Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea to Give to Family, Neighbors and Friends

This holiday treat is inspired by my friend Cooper, a college room mate who generously shared the hot chocolate mix that someone had gifted to her upon returning from winter break to Ohio University. It was a go-to treat that warmed us on cold days, and created an atmosphere for good conversation and loads of laughs. Later in life, I would whip-up a batch to share with my children's teachers and neighbors at holiday time. So if you're in need of a last minute gift idea this is one that will surely be appreciated long after the holidays end. Simply follow the recipe below, place the mix in an air tight container, place in a Perfectly Expressed Hot/Cold Gift Bag along with a 1/3 measuring cup or scoop, a bag of marshmallows, a mug or package of disposable coffee cups with lids, and a copy of the recipe.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Hot Cocoa Mix
6 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 (5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder


Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine powdered milk, chocolate pudding mix, chocolate drink mix powder, creamer, confectioners' sugar, and cocoa. Divide the mixture between two 1 quart jars. Seal, and decorate as desired. These can be stored in a dry area for up to 3 months.

2. Attach a tag with the following instructions: Hot Cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup cocoa mix in 1 cup boiling water.

It's Time to Start Baking Holiday Cookies and Treats to Share

As of tomorrow, it will be two weeks until the Christmas festivities begin in my home. Time to start thinking about the holiday cookies that will be shared with family and friends, with a generous helping left out for Santa's visit. Making the list again this year is a Whoopie Pie recipe that I found courtesy of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. The finished holiday Whoopie Pies received rave reviews from my family last year, but they're also good to make and eat year round.

Of course, holiday cookies as a gift are perfect for sharing in a Perfectly Expressed Hot/Cold Gift Bag. Simply put the cookies in an air tight container, place into one of our thermal gift bags along with a quart of milk, and a copy of the recipe, and you'll have a gift that will transport easily and be received with open arms.

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies:
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (leave out if you just want Chocolate Whoopie Pies)
1 cup buttermilk

Filling:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 7.5-ounce jar marshmallow fluff
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup crushed peppermint candies (about 50 peppermint discs)

Preheat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts; mix well.

Slowly add flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Cover dough and chill at least 30 minutes.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheet, placing cookies 2 inches apart. Bake cookies 9 to 12 minutes, or until firm. Cool cookies on pan 3 to 5 minutes or until set, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

For filling, in large bowl, cream together butter, fluff, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar slowly; mix well.

Spread flat side of half the cookies with heaping tablespoon of filling; top with second cookie to create sandwich. Roll edges in crushed peppermint candies; chill cookies to set filling.

Store unfilled cookies and filling in airtight containers in refrigerator for up to 1 week, and filled cookies for up to 3 days. Bring cookies to room temperature before serving.

Yummy Perfectly Expressed Gingerbread Loaf Recipe to Make and Share.

Holiday time is the perfect time to make and share your favorite casseroles, soups, and baked goods. So we'd like to share our favorite gingerbread loaf recipe with you. Use a Perfectly Expressed Hot/Cold Gift Bag to share it with friends and family, and who knows they may return the favor someday soon. 

Gingerbread Loaf Recipe

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup white sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
1 cup applesauce

Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
 

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan, or even a square baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Dissolve baking soda into applesauce and mix into creamed butter. Add flour mixture. Mix until smooth.

4. Pour the batter into a loaf pan.

5. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out just slightly sticky. (Be careful not to over bake, for this cake can dry out easily. Just remember that the toothpick shouldn’t come out clean, but a little sticky).

6. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Frost the cake when it is completely cooled. Decorate with chopped candied orange peel or candied ginger.