-19 (15 mm) hook or Size to obtain gauge

Note: Scarf is made with 3 strands, one of each color, held together throughout. Scarf: With one strand of each color held together, make a slip knot and place on hook and chain 2. Single crochet in 2nd chain from hook; chain 1, turn. Increase Rows: Row 1: Work 2 single crochets in single crochet; chain 1, turn – 2 stitches. Row 2: Work 2 single crochets in first single crochet, single crochet in next single crochet; chain 1, turn – 3 stitches. Row 3: Work 2 single crochets in first single crochet, single crochet in each of the remaining single crochets in row; chain 1, turn – 4 stitches. Repeat Row 3 until there are 6 stitches. When there are 6 stitches, work even (no increases, no decreases) in single crochet on those stitches until desired length of until there are about five yards left of each color. Decrease Rows: Row 1: To decrease, insert hook in first stitch, yarn over hook, pull up loop, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over hook and pull up a loop – 3 loops on hook – yarn over hook and pull through all 3 loops; this is a single crochet 2 together. Single crochet in each of the remaining stitches in row – 5 stitches. Repeat Decrease Row 1 until one stitch remains. Pull yarn tails through loop and weave in ends.

9

CD Centerpiece

Old CD Glass votive holder Dimensional glitter snow Holly pick Glue gun and glue sticks

1. Glue votive holder to CD. 2. Using dimensional snow, paint CD

around bottom of votive holder. Paint around the top of the votive holder with dimensional snow also.

3. Take apart holly pick and randomly place holly leaves and berries in the snow surrounding the bottom of the votive holder. Allow snow to dry.

CD Ornaments

Old Cd’s Holiday stickers Dimensional paint Ribbon E-6000 glue

Cut a length of ribbon for a hanger and fold it in half. Glue 2 Cd’s together (shiny sides out) with the ribbon “sandwiched” between them. The ribbon will form the hanger for the ornament. Attach stickers to the CD’s on the shiny blank side wherever you want them. Fill in between the stickers with dimensional paint to draw lines, dots, snowflakes, etc.

10

Glittery CD Snowmen

Recycled CD Stiffened glitter felt: white, black, red and green Dimensional fabric paint: silver, rose or chrome green Electric pink acrylic paint Iridescent glitter 1” red glitter pom-pom 6” length of 5/8” silver wire edged ribbon 18 “ length of 20-gauge silver craft wire Thick craft glue Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, 1/8” and ¼” circle hand punch, Paintbrush, paper plate (for palette), toothpicks, wire cutters

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns. Use 1/8” hole

punch to punch holes in hat where indicated by “o” on pattern. 2. Make the face. Cut a 5” square from white glitter felt. Glue felt to shiny

side of CD. Let dry. Use scissors to trim excess felt around CD (refer to photo). Glue hat to CD. Use Rose to outline edges of red hat and hat brim; use Chrome Green for green hat. Use Silver to outline edges of face. Use Electric Pink to paint cheeks; sprinkle with Iridescent Glitter before paint dries. Let dry. For eyes and mouth use ¼” punch to punch 14 black circles

3. Assemble the face. Refer to photo. Glue the following to face: two craft foam circles (eyes); pom-pom (nose) below eyes; remaining craft foam circles (mouth); cheeks to each side of nose.

4. Make the hanger. Wrap wire around pencil to coil. Pull ends to stretch wire to a 12” length. Thread ends through hat holes form front to back; twist to secure. Tie ribbon into a 2½” wide bow; cut ribbon ends in a “V”. Glue bow to hat brim as desired.

11

“Snow Cool” CD Ornaments

Recycled CD, two Acrylic paints: White; Grey; Lamp Black; Burnt Orange; Wine; Burnt Umber

Silver or white spray paint Dimensional Paint: Glimmer Iridescent ribbon, ¼” wide – 15” lengths, two Paintbrushes, assorted sizes Pink powdered blush

Quick Tip: Place compact disc on jar to spray paint. Spray paint printed side.

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Transfer outlines only to unpainted side. Paint snow banks, snowmen, candy canes, and center disc ring White. Shade snow banks and snowmen with Grey.

2. Transfer remaining details. Paint noses Burnt Orange; shade with Burnt Umber. Paint eyes, mouths, and buttons Black. Apply blush to cheeks. Paint hat and candy cane stripes Wine. Shade candy cane and hat brim Black. Slightly thin White with water; use liner to paint center candy cane line, snowflakes, and details as shown in photo. Paint pom-pom White; shade with Grey. Dot snowflakes and snow White. Slightly thin Grey; use line to paint lettering. Randomly dot icy flakes with Glimmer. Lightly spatter paint White.

3. Apply sealer if desired. (Note: Sealer may detract from “icy” look.) For hanger, thread ribbon through hole; tie bow.

12

13

Reindeer Paint Brush

1 in. bristle paint brush Craft foam: brown and tan 5 mm red pompom 15 in. of 28-gauge green cooper wire ½ in. liberty bell 1 in. holly pick Acrylic paint: tan, pink, white

1. Paint handle and metal tan. 2. Cut foam shapes according to patterns. Glue antlers in bristles on each side

of brush. 3. Paint on pink cheeks, white eyes and white inner ears. 4. Use a black fine point marker to dot pupils in eyes and draw on mouth. 5. Glue pompom on face for nose. Glue holly to bottom of handle. 6. Cut a 15 in. piece of green copper wire. Slide bell onto center of wire. Coil

wire on each side of bell around handle of a paint brush. Glue wire around neck of reindeer.

Candy Cane Candle Holder

Taper candle wrapped in cellophane 4 candy canes Ribbon Holly pick Low temperature hot glue gun and glue sticks

Gently peel down the cellophane leaving it on the lower half of the candle. This is what your glue sticks to. Glue the candy canes around the bottom part of candle, putting the glue on the cellophane. Dress it up by adding ribbon in between the spaces for the candy canes and add bits of holly. Just make sure the candy canes sit flat when you get all four around the candle.

14

Faux Frosted Ivy Bowl Centerpiece

1 ivy bowl White glue, water & an old paint brush Clear glitter or colored glitter of choice Small piece of Styrofoam Nightlight with cord Floral or Christmas picks Wire cutters Ribbon of choice

Mix equal parts of water and glue and paint inside of ivy bowl. Sprinkle glitter in ivy bowl and hake out excess. Cut piece of Styrofoam to fit into the top of the ivy bowl. Cut a hole in the foam to poke the light thru. Poke light thru hole in foam and push foam into ivy bowl opening. Cut picks with wire cutters leaving approx. 2” long wire. Poke wire into foam, arranging to cover foam completely. Glue ribbon just below the fluted part of the bowl. Add 1 bow or more.

Jean Pocket Memo Pad Holder

1 jean pocket Velcro with adhesive on the back Decorations of choice Memo pad & pencil

Place memo pad in pocket with the paper hanging to the outside. Mark lightly with chalk or tailors pencil. Remove memo pad and decorate as desired (paints, silk flowers, ribbon, lace, etc.). Attach Velcro to the back of the pocket at the top. Attach matching piece of Velcro to your fridge. Press Velcro together firmly. Insert memo pad and pencil.

15

Jean Pocket Angel

1 jean pocket 1 wood ball for a head Doll hair, glue gun & sticks Twine/jute, black sharpie marker Small piece of lace Wire Decorations of your choice

Paint wood ball or leave plain. Use sharpie and make 2 dots for eyes. Glue hair to wood ball. Use twine/jute & tie tightly about 1½” from top of pocket. This forms the wings and body. Push center of wings down and glue. Glue head to top center of wings. Glue piece of lace from 1 side of head to the other in the back (halo). Tie a small bow with twine/jute and glue under head. Decorate the body/skirt as desired. Poke wire form back to front in 1 corner of wing. Twist to prevent it pulling thru. Curl wire around pencil, poke thru other side of wing and twist to prevent pulling thru.

Mint Napkin Rings

1 in. x 7 in. strip of white poster board Mint candies in their wrappers Double-sided tape

You can give your holiday dinner guests the star treatment with these festive napkin rings. For each place setting, tape a strip of white poster board or heavy paper into a ring. Attach a row of mint candies to the ring with double-sided tape.

16

Spare Roll Snowman

1 full roll toilet tissue 1 white sport sock 1 burned out regular size lightbulb 1 small straw broom Recycled sweater sleeve or new sock, color of your choice (will be hat)

Long strip of plaid fabric, 1½ inches wide, color to co-ordinate with hat

2 buttons, 1 inch in diameter, color of choice Gold wire edged ribbon, ½ inch wide Small artificial holly and berries sprig Strong thread such as carpet thread Black fabric dimensional paint Orange colored oven bake clay Pink cosmetic blush, Cotton swab, Glue gun and glue sticks

1. Turn sock inside out so fuzzy side is on the outside. Place lightbulb, bulb

end first inside sock and push it up into the toe of sock. Insert tissue roll in sock and push it up until the neck and socket area of the lightbulb is inside the tissue roll. Tuck excess sock up inside the bottom of the tissue roll. Wrap a long piece of thread around lightbulb just above the tissue roll and tie tightly. This forms the head of the snowman.

2. Place sweater sleeve or colored sock on head of snowman and roll up cuff about one inch. Tie a piece of thread around sleeve or sock approximately 5 inches from cuff. Cut off excess sleeve or sock one inch above tied thread. Glue hat to head. Make a bow with the wire edged ribbon and glue to hat to one side. Glue holly sprig to bow.

3. Using a pea size amount of orange clay, form a carrot shaped nose. Dry and cool according to manufacturers directions. Use photo as a guide for feature placement. Glue nose to middle of face. Add a little blush to cheeks using cotton swab. Dot eyes and mouth using black fabric paint.

Wrap plaid fabric strip around neck of snowman and tie in a bow. Glue buttons to front of snowman’s body. Glue broom to one side of snowman’s body. Using white paper, handwrite a little card that reads:

This sweet little snowman with his cute little broom Is really a spare for your Powder Room!

17

Santa’s Spare Roll

1 full roll toilet tissue Bright Red wrapping paper 3 black buttons White craft fur (1 inch x 6 inches) Hot glue gun

1. Wrap the toilet tissue in bright red

paper. 2. Glue strip of craft fur around top

outside edge. 3. Glue 3 buttons to outside in a row from top to bottom.

Undercover Gift Tags

White crayon White construction paper gift tags Colored marker

1. While you’re wrapping the gifts, simply use a white

crayon to write the giver’s and recipient’s names on white construction paper tags.

2. When the time comes to open the gifts, have the kids take turns running a colored marker over the tags to reveal who gets each gift and whom it’s from.

Personalized Votives

Votive candle holders Parchment paper Felt-tip pen, ruler and pencil

These will be inscribed on opposite sides so that others across the table can read the names also. Cut a piece of parchment to fit around a votive holder. With a ruler and pencil, mark two guides for the names, and then write them on with a felt-tip pen. Erase pencil marks. Wrap paper around votive, and secure with double-sided tape.

18

Light Bulb Windy Day Snowman

Used light bulb Paint: Acrylic -- White; Fabric – Kelly green 1 bumpy orange chenille stem 2 (5mm) round black rhinestones Craft foam: white, red, & black 18 gauge plastic coated black copper wire – 8” piece Fine point black permanent marker Glue, wire cutters, scissors, paint brush

1. Paint lightbulb white. Glue on black rhinestones for eyes and buttons as

shown. Cut a ½” pointed piece of orange bumpy chenille stem and glue below eyes for nose. Draw dots for mouth with black marker.

