Holiday (Peppermint) Popcorn Crunch Mix (Easy - Last Minute!)

I am almost giddy over this delicious concoction! 

You might want to call it a "Clean out the Pantry" treat! 

This very simple treat uses microwave popcorn as its base!

As we prepare to head to Florida next week, I had some things on hand I wanted to use up before we go.  I'm thrilled to say I was able to use the last of SEVEN ingredients and gave away bags of this tasty snack at church.

Almond bark..

Microwave Popcorn...

Pretzels..

M & M's...

Ghiradelli Peppermint Chunks in a bag...

leftover crushed candy canes

Sprinkles...

It tastes great!  And is not nearly as sweet as a lot of the other 'goodies' I made last week.  And it's pretty too!!!

I have said for a long time...RECIPES ARE GUIDELINES.  You don't ever have to follow it exactly...sometimes it's fun to do your own thing!

Use up what you have on hand and enjoy this treat that has many options to it!

Peanuts, or any kind of nut, would be a great addition! Maybe even some cereal! 

When I made a second batch, I used part peppermint chunks for the almond bark.

I also used the penguin bags for the Peppermint Version so I could tell the difference. 

(This is what I used...not the 'crunch' mixture...these melt nicely..

and it only gives a light peppermint flavor)

Have fun with this one!  Folks appreciate receiving something homemade from your kitchen..and I am very pleased with the end result of this 'experiment'. 

HOLIDAY (PEPPERMINT) POPCORN CRUNCH MIX 

*2 bags microwave popcorn 

(lite butter is ok)

*3 - 4 c. pretzels 

*12 ozs. white almond bark (or candy melts)

(or use Ghiradelli peppermint baking chunks for part of almond bark) 

*2 hands-full peanut M & M's

*crushed candy canes, optional

*holiday sprinkles, optional 

Cover 2 cookie sheets (with sides) with waxed paper; set aside. 

Pop the popcorn according to package directions; pour into an extra large bowl and be sure to remove any kernels that didn't pop. Mix in the pretzels. 

Melt almond bark in microwave according to directions. Pour over the popcorn mixture, stirring to coat, then add M & M's and continue to mix until everything is coated. Stir in sprinkles or add over top of mixture once you've spread it over the cookie sheet. 

(For the peppermint version, I sprinkled crushed candy canes over the top at the end)

Allow to dry (it doesn't take long!); break apart and place into decorated bags to give as gifts. 

Recipe Inspired by Southern Plate
(Christy shares a great tutorial - check her out!)

You might also enjoy...

Simple Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

​

Ritz Peppermint Kisses (so simple!)

I'm just wild about the ideas we get at our weekly Weekend Potluck party!

This is one of those quick and easy, make-as-many-or-few-as-you want kind of 'recipes'.  This recipe begins in the microwave for ease. 

Thanks to Quinn at Dad What's 4 Dinner for sharing with us  He takes awesome photos too! How blessed his family is to have him enjoying time in their kitchen.

They sure do eat good over there.  Please be sure to take time to visit Quinn and his awesome compilation of deliciousness being shared there. 

I had just a few candy kisses leftover from another project, so I just made

a plateful to add to plates I'm putting together for the neighbors. 

They're pretty and oh so yummy!  It's hard to guess there's actually

crackers under that chocolate.  

Quinn used white chocolate to dip them in...I think that's prettier, but I already had melted some chocolate, so that's what I went with.

Enjoy! 

RITZ PEPPERMINT KISSES 

2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 70)

1 med. bag Hershey's (peppermint - white) chocolate kisses, unwrapped

1# pkg. white or chocolate almond bark

4 large candy canes, unwrapped & chopped into small pieces

Place a layer of crackers on a microwave safe plate. (You want them all to be flat). Top each cracker with a kiss.  Microwave for about 1 minute on high, checking every 20 seconds. 

When chocolate begins to melt, remove plate from microwave and top with another cracker. Press down lightly being careful not to crush cracker or to push chocolate outside of the cracker. (Can microwave a few more seconds if you feel the need).  Repeat with remaining crackers. Cool to room temperature. 

Melt almond bark according to package directions.  Using two forks, or tongs, dip cracker sandwiches into melted chocolate, pushing off the fork with the second fork. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint. Allow to cool and set up.

(I place mine in the garage to cool cause it's hard to wait!) 

Makes 35 little 'sandwiches' 

Linked to Full Plate Thursday

​

Candy Cane Milkshake (with Protein)

My hubby had just gotten me a new blender...just cause my old one wasn't in such good shape any more.  (He's definitely a keeper) *-*

So...I was anxious to try it out and nearly ran to the kitchen when I saw this cool recipe idea at Pinterest. 

