NEW Welch’s Christmas Fruit Snacks are a great one for Christmas baking this holiday season! I recently participated in A Welch’s Fruit Snacks Christmas Challenge and decorated Christmas cookies with fruit snacks!

As you may have read, I also suggested them as a Stocking Stuffer this holiday! There are so many different ways you can decorate goodies this holiday bu using Welch;s Christmas Fruit Snacks. They are also great for putting on top of cupcakes!

Look for them at a store near you this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. 

The holidays are the perfect time for friends and family to gather and celebrate the festive season, but cooking for a crowd can often be difficult. This year, skip the hassle and prepare tamales for all of your guests using an IMUSA Tamale Steamer! IMUSA steamers have a large capacity and are extremely durable, allowing you to cook large-batch foods such as tamales, lobster, mussels, corn on the cob and more.

With recipes like George Duran’s Pumpkin Pie Tamales, Aaron Sanchez’s Tamales de Mole Amarillo, and Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Tamales, your guests are sure to find a flavorful option to enjoy.

Pumpkin Pie Tamales
George Duran for IMUSA

Ingredients

• 40 To 60 dried corn husks
• 7 Cups maseca corn flour
• 3 Cups packed brown sugar
• 2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 Teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 29-ounce cans of pumpkin puree
• 4 Sticks of butter, melted
• 2 Cups of warm milk
• 2 Cups of walnuts, chopped
• 12 Ounces of raisins, a
• About 2 1⁄2 cups Fresh white cheese/queso fresco (optional)

Preparation

1. Fill a large bowl with warm water and soak corn husks until softened, about 30 minutes.
2. In an extra-large bowl add Maseca corn flour and the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix together making sure that all of the clumps are broken up with your fingers. Then add all of the wet ingredients and once again, use your hands to mix the corn flour. Add more water as needed until you achieve the consistency of peanut butter. Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
3. Assemble the tamales by using a rubber spatula to spread 1⁄2 cup to 1 cup of dough mixture onto the corn husk, depending on the size of the corn husk. The spread should cover about two thirds of the husk, away from the pointed end, making sure you leave some space on each side to fold. Gently fold one side of the corn husk to the other end and fold up the pointed end across. Lay each tamale fold-side down. There should be an open end to each tamale.
4. Once the tamales are folded, fill the IMUSA Tamale Steamer with water just below the fill line and place the steam tray on the rack. Carefully place each tamale standing up on the steam tray without overloading it and bring water to a simmer. Steam with the lid on for 90 minutes.
5. Remove each tamale with tongs and let rest for a few minutes before serving it as a sweet side-dish or with grated queso fresco. MAKES 40-60 TAMALES.

Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Tamales

Ingredients

• dried corn husks, & Corn husk strips (for tying) 25 to 35
• 2 Sticks butter
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 1½ cups sun-dried tomato paste
• 3 (3.25 ounce)Cans of diced green chiles
• 4 cups maseca corn flour
• 24 ounces white sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Fill a large bowl with warm water and soak corn husks until softened, about 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot melt butter under medium heat.
3. Once melted turn off heat and mix in chicken stock, sun-dried tomato paste, and green chiles. Set aside.
4. In an extra-large bowl add the Maseca corn flour and using a wooden spoon, slowly mix chicken stock mixture into the flour. Fold in grated cheese until completely combined.
5. Assemble the tamales by using a rubber spatula to spread 1⁄2 cup to 1 cup of dough mixture onto the center of the corn husk.
6. Gently fold one side of the corn husk to the other end (like a cigar) and tie a knot at the larger end with a thin strip of corn husk. Fold over the other side of the tamale, which will be the bottom end when placed in the tamalera.
7. Fill an IMUSA Tamale Steamer with water just below the fill line and place the steam tray on the rack.
8. Carefully place each tamale standing up on the stream tray and bring water to simmer. Steam with the lid on for 90 minutes. Remove each tamale with tongs and let rest for a few minutes before serving it.

