Christmas goodies

Oh to the YUM......


Today, I made toffee, covered in semi-sweet chocolate with pecans and peppermint. And then there is the Nanaimo bars (ohhh, you peanutty, chocolaty goodness!). We also have the good old Scottish shortbread (total fav of mine, I added some lemon glaze on the top, 'cause I loves me some lemonness). And then homemade caramels to round it out.

It's my gifts to all the men-folk in our lives, the uncles, nephew, and fathers.

Wouldn't you know it, though? Last night, to prep for the great cookie bake-off that was today, I ran my oven through it's cleaning cycle. Went to wipe out the ashes this morning....broke the bottom heating element. NOOOO!!!!

Of all these recipes, only ONE needed baking in an oven, and I used the toaster oven to do it in. Where there is a will, there is a way. You aren't stopping this determined woman from baking when I have my mind set to it.

I am glad to be nearly done with my preparations for Christmas. Now, I just need to get them packaged up....who wants to help?

Recipes found from: allrecipes.com for the Scottish shortbread http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Scottish-Shortbread-II/Detail.aspx

FoodDay for the Toffee (we made it twice already--big HIT!!)
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2008/06/recipe_detail.html?id=7115

Givers Blog for the Caramels
http://giverslog.com/?p=3168

FoodNetwork for the Nanaimo Bars (second time I've made this)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peanut-butter-nanaimo-bar-canada-recipe/index.html