Peanut Butter Snowballs

I just finished a book called The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn. Every time I encounter a book, I’m always thinking of a menu to go along with it. Years ago, I used to belong in a book club and it was a really fun way for me to always be dreaming up things to cook. I’m no longer in one, but I still think up menus with every book I read! In this book, there is some snow. Yep, I’m feeling ultra creative. Ha. But these are ultra good, so any reason is a perfect reason, to bring up these little numbers!

1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 T. butter, softened
1 pound white candy melts or almond bark
Silver sugar sprinkles

Line a large baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine sugar, peanut butter, and butter until mixed well. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Move dough balls to the fridge while you work on the next recipe step.

In another medium sized bowl, melt candy coating according to package directions. Dip balls gently in the candy coating, using a two-pronged fork to move the balls around and then lift them out. (I just use a regular fork. No two prongs in my drawer!) Place balls on prepared baking sheet. If desired, immediately sprinkle the tops with sprinkles. Refrigerate until chilled.

Makes 24 to 30 snowballs.

COOKING THE BOOKS, YA’LL!

English Toffee

When I think of Christmas candy, my Aunt Shirley’s English Toffee is the first thing to pop into my mind! It has the best texture and the Hershey’s chocolate and pecans really bring it all together….and speaking of that, it is super quick and easy to throw together! The perfect thing during this beautifully busy time of celebration!

2 sticks of margarine
3 T. water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts, I use pecans
6 regular sized Hershey chocolate bars

Melt margarine; add sugar and water. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until the color of brown. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and nuts. Pour onto buttered cookie sheet and spread thin. Break Hershey bars over the top. As it melts, spread all over. Cool well and break into pieces.

White Chocolate Party Mix

This recipe was shared with me by my sweet sister, Julie! It is a favorite of ours! She always makes it for our camping trips to Colorado. Make sure you have a big mixing bowl for this one and match the M & M colors with the holiday or season, if you like!

1 (10-oz.) pkg. mini pretzels
5 cups plain cheerios
5 cups corn Chex or Crispex cereal
2 cups salted peanuts
1 (14-oz.) pkg. M & M’s
2 (12-oz.) pkgs. white chocolate chips
3 T. oil

Combine the pretzels, cereals, peanuts and M & M’s in a large bowl.

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the white chocolate chips and oil on medium high for two minutes, stirring once. Microwave again for 10 seconds; stir until smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzel mixture and gently mix well. Spread onto 3 to 4 wax paper-lined baking sheets.

Let cool and break apart. Store in airtight containers.
Makes 20 cups