2. Cut a 1” circle, a 1½” circle, and a 3” x 3/8” strip out of black foam. Glue ends of strip together to make middle of hat. Glue small circle to the top and large circle to the bottom for hat brim.

3. Wrap an 8” piece of wire loosely around index finger. Glue one end to bottom of hat. Glue other end of wire to snowman head.

4. Cut an 8” x ½” piece of red foam. Fringe both ends. Make stripes with green dimensional paint and let dry thoroughly. Wrap around neck and glue together form scarf.

5. Cut 2 pieces of black chenille stem, each 4” long, and glue to sides of snowman for arms.

6. Cut out three or four 1” squares of white foam and glue together to form a flat block. Glue to bottom of snowman as base to keep it from tipping over.

19

Light Bulb Tree

Used light bulb Craft foam: green Acrylic paint: green, brown 7mm color bulb garland Dimensional snow 3” wood round ½” mini gift boxes Iridescent glitter glue 1¼” white glitter 3d star

1. Paint light bulb green. Paint wood circle brown. 2. Glue wide end of light bulb to wood circle. 3. Cut tree branches from foam using patterns – cut one of each size. 4. Glue lights to branches. Glue branches to bulb, referring to photo. 5. Brush on dimensional snow. Brush iridescent glitter glue over snow. 6. Glue packages under tree. Glue star on top. Spray on sealer.

20

Bell Tree

Three 3” holly pick 6” x 3” base Styrofoam cone Twenty-five 3/8” metallic red jingle bell Eighteen ½” metallic red jingle bell One ¾” metallic red jingle bell Fourteen 25mm metallic gold jingle bell Sixteen 30mm metallic gold jingle bell Fifteen 35mm metallic gold jingle bell

1. Glue large gold bells around bottom of cone. Moving up, glue medium gold

bells next, and then glue small gold bells up to top of cone. Cover entire cone.

2. Cut stems off of holly. Glue leaves in between bells. 3. Glue small red bells in leaves for berries. Glue medium red bells in tree to

fill in spaces. Glue large red bell to top of tree.

Tulle Jar

4 Tulle Circles 9” gold/white Wide-mouth mason jar 12” x 12” printed scrapbook paper 13” piece of beaded star trim 1 gift in a jar recipe

1. Follow the instructions on your recipe for

layering your gift in a jar. 2. Using jar lid cut a circle from the printed

scrapbook paper. Replace lid on jar and lay paper circle on top. 3. Place four gold and white tulle circles over paper circle and secure with a

rubber band. 4. Make a recipe card and decorate it with cut-outs from your printed

scrapbook paper. Punch hole in corner of card and secure to rubber band with white wire.

5. Glue a 12” piece of beaded trim around jar covering rubber band.

21

Snowman Jar

2 pieces 9” x 12” black felt 1 piece 9” x 12” red felt 3 chenille stems – 3mm brown 16 faceted beads – 4mm raspberry 4 oz snow accents Wide-mouth mason jar 1.5” mini carrot ¾” white snowflake 8½” x 11” black card stock 3½” Styrofoam ball 7 small black buttons Mini holly garland Hot glue gun, glue sticks, wire cutters, craft stick

1. Fill jar with a gift in a jar, candy, etc. 2. Cut approximately ½” off of Styrofoam ball. Glue flat side to lid for head. 3. Twist three chenille stems together. Cut in half. Glue each half to sides of

jar lid for arms. 4. Cut two 12” x 1½” pieces of red felt. Glue together at one end. Tie around

jar, covering chenille stems. Cut slits in ends for fringe. Glue snowflake to scarf.

5. Cut red felt mittens from pattern. Glue two together with ends of chenille stems in center.

6. Glue black buttons to head for eyes and mouth. Glue carrot in center for nose.

7. Cut a 10½” x 2” piece of black felt and black cardstock. Glue felt over cardstock. Glue ends together to form ring.

8. Cut brim and top of hat from pattern. Glue brim to rings. Glue felt top over cardstock top. Glue to top of ring for hat. Glue on holly garland and red faceted beads.

9. If the jar contains a gift in a jar, glue recipe card decorative paper. If the jar contains something glue a greeting to decorative paper. Glue mittens to each side of card.

10. Apply snow accents to snowman with craft stick.

22

PATTERNS FOR SNOWMAN JAR

23

Beaded Angel Ornament

Thirty-four 4mm crystal faceted beads Nine 4 mm light sapphire faceted beads Eight 8mm crystal faceted beads Twelve 8 mm white pearls 35” of 18 gauge gold copper plastic coated wire

1. Cut a 2” piece of wire. Loop end of wire

to prevent beads from falling off. 2. String five 4mm crystal beads on wire.

Leave a ½” space. String on one 8mm pearl and one 8mm crystal bead. Repeat seven times. String on one 8mm pearl.

3. Twist wire together at ½” space. 4. Continue stringing five 4mm crystal beads on wire. 5. Bend remaining wire in half and twist together. 6. Straighten loop at beginning and thread through loop at the end. Twist

together to secure. Bend forward to form halo. 7. Cut a 5” piece of wire. Twist around top of angel and curl for hanger. 8. To make wings, use remaining 10” of wire. String one 4mm light sapphire

bead and two 4mm crystal beads. Repeat eleven times. Twist ends together leaving a 1” space in center. Twist wings around center of angel.

Candy Disc

Round wooden ornament or disc Red spool of ribbon Acrylic paints: white, red, pink, light blue Black permanent pen, ultra-fine Clear cellophane White embroidery floss

1. Paint entire ornament with white acrylic paint. Let dry. Paint 7 small red

stripes onto the edge of the “candy” using red acrylic paint. Drybrush pink acrylic paint onto the candy for cheeks. Let dry. Use the permanent pen to outline the cheeks and draw on two eyes and a mouth.

2. Wrap the disc in clear cellophane, tying the extra on either side with white embroidery floss.

24

Ribbon Doorknob Wreath

5 inch-diameter sold brass ring 6 yards each of two shades of 2 inch-wide green organza ribbons

2 yards of 2 inch-wide red organza ribbon

2½ inch brass jingle bell

1. Cut each shade of green organza ribbon into 9-inch lengths. Knot the ribbon lengths around the brass ring, alternating the shades of green. To knot the ribbon, fold a 9-inch length in half. With the ribbon under the ring and the fold outside the ring, bring the ribbon ends over the ring and through the folded end of the ribbon. Pull the ends of the ribbon so the fold is snug against the ring. Continue adding all the ribbon lengths to the ring, alternating the shades of green around the wreath.

2. Thread the red ribbon through the top of the jingle bell. With the bell at the center of the ribbon, tie the ribbon to the center bottom of the wreath. Tie the ribbon into a four-loop bow; diagonally trim the ribbon tails.

Santa’s Bubble Gum

Plastic recloseable bag Cardstock Decorative scissors 12 pieces of bubble gum

Cut out the poem with decorative scissors and glue to cardstock. Cut cardstock with decorative scissors.

Santa’s Bubble Gum Did you know that Santa Claus Chews bubble gum everyday?

And did you know that Santa Claus Blows bubbles in his sleigh? Only 12 days until Christmas

I hope it gets here fast! I’ll have to plan carefully

To make my bubble gum last! One bubble gum each day is all that I chew

And with every bubble that I blow, Santa, I’ll think of you.

25

Nightlight Lampshade

9 oz. clear short plastic cup (softer plastic, not rigid) Night light (preferably with a flat top) Assorted fabric and trims Satin roses, buttons or bows (optional) Glue gun, glue sticks, scissors or craft knife

1. Cut the cup in half (figure A). Each cup will make two night lights. Set one

half aside. 2. Glue a strip of fabric approximately 4 inches wide to the front of the cup,

gluing the edges to the inside of the cup. 3. Glue the top edge of the fabric down and the bottom of the fabric to the

inside (figure B). 4. Glue trim to the top and bottom as desired. Embellish with a bow, rose or

button (figure C). 5. Apply glue to the top of the nightlight and adhere to the inside bottom of the

cup (figure D). Tips: This is a great way to recycle odd items you have at home. Other embellishments can be used, like 4½” wired ribbon, which can be pleated and then glued to the front of the lampshade (figure E). They make wonderful gifts for all ages.

Figure A Figure B Figure C

Figure D Figure E

26

Disco Yarn Tree and Wreath

Tree: Green foam cone(s) Glitter chenille stems 1 yard each of ribbon 1/8” and 5/8” wide Curling ribbon ¼” wide Beads

Wreath:

Green foam ring 9 inches in diameter 2 yards each of 2 different ribbons, ¼” wide ¾ yard of ribbon 1¼” wide Pine cones

1. TREE: Apply craft glue or double sided tape to surface of foam cone (work

in sections of 2 inches from bottom to top). Beginning at base of cone, wrap yarn around cone placing each wrap close against the previous one to completely cover foam. Let glue dry. Comb very lightly with wide tooth comb to fluff yarn. Wrap wider ribbon loosely around Tree for Garland, as shown in picture. Secure at intervals by slipping bead onto straight pin and pushing through ribbon into foam.

2. Decorations: Slip one or two beads onto pin. Position Decoration on Tree as desired and push pin into foam. Tie narrow ribbon into small bows. Position on Tree as desired and push pin through ribbon into foam. Cut 4 inches length of curling ribbon. Draw ribbon along blade of scissors to curl. Slip bead onto pin and push pin through end of curled ribbon into foam. Bend chenille stem into star shape or any desired shape, or wrap chenille stem around thumb to form spiral for Topper. Push end of chenille stem into top of tree.

3. WREATH: Holding 2 strands together, wrap yarn around foam ring, placing each wrap close against the previous one to completely cover foam. Secure ends on back of ring with tape. Comb very lightly with wide tooth comb to fluff yarn. Holding 1 strand each of the 2 narrow ribbons together, wrap loosely around Wreath as shown in picture and secure ends at back for Garland. Position pine cones on Wreath as shown in picture and glue in position for Decorations. Tie wider ribbon into bow and glue to Wreath as shown in picture.

27

Snowman Snow Gauge

Foam balls, in three different sizes Fabric scraps Buttons Yardstick Small plastic cup Small plastic plate Plastic knife, wood craft stick, paper clips, scissors

1. Using a plastic knife, saw off a small slice

from the smallest and largest balls and two slices opposite each other on the medium-size ball.

2. Slide a wood craft stick through the center of the middle ball, leaving part of the stick coming through each flattened end. Poke the other two balls on to the stick, lining up the flattened edges.

3. Decorate the snowman as you like with scraps of fabric and buttons. Poke the buttons into the balls with a paper clip. Add stick arms.

4. To make the hat, push a small plastic cup into the top ball. Use a small plate with the center cut out for the brim, and add decorations. Push the bottom of the snowman onto the high-numbered end of the yardstick or meterstick. When there’s a snowfall, stick the other end into the snow, and you’ll see right away how deep the snow is.

Stadium Pillows

2/3 yard of solid fleece 2/3 yard of print fleece One 15” x 17” x 2” high density foam chair pad

1. Cut a 25” x 23” rectangle from solid

fleece and print fleece. 2. Pin the fleece pieces together, having edges even. Cut out a 3” square from

each corner. Cut 3” long slashes into side edges of rectangles at 1” intervals. 3. Insert foam between the two layers of fleece. To secure foam in place, tie

the fleece strips together.

