You better watch out, you better not cry, here are some simple Christmas appetizers and treats that you can surprise friends with over the season.

 

Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprint

Recipes by Dee

The thumbprint cookies mixed within Raspberry and Almond is a great way to start your family night on Christmas! Whether having them as an desert after or just simply snacking, this will be your perfect choice. There's nothing better than enjoying these tasty thumbprint at your quality family night. Hands on recipes and easy to learn.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

3/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon milk

 

STEPS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until smooth. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Mix in flour until dough comes together. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Make a small hole in the center of each ball, fill the hole with preserves.

3. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute on the cookie sheet.

4. In a medium bowl, mix together the confectioners' sugar, 3/4 teaspoon almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle lightly over warm cookies.

 

Cranberry Dip

Recipe by: ELIZRA

The color of the Cranberry dip is usper festive that  would make a nice addition to any snack or appetizer table at your next Christmas occasions/parties!!

Ingredients:

1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries

1 cup white sugar

1 cup apricot jam

1 cup chopped pecans

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

 

Steps:

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Combine cranberries with sugar in a 2 quart baking dish with a lid, stirring well to coat all the berries. Bake in the preheated oven, covered, for about 30 minutes, until the cranberries pop and release their liquid.

3. Remove from oven and stir in the apricot jam and pecans. Refrigerate overnight to blend the flavors. To serve, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature, and pour dip over the block of cream cheese on a serving dish. Serve with buttery round crackers or small pretzels.

 

 

Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts

Recipe by: Chef John

Who doesn’t like holiday Brie by your side during the winter time? Good food, good mood!  Baked goods are not nutrients and calories. It’s about sharing. It’s about caring. It's about family. And the Baked Stuffed Brie definitely is a combination of all of the above.

Ingredients:

1 small wheel of brie (about 6 to 8 inches), chilled

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed, plus extra for (optional) design

1 egg, beaten with

1 teaspoon water

Step:

1. Cut directly in the middle of the brie. Using a long piece of string, wrap the string around the brie on the newly made cut. Loop one end of the string over the other. Then pulling the ends of the string in opposite.

2. Press the dried cranberries on one cut side of the brie, and walnuts on the other. Quickly put the 2 sides back together with the cranberries on top of the walnuts.

3. Roll out a thawed sheet of puff pastry. Place brie in center of pastry & Gently pull up edges . Brush the dough with the egg wash thoroughly. Flip the brie over; gently press in the sides to snug the dough against the brie. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

4. Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet. Bake on the center rack in preheated oven until it is browned and leaking cheese, about 20 minutes. SERVE!!