Happy Christmas!

I know it's not actually Christmas yet, but it is a Christmas party! Go ahead, kiss under the mistletoe. I don't mind.

This year my home isn't as festive as usual. We're a bit down about the fact that our lease prohibits a real Christmas tree, so we're trying to figure out what to do. The obvious answer is to get a fake tree, but I won't stand for that. Unless...I'm actually considering making a patchwork Christmas tree to hang on the wall. It's in the works, but it's not quite done yet. Eek. We'll see.

But on to the more festive side of things. I've done some cookie baking and some treat making, and these things are some of my favorites.

Except they're not supposed to be brown. A word to the wise: If you're going to make Christmas Krispies (which are simply rice krispie treats with Christmasy sprinkles), do not add the sprinkles directly to the marshmallow mix. They will melt and turn the gooey stuff brown.

Even so, a Christmas Krispie is a Christmas Krispie. I don't discriminate.

My new favorite cookies are Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. If you're a cinnamon lover like I am, you'll enjoy these.

2/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 or 2 tablespoons cinnamon (or less if you like)
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg, beaten
4 tsp milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt ONLY IF BUTTER IS UNSALTED

Cream butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla (works best if you mix the sugar and cinnamon together first). Add egg and milk. Blend. Add flour and baking powder and blend until all ingredients are combined. Divide dough in half and chill for one hour. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut in desired shapes with cutters. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Cool slightly and remove from cookie sheet.

If you like frosted cookies, try this stuff:

3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 tsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Combine cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla. Blend until creamy. Add powdered sugar. Blend until sugar is well combined. If you like, add food coloring. Frost cooled cookies.

Mmm...sooooo good. One of these with a mug of hot chocolate is like heaven, I tell you! HEAVEN.

I wish I had more to share. As Christmas gets closer I may post more photos, and I'll update about the patchwork tree if there's any good news.

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year