28

Rudy and Trudy Reindeer

Two standard-sized washcloths, tan and white

2 bars of bath-size soap 4 wiggle eyes 2 red pompoms 4 brown pipe cleaners 2 rubberbands 12 tiny jingle bells Decorative cord or ribbon Velvet ribbon for bow Small bell for Rudy Tacky glue Blush make-up for cheeks

1. Open washcloth and place it on the table with one corner facing you. This

makes the washcloth a diamond shape. 2. Place the soap in the center of it. Bring the corner facing you and the back

corner up together. Roll the two corners backwards down to the top of the soap.

3. Take the two side corners in your hands and bring together at the top this will form the ears. Secure them together with a rubberband down next to the soap. Shape to resemble ears.

4. Fold one pipe cleaner in half and poke it between the ears and through the rubberband. Cut another pipe cleaner in half and twist it around to make the antlers. Do this on both sides.

5. Now attach the tiny jingle bells through the ends of the antlers. Fold the pipe cleaners back to secure them on.

6. Tie a decorative ribbon, cord or bow around the bottom of the ears. The bow shown in the sample has a small bell attached.

7. Glue on pompom nose and wiggle eyes. Put a small amount of blush on each cheek.

29

Boa Trees

Plastic cone Feather boas (3-4 for 24” cone, 5-6 for 36” cone) Glass ball ornaments or florals, optional Hot glue and glue gun Wire cutters

1. Glue feather boas to cone, working in a spiral from bottom to top. 2. Directions for decorating with glass ball ornaments: Each glass bulb has

a metal cap and a wire clip protruding. For the bulb on top of tree, remove cap and clip, then glue bulb to point, holding securely until glue is cool. For all other bulbs, hold the cap securely and pull out the clip; discard. Remove the cap, put a spot of hot glue on the outside opening of the glass bulb & slip cap back on. Hot glue each bulb on tree at metal cap; hold in place until glue is cool.

3. Directions for decorating with florals: Clip flowers off stems. Glue onto tree, spacing as desired. (TIP: Poinsettias are layers of petals with spacers between. For a less bulky flower, clip through the bottom layers, removing the spacers. Glue onto tree, reassembling the layers as you go, but without the bulky spacers.) Top of tree: Glue cluster of flowers together, then glue to top of tree. Trim leaves from leftover stems and tuck under flowers where desired. Glue in place.

Jingle Bell Character Ornaments

1” Styrofoam ball (for head) 1” brass jingle bell Knit glove Pom-poms: white (for nose), 1/8”; color to coordinate with glove, ¼” Half round black beads (eyes), 2mm, two Satin ribbon (scarf), ¼” wide, 6” length Silver cord, 1/16” wide, 6” length Pink powdered blush

Glue head to bell. For hat, cut finger tip from glove; position on head. Glue white pom-pom to hat. Tie scarf around neck. Glue eyes and nose to face. Apply blush to cheeks. For hanger, use needle to sew cord through hat top; knot ends.

30

Penguin Gift Bag

8” x 10” black gift bag Card stock: orange, white 12” square of green plaid scrapbook paper Ripple decorative edge scissors Two 10mm round wiggle eyes Yellow chenille stem Two 2” yellow pom-poms 1½” green plastic button Scrap of black yarn Black permanent extra-fine-tip marker Thick craft glue Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, pink powdered blush

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns. 2. Make the penguin. Use marker to outline edges of body and beak. Glue

body to center front of bag so bottom edges are aligned. For scarf, use Ripple edge scissors to cut a 2½” x 8” strip and a 1½” x 2½” piece from green plaid paper. See photo. Glue small piece to bottom of bag, 7/8” from bottom edge. Glue beak to center of face at a slight angle and so point of beak slightly overlaps scarf. Glue eyes side-by-side above beak. For cheeks, use fingertip to rub blush on face.

3. Finish up. For earmuff, wrap chenille stem around pencil to coil; remove pencil. Pull each end to slightly loosen coils. Glue ends 2” from top and at each side of front of bag and pom-poms to each end. Cut a 10” length from yarn and thread yarn through button holes forming an “X”; glue end to back. Glue button to right side of scarf as shown. Let dry.

31

32

Reindeer Gift Bag

Brown gift bags: 5¼” x 8½” (small reindeer); 8” x 10” (large reindeer)

Fabric: 2½” x 6” (small scarf); 3” x 7” (large bow); 3” x 8” (large scarf)

Card stock: tan, cream Craft foam: red, black Wiggle eyes: 12mm (small reindeer); 5 mm (large reindeer)

Brown chenille stems, two Permanent black marker with fine and bold tip

Red chalk 3-d dots Permanent adhesive

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Cut

materials as indicated. Use fine-tip marker to outline ears and face. Glue inner ears to ears. Slightly bend ears by rolling around marker.

2. For large reindeer: glue face to bag, 2¼” from bottom. Apply chalk to bag, cheeks, and inner ears. Use 3-D dots to adhere nose to face. Use bold tip to draw line. Glue: eyes, ears, antlers, and scarf to reindeer. Tie remaining fabric strip into bow; fringe ends and glue to scarf.

3. For small reindeer: glue scarf to bag; fringe right side. Use 3-D Dots to adhere nose to bag. Apply chalk to cheeks and inner ears. Glue eyes, antlers, and ears to reindeer. Use bold-tip marker to draw mouth. Tie handles closed with chenille stems.

33

34

Snowman Ornament

Acrylic paint: White, Black, Pumpkin, Santa Red, Spice Pink Metallic acrylic paint: Gold Glitter acrylic paint: Gold Spray sealer Craft sticks: Mini Jumbo Wood holly leaves Wood bow tie Gold wire Beads: 2 black 6 mm opaque Green plaid fabric strip Pencil, scissors, fine-tip black marker

1. Paint three craft sticks White; let dry. Paint bow tie and top 1/3 of each craft

stick Black. 2. Place craft sticks together; adhere bow tie to craft sticks for hat brim. 3. Paint holly leaves Gold; when dry, paint the Gold glitter paint. 4. Draw face details with pencil; paint nose Pumpkin. 5. Dry brush cheeks Spice Pink.Outline nose and draw mouth with black

marker; paint hearts Santa Red. 6. Tie green plaid fabric bow and coil length of gold wire. Adhere bow to

snowman.

Clothespin Snowman

Cardstock: White Patterned paper: Plaid Black scrapbooking tacks Round Antique Bronze Rivet 2 mini clothespins (white or you paint white) Black permanent marker Adhesive, gold ribbon, 1” circle punch, scissors

1. Cut 2½” x 5” tag from white cardstock. Cut strip of patterned paper. Using

punch, punch three holes; adhere top and bottom of strip to tag. Attach square tacks for buttons. Draw eyes and mouth with black pen. Adhere scrap of paper for nose. Clip mini clothespins on either side of center strip. Attach rivet to top of tag; thread ribbon through rivet.

35

Let It Snow Gift Bag

Gift bag: White Buttons: 2 larger black and 8 smaller black Adhesive lettering to spell Let It Snow Cardstock: Red, Orange Red gingham ribbon Red ribbon Adhesive and scissors

1. Transfer and cut hat and brim patterns from red

cardstock. Adhere gingham ribbon to hat, leaving ¼” of crown uncovered. Score uncovered cardstock, fold down and adhere to ribbon.

2. Adhere brim to hat. Make a bow from red ribbon and adhere to hat.

3. Apply adhesive lettering to white cardstock. Cut out letters. Adhere to hat brim.

4. Cut carrot nose from orange cardstock. Outline with dimensional paint and add striation marks.

5. Adhere hat, nose, and buttons to bag as shown in photo.

36

Snowman Toss Game

Large brown grocery bag Craft foam: black, red, green, blue, orange Light blue spray paint White acrylic paint Compressed or kitchen sponge Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, paintbrush, paper plate (for palette), paper towels, pin powdered blush, glue gun and glue sticks or thick craft glue

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns. Open bag and

stand upright. In a well ventilated and covered area, lightly spray paint front and sides of bag. Let dry.

2. Paint the head. Use pencil to lightly draw an 11½” circle approximately 1¾” from bottom edge of bag. Cut a 2” square from sponge. Wet sponge in water and squeeze out excess water until just damp. Pour a puddle of white on palette. Press sponge into paint, blot on paper towel, and sponge paint entire head. (Note: Apply a second or third coat as needed allowing paint to dry between coats.)

3. Assemble the face. See photo. Trace mouth on head and cut out. Glue hat to top of head, hat bands to hat, and pine sprig to hat bands. Glue eyes and nose on head as shown. For cheeks, use finger to apply blush to corners of mouth. Glue scarf along bottom of head placing knots, fringe, and bands where indicated by dashed lines on pattern.

4. Play the game. Set snowman on top of a table. Use crumpled up newspaper or ping-pong balls for “snowballs”. Determine the distance to throw snowballs into the snowman’s mouth. Whoever gets the most snowballs into the mouth wins.

Optional: Replace grocery bag with cardboard box that has a 12” x 15” side. Follow above directions to complete box.

37

38

39

40

Gingerbread Couple Ornaments Glass ball ornaments Acrylic paints: white, country red, burnt sienna, black Dimensional snow Iridescent dimensional paint and Iridescent glitter Polka dot ribbon Sparkly chenille stem Scissors, glue gun, glue sticks, craft stick, paper towels

1. Mix equal parts of Burnt Sienna with dimensional snow. Use cosmetic

sponge to apply mixture, completely covering both glass balls. Let dry. 2. Paint eyes with Black and nose with Country Red. Mix a small amount of

Country Red with Whit and dab on balls for cheeks. Let dry. Use liner to highlight eyes and nose with White.

3. Use iridescent dimension paint to add mouths and “frosting” embellishments.

4. Apply iridescent glitter to both ornaments. Let dry. 5. Thread chenille stem through ornament hangers, form a loop and twist ends

to secure. Tie a bow on girl gingerbread cap with Polka Dot Ribbon.

Snowman Ornament 2 canning jar lids (one slightly smaller than the other) E 6000 glue 6-8” piece of material for scarf Spray paint: Cream Woodsies Acrylic paint: orange, black 2 buttons to match scarf material Black permanent marker, twine, old toothbrush, hammer, and pointed screwdriver

Spray paint jar lids with Cream paint. Glue together with-6000 glue. Paint woodsie with Orange paint. Using black acrylic paint that has been watered

down and old toothbrush, spatter paint snowman. Using screwdriver and hammer, punch a hole in top of snowman head and thread a piece of twine through hole to form hanger. Tie scarf around neck and glue buttons down

front of body. Draw facial features on with permanent marker and glue nose to face with E-6000 glue.

41

Snowman Candleholder

4-inch clay pot and saucer Spray paint: White, matte finish; Black, gloss finish

Spray varnish or clear sealer Acrylic paint: black; white; and any bright color you wish

Dimensional paint in 3 different colors Painter’s tape Black permanent marker 2 red buttons Blush Candle to fit saucer E 6000 glue Paintbrush

1. Spray paint the base of the pot white and let dry (apply as many coats as

necessary.) 2. Using painter’s tape, and holding pot upright, tape around the bottom of the

rim. Paint the rim a bright color using acrylic paint. 3. Using dimensional paint and referring to figure 1, make line of different

colors around the rim. 4. Turn the pot upside down and paint on an orange carrot nose (just a teardrop

with a pointed end). Using the end of the paintbrush, dip dot eyes and mouth with black acrylic paint. Tip: dip paintbrush end into paint before each dot or dots will become smaller.

