Christmas lights and festive decorations are all over the place in Panama City beach during the holidays and temperatures range from the upper 50’s to the low 70’s during the month of December. It’s a beautiful time of the year to enjoy the beach, but it’s an even better time to enjoy the food that usually comes with the holidays, especially all those sweet treats! I’ll trade white sands for white snow any day of the week! I love the Christmas season and, for years, I’ve whipped up goodies to give my family and friends as gifts. I made gift baskets for many over the years and, while I don’t make as many or do it as often as I used to, I’ve come to know which are their favorites. I’ve complied a list of those favorites to share with you and I hope you enjoy each and everyone of them.
Unexpected guests that brought you an unexpected gift? No problem, have a few trays or tins made up, just in case, to give as last minute gifts! Have several people that you need to get gifts for but aren’t sure what to give them? No problem, make a few of these and throw them in a Christmas tin with a ribbon around it. Invited to, or are throwing, a last minute holiday gathering? No problem, I’ve got you covered. Just keep any of these in the freezer and throw a few on a cookie platter, display them on different heights of cake trays, or a 3-tiered serving tray to make a beautiful holiday presentation for your guests.
The best part is that these are very easy to make and store well so you’re always prepared for whatever the holidays might throw your way!
Peppermint Bark
This is easy peasy and is the #1 candy that I’m asked for over and over!
Ingredients
- 1 – 16-oz Package of White Almond Bark
- 1 Teaspoon of Peppermint Extract
- 3/4 Cup of Crushed Peppermint Candies (I buy these already crushed), divided
- 6 drops of red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Break the almond bark into squares. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the almond bark on high in 1 to 2 minute intervals, stirring at each interval, until melted. Continue for approximately 3 minutes (microwave times will vary). Once melted, stir in the peppermint extract and 1/2 cup of the crushed peppermint.
- Spread evenly on a large baking sheet that is covered with wax paper and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint pieces. If you want to utilize the red dye, add it, drop by drop, over the mixture and using a knife, swirl color throughout.
- Refrigerate it for 10 minutes or until it firms up. Then break into pieces and store in a ziplock bag or container. Freeze until ready to use. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pumpkin Pie Crunchy Delight
Oh so delish and you can use store brand cereals to save money and your friends and family will never know the difference!
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup of Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/4 Cup of Butter, Melted
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups of Cinnamon Toast Cereal
- 2 Cups of Rice Cereal
- 2 Cups of Honey Nut Cereal
- 1-1/2 Cups of Whole Pecans
Instructions
- Mix together, in a small bowl, the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Melt the butter in a micro-wave safe bowl on high for about 30 seconds or until it’s melted and then carefully stir in the vanilla.
- In a large microwaveable bowl, mix the cereals and and pecans. Pour the butter and vanilla mixture over and stir until all pieces are coated. Add the sugar and spice mixture and stir until well coated.
- Microwave uncovered on high for about 3-1/2 minutes (or until mixture begins to get brown), stirring every minute. Spread onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper until cooled. Store in an airtight container.
- NOTE: I store in different sizes of tin can to hand out as gifts as needed.
Mint Bon Bons (Cookie Balls)
Ingredients
- 8-oz Package of 1/3 Less Fat Neufchatel Cheese (Softened)
- 1 Package of Mint Cream Filled Sandwich Cookies (Finely Crushed)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract, divided
- 1 – 16-oz Package of White Almond Bark, Melted
- Green and Red Food Coloring
- Chocolate Sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix the Neufchatel cheese, 1/4 tsp of the peppermint extract, and the crushed cookies until well blended.
- Roll into 1″ balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. You should get approximately 42 balls. Place in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the white almond bark in the microwave until melted, stirring at 1 minute intervals. This should take approximately 3 minutes, although microwave times will vary. Carefully add the remaining 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract into the melted bark. Divide in two bowls and add green food coloring to one bowl and red to the other bowl until desired color. Let cool just slightly.
- Roll the cookie balls into the melted bark and return to the wax paper lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate sprinkles if desired.
- NOTE: You can also use Christmas candy sprinkles or crushed peppermint pieces to add a more festive touch to the cookie balls instead of the chocolate sprinkles.
- Use them to shape into a Christmas tree on a holiday platter or use lollipop sticks to make cake pops.
For more bon bons (a.k.a. cookie balls), you must try these Butterfinger Buckeye Balls or if you have a coffee lover on your gift list try these Tiramisu Cookie Balls.
Almond Coconut Bark
If you love Almond Joy candy bars, you’re going to love this almond bark! It’s easy and oh so delicious!
Ingredients
- 16-oz of Dark Chocolate Chips or Chocolate
- 3/4 Cup of Chopped Almonds
- 1 Cup of Shredded Coconut
- Flaky Salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
- Slowly melt the dark chocolate in the microwave.
