December 16, 2005

Snowman Soup (Sugar and Fat Free)This is my Christmas tip. I have a friend who is diabetic, and cannot have anything with sugar, but also cannot use Nutrasweet as it gives him headaches. So I devised a sugar free (also fat free) hot chocolate mix using Splenda.

 

Chocolate-Hazelnut Yule LogSprinkle kitchen towel with confectioners' sugar; invert hot cake onto towel. Start with short side. Roll up cake in towel. Cool completely. When cool, unroll cake; spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Re-roll without towel...

 

Chocolate Spoons GiftThese are good for coffee or cocoa gifts. Buy a package of sturdy plastic spoons, preferably in festive colors. Dip them in chocolate (melted chocolate chips work well) and shake off the excess. Place them on wax paper and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.

 

Poinsettia MagnetsSeasonal magnets made from paper and reminiscent of that favorite Christmas houseplant!

 

Buying Items They Normally Would Need to BuyI wanted to purchase my husband some smaller gifts for his stocking on our first Christmas together, but quickly didn't see the point of useless little gadgets/knick knacks that would ultimately end up sitting in storage somewhere...

 

Jesus' Birthday BoxEvery year at Christmas we have a wrapped shoe box with a slot in the top that we display on the dining room table. This is to remind us that it is Jesus' birthday. Whenever someone does something for Jesus, they write it down and put it in the box...

 

Sugared English Walnuts?I am looking for a recipe for sugared English Walnuts or Pecans. I do believe you boil the ingredients together and pour over the nut meats and it hardens and makes them crunchy.

 

Toilet Paper Roll Santa ClausToilet paper rolls usually make their way into the garbage, but they can be useful in making great craft items. One item is the annual favorite - Santa Claus. This simple craft has the ability to be a Christmas tree topper (for a very small tree), an ornament, or a stand alone decoration.