5. Spray paint the saucer black. 6. Outline nose with black permanent marker, highlight eyes with white, and

add blush, if desired. 7. Glue red buttons to the top of the hat. 8. Spray all pieces with varnish and let dry. 9. Place “hat” (saucer) on top of snowman. Place candle on top of hat.

Figure 1

42

Craft Stick Santa and Snowman

For each: Jumbo craft stick Acrylic paints: White and Black 6” length of 20-gauge brass wire 9mm gold jingle bell Thick craft glue Drill with 3/32” bit Pencil, scissors, ruler, paintbrush, paper plate (for palette), paper towel, toothpicks

Santa: Wooden items: 1” wooden mustache; ¼” roundhead plug Acrylic paints: Red; Beige Bright White Shiny dimensional paint pen

Snowman: Medium Orange Shiny dimensional paint pen Three 5mm round crystal acrylic stones 5” length of ¼” green satin ribbon

General (for each): For hanger hole, drill a hole at center top of one end of craft stick. Santa: See figure 1. For face, use pencil to mark a 1” section 1” from top; glue plug (nose) to center bottom of face. Use Beige to paint nose and face. Let dry. See photo. Use Red to paint hat, remaining front, and entire back of craft stick. Let dry. Use White to paint mustache; paint 1” long brush strokes for beard as shown. Let dry. Glue mustache below nose. For eyes, dip handle end of paintbrush into Black and touch handle to face. Use paint pen to paint hat fur. Let dry. Snowman: Use White to paint entire craft stick. See photo. Use paint pen to paint carrot nose 1” from hanger hole. Use Black to dot eyes and mouth. Let dry. Tie ribbon into a 1¼” wide bow; cut ribbon ends at a slant. Glue bow below mouth as shown and acrylic stones (buttons) to center of body spacing each evenly apart. Hanger: Thread 1” of one end of wire from back to front of hanger hole. Bend up and coil end tightly to secure. Thread jingle bell onto other end and loosely coil end. Other Options: Use mini craft sticks and 6mm jingle bells.

43

Basket Villages

Basket (see #1 below) Lighted houses, churches, schools, people, bridges, etc. Assorted Styrofoam pieces (see #2 below) Sheet moss Christmas picks Fake snow Duct tape Power strip Pipe cleaner or wire Glue gun, glue sticks (10 or more)

1. Choose your basket. The size depends on what you want to put in it. If you want to put more than one building, then use a basket with a large area in the bottom. Scour the dollar stores, etc. as this is sometimes the most expensive part of the project. For a Christmas village, you might want to spatter paint the basket with white to give it a snowy look.

2. Landscaping. You will need to build up the landscaping area. Use pieces of Styrofoam or the white packing material that comes around appliances, etc. Experiment when doing this step. Place the pieces with the highest in the back, working your way forward to nothing. This will give you the little hills that you need to place your houses, churches, schools, train stations, etc. on. Try the placement of the items to make sure everything is going to workout.

3. Foundation. Start gluing the Styrofoam pieces in. Be patient and go slowly. Make sure every piece is secure so your village won’t be wobbly.

4. Cord Assembly. Lay your cords to your houses on the Styrofoam. Leave enough “play” at the bulb end to put up into the house. Trail the cords over and between the Styrofoam and secure with duct tape. Make sure that all the plug ends trail out to the back of the basket. Using a power strip, plug all your cores into it. This will allow you to use a short extension cord to plug into the wall outlet. Wind up the excess cords into a bunch and secure with a pipe cleaner or piece of wire. You will want this to lie at the back of your basket so you may need to cut away some of your Styrofoam to make it fit in. Don’t fret, it will all be cover up.

5. “Ground” assembly. Carefully remove sheet moss and spread it out into large pieces. Begin gluing the pieces to cover the Styrofoam. Continue until

44

finished. Spanish moss may be used also, but sheet moss gives a better effect.

6. House assembly. Glue your houses on top of the little hills you have made. Reach down under the moss and pull just enough of the cord up with the light to place in the house. Readjust your moss around the cord to cover it as much as possible. Continue gluing your houses, people, bridges, trains, etc. on. If you have space, think about a mirror “pond” for some skaters. Now add your trees (pine boughs from Christmas picks work good.) Start with your tallest trees in the back working forward. Use twig from bushes to give a “winter” tree look. Glue your people, mailboxes, etc. Also glue in pebbles for paths of any other landscaping ideas that you have.

7. Finishing. Sprinkle “snow” over everything. Take care not to bury the little people! You may also add some decoration to the edge of the basket. Add a bow to the handle, if you wish. Plug in your extension cord, turn off the lights and step back to admire your handywork!

45

Bath Scrubbies

Bath puff in assorted colors Assorted pictures of snowmen, gingerbread men, Santa, etc. (these can be from clipart, magazines, Christmas cards, etc)

Toothpicks Laminate sheets

Using pictures as a guide, cut out snowmen, gingerbread men, santas, etc. as assorted Christmas related items. Laminate them on a piece of cardstock and hot glue to a toothpick. Insert toothpick into scrubbie.

46

Warm and Fuzzy Mitten Hanging

Oven mitt (beige, tan, etc.) 5” x 3” orange felt Scrap iron-on adhesive Black embroidery floss Embroidery needle 2 black buttons, 5/8 inch each 8” x 8” plaid fabric Raffia Safety pin Silk and plastic greenery and holly

1. Iron adhesive to back of orange felt.

Trace nose pattern onto backing paper, and cut out.

2. Iron nose to front of oven mitt. With black floss, stitch nose and mouth. Sew on button eyes.

3. Fold plaid fabric lengthwise with right sides together; iron. Use running stitch to sew short ends together to make large loop. Pin cuff inside mitten with seam of cuff facing outside. Use running stitch to sew on cuff, stitching ½ inch away from edge. Turn cuff to outside of mitten.

4. Make bow out of raffia, and pin it to cuff with safety pin. Arrange greenery and holly inside mitten.

47

Gingerbread Chip Clip & Memo Magnet

Memo magnet or chip clip holder, 2” Card stock: tan, red, black Acrylic Paint: White Red/White checked ribbon, 7/16”, 9¼” length

White rick rack, 1/8”, 12” length Hole punch: circle, ¼”; heart White gel marker Fray check

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Cut three

4” x 6” tan card stock rectangles. Layer tan rectangles together and glue.

2. Use white marker to draw dashed lines around hands and body. Glue rick rack around face and along bottom of hands.

3. Use black marker to draw mouth. Use hole punches to punch two red hearts, red circle, and two black circles from card stock.

4. Use toothpick to dot eyes and cheeks White. Glue eyes, nose, and cheeks to face. Glue body, hands, and face to magnet to chip clip.

5. Tie ribbon bows; cut ends at angle. Apply fray check to ends. Glue bows in place.

6. Use black marker to draw eyelashes.

48

Snowman Quit Square

This snowman quilt square is a two piece quilt square made entirely with one inch squares. The color codes are as follows: B = Blue R = Red LB = Light Blue BLA = Black The blank squares are White You will also need orange scraps for noses For the face: Cut two black circles for eyes and punch two holes out of white with a hole punch. Punch a bunch of black holes using a hole punch for mouth. Cut a nose out of orange scraps. On the body: The last row of red on the scarf needs to be fringed. You will need two red squares to make thumbs for mittens. Note: Patterns are on the next two pages.

Sparkling Beaded Candles

Cracked glass candle holder String bead trim (can be found in fabric section) Antique gold cord Low temp glue gun and glue sticks

Hot glue the string of beads carefully around the very top of the glass candle holder. Glue the antique gold cord on top of the ribbon part of the beads.

49

50

51

Envelope Album

Permanent adhesive Four A6 envelopes: green and blue Marking pen: teal Photo corners: white Four photos Eyelet setter and one mini eyelet: teal Letter stamps ¼-inch-wide ribbon to match Hammer Mementos

1. Glue the envelopes in a row, placing the flap

of one over the bottom of the next. 2. Use the marking pen to color the photo corners, and then use the corners to

hold the photos in place. 3. Install an eyelet in the point of the last envelope flap, and write a message. 4. Place mementos inside the envelopes. Thread the ribbon through the eyelet,

and tie it around the album to keep it closed.

52

Gem of a Snowman Glass Container

4-inch round glass jar with metal push-on lid

16-ounce package clear glass gems Polished river pebbles: orange or yellow tones and black

Hot glue gun and glue sticks 1/8 yard plaid fabric Ruler, scissors, evergreen sprig

Tip: Before you begin, wash jar and lid to remove any oils from glass surface. For best results, hot glue flat side of clear glass gems to jar. This will provide more surface contact and ensure a better hold.

1. Remove lid and set aside. Working from front bottom edge of jar up, glue glass gems and pebbles to jar to create snowman’s face. For nose, hot glue 1 gem upside down onto jar so pebble can be adhered to flat side of gem. Leave room at top of jar (about 1 to 1½ inches) for lid and fabric bow.

2. Continue gluing glass gems to cover entire jar.

Playing Card Album

Collect a “full house” of memories using a deck of playing cards. All decked out with stickers and journaling, this album is the picture-perfect place to display your favorite family snapshots. Simply cover one side of several cards with assorted scrapbook papers then punch a hole in the upper corner of each card. On the covered side, add a photo and stickers along with some journaling. Tie the cards together with a ribbon tied into a bow. Embellish the front of your album as desired…we cut out pieces of left-over playing cards and attached them using dimensional foam dots.

53

Santa Tag Craft foam: 7” x 11¾” red; 10” x 11¾” white Three 1¼” round split-ring key tags (remove wire rings) Markers: black, red, pink 12” length of white floss or string Five brass paper fasteners White marking pen, paint, or correction fluid Pencil, scissors, ruler, 1/8” hole punch, stencil brush

1. Cut the foam shapes. Cut the following rectangles from white foam: for

face/beard, 7” x 11¾”; for hat trim, 3” x 7”; for mustache, two 2” x 4”; for tag, 2” x 3”. Refer to photo. For beard, cut 4” long fringe along one short edge of face/beard rectangle. (Optional: To curl beard, roll fringed ends around pencil, heat with hair dryer for a few seconds, allow foam to cool, and then remove pencil.) For mustache and tag, cut diagonal corners from one short end of each rectangle. Punch hole ¼” to ½” from center of cut ends. See Figure 1. For backing, cut diagonal corners from one short end of red foam. Punch hole ½” from center of cut end.

2. Make the face. Refer to photo. For eyes, use marker to draw two 5/8” long ovals 2” from top of face. Use white marking pen, paint, or correctional fluid to add highlight dots to each eye as shown. For cheeks, dot pink marker on face. Dip stencil brush into water; working in a circular motion, brush dot with water to soften.

3. Draw details. Use black marker for the following: draw wiggly outline along edges of hat trim, mustache, and tag; write “Ho Ho Ho” on tag; draw dashed line along cut end of backing; add random small lines on one key tag for pom-pom.

4. Make nose and mouth. For nose, color one key tag with pink marker. For mouth, color remaining key tag with red marker. Draw a ½” circle in center of mouth with black marker.

5. Assemble Santa. Refer to photo. Place face/beard on top of backing 3½” from cut end. Place hat trim on top of face so one long edge is just above eyes. Insert fasteners through hat trim, face, and backing at each side; open fasteners flat at back. Insert fastener through mouth and face 2” below eyes; open fastener flat at back. Overlap 1/2” of straight short edges of mustache and insert fastener through nose, top overlapped corners of mustache pieces, and face; open fastener flat at back. Insert fastener through tag and face; open fastener flat at back.

