Christmas Delight Recipes

CHRISTMAS DELIGHT

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients into a large pot or container.
• Tie cloves and cinnamon into cheesecloth and add to wine mixture.
• Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Remove and dispose of spice bag.
• Can be served hot or cold with an orange slice, if desired.

FROZEN PEPPERMINT DELIGHT

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into an ungreased 13x9-in. dish. Spread ice cream over crust; top with whipped topping. Cover and freeze until solid. May be frozen for up to 2 months. , Just before serving, drizzle with hot fudge topping and sprinkle with peppermint candy.

TURKISH DELIGHT

Steps:

• Oil a shallow square metal or silicone baking tray, about 18 x 18cm. Put the sugar in a pan with the cream of tartar and 500ml water and heat gently at first, stirring so that the sugar melts. Then, turn up the heat and boil for 10-15 mins until the mixture is a little more syrupy. If you have a sugar thermometer, it should reach 115-118C.
• Stir the cornflour into 150ml water, then, whisking all the time, pour it into the sugar syrup. Keep whisking, until everything combines to make a smooth, gloopy mix. Take out the whisk and start to stir with a spatula or spoon over a medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture is thick enough to see a clear line drawn through it with the spoon and it starts to leave the sides of the pan. It will be very thick and make big bubbles that burst as it cooks, so be careful. This can take up to an hour. Test the mix by dropping a small amount into very cold water; it should form a ball that can be pressed gently when cold and that will feel a little springy.
• Stir in the rosewater or rose syrup and the food colouring, if using, then pour everything into the tray and level the top. Leave to cool and set completely. Sieve some cornflour and icing sugar together over a board and carefully turn out the Turkish delight. Cover it with more icing sugar and cornflour and cut it into cubes with a sharp knife. Dust with yet more of the icing sugar mixture and move the pieces apart so they can dry. Can be stored openly or in small cardboard boxes or bags for up to 1 week.

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS RAISIN DELIGHTS

Steps:

• To Make The Dough: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together; set aside.
• Cream the butter with 3/4 cup of the brown sugar and the white sugar. Beat in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Mix at high speed for 2 minutes, then reduce speed and gradually blend in the flour mixture. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 3 hours.
• To Make Raisin Filling: Grind the raisins. In a medium saucepan combine the ground raisins, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup water, salt and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the water and mix until smooth. Add to the raisin mixture and continue to simmer until thick. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, stir in the chopped nuts.
• Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2 3/4 inch rounds. Place rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Place a heaping teaspoon of the raisin filling on the cookie round and top with another round. Crimp the edges closed.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on sheet until just barely warm.

CHERRY DELIGHTS

Steps:

• Mix margarine and sugar until fluffy.
• Stir in Karo syrup and egg yolks; mix well.
• Mix in flour.
• Chill.
• Roll into 1 inch balls.
• Dip into slightly beaten egg whites and roll in chopped nuts.
• Place on greased cookie sheets.
• Press candied cherry halves into centers.
• Bake in 325 degree F oven for 20 minutes.