Christmas Traditions, New and Old

Hello friends!  I know I've been MIA here lately and have neglected my blog.  I haven't been gone, as you know if any of you follow me on Instagram, @savoringtime.  

I wanted to pop in before Christmas to share two of my Christmas traditions...one new that will definitely be repeated in Christmas to come, and the other, an oldie but goodie that I've been making for a VERY long time.  

First, this riff on the Christmas cheese ball.  A Cheesy Christmas Tree!  If you need a very quick and easy appetizer to bring to a party this weekend, this is it!  This is not my invention, but one I discovered on Instagram.  This started out as an idea made from a traditional home-made cheese ball to become a very quick and easy one made from a package of Boursin cheese.  You don't have to make a thing!  Simple assembly.  I've included the directions below.  

Boursin Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer

Purchase a package of Boursin cheese. I used Garlic and Herb. Or, use 3 to make a mini tree forest :)

Buy some fresh parsley, a yellow bell pepper, sliced almonds or any other edible decor you'd like such as pomegranite arils.

Rinse, dry and chop parlsey finely. Lay out on paper toweling dry thoroughly.

Toast sliced almonds in a 350 oven for about 6 minutes until lightly browned. Cool.

Unwrap the cheese but keep the base on the bottom.

Place the cheese on a large sheet of plastic wrap and bring it upward. 

Shape cheese into a pyramid/tree by pressing or rolling gently along the sides to bring cheese upward.
Twist top of plastic wrap and freeze cheese for about 10-15 minutes.

Remove cheese from freezer and upwrap. Roll in chopped parsley all around and press to adhere.

Stick in toasted almonds all around and top with a star made from the yellow pepper.

Serve with crackers and slices of yellow pepper or other veggies.  

Done!  A cute and festive addition to a cheese or charcuterie platter.  

The Oldie but Goodie tradition in my family are these Candy Cane Cookies.  I've been making for more years than I can remember and are from an old Betty Crocker cookbook where I've found many gems! Betty Crocker's All Time Favorites.  We have already had one family Christmas celebration and this was my cookie platter.  

The recipe for the Candy Cane cookies can be found here:  Candy Cane Cookies

The recipe for my Sugar Cut Out cookies can be found here:  Celebration Christmas Cookies

(sometimes I'll roll the dough into logs and drizzle with melted chocolate). 

The recipe for my (mild) Gingerbread Cookies can be found here:  Gingerbread Cookies, My Way

May those of you who celebrate all have a safe and blessed Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year! 

Fondly, Susan

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