6. Finish up. For hanger, fold floss or string in half. Insert fold through backing and pom-pom holes; thread ends through loop of fold. Pull ends up tight. Tie ends in knot.

54

Jingle Bell Candleholder

9-inch-tall clear glass cylindrical vase with 3¼-inch opening 2 x 2 inches foam 8 evergreen sprigs, 6 inches each 2 red berry sprays, 12 inches each 6 holly leaves 48 gold jingle bells, assorted sizes Clear glass votive holder Red votive candle 3 sheet music pages 1 yard gold metallic ribbon, 1¾ inches wide Wire cutters, scissors Low temperature glue gun and glue sticks Ruler Floral wire

1. Glue foam block to bottom of vase. This is where you will insert

evergreens. 2. Place vase so foam block is on your right side. Insert and glue two

evergreen sprigs horizontally at base o foam, one coming in front of foam and one extending away from foam. Cut evergreens into short lengths, and fill in around already inserted evergreens.

3. Cut pages of sheet music in half horizontally. Tightly roll each section, and glue edges in place to secure. Cut 1 music roll in half, and insert and glue all rolled pages into evergreens.

4. About 6 inches from one end of gold ribbon, shape 2 loops about 3½ inches each. Pinch 2 loops together, and secure with short length of floral wire. Trim end of bow streamers to 4 inches, and cut V shape into end of each. Glue remaining ribbon trailing out back of design. Trim end of ribbon into V shape.

5. Cut 1 red berry spray in half, and insert a length vertically behind bow. Insert other section coming forward beneath bow. Cut other berry spray into short lengths, and insert around bow. Glue holly leaves into design around bow and music. Glue jingle bell to middle of bow; add more jingle bells as desired.

6. Fill vase with assorted jingle bells to about 3 inches from top. Place votive holder with candle inside vase.

55

Sponge Reindeer Ornament

4” x 6” compressed sponge Acrylic paints: Toffee, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Black, Peony Pink, White Wash

Flat wooden shapes: two small circles, small teardrop, two medium teardrops

Two brown chenille stems ½” red glitter pom-pom 20” length of ¼” green picot-edge ribbon 1/2” gold jingle bell Thick craft glue Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, paper plate (for palette), Paper towels, toothpick, plastic sandwich bag, wax paper Optional: Hair dryer

1. Trace and cut out pattern. Follow directions on pattern. Wet sponge and

squeeze out water. Press sponge onto paper towel to remove excess water. 2. Paint the head. Pour a puddle of Toffee into sandwich bag. Place sponge

in bag and knead paint into sponge. (Note: Add more paint if needed for complete coverage.) Squeeze out excess paint. Lay sponge on a sheet of wax paper, turning it occasionally until completely dry. (Optional: Use a hair dryer to speed up drying time.) Dry brush edges Dark Chocolate. (Note: To dry brush, dip 5/8” brush into paint, stroke on paper towel until almost dry, and stroke brush across edges.) Let dry.

3. Paint the wooden pieces. Use #10 shader to paint medium teardrops (ears) Milk Chocolate and to paint circles (eyes) and small teardrop (mouth) Black.

4. Make the antlers. Cut six lengths from chenille stems. See Figure 1. For each antler, twist three stems together as shown. Use toothpick to poke holes in top of reindeer’s head. Apply glue to end of antlers; glue antlers into head holes. Let dry.

5. Make the face. Refer to photo. Glue eyes, pom-pom nose, and mouth to face. Glue ears behind head as shown. Use #0 brush to dot eyes White Wash and to paint muzzle line Black. Let dry. Use 5/8” brush to dry brush cheeks Peony Pink. Let dry.

6. Finish up. For bow, cut an 8” length from ribbon; tie into a bow. Trim ends at a slant. Glue bow to left top of head. Glue jingle bell to center of bow. For hanging loop, fold remaining ribbon in half and glue ends to center back of head. Let dry.

56

Figure 1

Kringles Can

3” can of potato chips Dipping Chocolate Cardstock: yellow; red Vellum Scrapbook paper for background Hole punches: ¼” and leaf Glue; Wax paper

Change an ordinary 3” can of potato chips into an attractive, delectable gift that is sure to please young and old alike! Begin by melting Dipping Chocolate in the microwave according to manufacturer’s instructions. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Dip chips in chocolate and set on wax paper; refrigerate until chocolate coating hardens. Cover can with yellow cardstock; glue a circle of red cardstock to lid. For label, cut a piece of vellum, and then tear a larger piece of scrapbook paper for background. Write “Kringles” on the vellum; layer, then glue label to can. Use a ¼” hole punch and a leaf punch to punch leaves and berries from scrapbook paper; glue to label. Place “chocolate chips” in can.

57

Soda Bottle Baskets

General:

Recycled two-liter soda bottle Two 10mm round wiggle eyes Card stock: white, pink Pine chenille garland Paper crimper Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, transparent tape, ¼” circle hole punch

Santa: Card stock: red, pink, green scrap Paper punch: 2” circle; small holly leaf Three 5 mm red translucent beads ½” pink pom-pom

Snowman: Card stock: Lt. Blue; Med. Blue; Orange scrap 1” circle paper punch Two 1” craft foam snowflakes Iridescent glitter

1. Trace and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns. Measure 4” from top of bottle and cut top away. Wash and dry thoroughly. For handle, measure 1” from top edge and use ¼” circle punch to punch hole at side; punch another hole directly opposite. Thread pine garland ends through holes and twist to secure. 2. Make Santa. (Note: run card stock pieces vertically through crimper.) For face, cut 6”x15” piece from pink card stock. Apply glue to bottle; adhere face around center of bottle. Crimp hat and glue to top of face. (Note: use transparent tape to hold in place while drying.) For hat brim, cut 2”x15” strip from white card stock; crimp. Glue hat brim around top of bottle overlapping hat bottom and face top. Punch twenty-one 2” circles; crimp. Refer to photo. For beard, glue ten circles around bottom of bottle overlapping edges; repeat for top row of beard staggering circles. Glue remaining circle to hat top. Crimp mustache; glue to top of beard. Glue pom-pom (nose) to center of mustache. Glue eyes above mustache. Crimp eyebrows and glue above eyes. 3. Finish up. Punch three holly leaves from green card stock. Glue leaves to left side of hat brim and beads to center of leaves as shown.

58

Snowman: 1. Trace and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns. Follow instructions in Step 1 of Santa to cut bottle and to make handle. 2. Make the Snowman. (Note: Run card stock pieces vertically through crimper.) For face, cut 7”x15” piece from white card stock; crimp. Apply glue to bottle; adhere face around bottle; adhere face around bottle. Crimp hat and glue to top of face. (Note: Use transparent tape to hold in place while drying.) Cut 1½”x15” strip (hat brim) and 1”x15” strip (collar) form lt. Blue card stock; crimp. Glue hat brim around top of bottle overlapping hat bottom and face top, and collar around bottom of bottle. Crimp bow tie and glue to center front of collar. Crimp nose and glue to center front of face. Glue eyes, cheeks, and mouth as shown. 3. Finish up. Apply glue to top edges of hat, hat brim, bow tie, and to top of snowflakes; apply glitter to glue and shake off excess. Glue snowflakes to center top of hat and bow tie.

59

60

Craft Foam Containers

Craft foam, your choice of color 1/8” hole punch 1/8” ribbon Adhesive or glue for craft foam

Cut out pattern on next page. You may enlarge or reduce it to give you the size container you want. Tape pattern to a piece of craft foam. Cut out shape. Use a small hole punch to punch a hole at end of each point. Place gift at center of craft foam. Bend points toward center; lace ribbon through holes and tie in a bow. To embellish your container…you can also buy pre-cut, self-adhesive shapes to decorate with.

Paperweight

Clear glass ashtray Craft foam Family photos Craft glue Optional: alphabet tiles, stickers, phrases, tags, ribbons, etc.

Invert the clear glass ashtray onto craft foam; draw around the ashtray onto the foam and cut out. Repeat with a photograph. Use craft glue to glue photo to craft foam. Add names to photo, if desired, using alphabet tiles or stickers. If using alphabet tiles, make sure tiles will be in the bowl area of the ashtray and not along the edges. Invert ashtray on photo and use craft glue to adhere in place. Embellish paperweight with clear adhesive phrases, tags, and a ribbon, if desired.

61

62

4”

10”

3”

2

4X

1. Purchase a 30” piece of PVC pipe and the number of pieces (T’s, Elbows, and Caps) listed on the left.

2. Cut the 30” piece of PVC into 7 pieces using the dimensions on the left.

3. Assemble as shown in diagram (no gluing necessary!)

4. Place ammo (mini marshmallow) into mouthpiece and blow hard.

5. To clean gun, simply take apart and wash.

Marshmallow Shooter

63

Tic-Tac-Toe Boards

4” or 6” tiles, white or beige Laminate Decoupage Glaze Flat-backed decorative marbles (4 each of 2 different colors)

Cut out graphic below and laminate. Adhere to tile with decoupage glaze. Use marbles as playing pieces.

64

65

66

67

Recipes

68

69

CHERRY CIDER 2 quarts apple cider 1 (3 oz.) package cherry gelatin 1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick Bring cider and cinnamon stick to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add gelatin; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until gelatin is dissolved. Serve warm. Place a cinnamon stick in each glass, and add a curl of lemon rind. Makes 2 quarts (8 servings).

LUSCIOUS SLUSH PUNCH

2 ½ cups white sugar 6 cups water 2 (3 oz) pkgs. Strawberry gelatin mix 2/3 cup lemon juice 1 (46 fluid oz.) can pineapple juice 1 quart orange juice 2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and strawberry flavored gelatin. Boil for 3 minutes. Stir in pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Divide mixture in half, and freeze in 2 separate containers. When ready to serve, place the frozen contents on one container in a punch bowl, and stir in 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda until slushy. Makes 50 (4 oz.) servings.

FAST AND EASY PARTY PUNCH 2 cups sugar or Splenda (to taste) 2 large pkgs. Kool-Aid (your choice of flavor) 1 to 2 cups ginger ale (to taste) 2 cans (12 oz.) 7-up 2 cups pineapple juice Orange sherbet or the sherbet you like most Combine sugar or Splenda and Kool-aid in a gallon pitcher. Add enough warm water to dissolve. Then fill pitcher about ½ full of cold water. Be sure water is cold before adding other ingredients. Add 7-up, pineapple juice and ginger ale. Best if the sherbet is added to the punch and serve in punch bowl. Makes 25 to 30 cups.

70

PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE…(Sugar Free) 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in natural juices 1 cup buttermilk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tsp. liquid artificial sweetener Mint leaves (optional) Drain pineapple, reserving ½ cup of the juice. Freeze pineapple chunks. Place juice, buttermilk, vanilla, sweetener, and frozen pineapples into blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with mint if desired. Serve immediately. Serves 5.

CIDER CHEER

6 cups apple cider 1 pound caramel candies 2 oz. cream, whipped ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon In a saucepan over medium heat, heat apple cider. Unwrap caramel candies and divide among the drink mugs. Stir in the apple cider and top with whipped cream, divided. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Makes 8 servings.

CRANBERRY-PINEAPPLE PUNCH

1 (48 oz.) bottle cranberry juice drink 1 (48 oz.) can pineapple juice ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoons almond extract 1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled Stir together first 4 ingredients until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill 8 hours. Stir in ginger ale just before serving. Makes 6 ½ quarts.

