Chocolate Silk Pie

A family favorite during the holidays!

Chocolate Silk Pie
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 pint whipping cream
2 Tblsp powdered sugar
Graham cracker pie shell

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat well, then add vanilla and chocolate. Use mixer to blend until thick. Pour into graham cracker pie shell. Refrigerate 15 minutes before adding whipped cream to which 2 Tblsp powdered sugar has been added.
Sprinkle lightly with grated chocolate. Chill until serving time.

Pumpkin Pie

I make this pie three times a year ~ for Halloween , Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love it because it uses honey instead of sugar and you mix all the ingredients in a blender. Mmm, mmm good!

Pumpkin Pie
2 eggs
1-3/4 cups pumpkin puree
3/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 cup evaporated milk
pie crust

Place all ingredients in electric blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into prepared pie shell and bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 45 minutes longer or until set.

Butter Spritz Cookies

My favorite Christmas Cookie! This recipe actually calls for a cookie press but mine broke years ago so I roll the dough and make cut outs. Just dust it with flour to keep the dough from being too sticky.

Butter Spritz Cookies

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp almond extract
2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
food coloring (optional - if using cookie press)

Cream butter. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and almond extract. Blend in flour.

*If you are not using a cookie press then roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Sprinkle with colored sugar and bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes. If you are using a cookie press read on...

Divide dough into thirds. Add a few drops food coloring to each. Fill cookie press with each color or combine colors for rainbow effect. Form into desired shapes and decorate. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Squares

My kid's favorite holiday treat!

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 12 oz package (2 cups) semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a bowl, combine butter and sugar, beat until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
Gradually blend in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Spread into greased 13" x 9" baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool. Cut into 2" squares.