Eating Clean 12 Days of Christmas -- Buckeye Bark

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I had mentioned in an earlier post that I'm usually pretty lazy when it comes to baking. Here's a prime example...I love buckeyes and always make them every Christmas. However, I HATE all the ball rolling and dipping involved, so this year, I opted to make Buckeye Bark. Let me tell you, it was so much easier and I think even better than regular buckeyes. A much more even chocolate to peanut butter ratio ;) 






Buckeye Bark
From Live Sigma Kappa

2-1/2 lbs chocolate candy coating
1 (16.3 oz) jar creamy peanut butter
2 c Confectioners’ sugar
8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Melt half of the chocolate candy coating according to the package directions, then spread over parchment paper or a silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet. Spread to a large rectangle, but not too thin – approximately 1/8″ to 1/4″ thickness. Place in freezer to firm up.

In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, Confectioners’ sugar, melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Remove first chocolate layer from the freezer and spread the peanut butter mixture over the top. Return to the freezer and melt the remaining chocolate candy coating. Once that is melted, spread it over the top of the peanut butter layer and freeze until set.

Break up the bark into small pieces using a butcher knife. Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Eating Clean 12 Days of Christmas -- Fudge

My hubby loves fudge, so I always include it in my Christmas cookie baking especially since I've found this amazingly simple and easy recipe. Remember, I'm a lazy baker? :) I love this recipe because you can add just about anything you want...marshmallows, extra chocolate chips, nuts, fruit, etc.

Easy Fudge
From Busy Cooks

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon cream
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, if desired

Place chips and milk in microwave safe bowl. (You can use just the one package of semisweet chocolate chips, or add the milk chocolate chips for a fudge that is slightly sweeter and creamier.)

Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Microwave, stirring at 1 minutes intervals, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth and thick. Stir in butter and cream until combined.

Pour into greased 8" square pan and cool. You can also melt the chips and milk in a heavy saucepan over low heat.

You can add just about anything to this easy recipe. Stir in a cup of chopped nuts, add a cup of marshmallows after the cooking time is done, stir in chopped dried fruit or some white chocolate chips. Have fun with the recipe!

Eating Clean 12 Days of Christmas -- Cutout Cookies

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These are your typical Christmas cutout cookies but clean and all-natural. Bonus, this basic recipe also makes 5 other types of recipes. That's my type of baking...make one dough get six different cookies. Efficiency at it's best :)

Christmas Cutout Cookies
Adapted from Canadian Family
 
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Using a half portion of chilled dough, roll out on a lightly floured surface to ¼" thickness.
3. Using a floured cookie cutter, cut out shapes. Transfer to parchment-covered sheet pan.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Transfer to a wire rack to cool until ready to decorate with sprinkles, icing and candy.
Dough
This recipe makes enough for two batches of cookies, so we suggest that you always divide the dough in half and wrap each separately.

• 2 cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla

1. Combine first four ingredients in a bowl.
2. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in half the dry ingredients, then add what is remaining.
4. Divide dough in half and wrap with plastic wrap until ready to use.

For the icing...
Start with 2 Tablespoons butter and 2 Tablespoons milk in your mixer. Slowly add in powdered sugar and more milk until you reach a frosting consistency.