I revised the luscious recipe that I found at Dashing Dish

I love that this shake is ready in just minutes!! 

AND THAT IT HAS PROTEIN!!!!!

And no one will ever know it has cottage cheese.  It 'disappears' in the blending process and adds a wonderful creaminess!

I think it's a fun recipe to serve to a girlfriend who drops by after a day of shopping.  You'll make her feel pampered with this awesome treat. Your family will think you're the greatest too when you serve to them.

What a great idea to serve on Christmas Eve huh? 

CANDY CANE MILKSHAKE 

(with protein) 

1/2 c. lowfat cottage cheese

(I used 3 ozs. light cream cheese, room temp) 

1 scoop plain or vanilla protein powder

2 - 4 drops peppermint extract, or to taste

2 - 3 pkts. Stevia, Truvia or your favorite sweetener

1 Tb. (sugar free) instant vanilla pudding mix 

1 heaping Tb. vanilla Greek yogurt

4 - 8 ice cubes

4 - 6 ozs. ice cold water

(I used half that amount unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

A few drops of red food coloring to finish it off

Place all the ingredients, except for the food coloring, into the blender. 

Blend until thick and smooth.  Pour into a tall glass. Just before serving, drop in a couple of 

drops of food coloring; swirl and serve topped with whipped cream and

a candy cane or crushed peppermint on top.

Yield: 1 good sized serving

DREAMY!!!  

Linked to 
            Weekend Potluck
              Full Plate Thursday
             Meal Plan Monday

Eggless Eggnog (Sugar Free Option)

Dreamsicle Shiver (WW Pts)

Crockpot Hot Vanilla Milk​

Caramel Pumpkin Latte

Homemade {Candy Cane} Hot Cocoa Mix

 I was not disappointed when I found this yummy drink mix at Pennies on a Platter. She also has a  Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix  there too.  OH MY! 

I decided I would adapt this recipe a bit and I added some dry powdered creamer.

You could use flavored - peppermint or marshmallow - for a flavor boost,

or none at all.  It's all up to you.

This makes a great gift. You could even put some in a bag and place inside a mug to give as a gift. I love having things like this handy to give as a hostess gift when we go to dinner somewhere. 

I also like the idea of giving the mix along with a box of candy canes to use as 'stirrers'. 

You could even use candy cane kisses instead of the white chocolate chips in this recipe.  I used the swirled white/chocolate chips in mine.  Lots of options here.

HOMEMADE {CANDY CANE} HOT COCOA MIX 

3 c. nonfat dry milk powder
2 c. powdered sugar
1-1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c. powdered coffee creamer, optional
(sugar free...or flavored)
1-1/2 c. white chocolate chips
(or candy cane kisses)
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Pour half the mixture into food processor and process until chocolate is finely ground.  Transfer to an airtight container, then repeat with remaining mix. Store in airtight container for up to 3 months. 

To make drink; mix 1/4 - 1/3 c. cocoa mix with 1 c. hot milk.  Enjoy!! 

Linked to Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday Weekend Potluck Meal Plan Monday

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Frappe

Here's another 'slap me in the face' drink recipe that I came across at Weekend Potluck linky party. I even featured this one as my personal favorite that same week. The recipe was posted by Peanut Butter & Peppers. 

Did you catch that first word?  S-K-I-N-N-Y!

Every little bit helps and it's atrocious to think of the calories that some folks just DRINK in.  

I want all the help I can get to cut back on calories without sacrificing on taste.

This did a real number on me!  I loved it!

Makes for a fun holiday coffee drink with the peppermint 'spin' to it. 

(Just in case you can't tell, that's a 'party hat' on the letter "P" of the text below=) Sometimes Pic Monkey is simply too.much.fun!

SKINNY PEPPERMINT MOCHA FRAPPE 

1. 1 1/2 cups frozen coffee, partially thawed
2. 1/2 cup non-fat milk
3. (I used a little more)
4. 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
5. 1/2 - 1 tsp. stevia (to taste)
6. 1/8 tsp. peppermint extract
7. (I added a drop more)
8. Optional Toppings:
9. Whipped cream
10. crushed peppermint candies and/or chocolate flakes

In a blender at all your ingredients, process until smooth.

Pour into tall glass and garnish with candies and chocolate. 

Enjoy every single pepperminty sip!

Since I appreciate the nutritional info I find at PB&P I wanted to share these comparison facts with you. 

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frappe  – Calories:  250,  Fat:  2,  Sodium:  310,  Carbs:  52,  Fiber:  4,  Sugar:  37,  Protein:  8

PB&P Peppermint Frappe (2 cups) – Calories:  44.7,  Fat:  .03,  Sodium:  63.6,  Carbs:  6.4,  Fiber:  .03,  Sugar:  6,  Protein:  4.3

Linked to Weekend Potluck

Foodie Friends Friday

Graham Cracker Peppermint Bark

Since this is my last post until next week, I am extending warmest wishes for a very

LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THAT 2012 HOLDS FOR US!