71

CHILI GIFT BASKET

3 cups dried beans (pink, red, or kidney – sorted) Put into a jar or large bag. 3 tbsp. mild chili powder 2 tbsp. dehydrated onions 1 tbsp. granulated garlic 1 tsp. oregano 2 tsp. salt ½ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) Combine spices and put into a small bag. Include in your gift basket: 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes in juice 1 package corn bread mix Label: Wash beans. Put into pot with spices. Cook until done, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Meanwhile, brown 1 lb. ground beef (if desired), and drain. Add meat to the beans with the tomatoes and sauce. Simmer to blend flavors. Serve with chili corn bread, if desired. For: Chili Corn Bread Include in the package with corn bread mix, 1 small can whole kernel corn and 1 small can diced green chili’s (not the hot kind). Stir the well-drained corn and chili’s into the corn bread just before baking. Bake in a well-buttered 8” square pan at 425° for 25 minutes.

LAST MINUTE GUESTS CHEESE BALL

8 oz. cream cheese 1 pkg. of dry ranch mix 1 pkg. of fine shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) ½ cup onion (green or white) Combine all ingredients except pecans. Mix well, form mixture into a ball. Chop pecans fine. Roll mixture in pecans.

72

TURKEY NOODLE SOUP MIX

1 cup uncooked fine egg noodles 1 ½ tbsp. chicken-flavored bouillon ½ tsp. ground black pepper ¼ tsp. dried whole thyme 1/8 tsp. celery seeds 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1 bag leaf Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Store in an airtight container. Attach this to the Jar: Turkey Noodle Soup 1 pkg. Turkey noodle soup mix 8 cups water 2 carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced ¼ cup minced onion 3 cups cooked diced turkey Combine the turkey noodle soup mix and the water in a large stockpot. Add the carrots, celery, and onion and bring to a boil. Cover the soup and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the turkey and simmer an additional 5 minutes.

CROCKPOT EASY CHEESY CHICKEN

1 cup-up skinned chicken (or breasts, etc.) 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cheddar cheese soup Place chicken in crockpot, season with salt, pepper, garlic and paprika. DO NOT ASUME THE SOUP IS SEASONED ENOUGH! Dump both soups on top of chicken (no water) and cook on low 8-10 hours. Serve over rice or noodles.

73

MAKE-AHEAD SNOWMAN CHEESE BALL

3 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (16 oz.) 2 tablespoons basil pesto 1 tablespoons grated onion ¼ teaspoon yellow mustard 2 drops red pepper sauce 1 container (4 oz.) whipped cream cheese, softened decorations, if desired assorted crackers, if desired Mix 3 pkgs. cream cheese and the cheddar cheese; divide into 3 equal parts. Combine 2 parts to equal two-thirds of mixture; mix in pesto. Mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into remaining one-third mixture. Cover each cheese mixture and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape. Shape each cheese mixture into ball. Wrap each ball, label and freeze. May be frozen up to 1 month ahead. About 12 hours before serving, remove balls from freezer. Thaw in wrappers in refrigerator. Arrange balls on serving plate with smaller ball on top for head of snowman. Frost snowman with whipped cream cheese before serving. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers. Store covered in refrigerator. Makes 7 cups spread. **Use your imagination to decorate this whimsical snowman! You can use fresh rosemary and dried cranberries (crown), chopped olive pieces or raisins (eyes and buttons), pimiento or red bell pepper (mouth), radicchio or carrot ribbon (scarf), and asparagus spears or celery sticks (arms). Nutritional Information-Per 1 tablespoon: Calories 42 (calories from fat 35); Fat 4g (saturated 2g); cholesterol 10mg; sodium 45mg; potassium 15mg; carbohydrate 0g (dietary fiber 0g); protein 2g.

74

CROCKPOT PORK CHOPS AND POTATOES

1 large onion, sliced 2-3 potatoes, sliced 4-6 boneless pork chops 1 can cream of mushroom soup Spray crockpot with cooking spray, layer, onions, then potatoes, then chops. Pour soup over chops. Cook 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

CROCKPOT CREAMY CHICKEN AND VEGGIES

1 4-lb. chicken, cut into serving pieces 2 lbs. small red potatoes, cut in half 1 (8 oz.) pkg. baby carrots 1 onion, chopped 1 (14 oz.) can low sodium chicken broth 1 cup light sour cream 3 tbsp. flour In 3-4 quart slow cooker, place potatoes, carrots and onion. Top with chicken. Pour chicken broth over all. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 10-12 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender. In small bowl, stir together light sour cream and flour until well blended. Stir into mixture in crockpot and turn heat to high. Cook, uncovered, 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. 6 servings

THANKSGIVING MEATLOAF

2 ½ pounds ground turkey 2 eggs 1 ½ cups chicken-flavor stuffing mix 1/3 cup milk Preheat oven to 350°. Mix together turkey, stuffing, eggs, and milk in a large bowl. Mixture will be lumpy. Spread mixture in 9” X 5” loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour until temperature reads 165° in center of loaf. Makes 1 9” X 5” loaf (12 servings).

75

UGLIES

1 pound ground beef chuck 1 (10 oz.) pkg. refrigerated dough ½ cup chopped onion ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 ½ cups barbeque sauce 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly grease 8 muffin cups. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook ground chuck with onion and garlic powder until evenly brown; drain off the grease. Stir in the barbeque sauce and simmer for another 3 minutes. Roll out each biscuit on a floured surface so that each biscuit is 6” across. Put the biscuit in the muffin tin and fold up sides to create a cup shape. Fill each biscuit fill almost to the top with the meat mixture; top with cheddar cheese. Bake in preheated oven until biscuits are baked, cheese is melted and tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes. These aren’t pretty, but they are delicious. Served with a salad for a great meal! Makes 8 servings.

TURKEY CASSEROLE RECIPE

2 cups cooked turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 cups sliced celery 1 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons grated onion 1 to 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice ¼ cup slivered almonds 1 cup grated cheese ½ cup chow mein noodles Preheat oven to 350°. In a 2 quart casserole, combine turkey, celery, mayonnaise, onion, and lemon juice. Top with almonds, cheese, and noodles. Bake about 30 minutes.

76

BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS

1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skinless 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal, cornflakes, crumbs 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon onion powder Remove skin and bone; cut thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place cornflakes in plastic bag and crush by using a rolling pin. Add remaining ingredients to crushed cornflakes. Close bag tightly and shake until blended. Add a few chicken pieces at a time to crumb mixture. Shake to coat evenly. Conventional Method: Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly grease a cooking sheet. Place chicken pieces on cooking sheet so they are not touching. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. Microwave Method: Lightly grease and 8”X 12” baking dish. Place chicken pieces on baking dish so they are not touching. Cover with waxed paper and cook on high. Rotate chicken every 2 to 3 minutes. Cook until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. NOTE: To remove bone from chicken thighs: Place chicken on cutting board. Remove skin from thighs. Turn chicken thighs over. Cut around bone and remove it.

CROCK POT MACARONI AND CHEESE

1 (16 oz.) pkg. macaroni, cooked and drained (this can be cooked ahead or leftovers) 1 tbsp. salad oil 1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk 1 ½ cups milk 1 teaspoon salt 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ½ cup melted butter Lightly grease crock pot. Toss macaroni and oil. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir, cover and cook on low 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

77

CHICKEN CRESCENT ROLLS

2 cups chopped chicken 2 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese 1 tbsp. chopped chives 1 lg. Bottle drained mushrooms 8 crescent roll (unbaked tube) melted butter 1 pkg. seasoned croutons, crushed Mix chicken, cream cheese, chives and mushrooms. Unroll crescent rolls, fill with mixture and re-roll. Roll in melted butter and seasoned croutons. Bake in shallow pan 30 minutes at 375°. Optional – top with cream sauce or chicken gravy.

THREE PACKETS AND A ROAST

One beef roast (chuck, London Broil, round, whatever) One brown gravy dry mix One Italian Dressing dry mix One Ranch Dressing dry mix Place beef in slow cooker, (no need to brown). Tear open three packets of dry seasoning and pour contents over the raw meat; pour one cup of water over the top. Cover with lid, cook on low for 8-10 hours (or on high for 5-6 hours). Hint: If your slow cooker is large – (6-7 quart capacity), you can cook a very large roast or 2 large London Broils to serve a big group and have leftovers too. Simply double up on the packets of dry mix and increase water to 1 ½ cups. You can add cut up potatoes, carrots during the last hour of cooking, frozen peas during the last 10 minutes.

MOZZARELLA DIP

2 cups mayonnaise 1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella 2 tbsp. grated parmesan 1 tbsp. dried minced onion 1 tsp. sugar Dash each garlic salt and seasoned salt Mix well, cover and chill one hour. Serve with raw vegetables, tortilla chips or crackers. Makes 3 ½ cups.

78

CINNAMON SPICED PECANS

4 cups – Pecan halves ¼ stick real butter ¼ cup – evaporated milk and 1/8 tsp. salt 2 tablespoons water 1 cup sugar ¼ tsp. apple pie spice ¼ tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. cinnamon Yield: one quart bag full – plus a few to sample! NOTE: Make No Substitutions!! Over medium heat in a non-stick pan mix everything. Except butter and pecans. Stirring Constantly – till sugar dissolves. Add pecans, stirring verrrry gently – so as not to break the halves throughout! After about 5 minutes, add the butter and keep stirring until all the syrup is gone. When syrup has been absorbed…Carefully & quickly…Turn mixture out onto waxed paper-lined cookie sheet in a SINGLE LAYER. Allow to cool completely.

SCRAMBLED POTATOES

1 pound bacon, cut into small pieces 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese 3 pounds peeled and shredded potatoes 12 eggs In a large skillet, fry bacon pieces on medium heat until brown and a little bit crispy. Set aside bacon. Cook and stir shredded potatoes in bacon drippings on medium heat until tender. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, and salt and pepper. Add eggs to potatoes. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Sprinkle cheese and bacon pieces on top of potatoes. Let cheese melt. Serve. Fantastic dish to serve for a Christmas Day breakfast or brunch. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

79

ONION SHORTCAKE CASSEROLE

1 large Vidalia or Maui onion (or any sweet onion) ½ stick oleo 1 box small corn muffin mix 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 1 cup cream style corn 1 cup sour cream ¾ shredded cheddar cheese Sauté onion and oleo, set aside. Mix together corn muffin mix, egg, and milk. Stir in creamed corn. Pour into greased 9” casserole. Mix sour cream with the onions. Add the shredded cheese. Spread sour cream and onion mixture over batter. Bake at 350° about 30 minutes until top is browned.

APPLE COBBLER CAKE

2 (21 oz.) cans apple pie filling 1 (1 lb. 2.25 oz.) pkg. butter recipe or yellow cake mix ¾ cup butter or margarine, softened 2/3 cup chopped walnuts ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup milk Vanilla ice cream Heat oven to 375°. In large saucepan, heat pie filling over medium heat until very hot, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine cake mix and butter; blend at low speed for 45 to 60 seconds or until crumbly. Place 1 ½ cups cake mixture in medium bowl; stir in walnuts and cinnamon until well mixed. Add milk to cake mixture in large bowl; stir until dry particles are moistened. Spoon hot pie filling into ungreased 13” X 9” pan.* Top with heaping spoonfuls of cake batter. Sprinkle with walnut mixture. Bake at 375° for 30 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and crack appear dry. Cool 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream. *Cake can be baked in two 8” square pans. Bake as directed.

