Homemade Peppermint Patties

Yesterday was just one of those days where I was feeling completely blah.  In a woman’s world, those days feel like hell.  I had no energy, bad stomach cramps, and had a major craving for chocolate.  Since I wanted something light, I indulged in a few York peppermint patties, but sometimes store-bought candy just does not do the trick! I then came across a delicious recipe that is easy and light.  The best part is, this dessert is only 180 calories and 6 grams of fat!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons shortening
 

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine condensed milk and peppermint extract. Beat in enough confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, to form a stiff dough that is no longer sticky. Form into 1 inch balls, then place on waxed paper and flatten with fingers to form patties. Let patties dry at room temperature two hours, turning once.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with shortening, stirring often. Remove from heat. Dip patties, one at a time, into chocolate by laying them on the tines of a fork and lowering the fork into the liquid. Let cool on waxed paper until set.

Homemade Tabouli

Tabouli is a delicious, guilt-free snack that is perfect for dipping your favorite veggies, crackers, and breads.  I stumbles across this yummy recipe and had to share.

Ingredients
4 c. cooked barley
1/4 c. virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 cloves finely minced garlic
1 c. coarsely chopped mint leaves
1/2 c. chopped fresh dill
2 c. seeded and diced plum tomatoes
2 c. seeded and diced cucumber
1/2 c. thinly sliced scallions
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh mint or dill sprigs for garnish
 
Directions
 
Toss cooked barley (be sure not to over cook) in a large bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. Add the chopped mint and dill. Toss in tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions. Season with salt and pepper.Toss gently but thoroughly. Let rest for 1 hour so the flavors can blend. Garnish with sprigs of mint or dill before serving.Serves 12.

(Source: Cooks.com)

Stocking Stuffers

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Hopefully most of you have finished the majority of your Christmas shopping but there is always a few more items to pick up.  I remember my Dad would go out every Christmas morning and get small gifts & candy to load up our stockings.  Since we focus so much on the big gifts, sometimes the cute little meaningful stocking stuffers get over-looked.  Here are some cute last-minute & inexpensive stocking stuffer ideas.

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{patterned boxers for your man}

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{VS flavored shimmer lip gloss}

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{DIY chocolate coffee mixers for the java-lovers}

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{gourmet spices for the cook of your family}

Little Cheers

I am thrilled to have a much-needed vacation today.  Being in the media industry, the holidays are a busy time of year because all of their advertising campaigns are geared toward holiday shoppers.  So, on my day off, I thought I’d take a moment and enjoy the little things. Ahhh. 🙂

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{Hot chocolate with marshmallows & candy hearts}

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{warm & cosy Ugg moccasins}  

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{adorable organic gift wrap with stamped names}

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{loving all the holiday cards sent our way}

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{candy cane shot glasses}

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Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes

During the holiday season, I find myself craving comfort food like corn bread, green beans, and of course, sweet potatoes.  I’ve had sweet potatoes so many ways, but there is something festive about these extra sweet potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked until tender, or 1 29-oz. can of sweet potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the sweet potatoes, egg, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Empty the mixture into a 2-quart ungreased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Top with the marshmallows and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serves 4 to 6.