Ingredients

Butter

Flavorings (see notes for ideas)

Instructions

1. Soften the butter. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow easier blending of ingredients. If you don’t have time to soften the butter, use a food processor.
2. Stir in the flavor.
3. Store it. Roll the butter in plastic wrap, parchment or waxed paper and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a resealable plastic bag for up to 6 months.

Notes

Try these fun, fresh flavorings:

• fresh strawberries & mint
• chopped olives, garlic & rosemary
• chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• minced ginger & soy sauce
• chopped sun-dried tomatoes & grated parmesan
• stone-ground mustard & fresh snipped dill
• chopped almonds, dried cherries & almond extract
• peach preserves & chopped habañero pepper
• grated lemon, lime & orange peel
• fresh blueberries & maple syrup

Prep: 2 1/2 hrs | Yield: 9 dozen

Ingredients

1 cup butter, melted

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

3 lbs. confectioners’ sugar

Cookies and Creme BonBons

1/2 cup cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs

1 lb. white candy coating, chopped

Chocolate-Covered Cherries

54 maraschino cherries, patted dry (about 2 10-oz. jars)

1 lb. milk chocolate candy coating, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine butter and milk. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until a smooth dough is formed. Divide in half; cover with plastic wrap.
2. For bonbons, stir cookie crumbs into one portion. Shape into 1″ balls. In a microwave-safe bowl or heavy saucepan, melt white candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip balls in candy coating, allowing excess to drip off; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.
3. For chocolate-covered cherries, shape one portion into 1″ balls, flatten to 2″ circles.Wrap each circle around a cherry and gently shape into a ball. Place on waxed paper. Melt chocolate candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip balls in chocolate, allowing excess to drip off; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.
4. Store in an airtight container

Prep Time: 45 mins + chilling | Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients:

1 cpu milk chocolate chips, divided

24 metal or plastic spoons

1 cup vanilla or white chips, divided

Coarse sugar or chocolate sprinkles, optional

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Dip half of the spoons into chocolate, tapping spoon handles on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Chill for 5 minutes or until set. Repeat with 3/4 cup vanilla chips and the remaining spoons.
2. Melt the remaining milk chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Pipe or drizzle over vanilla-dipped spoons. Decorate with coarse sugar, if desired. Repeat with remaining vanilla chips and chocolate-dipped spoons. Chill for 5 minutes or until set.

Total Time: 15 mins | Yield: about 5 cups mix (26 servings)

Ingredients:

3 cups nonfat dry milk powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup unsweetened instant tea

3/4 cup vanilla powdered nondairy creamer

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/2 tsp ground cloves

Whipped cream, optional, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients; cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
2. To prepare 1 serving: Dissolve 3 tbsp mix in 3/4 cup boiling water; stir well. Dollop with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

8 oz. Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Drink, any flavor, chilled

2 oz. sparkling water

Lime wedge, garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice. Add cranberry juice drink. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 3 hours | Makes: 16 servings (1/4 cup each)

Ingredients:

3 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, cubed

2 cans (6 oz. each) lump crabmeat, drained

4 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup 2% milk

2 tsp prepared horseradish

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp salt

Melba rounds

Instructions:

1. In a greased 3 qt slow cooker, combine cream cheese, crabmeat, green onions, milk, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve with Melba rounds.

Prep: 15 mins + chilling | Bake: 15 mins / batch | Makes: about 4 1/2 dozen

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 1/2 cups (10 oz.) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies

Pecan Halves, optional

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and cheddar cheese until blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt and cayenne; gradually beat into cheese mixture. Stir in Rice Krispies. If necessary, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4-6 times, forming a stiff dough.
2. Divide dough in half; shape each into a 7″-long roll. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hr or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap and cut dough crosswise into 1/4″ slices. Place 1″ apart on un-greased baking sheets. If desired, top each slice with a pecan half. Bake 14-16 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove crackers from pans to wire racks to cool.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened

2 tsp almond extract

ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir butter and sugars for 12-15 mins or until butter is melted. Pour into a large mixing bowl; add ice cream and extract. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 mins or until smooth, scraping the bowl often. To make one serving: spoon 1/4 cup mix into a mug; add 3/4 cup boiling and stir well. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 cups mix.

Yield: about 3/4 cup | Total Time: about 5 mins

Ingredients:

3 tbsp paprika (I prefer smoked paprika)

2 tbsp fine kosher salt

2 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp ground white pepper

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp cayenne

1/2 tbsp dried thyme

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp honey

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp liquid smoke

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp chipotle chile