Christmas time is almost here! If you're anything like most people, you are already planning your Christmas festivities and wondering what you are going to make for the many family gatherings coming up. Look no further. Here are four holiday recipes to share with your loved ones to make them, and their taste buds, cheer up! Turn on the Christmas music and get cooking!

Still searching for Thanksgiving ideas? Try these recipes!

1. Microwavable peanut brittle

Peanut Brittle is a classic sweet-and-salty Christmas candy, but most families do not have an easy recipe for it!

If you do not want to buy your peanut brittle off the shelves this year, give this simple recipe a try!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • 1/2 cup white corn syrup
  • 1 cup roasted, lightly salted peanuts
  • 1 tsp. butter
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. baking soda

Instructions:

During the entire process, please move as quickly as possible as the liquid is boiling hot but while harden very quickly. Stir as little times as possible so the mixture doesn't harden onto your utensils. Stay safe!

1. Put 1 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup white corn syrup into a large, microwavable bowl and mix together. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove carefully; the bowl will be hot and the mixture should be boiling.

2. Stir in 1 cup whole peanuts and microwave on high for 3 minutes until mixture is light brown.

3. Stir in 1 tsp. butter and 1 tsp. vanilla and microwave on high for 2 minutes. The mixture and peanuts should be light brown.

4. Before starting the next process, fill your sink with hot, soapy water so the bowl can soak. This makes your dishes easier to wash and you don't have to scrub them!

5. Gently stir in 1 tsp. baking soda until lightly foamy, about 2-3 times.

Quickly, pour the mixture onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.

6. Cool for 1 - 2 hours. Break up the mixture into pieces and enjoy!

2. Copy-cat thin mints

Absolutely love the taste of the Girl Scout's cookies but just can't afford them? Here is the perfect copycat recipe for the classic Thin Mint cookie! Makes 75 cookies.

Ingredients:

  • 12 squares of chocolate almond bark (24 ounces)
  • 2 tsp. peppermint extract
  • 70 Ritz crackers (about 1 box)

Instructions:

1.

Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over stove top over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After completely melted, add 2 tsp. of peppermint extract to the chocolate. Take the pan off the heat.

2. Lay out a very long sheet of wax paper. With a pair of tongs, dip the crackers into the chocolate mix. Coat the entire cracker with chocolate. Lay on wax paper and repeat until chocolate is gone. Enjoy!

3. Ham and pickle holiday roll-ups

Although this a savory snack, it is still a classic, especially with the little ones!

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz. package deli-sliced ham
  • 6 oz. package of cream cheese softened
  • 24 oz. jar kosher dill pickle spears, cut length-wise

Instructions:

1. Lay 3 slices of ham flat on a piece of aluminum foil.

Spread with cream cheese to cover thoroughly.

2. Place pickle spear at one end and roll.

3. Wrap roll in the foil. Chill for 2 hours.

4. Before serving, unwrap individual spear and cut into 4 pieces. Arrange on a serving dish. Enjoy!

4. Soda cracker candy

Ingredients:

  • 1 row of Saltine crackers
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 package milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Line a medium-sized cookie sheet with tin foil. Grease well.

3. Lay down crackers side by side, trying not to overlap, on the tin foil.

4. Boil the cup of butter and the cup of brown sugar for 2 minutes. Spoon the mixture over the crackers.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.

Remove from oven.

6. Pour the entire package of chocolate chips on top of the crackers. Use a knife to spread out chocolate as it melts.

7. Sprinkle chopped nuts (optional) over top. Refrigerate until chocolate hardens.

8. Break into pieces and enjoy!
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