English Toffee (Hard Crack)
Ingredients
3 sticks butter
1 2/3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons light Karo syrup
1/4 cup water
6 Hershey bars
Crushed pecans (optional)
Candy thermometer
Method
Cook first 5 ingredients on medium-high, stirring frequently until a hard crack is reached (300 F). Immediately remove from heat, pour onto baking sheet and cool for 2 minutes. Place Hershey bars on top; when melted, spread over surface. Sprinkle with crushed pecans if desired. Refrigerate until cold. Then hold cookie sheet 6-8 inches above countertop and drop to break into pieces; repeat as needed. Refrigerate.
Mint Oreo Truffles
Ingredients
1 15.25-ounce package Mint Crème Oreos
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cups chocolate chips
Method
Crush Oreos into fine crumbs with blender. Add cream cheese and blend until smooth. Roll mixture into small balls; place on cookie sheet and freeze until solid, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth. Dip the balls into chocolate, covering completely and tapping to get excess off. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper to dry. Refrigerate.
Christmas Sandwich Cremes
Ingredients
1 cup real butter, (no substitutes) softened
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups flour
Filling:
1/2 cup real butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
Green and red food coloring
Method
Combine cookie ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle. Divide into thirds and let 1 portion stand at room temperature for 15 minutes; keep remaining dough refrigerated until ready to roll out. On floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with 1 1/2-inch circular cookie cutter. Coat with sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; prick with fork. Bake for 7–9 minutes (or until set) at 375 F. Cool completely. Cream butter and sugar; add vanilla; divide and tint with food coloring. Ice half the cookies with 1 teaspoon icing, cooked side down and top with remaining cookies.