- Stir in the almonds, leaving about 1/4 of a cup to sprinkle on top, and then carefully stir in the coconut.
- Spread onto the was paper covered baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about one hour.
- Break into pieces and store in an airtight container. These can be stored at room temperature.
Not all holiday snacks need to be sweet. I don’t know about you, but I like to have savory snack with my sweets, so I have a few recipes in my goodie bag that are sure to please everyone. Some are spicy and some are a mix of savory/sweet, but I’m sharing ones that I’m asked for year after year.
Spicy Pretzels
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup of Vegetable Oil
- 1 – 1 oz Package of Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1 Teaspoon of Steak Seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
- 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (or to taste depending on how spicy you prefer)
- 1 – 15-oz Package of Mini Pretzel Twists or Pretzel Sticks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°.
- In a bowl, mix together the vegetable oil with all of the dry ingredients.
- Put the pretzels in a baking pan (I use a small roasting pan) and coat with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake for about 2 hours, uncovered, stirring about every 30 minutes making sure to continue to coat the pretzels off the bottom of the pan as you’re stirring.
- Pour onto a pan covered with wax-paper and allow to cool.
- NOTE: Store in an airtight container or individual holiday tin can to give as gifts. If you know a beer lover, these make a great gift to give alongside their favorite 6-pack of beer!
Popcorn Lovers Delight
This sweet and savory popcorn mix is such a delight and loved by everyone I’ve ever gifted it to! They ask for it every holiday season!
Chocolate and Butterscotch Popcorn Blend
Ingredients
- 20 Cups of Popped Popcorn (if using microwave bags, you can get approximately 4-5 cups per bag). Be sure to measure and remove any kernels that didn’t pop.
- 5 Cups of Salted Peanuts or Mixed Nuts
- 1 Package of 11.5 oz of Chocolate Chips
- 1 Package of 11.5 oz of Butterscotch Chips
- 2 Cups of Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 Cup of Butter (you can use margarine, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the best flavor)
Instructions
- Pop all of your popcorn until you have approximately 20 cups. If you have more or less, it won’t matter too much. Once popped, divide into 2 batches of 10 cups each.
- While popping your corn, preheat the oven to 300° and grease a large roasting pan. Line 2 large baking sheets with wax paper. Unless you have 2 large roasting pans, you will need to do this in batches, one for the chocolate and one for the butterscotch.
- Mix 1o cups of the popcorn with half of the nuts in the roasting pan. If using 2 pans, repeat with the other half of the popcorn and nuts.
- In a heavy duty saucepan, combine the chocolate morsels with the corn syrup and butter over medium heat and cook until it boils. Pour over the popcorn and nuts and toss to coat well. Repeat with the butterscotch morsels.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from oven and cool slightly while still in the pan. Pour out onto the prepared pan covered in wax paper and break into pieces. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate for a more festive look.
- After completely cool, mix the two together and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Dill Pickle Popcorn Mix
- Pop a 3-oz bag of microwave popcorn as directed and put in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of melted butter that has been mixed 1 teaspoon of dried dill (or more if you like dill) and toss evenly to coat all the popcorn evenly. Add about 3/4 of a cup of sea salt and vinegar peanuts and mix. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Chocolate and Caramel Popcorn Mix
- Pop a 3-oz bag of microwave popcorn as directed and spread out on wax paper, using a rimmed baking sheet if possible. Add about 1/2 a cup of salted caramel peanuts over the popcorn. Melt 3-oz of chocolate almond bark and drizzle over the popcorn. Place in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm, about 10 minutes. Break it into small clusters.
Buffalo Ranch Popcorn Mix
- Pop enough popcorn to make about 16 cups, making sure to sift through the popcorn to make sure you don’t have any unpopped kernels. Mix together 1/4 cup of mild buffalo wing sauce with 2 TBSP of melted butter and a dash of cayenne pepper. Drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture over the popcorn and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix.
No one can resist popcorn, so whip up a few batches of these or check out the Everyday Chaos and Calm website for more holiday gift giving popcorn ideas or treats!
Homemade gifts are my favorite way to show how much I care about my loved ones. They come from the heart and everyone knows that you took the time to make them and they will mean so much more.
If you’re spending some time at Panama City Beach and find yourself wanting to make some special gifts, or you know you’re going to be having a holiday gathering, take some time to make some of these wonderful snacks to share! If you’ve not booked your holiday vacation yet, be sure to visit our website at Premium Beach Condos and find your special place to stay! You’ll find that you’ll have everything you need in our kitchens to make all of these and more! Merry Cooking and Happy Snacking!
