Christmas Cookies

[Reesha]

Oh man this is making me hungry. In lieu of cookies this year, I am making little pots of handmade dark chocolate 'nutella' (without hazelnuts for nut sensitive folks). I used to get it from the bakery all the time in Belgium and nutella just doesn't do it for me. It will always taste like the cheap alternative to the good stuff.

However, I am personally partial to thumbprint cookies with walnuts.

For a healthy alternative, raw coconut macaroons are super delicious.

[Blueberry]

Reesha-

Is that something you are making?? If so, could you share the recipe Pretty please

[Reesha]

for the crafty, I will translate this belgian recipe for real choco spread!
http://www.smulweb.nl/recepten/1025953/Choco-home-made
It is laughably easy and far more delicious than nutella

250 g/8.9 oz high quality dark chocolate
250 g/18 Tbsp butter (Plugra or another kind of cultured butter is the best kind if you can find it)
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Make sure you have a bunch of containers cause this makes a lot!

In a pyrex bowl, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on half power for a few minutes, but I'm going to suggest a double boiler on the stove.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and mix carefully until it becomes a smooth homegenous spread.
Pour the substance in mason jars for serving and storage (definitely do a wide mouth for knife access) and it will need to be refrigerated.

In Belgium we would take the choco out of the fridge when we first woke up so it would be spreadable by breakfast

[jessmarimba]

Sorry. It has been a crazy week. I pop in here at work when I need a break but never have the cookbook then

3/4 c light molasses
1/2 c butter
2 beaten eggs
************
4.25 c sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 c granulated sugar
1.25 teaspoons soda
1.5 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
dash pepper

Combine molasses and butter in saucepan; cook and stir till butter melts. Cool to room temperature. Stir in eggs.

Sift together flour, sugar, soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. Add to molasses mixture, mix well.

Chill several hours or overnight.

Shape into 1-inch balls. Bake at 375 for 12 minutes. Cool, roll in confectioners sugar. Makes 4.5 dozen cookies.

Sounds yummy but like I said, I haven't tried it. If I ever find myself with molasses I think it'll be up there on the list!