Holiday Treats by Melanie P. Smith

Holiday Treats

Submitted by Melanie P. Smith

BANANA OATMEAL COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 Cup Flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1tsp nutmeg 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 3/4 Cups Oatmeal 1 Cup Sugar

3/4 Cup Shortening 1 egg 2 Tbsp Milk 4 bananas (well mashed) 3/4 Cups Walnuts 3/4 Cups Chocolate Chips (can substitute raisins)

METHOD

• Beat shortening and sugar • Add egg, bananas and milk • Add dry ingredients • Mix in oatmeal • Add chocolate chips and nuts • Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet • Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes This is a great treat for Santa just add a tall glass of milk. Or, you can package them up and give them as gifts with a short holiday saying... “Christmas cookies and happy hearts, this is how the holiday starts.” “Gifts of time and love are the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas.” “We wish you a delicious Christmas.”

POPCORN WREATHS

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks butter 1 bag miniature marshmallows 5 quarts popcorn (popped) 1 cup peanuts 1 cup M&Ms Small red and green gumdrops (optional) Red and green fruit leather for bow (optional)

METHOD

• Melt 2 sticks of butter in microwave on high • Stir in 1 bag of miniature marshmallows • Mix until marshmallows are covered in butter, add red or green food coloring until you get the desired color • Microwave on 50% or low heat starting with 2 minutes and then 15 second intervals until marshmallows are melted • Pop popcorn and place 5 quarts in a large bowl • Mix in 1 cup peanuts or M&Ms (can use both) • Mix in melted marshmallow mixture • Spray 10” Bundt or angel food cake pan with cooking spray and press popcorn into pan.

Recipe makes 2 wreaths so it is easier if you have two pans. If you only have one let sit for 10-15 minutes then place on serving plate. • Top with gumdrops and add bow, if desired • Place in freezer or outside during winter — if your area has low temperatures

INGREDIENTS

14 oz Hersey’s candy bar (can use dark chocolate) 1 large pkg chocolate chips 1 pint marshmallow cream (or 2 7 oz jars Whip) 4 1/2 cups sugar 1 can evaporated milk (can use 14 oz or 13.5 oz can) 1/4 cup butter Dash of salt 2 cups walnuts (chopped)

METHOD

• Combine marshmallow cream (or whip), chocolate chips, broken Hershey bar and chopped nuts into a heat-proof bowl. Set aside • Combine Sugar, evaporated milk, salt and butter into a saucepan and bring to boil. Stir constantly and boil for approximately 8 minutes • Pour hot mixture into bowl containing chocolate mixture and stir until chocolate is melted and well mixed. It will set up quickly. • Pour into a well-greased (buttered) 9x13 pan • Let cool and set

• Cut into square pieces

Enjoy!

Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness or capturing that next great photo. Learn more about Melanie on Mom’s Favorite Reads website: https://moms-favorite-reads.com/moms-authors/melanie-p-smith