Chocolate Christmas Tree Cupcakes Treats-So Simple to Do!

 Merry Christmas! And what better way to celebrate with a Christmas cupcake.  This special treat is so easy to make and takes only a few ingredients.

Adding this edible Christmas tree on top of a snow covered (coconut) cupcake is so festive!

 All you need are Candy melts (could use green for a natural tree or white chocolate for a snow covered or flocked tree)  The sprinkles create the small twinkle lights on the tree, A yellow mini M&M's make a great tree topper.  Use the pretzel sticks for the tree trunk.

I created a triangle the size I wanted my tree and copied it on several pieces of paper.  Then I put wax paper over the top of the copy paper and taped it to the counter.  Then I put a pretzel stick on each tree.  Doing it this way makes it so all your trees are the same size (instead of free-handing it)  I also set out the yellow mini M&M.

 Melt the green or white chocolate in microwave or atop a double boiler (instructions on Candy Melts package) You can purchase Candy Melts at any craft store or even Zuchers.  I put the chocolate in a frosting bag with a small round tip.  Then I just applied the chocolate back and forth as shown above in the triangle shape.  Be sure when you get to the pretzel to make sure you have covered it nicely.  You will want to make only a few at a time so you have time to add the sprinkles and M&M before the chocolate gets hard. After you're done you can leave them out on the counter and the chocolate will harden, or if you're in a  hurry you can refrigerate them.

We made chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (1 cube of softened butter, 1 package of 8 oz  package of softened cream cheese and about 3 cups, or more, of powdered sugar--combined in a mixing bowl)  After piping the frosting onto the cupcake, dip the cupcake into a bowl of coconut to create the snowy look.  Then place the Christmas tree on top of the cupcake.  People will definitely be impressed and they will be delicious!

Merry Christmas

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71+ Pie Recipes You CAN Make Delicious & Pretty Pies & Pie Crust for the Holidays

I've just learned how to make pies from scratch.....both the crust and the pie filling. I've always been intimidated, thinking it would be too hard to do....Turns out, it isn't!  I use the pie crust recipe from the Barefoot Contessa and the filling from Martha Stewart.  I've made coconut cream pie, banana cream pie and just the other day I made an apple pie for the first time.  I can't stress enough how easy making pie crust is. It takes just about 5 minutes using a food processor, literally!  So I've gathered up some ideas for making your pie crust look amazing. Check out all the photos below. 

All these pie crusts look so great. Do one of these pie crust designs and your pie will be even more impressive! Yeah, You've Got This.....

Here's the crimped edge and probably the easiest one to do. SOURCE

Here's the braided edge...Looks easy! SOURCE

 Cut out shapes with cookie cutters etc SOURCE

Here's the honeycomb pattern-I've never seen this one before  SOURCE

The lattice crust is always a hit...I'm going to try this one on the next apple pie I make SOURCE

Tips for making the perfect pie crust 

(from Martha Stewart) 

Start rolling, working from center. If dough loses circular shape, place end of pin near the crooked edge and roll, working that area by pressing with one hand while holding the pin loosely with the other.

 Keep the work surface floured so the dough doesn't lose its shape, stick, or tear: Every few passes, release the dough by running a long offset spatula underneath, then throw more flour under it.

 As you go, run your fingers around the edges of the dough to feel if the thickness is even (and if not, to find where you need to roll more).

 Fit the dough into the pie plate (pushing down the sides without pressing into the corners); use scissors to trim, leaving 1/4 inch.

Add top crust, trim to 1/2 inch, tuck it under edge of bottom crust, and crimp with fingers, as shown. 

 Now that you've mastered pie crust you could make these cute little pies (pie pops)  Personally I'd serve them without the popsicle stick. This recipe recommends you use the Pillsbury crust but you don't need to do that....now that you're an expert in pie crust.  They look yummy!  SOURCE

Just read this tip from The Pioneer Women about PIE CRUST:    After making your pie crust, form into disk(s),  store in ziploc freezer bags and place in your freezer. To use, just remove from the freezer, let thaw for 30 minutes or so, then roll out. (Now that's the sweetest tip! Make ahead crusts? I love it)

Click HERE to go over to Martha Stewart to see 71 different recipes for delicious pies! Amazing!

I've shared this Video from the Barefoot Contessa before but wanted to include it in this post.   After you watch the video of her making pie crust you're sure to feel confidant enough to try it for yourself.

Check out these pie crust tips and a this short video from the people at Crisco

21 Appetizers for Holiday Parties-Clever Presentations!

Appetizers can be fun and delicious  There 21 different appetizers (with recipes and directions) over at Disney's Family Fun page.  Basically you can take any of your favorite foods and dress them up with a holiday theme. Yeah, we're playing with food. Some of them are so clever!  If you want to see all 21 head on over to The Family Fan Page for all the recipes and more!

What a darling Christmas (cream cheese) Package 

 How simple it is to make this Christmas tree!

Arrange pizza pockets, add embellishment and you've got a cute wreath 

 Or you could form a cream cheese snowman 

 This edible pine tree looks easy

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Use jelly beans to create a forest of fun

  

A Christmas snowman from a crunchy pretzel rods

Head on over to Disney's Family fun to get more fun ideas....the kids could help too. You say it's too early for Christmas themed food? Okay, come on back when you're ready....we'll be here!

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Yummy Christmas Desserts-Mini Snowball Cupcakes, Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes, Festive Cake Pops + More

Need a special treat for your family, office or school party? Anywhere you take these people will talk!  All include the recipe so you're good to go, Yeah, you've got this!

Cute Christmas trees. What did they use?  Find out Here

 

 How about apple pie inside an apple? How amazing!  Bet your family and friends haven't had this dessert! Find the recipe Here

Butterscotch Marble Cake-Yummy-And the presentation is outstanding!  Find the recipe Here

Doesn't this German Chocolate cake look amazing!  It's a Gotta Have recipe. Find it Here

Mini Snowball cupcakes-Love coconut.  Get the recipe Here

Chocolaty Peppermint Cupcakes-Love it!. So festive!  Serve it with peppermint ice cream. 

Get the recipe Here

Adorable and festive cake pops!  Who doesn't like cake on a stick?  There is a free pdf file that will give you 12 different variations for these yummy cake pops.  Get the recipe Here

Red Velvet Cupcakes with White Chocolate Filling. Simple but delicious!  Get the recipe Here

 Bittersweet cheesecake Torte Yum!  Find the recipe Here

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