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"Possibility and promise greet me each day as I walk out into my garden. My vigor is renewed when I breathe in the earthiness and feel the dirt between my fingers. My garden is a peaceful spot to refresh my soul." Meems






Welcome to my Central Florida Garden Blog where we garden combining Florida natives, Florida-Friendly plants, and tropicals.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

batches of christmas goodies

this is the week to finish up preparations for much anticipated christmas celebrations. around hoe and shovel our holiday is fairly traditional. the tree is lit, the decorations are sparkling bright, the kitchen is buzzing with activity and we are eagerly anticipating family visiting and being together again.

i thought i'd share a very simple non-cook recipe with you today. it is a wonderful candied trail mix of sorts. this is a recipe i hold dear to my heart (and my tummy) because every christmas- past a very cherished neighbor (and fellow-gardener -who passed away last year) brought me a batch of this yummy, crunchy, perfect blend of sweet and salty mix. her memories live on in my thoughts and heart and i now have the privilege to carry on her tradition of gifting our fellow neighbors with a batch of this christmas treat.



White Chocolate Party Mix

1 14 oz. package peanut M & M's

1 9 oz. pkg butter-flavored pretzels (i use Snyder's Butter Snaps)

5 cps Cheerios

5 cps Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex (combined)

1 24 oz package almond bark coating

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large container. Set aside.

Microwave almond bark coating in a microwave-safe dish at High 1 minute, stirring once. Microwave at High for 1 more minute; stir until coating is smooth.

Pour melted coating over cereal mixture, stirring to combine. Spread onto wax or parchment paper, and let cool 30 minutes.

Break apart, and store candy in an airtight container. Mix can be frozen up to 1 month.

Yields: 3 pounds


i have found this mix much easier to package, carry and deliver than cookies that sometimes get broken. (not that i don't make my fair share of cookies to distribute as well.) i bag up these goodies into decorated cellophane baggies and gift them to neighbors, fellow workers, hubbies' office help, hairdresser, family, friends, and just about anyone else i want to share a little christmas cheer with ... AND it is a big hit at parties and gatherings served from an open dish.

now if i could just get to all that christmas wrapping ...

8 comments:

  1. I'm the first to comment! I'm the first to comment! (Said in a sing-song voice)

    LOVED this post. Great stylish pics, but the memories of your sweet neighbor and the way you honor her and carry on with her legacy touched my heart.

    Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Every time I have talked to my mom this week she has been baking or cooking. She says she is preparing for the troops to come to town.

    Thanks for sharing a little of your Christmas tradition and another recipe to add to my collection!

    Oh, and normally my mom leaves all the wrapping for when I arrive. For some reason that has become my job, but she says she has already done it all this year. What am I going to do when I get there?

    ReplyDelete
  3. mlm: thanks for your vote on style and hope you enjoy the eats!

    Jane: funny how moms around the world are preparing for the troops and loving every minute of it!

    wrapping must be the daughter contribution... my daughter asks to do my wrapping... only with a little one it makes it a little harder now. oh, but we have some wonderful memories of "wrapping days".

    since your mom is way ahead of schedule this year maybe you can do some relaxing when you get there... now there's an idea. lol

    ReplyDelete
  4. This recipe looks good ... and simple to make. I like these kinds of recipes the best.

    Your garden in December is lovely!

    Merry Christmas¬

    ReplyDelete
  5. MEEMS! You've been tagged. See walkwisely.blogspot.com for details!

    ReplyDelete
  6. kate: you are right about both it is good and simple - the kind I like too. Merry Christmas to you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear meems,
    I dropped by to wish you Happy Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Meems,

    Please take some snaps of your holiday decor and feasts that you're about to prepare...tree, presents, garland, etc. All your beauty for us to behold.

    ReplyDelete

Have a blessed day,
Meems


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