On the Menu

Nothing delivers a personal message quite like a homemade treat. With the end in sight of one of the most challenging years to date for most, making time to create an edible indulgence will speak volumes to recipients. The following recipes provide for just such gifts, as well as an opportunity to share preparation time with loved ones. A win-win! .

Apple Crunch in a Mug allows gift-givers an opportunity to select the perfect mug for each recipient, and gifts which leave something behind are always welcomed. Nuevo Mexico Bocadillos Picante (spicy snacks) provide a taste of one of our state’s most beloved treasures as well as a lingering sweet and salty taste-kick. And tried-and-true Crispy Christmas Squares provides not only smiles but also a golden opportunity to employ children in preparation, with a little adult assistance. Spending multigenerational time in the kitchen? Priceless. Happy 2020 gift giving and a wonder-filled holiday season to all!

Apple Crunch in a Mug

For Apple Sauce

5-6 lbs. apples of choice, washed, cored and cut into small chunks 1⁄₃ cup sugar (optional) 2 Tbs. ground cinnamon 1 Tbs. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. vanilla ¾ cup apple juice or apple cider 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

For Crunch Topping

½ cup brown sugar, loosely packed ½ cup quick-cooking oats ½ cup chopped pecans ½ stick butter, softened

To Prepare Apple Sauce

1. Combine all ingredients in a large kettle. Bring to a low boil until apples are soft enough to mash. If apples begin to stick, add a little more juice. 2. Mash with potato peeler until desired consistency is reached.

Set aside to cool.

To Prepare Crunch Topping

1. Preheat oven to 350⁰ and line medium sized, rimmed baking sheet with foil. 2. Mix all ingredients in small bowl with fork until mixture resembles large crumbs. 3. Place crunch mixture on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring once.

To Assemble Mugs

1. Fill mugs of choice three-quarters with cooled applesauce, top remaining space with crunch topping. 2. Wrap or decorate mugs as desired. 3. Instructions for recipients: microwave 1 minute to warm.

Nuevo Mexico Bocadillos Picante

6 cups Honey-Nut

O-Shaped oat cereal 4 cups Corn squares cereal 5 cups Butter Snap pretzels 2 cups dry roasted peanuts 1 stick butter 1 3

1 Tb. Worcestershire sauce Tbs. Green Chile Salt (more or less, to taste) Tb. Seasoned Salt

Combine cereals, pretzels, and nuts in large mixing bowl. Set aside. In saucepan, melt butter, and add remaining ingredients. Stir until incorporated. Preheat oven to 250⁰. Drizzle sauce mixture over dry mixture, stirring well to coat. Place mixture in large, rimmed roasting pan. Prepare 9x9 inch baking pan with butter-flavored cooking spray. Place cereal in large mixing bowl. Set aside. (Adult supervision required) Combine butter and marshmallows in medium sized saucepan, being careful to continually stir until both are melted and smoothly combined. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal, stirring until cereal is completely coated.

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Bake, uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Remove from oven, cool and place in desired giftgiving containers or store in airtight container. NOTE (credit Linda Hand): for those with sweettooths, add chocolate or peanut-butter/chocolate shelled candies or chocolate chips to the mix.

Crispy Christmas Squares

¼ cup butter (½ stick) 30-35 large marshmallows

6 cups colored fruity cereal

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Using dampened hands, press very firmly into prepared baking pan. Let stand for 1 hour and cut into desired-sized squares or use cookie cutters. Let stand an additional hour to set. Package as desired or store in airtight container.