80

NO BAKE SUGAR FREE CHEESE CAKE This recipe has no added sugar so it is great for diabetics.

1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs ½ cup butter 1 (8 oz.) pkg. reduced fat cream cheese ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup boiling water 1 (.6 oz.) pkg. sugar free lemon gelatin 1 cup frozen light whipped topping, thawed Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, butter and cinnamon. Mix well and press into the bottom of a 9” square pan. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Dissolve lemon gelatin in boiling water. Let cook until thickened, but not set. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Blend in lemon gelatin. Fold in whipped topping. Pour filling into crust. Sprinkle top with graham cracker crumbs. Refrigerate over night.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE BARS

2/3 cup butter or margarine softened 1 package German chocolate cake mix 1 package (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup) 1 tub coconut pecan ready-to-spread frosting ¼ cup milk Heat oven to 350°. Lightly grease bottom and sides of rectangular pan, 13” X 9” X 2”. Cut butter into cake mix in medium bowl, using pastry blender or fork, until mixture looks like fine crumbs. Press half of the mixture (2 ½ cups) in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked layer. Drop frosting by tablespoonfuls over chocolate chips. Stir milk into remaining cake mixture. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto frosting layer. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until cake portion is slightly dry to touch; cool completely. Refrigerate until firm. For 48 bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows.

81

PINA COLADA BANANA CAKE

1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix 1 cup sugar 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice 1 (3.4 oz.) pkg. instant coconut pudding 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 large bananas, sliced 1 (8 oz.) carton whipped topping ½ cup coconut toasted* ½ cup chopped nuts, toasted* Prepare and bake cake as directed on package in greased 13” X 9” X 2” baking pan. Mix pineapple and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over hot, just baked cake, that you have poked holes in with the handle of a wooden spoon. Set aside and allow to cool at room temperature. Mix coconut pudding as directed on package. Cream the cream cheese with an electric mixer, add pudding and mix well. Spread over cooled cake. Distribute sliced bananas evenly over cake. Spread whipped topping evenly over bananas. Garnish with the toasted coconut and nuts, if desired. Serves 12. **Toast coconut and nuts on separate baking sheets, spreading out evenly. Bake in a 300° oven, for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden. Stir every few minutes to ensure even browning. Watch closely to prevent burning.

PAULA DEEN’S BETTER-THAN-SEX CAKE

1 pkg. yellow cake mix ( without pudding in cake mix) 2/3 jar strawberry ice cream topping 1 pint of fresh or frozen sliced strawberries 1 small pkg. instant chocolate pudding 1 small container of whipped topping Heath candy bar, broken up into pieces Mix and bake the cake in a 9” X 13” pan according to instructions on box. Poke holes in the cake and pour about 2/3 of a bottle of strawberry topping that you’ve heated in the microwave, which makes it easier to pour and spread. Layer as many sliced strawberries as you’d like. Pour the prepared chocolate pudding over the berries. Spread whipped topping over top of the cake and sprinkle with small pieces of a Health Candy Bar.

82

CHEESY BACON BITES 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1/8 tsp. black pepper ½ cup cooked, finely chopped bacon 1 pkg. refrigerated crescent rolls 2 tbs. finely chopped onion ¼ cup cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Separate crescent rolls into two rectangles. Spread cream cheese mixture on each rectangle and roll it up like a cinnamon roll, starting at the longest side, and then seal the edge. Cut each roll into 16 slices. Start by cutting it in half, then each piece in half again and then again and then one last time. Than should give you sixteen even pieces. Place the slices cut side down on a cookie sheet. Bake them for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 32 appetizers.

PRETTY PETIT FOURS

Purchased pound cake 2 cups of powdered sugar 6 tablespoons of water Tubes of decorating gel Tiny candy flowers (cake decoration type) Cut the pound cake into one-inch slices. Trim the crust from each slice and then cut each slice into four squares. For the icing, add water to powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time stirring after each one until your icing is very smooth. (You may not need all the water). Place each cake square on a wire rack and drizzle icing over each piece until completely covered. Let dry. When icing is dry you may decorate your tiny cakes with icing gel and candy flowers.

83

UNFORGETTABLE CAKE

2 cups butter or margarine 2 cups packed brown sugar Angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes Chopped pecans In saucepan combine butter or margarine and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook until syrup reaches soft ball stage (240°). Remove from heat. Using tongs, dip cubes of angel food cake in syrup, roll in pecans and set on wax paper to cool.

MINIATURE SAUSAGE QUICHES ½ pound mild sausage, cooked and drained 2 large eggs, beaten ½ cup milk 1 ½ tablespoons margarine, melted 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese Pastry shells Paprika Garnish: fresh parsley sprigs Combine first 5 ingredients; stir well, and pour into prepared pastry shells. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or till set. Garnish if desired. Makes 3 dozen.

84

FROZEN STRAWBERRY SALAD

1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 (9 oz.) container frozen whipped topping Blend together well. 1 package frozen strawberries, partially thawed 1 (15 oz.) can crushed pineapple (drained) 4 large bananas, diced Mix all together pour into a 9”X13” pan and freeze. Cut into squares or allow to soften a bit to spoon.

PINEAPPLE-CREAM CHEESE SANDWICHES

¾ cup soft butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg 20 slices bread of your choice 1 ½ cups soft cream cheese ½ cup pineapple, finely chopped ½ cup finely chopped nuts Salt and pepper Combine the butter with cinnamon or nutmeg and spread the mixture over 1 side of each slice of bread. In a small bowl, cream the cream cheese, if necessary, and stir in the pineapple and nuts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over 10 slices of bread and top with the other 10 slices. Remove the crusts and cut. Makes 40 quarter tea sandwiches.

TEA PUNCH

1 cup white sugar 4 cups orange juice 1 cup strong brewed black tea 4 cups pineapple juice 4 cups prepared lemonade 1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled In a pitcher, combine sugar and tea. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in orange juice, pineapple juice and lemonade. Chill in refrigerator for 4 hours. Just before serving, pour chilled juice mixture into a punch bowl and stir in ginger ale.

85

CROCK POT CANDY

16 oz. jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts 16 oz. jar salted dry roasted peanuts 4 oz. bar German chocolate 12 oz. bag chocolate chips 24 oz. white chocolate bark Put into the crock pot in order as typed. Cook on low for 2 hours. Stir mixture and dip out by spoonfuls onto wax paper.

CHRISTMAS CRUNCH 12 oz. pkg. white chocolate morsels 1 cup small pretzel twists 1 cup apple-cinnamon cereal 1 cup graham cracker cereal 1 cup pecans Melt morsels over low heat in a saucepan or in the microwave. Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl and pour melted morsels over mixture, stirring well to coat. Line cookie sheets with wax paper; spread mixture on cookie sheets and refrigerate. When completely cool, break into pieces and store in airtight containers.

PICKLES 1 qt. Jar whole kosher dill pickles, store-bought 1 ½ cup sugar 1 onion, sliced 2 cinnamon sticks 2 tablespoons vinegar Drain pickles and cut into chunks ½ to one-inch thick; place in clean jar. Combine sugar, onion, cinnamon sticks and vinegar; pour over pickles. Cover and refrigerate. Stir mixture once a day for 2 to 3 days. Your “homemade” pickles are ready to serve after 3 or 4 days.

86

COTTAGE POTATOES 8 to 10 potatoes, boiled until tender 8 oz. pasteurized process cheese spread, cubed 1 green pepper, diced 2 oz. jar pimentos, diced and drained 1 onion, diced ½ cup margarine, melted ½ cup milk 1 bread slice, torn 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped salt and pepper Peel potatoes and slice into chunks; mix with cheese, green pepper, pimento and onion. Combine remaining ingredients and add to potato mixture. Place in a greased 2 ½ quart casserole dish and bake at 350° for 45 to 50 minutes.

CHRISTMAS CASSEROLE 5 ½ oz. pkg. seasoned croutons 1 lb. bulk sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained 4 eggs 2 cups milk 16 oz. pkg. frozen Italian vegetables, thawed 10 ¾ oz. can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Line the bottom of a 13” X 9” baking pan with the croutons. Sprinkle cooked sausage over the croutons. Beat eggs and milk until thoroughly mixed and add remaining ingredients, stirring well. Pour egg mixture over the sausage. Bake at 350° for one hour. Casserole may be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Serves 8.

87

CHRISTMAS CRUNCH COOKIES COOKIES: 1 cup sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy 6 cups puffed rice cereal GLAZE: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted 1 cup butterscotch chips, melted FOR THE COOKIES: In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and corn syrup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Remove from heat, stir in the peanut butter, and then fold in the puffed rice. Let cool enough to touch. Spread waxed paper to cover a 2 foot long area. Press cookie batter, ½ - inch thick, onto waxed paper. Cut cookies with cookie cutters, and then transfer to a cookie sheet. FOR THE GLAZE: Melt chocolate and butterscotch separately in a double boiler over barely simmering water or in the microwave at 50 percent power. In a medium bowl, combine melted chocolate and butterscotch. Using the back of a metal spoon, drizzle glaze over the cookies. Set aside until glaze sets, about 15 to 20 minutes.

PARTY MIX

3 cups pretzel sticks 4 cups wheat chex 4 cups cheerios 1 can (13 oz.) salted peanuts ½ teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon garlic salt 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese ¼ cup melted butter Mix together pretzels, cereals, and peanuts in large mixing bowl or slow cooking pot. Sprinkle with garlic salt, celery salt, seasoned salt and cheese. Pour melted butter over all. Toss until well mixed. Cover and cook in crockpot on low 3 to 4 hours. Uncover the last 30 to 40 minutes. Makes 3 quarts

88

PUMPKIN BUTTER 15 oz. can pumpkin 3 tablespoons powdered pectin 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon allspice 2 ¼ cups sugar In a 2-quart microwave bowl, combine pumpkin, pectin, cinnamon and allspice. Mix well. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until very hot, mixing every 2 minutes. Add sugar; mix well. Microwave on high for 5 to 10 minutes or until full rolling boil, stirring once during cooking. Continue to boil for one minutes. Spoon into 3 sterilized 8 oz. jars. Screw lids tight. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

PARTY GARBAGE BAG MIX

1 15 oz. box Cripix cereal 3 8 oz. box ranch flavored Munch ems 1 13 ½ box cheese nips 1 16 oz. bag tiny twist pretzels 1 12 oz. bag oyster crackers 3 8.8 oz bag combos 2 16 oz. can mixed nuts 1 12 oz. can cashews 1 12 oz. bottle popcorn oil 1 half teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder or onion salt Mix dry ingredients in heavy plastic trash bag. Lay bag flat and layer ingredients. Mix oil and spices in a bowl. Pour over dry ingredients and roll the bag until mixed. Makes 6 gallons. Can be placed in smaller zip lock bags and put in freezer!

