Christmas Baking Gift

Come close, my babies.  OMT has a tale to tell: A Christmas Crack Fairytale

Once upon a time, six years ago to be exact, My sister-in-law made us a Christmas surprise that at first glance seemed nothing more than a healthy snack of nuts and raisins.

~YAWN~

When I looked upon it, I may or may not (totally may) have rolled my eyes.

I don’t want your healthy snack, madam!  Nay!  Not when there are chocolate Santas that need my attention!

I immediately advised Husband that he could have it…ALL.

Christmas Snacks

As far as a Christmas snack, this one looked suss. Yet, so you do not think me entirely rude, I am always grateful for whenever anyone thinks of me and offers me a gift.

Southern Manners

Then, for some odd reason, perhaps it was my Southern politeness kicking in (Yep, I have some of that.), I decided to at least taste the twigs and roots mishmash, so that I might thank her accordingly.

What happened next, I can only explain thusly: I went blind as I spoke to the angels, declaring my sin of poor judgement, because that taste…that marvelous melding of flavor, that unexpected Hallelujah chorus…made me sorry I had acted rashly in my offer to Husband.

I quickly withdrew my generosity and advised him we would be sharing.

Spiced Cranberries And Almonds

The concoction, formally known as a Sandra Lee recipe named Spiced Cranberries and Almonds, but since renamed (by me) Christmas Crack, was one of the best homemade gifts I’d ever received.

Printable recipe below

Christmas Crack

Ingredients

• 3/4 stick butter (6 tbsp)
• 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 cups Craisins
• 3-4 cups almonds/pecans
• 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in spices.
2. Take off flame.
3. Add nuts, Craisins and coconut flakes. Stir to coat all ingredients well.
4. Spread mixture on a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
6. Transfer to bowl when cooled and serve.

NOTES

* Store in airtight container with lid.

* OMT assumes no responsibility for any addictive behavior stemming from eating Christmas Crack.

Christmas Cracker

I know there is a recipe for what is called a Christmas Cracker, but this delicious snack should never be confused with that otherworldly crack.

Get yer crack straight!

Christmas Treats For Gifts

Aka, Christmas Crack. Please note this post. QUICKLY, dear friend!

When my sweet s-i-l discovered that I had renamed her recipe Christmas Crack, she was horrified.

She’s a proper woman, you see; she would never use such language.

I tried explaining my coarseness and told her that it meant I couldn’t live without it, that it’s addicting on first sample, that it’s all I think about.

She remained horrified, but also weirdly complimented (my family = they’ve learned to live with me).

Christmas Goodies

Many these days are resisting the DIY food gifts, but sister, BROTHER!, please reconsider this recipe for the best homemade holiday gift.

I say holiday, but really it’s an any day gift.

Listen to me, my babies: if you have a disagreeable neighbor, a pinched-faced boss, a distant family member that you want to win over, or you just want something wonderful for yourself, THIS IS THE GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION (um, Valentine’s Day is a’comin’).

When the recipients of your generosity turn into blue birds of happiness because of your Christmas Crack gift, you can thank me with an extra tin left on my porch.

Continue to Content

A Christmas Crack Fairytale

Yield: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

A delicious holiday snack of spiced almonds and cranberries.

Print

Ingredients

• 3/4 stick butter (6 tbsp)
• 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 cups Craisins
• 3-4 cups almonds/pecans
• 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in spices.
2. Take off flame.
3. Add nuts, Craisins and coconut flakes. Stir to coat all ingredients well.
4. Spread mixture on a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
6. Transfer to bowl when cooled and serve.

Notes

* Store in airtight container with lid.

* OMT assumes no responsibility for any addictive behavior stemming from eating Christmas Crack.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6-8 Serving Size: 1 of 8
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 576Total Fat: 39 ggCholesterol: 23 mgmgSodium: 9 mgmgCarbohydrates: 53 ggFiber: 10 ggSugar: 37 ggProtein: 12 gg

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

Original Post: September 18, 2018 ~ Updated Post: December 11, 2024

Deliciousness

SOOOO GOOOD!

One more thing.

If I had happened across this recipe on my own, I would have dismissed it, DISMISSED IT!, because:

#1) I’m not a fan of Craisins (blech)

#2) it includes coconut

While I’m a big fan of the c-nut, many people aren’t.

The thing is neither Husband or I knew it was in our mix.   I emailed s-i-l to ask why she had omitted the coconut.  She hadn’t; it was in there.

Somehow in the cracky mix of nom, it worked.

No, go on.  Git.  Make a batch and give it to someone you need to impress, or that you want to trick into marriage.

Seriously, it’s that good.

Thus ends our Christmas Crack Fairytale!

If you’d rather not try this recipe (W-H-Y?!), I gotcha covered.

Christmas Food Gift Ideas

The Classic Gingerbread Cookie

Of course this recipe comes with a story. What would OMT! be without the fun, kooky, backstories?

Just know this: these cookies are fun for the kiddos to make and decorate, and you may or may not want to hide a few for yourself.

Chocolate Bomb Cookies

While these are not traditional Christmas cookies, they are one of E’s favorites.

The best part, after the chocolate explosion in yer mouth? The dough is eggless, meaning you can put it in ice cream or eat it right out of the bowl.

Kids (you and me!) love that stuff!

Natural Peanut Butter Cookies

Again, not a traditional cookie offering, but sooo good.

Simply decorate them with Christmas sprinkles and BAMMO! a Christmas cookie.

Captain Crunch Bars Made With Oops All Berries

I make no apologies for these bars. Food Police be damned!

They are a Rice Crispy treat take-off and the kiddos love them.

You could use your favorite holiday cereal for sure, but these are yum!

The Best Pear Butter Recipe You’ll Ever Make

This is a great hostess gift and incredibly easy to make. Throw all ingredients into your Crock Pot, then blend when done. Pour it into a beautiful jar and viola! you’re the hit of the season.

It’s delicious and nutritious.

Happy gift giving!

I could link every amazing recipe I’ve posted, but I think these will get you started for a Christmas baking gift.

Honorary placement goes to Spicy Pretzels, The Best Cheeseball Recipe, and a Cake Filling that you can customize with crumbled cookies for a holiday dessert table dip.

If you try any of these, please come back and let us know what you think!

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