ime-saving solutions for holidays in a hurry

(NC)—The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but as every family knows, it can be a busy one as well. In addition to picking up last minute gifts and scheduling entertaining activities, friends and drop-in guests can always be counted on to share in some cheer. While these impromptu gatherings can put a dent in your day, there are time-saving solutions that will ensure you are prepared for whatever the season brings.

“By having a few simple recipes on hand, you can whip up delicious last-minute treats in a pinch,” says Trish Magwood, award-winning cookbook author, author of In My Mother’s Kitchen, and mom of three. “If you have the right ingredients on hand, baking can be fun, fast and delicious, and make you a holiday hero.”

Trish Magwood offers these time saving tips for entertaining during the festive season:

• Think ahead—Create a mouth-watering menu plan in advance, including the treats you plan to bake. When making dinner, make a bit extra for kids’ lunches the next day.

• Double whammy—Double up on a dish and freeze for another special occasion or family dinner. Buy double, make double, enjoy one, and freeze one to enjoy later. Make sure you use freezer friendly containers and label and date.

• Match made in heaven—When shopping for the holidays, match your grocery list to the grocery store layout. When keeping a running grocery list, create columns based on store layout and group like items together (produce, bread, canned goods, dairy, freezer).

• Décor—Keep it simple and seasonal. Draw from your pantry and the season—a glass bowl of mandarins, a vase of pomegranates, a trifle bowl of pinecones and greens cuttings. Your house will be ready for entertaining in seconds flat.

• Teacher’s pet—Holiday baking is the most rewarding, cost efficient and organized way to say thanks to teachers, neighbours, party hosts and family. Pick a few simple make-ahead treats, like Crispy Fudge made with Rice Krispies, which can be easily stored and served at a moment’s notice. Your family and guests will gobble up these tasty treats, and think you spent hours in the kitchen.

This quick and easy recipe provides delicious holiday treats in no time. You can find other time-saving recipes like this one online at www.ricekrispies.ca. More information on Trish Magwood is available at www.trishmagwood.ca or follow her on Twitter @trishmagwood.

Crispy Fudge

Ingredients:

50 ml (1/4 cup) butter

50 ml (1/4 cup) corn syrup

250 ml (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips

5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract

125 ml (1/2 cup) icing sugar, sifted

500 ml (2 cups) Rice Krispies cereal

Preparation:

1. In saucepan, combine butter, corn syrup and chocolate chips.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from heat.

3. Stir in vanilla and icing sugar, mixing until smooth. Add Rice Krispies, mixing well.

4. Spread in lightly-buttered 2 L (8″) square pan. Chill until set, about 30 minutes. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.

www.newscanada.com

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Build holiday magic by baking with your kids

(NC)—As much as kids love eating up delicious treats during the holidays, there’s something else they love just as much—creating and baking the treats with their own hands. The holidays are a great time for baking in the kitchen with kids, as they can let their imaginations soar and really get into the festive spirit.

“Baking in the kitchen with kids does not have to be intimidating and can be loads of fun, for both adults and kids,” says Trish Magwood, award-winning cookbook author of In My Mother’s Kitchen, and mom of three. “Picking recipes that don’t require baking, like Santa Claus Faces, a holiday version of the beloved Rice Krispies Treats, is often the best way to go, so kids can dig in without any worry or fuss.”

Follow Trish Magwood’s tried and true tips for baking with kids:

• Follow the chef mantra of “mis en place”—Have everything in its place or in simple terms, prepare. Make squares or cookies ahead of time, and once the oven is off and the knives are away, enlist the kids for the fun job of icing and decorating. Put out little bowls of icing, sparkles and candies and relax while they enjoy.

• Kitchen Stools—These are my favourite kitchen essentials because it allows kids to pull up to a counter or kitchen island and pitch in at any time. Kids will feel included, and part of the baking process.

• Equipment—Stock up on multi-purpose, family-friendly baking equipment—trays, easy-to-clean baking supplies, plastic utensils, kids aprons, little bowls, and draw on your kitchen kit for any special baking occasion. Make the fun easy for you too.

• Age appropriate tasks—Gauge tasks and kids ages before assigning jobs. There’s something for everyone in a baking kitchen. Don’t forget fun crafts like card making or box decorating count too.

• Interactive—Get the kids involved and they will learn, take ownership and be proud of their masterpieces. The older ones can plan the menu and write the shopping list while the younger ones can play a game of kitchen hide and seek opening cupboards to see if there is enough sugar or chocolate. Use an interactive, cooking class format, they can even clear and help with the clean up.

Try this fun and interactive recipe with your family and find more fun, holiday recipes like this at www.ricekrispies.ca. More information on Trish Magwood is available at www.trishmagwood.ca or follow her on Twitter @trishmagwood.

Santa Claus Faces

Ingredients:

50 mL (1/4 cup) butter

250 g (1 pkg, about 40) regular marshmallows or 5 cups miniature

2 mL (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract (optional)

1.5 L (6 cups) Rice Krispies cereal

Prepared vanilla frosting

Red cinnamon candies

Miniature marshmallows

Preparation:

1. In a large microwave safe bowl, heat butter and marshmallows at High for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.

2. Stir in vanilla. Stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated. Using lightly buttered spatula, press into buttered 3.5 L (13 x 9″) pan.

3. Allow mixture to cool slightly. Using a round cookie cutter, cut cereal mixture into circles. Decorate with icing and candy as desired. Use a dot of frosting to secure the marshmallows and cinnamon candies.

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Making your own gift is still considered by many as the most thoughtful form of giving. When you present a homemade gift, the receiver knows that you took the time to think about their personal tastes and carefully crafted a gift just for them. If you’re unsure of what to make, a guaranteed hit with almost anyone is a tasty dessert that can be enjoyed with friends and family throughout the holiday season.

“If you are baking for a neighbour, babysitter or teacher, getting your children involved in the process is a great way to spend some quality time together in the kitchen,” says Trish Magwood, chef and mother of three. “From picking the recipe to mixing up ingredients and putting on the finishing touches, kids love to get their hands dirty and taste the fruits of their labour!”

To ensure your family has a great time in the kitchen, choose a “kid-friendly” recipe, such as “White and Dark Chocolate Truffles” from www.ricekrispies.ca, that incorporates some familiar ingredients for your young sous chefs.

Rice Krispies White and Dark Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

1 pkg white chocolate chips

50 mL (1/4 cup) butter, softened

250 mL (1 cup) Rice Krispies Vanilla Flavour

300 mL (1 1/4 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation:

1. Melt white chocolate chips and butter in medium bowl in microwave or over saucepan of boiling water. Stir until smooth. Let cool at room temperature about 30 minutes.

2. Form white chocolate mixture into 2.5 cm (1-inch) balls. Roll in cereal, pressing cereal into truffles to coat well. Roll in palms to re-shape balls. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, until firm.

3. Melt semi-sweet chocolate as in step one. Dip prepared balls in chocolate to coat. Lift out with fork, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place on waxed paper lined baking sheet. Let cool about 1 hour.

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