NOEL ICE CREAM CUPS

1 qt. vanilla ice cream, softened ¼ cup pecans, toasted and chopped 2 tablespoons red and green maraschino cherries, chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract ½ cup candy-coated chocolates, chopped In a medium bowl, combine the ice cream, pecans, cherries and extracts, mixing well. Fold in candy-coated chocolates, reserving some for garnish. Spoon into paper-lined muffin cups and freeze for 30 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped candy-coated chocolates. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

89

DIPSY DODDLE NO-BAKE COOKIES IN A JAR

Dipsy doodle no-bake cookie mix 1 cup cornflakes, finely crushed ½ cup quick cooking rolled oats ¼ cup shredded coconut, firmly packed ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/3 cup butterscotch chips Layering Dry Mix: Layer crushed cornflakes, rolled oats and shredded coconut into a 1 pint jar in the order listed. Combine the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips and put into a ziplock sandwich or snack bag and add to the top of the jar. Attach recipe to jar: Dipsy Doodle No-Bake Cookies 1 dipsy doodle no-bake cookie mix ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 1/3 cup light corn syrup Remove chocolate and butterscotch chips from jar; set aside. Heat peanut butter and corn syrup in a medium saucepan over low (or medium low) heat until mixture is smooth, stirring to prevent sticking. Remove from heat. Add dry ingredients from jar, mixing until evenly coated. Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Chill cookies in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Put chocolate and butterscotch chips into a small microwave safe bowl. Heat mixture in microwave on high for 10 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir. Repeat heating and stirring until chips are melted. Remove cookies from refrigerator. Dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture. Return cookies to baking sheet and chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Makes about 20 cookies.

90

CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINT DREAMS

1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème 2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 cups sifted, powdered sugar (aka confectioner sugar) ¼ cup finely crushed peppermint candies chocolate candy coating (Almond bark) In a large bowl, beat marshmallow crème, butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. Gradually add confectioners sugar until mixture is well blended. Knead mixture by hand 2 to 3 minutes. Add crushed peppermint. Shape teaspoonfuls of candy into ¾ inch balls. Place on baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Chill one hour or until firm. Melt chocolate candy coating (almond bark) in microwave, per pkg. instructions. Using a fork, dip candies halfway into melted chocolate, shaking off excess chocolate. Return to baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Chill until chocolate hardens. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Yield: about 7 to 8 dozen candies.

CHICKEN HOLIDAY

1 pkg. dry onion soup mix Bottle French dressing Can cranberry sauce 6 whole chicken breasts Mix first 3 ingredients. Spread over chicken in 9” X 13” pan or cookie sheet type pan. Bake at 350° for about 1 hour. NOTE: This covers 6 whole breasts. Can half recipe and serve ½ can cranberry with the meal; save ½ soup mix and ½ bottled dressing for next time.

CHRISTMAS PUNCH 2 small boxes cherry jello 2 small cans frozen orange juice 1 small can pink lemonade 32 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice Mix all ingredients listed according to directions on package and then mix all together and refrigerate for 24 hours. Makes 1 gallon.

91

CHRISTMAS PUNCH #2

1 qt. pineapple juice 1 pack (2 qt.) lime kool-aid 1 qt. lime sherbet 2 qt. ginger ale Mix kool-aid in punch bowl. Add pineapple juice. Just before serving, add sherbet by spoonfuls. Add ginger ale. For red punch, use raspberry kool-aid and sherbet. Makes 24 servings.

HOT DR. PEPPER

12 ounces Dr. Pepper 2 lemon slices Pour the Dr. Pepper into a saucepan. Heat until the liquid is hot and bubbly. Place a lemon slice in the bottom of each of two mugs. Pour the Dr. Pepper, into the mugs; serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

TOFFEE COFFEE MIX

2/3 cup instant coffee 1 cup non-dairy creamer 1 cup brown sugar Combine all ingredients well in a large bowl. Place in airtight jars. To serve, place 2 to 3 teaspoons of mix in a mug and add boiling water. Makes: 2-3 cups.

GRAHAM CRACKER SANTAS 1 ¼ cups vanilla frosting, divided Red liquid and past food coloring 12 graham cracker squares 36 miniature marshmallows, halved 24 red-hot candies 6 small red gumdrops, halved Tint 1 cup frosting light pink with liquid food coloring. Spread over the graham crackers. Tint remaining frosting with paste food coloring. Pipe onto one corner of each cracker for hat; add a marshmallow half for pom-pom. For each Santa, arrange remaining marshmallow halve for beard, red-hots for eyes and a gumdrop half for nose. Yield: 1 dozen.

92

COCONUT SNOWMEN

4 cups flaked coconut, coarsely chopped 3 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk ¼ cup butter, softened 1 ½ cups vanilla or white chips 2 packages (11 ½ oz. each) milk chocolate chips 1 package (10 ½ oz.) large marshmallows Black, orange and red decorator icing Green leaf-shaped decorator candies In a large mixing bowl, combine coconut, confectioners’ sugar, milk and butter. Shape into 1 ¼ inch balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and chill for 1 ¼ hours or until firm. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt vanilla chips; stir until smooth. Dip balls in melted chips; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes. Set aside remaining melted vanilla chips. Melt the chocolate chips; stir until smooth. For hats, dip each marshmallow in chocolate; place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet, allowing excess to drip down. Swirl the marshmallows in chocolate on waxed paper to create hat brims. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes. Level the top of coated coconut balls. Attach marshmallow hats, using reserved melted vanilla chips. With black icing, add eyes and a mouth to each face; with orange icing, add a nose. Use red icing and leaf candies for holly on hats. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 4 dozen.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE COOKIE TRIANGLES 1 pkg. (8 squares) semi-sweet baking chocolate ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter 20 vanilla wafers, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup) ½ cup chopped pecans Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwave safe bowl on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add chopped wafers and pecans; mix well. Spread into greased foil-lined 8” square pan. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Cut into 16 squares to serve, then cut each square into 2 triangles. Makes: 16 servings, 2 triangle each

93

SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE 6 oz. uncooked spaghetti 1 tablespoon butter 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 jar (26 oz.) meatless spaghetti sauce 2 cups chopped green pepper 1 small onion, chopped 1 can (14 ½ oz.) diced tomatoes, drained 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 carton (8 oz.) part-skim ricotta cheese ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1 can (8 oz.) mushroom stems and pieces, drained 12 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced 3 cups (12 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Add butter and Parmesan cheese; toss to coat. In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, green pepper and tomatoes. In a blender, process the ricotta cheese until pureed. Add to the spaghetti sauce mixture. Stir in the mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil, oregano and 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese. Add the spaghetti; toss to coat. Transfer to a 13” X 9” X 2” baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Cover; bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 9 servings.

TURKEY TACO BAKE 2 cups coarsely crushed corn chips 1 can (16 oz) refried beans 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided 1 cup salsa 2 cups shredded cooked turkey 1 teaspoon Mexican or taco seasoning 1 green onion, sliced 1 medium tomato, chopped Place corn chips in a greased shallow 2 ½ quart baking dish. Place the refried beans in a small saucepan; cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Remove from the heat; stir in 1 cup cheese and salsa. Spread over chips. Toss the turkey and Mexican seasoning; sprinkle over bean mixture. Top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with onion. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with tomato. Yield: 4 servings.

94

CHEESECAKE WAFFLE CUPS

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 waffle bowls 1 cup cherry pie filling In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in milk. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Spoon about 1/3 cup into each waffle bowl; top with 2 tablespoons pie filling. Repeat layers. Yield: 4 servings.

CRUNCHY SNOWMAN 24 8-inch pretzel rods 12 oz. white chocolate chips Mini chocolate chips 1 tube orange decorating gel ½ box fruit roll-ups, varied colors 24 gummy rings 24 gum drops Wash hands. Melt white chocolate in the top of a double boiler or microwave. One at a time, dip one end of a pretzel rod in the melted chocolate and use a plastic spoon or knife to spread the chocolate two-thirds of the way down the rod. Set the pretzels on a sheet of waxed paper and press on mini chocolate chips for the eyes and buttons. Use decorating gel to add a carrot nose. When the chocolate has hardened, stand the pretzels in a glass and tie on strips of fruit leather for scarves. For each hat, stretch a gummy ring over the narrow end of a gumdrop and secure it on the pretzel rod with a dab of melted chocolate. Yields: 24 snowmen.

MINI CORNUCOPIAS

20 cone-shaped corn snacks 2 tablespoons peanut butter ½ cup fruit shaped cereal Place a small amount of peanut butter in each cone-shaped corn snack. Press cereal onto peanut butter.

95

COOKIE TURKEYS

40 fudge-striped cookies ¼ cup chocolate frosting 2 packages (5 oz. each) chocolate-covered cherries 20 pieces candy corn Place 20 cookies on a flat surface, solid chocolate side down. With frosting, attach a chocolate-covered cherry to the top of each base cookie. Position another cookie perpendicular to each base cookie; attach with frosting. With a dab of frosting, attach one piece of candy corn to the front of each cherry for the head. Let stand until set. Yield: 20 servings.

CROCKPOT CHICKEN

4 boneless skinless chicken breast 1 envelope Italian Dressing Mix 1 cup water 8 oz. cream cheese softened 1 can cream of mushroom soup Mix all ingredients except chicken. Place chicken in crockpot and pour ingredients over and cook on low for 6 hours or till done.

INSTANT SMORES

Graham crackers Marshmallow fluff Chocolate chips or squares Take two graham crackers and spread some marshmallow fluff (spreadable marshmallow) & squish the two crackers together. Dip in melted chocolate (use tongs for dipping). Instant Smores!!

96

HOLIDAY S’MORE TREATS WHAT YOU NEED: Large marshmallows Graham crackers Chocolate bars Frosting white, chocolate Red Food coloring Chocolate icing Two small candy canes Small twist pretzels Chocolate morsels HOW TO DO IT: S’more Santa on Sleigh Use chocolate frosting to “glue” a chocolate section to bottom of one graham cracker square sandwiching candy canes between; “glue” a chocolate section to top of graham cracker. For Santa’s hat, mix red food coloring with a small amount of white frosting. Apple frosting to one end of marshmallow forming a hat. Use white frosting to dot top of hat (pom-pom) and along bottom edge of hat (hat trim). Use chocolate icing to dot eyes and mouth. Apply chocolate frosting to bottom of marshmallow and “glue” to top center of chocolate. S’more Reindeer Use chocolate frosting to “glue” a chocolate section to one graham cracker square and to “glue” one end of marshmallow to top of chocolate. For eyes, use chocolate frosting to dot front of marshmallow. For nose, mix a very small amount of white frosting and red food coloring; dot nose on marshmallow. For antlers, follow package directions to melt a very small amount of chocolate chips. Break pretzel apart to form antlers. Dip antlers into chocolate and let dry. Insert antlers into each side of marshmallow.

97

Acknowledgments Pack-O-Fun, November 2003; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Pack-O-Fun, November 2004; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Pack-O-Fun, December 2003; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Pack-O-Fun, Christmas 2005; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Pack-O-Fun, Christmas 2004; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Christmas Ornaments 2004; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Christmas Crafts, 2003; Publications International. Ltd.

Christmas Friends 2005; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Crafts >n Things, November 2003; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Crafting Traditions, April 2004, Reiman Media Group, Inc.; Greendale, Wisconsin

Christmas Ornaments, October 2003; Clapper Communications, Des Plaines, IL

Crafts, December 2003; Primedia Consumer Magazine, Bluffdale, UT Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 7 (2005)

http://benfranklin.com

http://www.craftingtraditions.com

http://marthastewart.com

http://www.voy.com

http://nicolecrafts.com

http://www.acmoore.com

http://boards.hgtv.com

http://crafterstouch.com

http://www.recipezaar.com

http://www.allrecipes.com

http://www.cooks.com

http://www.busycooks.about.com

http://www.moms-diner.com

http://recipesource.com

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING

"The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination

is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative Extension is implied."