BE SAFE!!!

I was so tickled to come across this adorable simple and delicious treat just a few days before Christmas.

I found this recipe at Mommy's Kitchen. I can ALWAYS trust Tina's recipes...and I often 'run' to her blog to find something quick and easy.  She never lets me down. 

What made me even more excited was that I had an open pkg. of graham crackers, only a few blocks of chocolate almond bark, and a few candy canes to crush for on top.

I LOVE USING UP LEFTOVERS!  Especially when you can make something so pretty and nice.

Maybe you have a few leftovers too, that you can make these for your New Year's get together.

This would make a beautiful addition to your NY tray of goodies.

And I had it done - from beginning to end - in just about 30 minutes.

I even put a picture of these babies on our digital Christmas newsletter.

Aren't they just prettiful???  *-*

GRAHAM CRACKER PEPPERMINT BARK

8 - 10 graham crackers (1 - sleeve)

2 - candy canes, crushed

12 oz - milk chocolate almond bark (half of a 24 oz block)

Add chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and melt according to package directions. Break graham cracker into fours. Using a fork dip each graham cracker into chocolate to coat, letting excess drip off.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with peppermint. Allow to set about 30 minutes. (I set mine in the cold garage and they set up quickly). Break into pieces or leave whole. Store in a airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week.

Linked to Weekend Potluck

Candy Cane Snowball Cookies

You'll this simple cookie.

Some call them russian tea cakes, others...mexican wedding cookies...they're all the same delicious little nibbles of YUM!

Do you have some leftover candy canes in the cupboard just waiting to be eaten? 

Well, this is a great way to use them up - and you can spread the cheer by sharing these tasty bites too.

These are a great little cookie.  They were my choice for a recent cookie exchange. Not only were they yummy, but pretty and simple to make also.

You should have all the ingredients on hand and that always makes a recipe an easy option for me.

I was very happy when I found the recipe at Arctic Garden Studio.
(Please pay her a visit...you'll especially want to see the gorgeous photos she has there).


That excited me since my family lived in Anchorage for 8 years while hubby was stationed there in the Air Force. LOOOOOVED it there and have been back a few times to visit. It's a booming growing town.



 And the winters there are not all the horror stories many 'suppose'. There were many times we'd call back to our families in Ohio and Michigan to discover they had more snow than we did. Yes, it gets very cold, but it's a dry cold and oftentimes, after a snowfall, the snow swirls around your feet when you walk in it, because it's so dry.

So making 'snowball' cookies made me feel very happy, especially when the recipe came from someone in Alaska!


I love the idea of sifting the crushed peppermint candy canes and using the 'dust', mixed with powdered sugar, to sprinkle over the tops of the cookies.

Makes them more festive and inviting.

The original recipe doesn't call for them to be rolled in powdered sugar right from the oven, but because they're not a real sugary cookie to begin with, I prefer them that way, but it is an option.



I know this recipe works great for some because it has no eggs.

(this was my display at the cookie exchange)

CANDY CANE SNOWBALL COOKIES

10 candy canes

1 c. butter, room temperature (not melted)

1 c. powdered sugar, divided,  plus 1/2 c. for dusting

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 400. Place candy canes in bowl of food processor and pulse to crush to a coarse texture. Place candy cane crumbles in a fine mesh strainer. Gently tap to remove candy cane powder. Reserve both powder and crumbled candy canes.

Cream together butter, 1/2 c. powdered sugar and vanilla. Sift flour, 1 tsp. candy cane powder and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture 1 cup at a time. Add 1/4 c. candy cane crumbles and mix well.

Roll 1 TB. into a ball and place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 13 - 14 minutes or just until barely browned. Let set a couple of minutes before rolling warm cookies in remaining 1/2 c. powdered sugar, then set on rack to cool & dry.

(This is a bit messy, but sooo worth it!)

While cookies are baking, make candy cane powdered sugar by adding 1/2 c. powdered sugar to remaining candy cane powder.

While cookies are warm, dust with candy cane powdered sugar.

If you have left over powder, sprinke it on whipped cream or other holiday treats.

 Yield: about 24 cookies

A great little addition to any cookie trays you'll be giving to the neighbors and friends!

Linked to Crazy Sweet Tuesday
                Mrs. Fox's Sweet Party
        Mix it up Monday - Christmas in July
Weekend Potluck
     Totally Tasty Tuesday
     Cookie Plan Monday
Meal Plan Monday