Traditional Christmas Treats 

Perhaps one of the most joyful periods of celebration is heralded by the arrival of Christmas time. It comes as no surprise then that kids are always superbly excited as soon as December arrives and the wonderful day begins to draw nearer. 

There is nothing that children love more than being actively involved and playing at being grown-up. And you can increase their pleasure by allowing the children to prepare treats and food items during this time of merriment. This would also educate them more about food in general, how recipes work wonders and even where the food is from. You can involve your tiny tots and keep the safe by simply doing the slicing yourself or picking an item which can be prepared without a knife. They can then be allowed to determine how much to use and mixing of the ingredients, which they are sure to enjoy. Since it is almost Christmas time let us provide those of you who haven’t finished their baking as yet with some simple recipes which your loved one are sure to love and are just right for the budding festive chefs of your household. 

Brownie Unprepared 

1/2 a cup of cold milk 
1/2 a teaspoon of salt

1/2 a cup of butter

6 teaspoons of cocoa

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of shredded coconut

1 teaspoonful of vanilla

2 cups of quick oatmeal 

How to prepare:

Take the sugar, butter and the milk and boil them together in hot water for about 2 minutes. Add the oatmeal, cocoa, coconut and the vanilla to this and don’t forget to add salt. Pour this onto a square-shaped baking pan after lining it with paper that is waxed and cool it in the refrigerator. Serve cold after making small square shapes out of it.

Squares a la Peanut Butter Style 

5 eggs, beaten (or 1 carton liquid egg replacement, well shaken)

1/3 cup corn syrup

3/4 cups brown sugar

3 cups Graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

2/3 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons corn starch

1/2 cups coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate

1/2 cup chopped unsalted peanuts

2 cups mini marshmallows 

How to prepare:  
First the oven should be preheated to 350°F. After this take a dish which is approximately 9"x13" and line it carefully with aluminum foil. Take extra care to prevent the sides from being exposed. Once that is done the cracker crumbs and butter are to be mixed properly and laid carefully on the base of the dish that you have readied. After baking this for 8 minutes, put it away. Now it is the turn of the sugar, corn syrup, eggs and cornstarch to be mixed and then kept aside. Drops of peanut butter should then be poured at random on top of the crust you have readied. On the base, disperse the peanuts, chocolates and marshmallows in an even manner and then pour the blended mix of eggs over the rest of the items laid out on the crust. Bake for half an hour until it turns a shade of golden. For liquid eggs though you will have to bake for 40 minutes.  
Serves 30 people. 
 
 
The Pudding made during Christmas is yet another hot favorite with everyone and is much appreciated in many a country and especially in the Irish and English homes. The conventional pudding also has a lengthy and charming history attached to it.

According to older conventions the Sunday which comes five weeks before Christmas is when the pudding ought to be made. Therefore the day is called ‘Stir-Up-Sunday, especially as much stirring is delightfully indulged in by the family members, especially the younger ones. Entire families look forward to this and each one takes turns at stirring and also make a wish as they do so.

This pudding, consumed as part of the dessert during Christmas is popularly called Plum Pudding, especially in the British and Irish dinner tables. Recipes are inherited by the younger generations from their elders and everyone takes care to zealously guard their recipes since these often vary between two or more families.