Pinwheels, Pigtails & Parties: Merry Baking Christmas

I blame Pinterest. Or maybe that damn Martha Stewart for making me think I could be super woman this year and give everyone wonderful, handmade with love gifts, make memories with my children, see Santa, put up Christmas decorations, host Christmas Day dinner, visit all our family and actually enjoy the holiday season. As if! Next year I really need to prioritize. One thing I will not do is make EVERYONE baked goods. Or make such a variety of them. My 3 1/2 year old's teacher asked her what her mother did and she stated that "My mommy makes candy". Hmmmm.....I think I may need to take a step away from the kitchen in the New Year.

I did learn that I really like to make bread and another tip - Be the daycare mother who brings the classmate gifts a couple of days BEFORE they have their holiday party. That way your candy gift won't just be tossed to the bottom of a bag along with all the store bought candy canes that the children won't be allowed to eat since they are hopped up on sugar from all the cupcakes and treats from school.

Crockpot Apple Butter - My MIL's favorite!

My new Christmas obsession - Candy Cane Hershey Kisses! Why did I not know these existed until now!!! These are kisses in sugar cookies rolled in sugar. I made them in white, green and red. Very festive!

Another Hershey candy cane Kiss creation. Sandwiched between 2 pretzels. So easy that Emily helped. You put one pretzel on a baking sheet, unwrap the Kiss & place it on the pretzel (Emily's job). Heat in a 350 oven for 2-3 minutes and then place the other pretzel on top to make a sandwich. Yummy!!