For years we used to make butter spritz cookies. I wanted to try something different this year. I am on an almond kick this year. This is a great cookie! So good, I may make another batch as snowflakes! To make these you will need:
I cannot tell you how long we have been making these cookies. At least 25 years. They were my niece Tracy's all time favorite cookie when she was young. You will need a mini muffin tin. They are very easy to make. It's holiday cookie time!!!!! To make these you will need:
1.) In a large bowl, cream the butter and the cream cheese with a mixer at high speed until they are light and fluffy. Stir in the flour. Make the dough into a ball. Wrap the ball in foil and refrigerate overnight.
2.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pulling off a heaping tablespoon of dough. You can do this one of two ways. You can either flatten the dough between your palms and then place it in the tin, or you can put the dough into the tin and use the end of your juicer dipped in flour to flatten out the dough. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is lightly browned. You can move them to cookie sheet and put them in the refrigerator to cool them off.
Another appetizer for over the holidays! The great thing about these meatballs is that you can do the prep work in advance, refrigerate and then the morning of your event, throw them in the crock pot and let them cook on low. This recipe will make about 30 mini meatballs, you can double it if necessary.
Meatball sauce (below)
1.) In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, basil, salt/pepper, Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly. Form the meat into mini meatballs. You are looking for meatballs a little smaller than a golf ball.
2.) In a large fry pan, heat the oil. Roll the meatballs in the flour and put the meatballs in the hot oil. Work in batches to not crowd the meatballs. You are just looking for a quick sear on the outside of the meatballs. Remove and continue until all the meatballs are browned.
Meatball Sauce
Here's another appetizer to try for the holiday season. This marinade is not mine. I borrowed it from Peter Callahan, but it's so good I needed to share it with you! Lot of ingredients, but easy, easy easy! To make this you need:
1.) In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except the cilantro and the shrimp. Process until smooth.
It is the time of the year for hosting parties. Here is an interesting, easy and tasty appetizer bite for you to try! My husband loved them. This recipes makes 30 pieces. To make these tasty treats you will need:
1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the shells according to the package directions. Let cool while you make the filling.
2.) Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the shallots and garlic, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a food chopper/processor, chop up the dried shiitake mushrooms and the 1/2 cup of stock. While the dried mushrooms are absorbing up the stock, chop up the portabello mushroom in the chopper/processor. Add the chopped portabello mushrooms to the mixture. 
Talk about taking a classic and making it easy! This is a great meal to serve company over the holidays! You can serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles or my favorite warm crusty bread! You can also use an inexpensive cut of meat because it cooks tender in the crock pot.
1 tablespoon butter
1.) Melt the butter in heavy pot over medium high heat. Add the bacon and saute until brown. Once browned removed the bacon and save it on the side.
3.) Add the onion, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic to it. Saute for 5 to 10 minutes, or until onion is tender.
Super easy and elegant enough to entertain with. I adore Pink Vodka Sauce and this is one of the best recipes for it. To make this dish you will need:
1.) Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2.) Meanwhile, melt butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta, and saute until lightly browned. Add vodka and stir until it is reduced by half, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes.
One of the greatest tea cookies of all time. Light, airy, delicate and delicious. You do need a Madeleine pan to make these delights. My advice, make the small investment. Once you make these cookies, you will make them forever. They are now an addition to my Christmas cookie collection. You can simply sprinkle them with sugar once they are baked, I dip them in chocolate (white or dark) and then in sprinkle. To make these easy cake like cookies you will need:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1.) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray your Madeleine pan with Pam. Melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool.
3.) Sift together the flour and baking powder.Pour half the flour mixture over the egg mixture, gently fold in. Fold in the remaining flour. Then fold in the melted and cooled butter. Spoon batter into the prepared molds, filling 3/4 full.
4.) Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the top s spring back. Cool in molds on a rack for 1 minute. Loosen cookies with a knife. Invert cookies onto a rack and cool.
This is my Nana's recipe for Apple Strudel. My Mom, even though she loved to bake, never made this dessert. Of course I had to mix up and add a way to make it vegan. If you are really feeling lazy, you can buy apple pie filling and add a fresh apple, but I think the old fashioned way is the tastiest way to make it! To make apple strudel you will need:
2 tsp. cinnamon
2.) Make the filling. In a bowl combine the apples, cinnamon, sugar and if using the nuts and the cranberries. 
3.) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wet a clean dishtowel to damp. Place this on your counter top.
Super easy. Can be made and cut in smaller slices to be used as cookies. Goes great for afternoon tea over the holiday entertaining or on a breakfast brunch buffet. Make this once and it will become a staple in your recipe box! To make this shortbread you will need:
1/2 teaspoon salt
2.) In a medium mixing bowl, stir the melted butter (Earth Balance) into the sugar. Beat in the eggs (replacer). Stir in the flour and the salt into the batter. Top with the almonds and the sprinkle with the 2 teaspoons of sugar. Bake until browned on top, about 30-35 minutes. Cool in the pan. Slice and remove from pan.
This looks like you spent hours making it, and by it making it semi-homemade makes it easy. Don't be daunted by the amount of steps. It is very well worth it. Your taste buds will thank you and it's pretty impressive for company. Makes a great breakfast addition for over the holidays! For the Povitica you will need:
1 egg white, beaten with fork (Vegan - 1/4 c brewed coffee)
1.) The night before, take the bread dough out of the freezer to defrost. Place on a baking sheet sprayed with Pam. Surround the loaf with sprayed Pam.
1.) Spread a sheet or cloth over your table. Sprinkle with a handful of flour. Roll your rolling pin in the flour to cover. Place the bread dough in the center of the flour. Roll out the dough starting in the middle and working your way out. Roll until the dough is roughly 10-12 inches in diameter. It should be quite thin. Making sure the dough is not sticking to the board.
6.) Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg white (or coffee). Sprinkle with sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.