EASY White Almond Bark Popcorn

1 regular bag microwave popcorn (unbuttered, light salt if any)
3 squares of white almond bark.

Step 1:
Pop the popcorn according to instructions.
Empty into a colander, bounce a few times to try and get all of the kernels to go to the bottom of the colander or bowl. Scoop handfuls from colander into a LARGE bowl, looking for un-popped kernels to remove.

I use a very large stainless steel bread bowl with slanted sides.

Step 2:

Melt 3 squares of white almond bark in a separate bowl in the microwave. Time varies; mine is about 2 minutes until melted, stir until smooth. Don’t overcook.

Step 3:

Pour white almond bark over popcorn. Gently toss the almond bark and popcorn together with a large rubber spatula until popcorn is coated.

Step 4:

Pour onto a large cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Let set until almond bark is dry.

Step 5:

Place in a cute Christmas container and enjoy.

Peanut Butter Buttons

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup additional granulated sugar
Hershey's kisses or semi-sweet chocolate chips* options below

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl cream together:

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter.

Add and beat until smooth:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Add:

1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat in:

1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups flour (beat in as much as you can to form a nice soft dough,
not too dry)

Shape dough:

I use a cookie scoop (small ice-cream type scoop, but you can use a teaspoon or your hands)

Shape dough into 1 inch ball.
Roll ball in a bowl 1/4 cup sugar

Baking options:

Option #1 - Muffin tin which has been sprayed with cooking spray
Place each ball in a mini muffin tin cups.
When cookies are done, remove from oven and place one unwrapped chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie cup. Press down slightly. Let cool and remove from tin.

Option #2-Cookie sheet which has been sprayed with cooking spray or covered with parchment paper.
Place each ball on a cookie sheet about 1-2 inches apart. Press ball down to form flat cookie.
Sprinkle top with semi-sweet chocolate chips, pressing chips down slightly so they don't roll off cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees or until bottoms are lightly golden brown. If using the kisses, you will place them in the cookie at this time.
Transfer to wire rack and cool.

Play Dough

I loved making this with my two sons when they were little and will be making it with grandbabies soon.

Ingredients:

1 cup colored water (Use as much food coloring in the water to achieve desired color of play dough, realizing it will lighten when mixed with the flour)

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla or lemon extract for scent (I use vanilla)

Instructions:
Mix colored water and then add all ingredients and mix well in heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat 2 - 3 minutes, stirring continually with a wooden spoon. This will form a rubbery ball. Be careful not to overcook.

Store in air-tight container.

It also makes a great gift for little ones to make and give to friends, teaching them the joy of giving.