Tamales de Mole Amarillo
Aarón Sánchez for IMUSA

Tamales

• 10 dried corn husks
• 1½ cup masa harina
• 1¼ cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• Amarillo Mole

1. In a large mixing bowl soak the corn husks for 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, add the masa harina and salt and with a whisk, mix well. Slowly add the chicken stock to the masa harina and mix well until a dough-like consistency. Make 10 ping-pong ball size balls of dough.
3. In a plastic-lined tortilla press (both sides), press out each ball of dough to form a 5-inch round. Carefully remove the tortilla, and place a spoonful of amarillo mole sauce, a spoonful of shredded cooked chicken. Fold each side of the tortilla and place in a corn husk length-wise. Secure both ends with a string or part of the husk used as a string, and repeat process.
4. Steam for 30 minutes in an IMUSA Tamale Steamer.

Mole Amarillo

• 3 guajillo chiles, seeded and deveined
• 1 ancho chile, seeded and deveined
• 1 medium onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 5 medium tomatillos
• 2 medium green tomatoes
• 15 black peppercorns
• 7 whole cloves
• 3 large Hoja Santa leaves or 5 dried Hoja Santa leaves
• 3 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons masa harina
• 3 tablespoons water

1. Toast chiles on a griddle. Remove and place in a bowl. Cover with boiling water and let stand for 20 minutes.
2. In a hot cast iron pan, roast the onion, garlic, tomatillos, and green tomatoes. Roast until well charred on all sides. Place in a bowl and let cool.
3. Meanwhile grind peppercorns and cloves in coffee grinder. When the vegetables are cool enough to handle peel off the charred skin and puree them in a blender with the hoja santa leaves, drained chiles, and spices.
4. In hot pot, heat the lard, add the pureed strained sauce, and cook for 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, add the masa harina and water. Mix until well blended. Add this mixture to the sauce and cook for 5 minutes more, until done.

Credit:  IMUSA.

These fist suggestions are perfect for Holiday Travel with little ones!

The next one is a Must for Travel!

Have a little one who is a Mickey or Minnie Mouse fan?

Hold the spills, please! The First Years Disney Simply Spoutless Cups lets little ones drink naturally from anywhere around the rim (just like an open cup!) and automatically closes tight when they stop sipping. So everything within 20-foot radius stays dry. Available in Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. For ages 12 months +. MSRP: $6.99.

Available online at www.Walmart.com

These next ones are perfect for Mom and great for Stocking Stuffers!

Limited Edition Sweet Seasonal Treats!

I love these! They smell so good! My favorite is the Limited Edition Yardley London Toasted Vanilla Bath Bar!

Yardley London helps you get into the gift-giving spirit and prepare for the Holiday season with NEW Limited Edition Indulgent Bath Bar Treats that are not only the perfect gift for a friend, but also a sweet treat for YOU!

Since 1770, Yardley London has created irresistible vintage chic soap bars crafted with pure extracts and essential oils to soothe your mind and body. This winter, Yardley London continues to uphold this tradition with the creation of two new seasonal scents.

The Limited Edition Yardley London Frosted Cranberry Bath Bar combines lush notes of effervescent Cranberry Essence with delicate florals, a happy holiday blend to celebrate the joyous season.  Inspired by pure comfort and joy, the Limited Edition Yardley London Toasted Vanilla Bath Bar, warms your body with delicious notes of indulgent Vanilla Bean Essence, evoking memories of just baked vanilla sugar cookies.

Like all Yardley London bath bars, these naturally moisturizing Holiday soaps combine skin nourishing ingredients and lush fragrance for a sweet seasonal treat.

Availability: Drug and Grocery Stores nationwide.

SRP: $1.00

Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this post. Photos were provided.

The holiday time is the best time for baking with the kids! Our friends at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas have provided us with some great safety tips and a really delicious holiday recipe!

Here are some great tips:

Following are some tips to make baking with children, whatever the skill level, a great family activity:

• Focus on Safety First: Wash your hands before you begin and in between tasks, especially when working with raw eggs. Make sure your preparation area is clean and uncluttered. Share tasks like cutting or stove top cooking depending on the age of your children and avoid burns by keeping pot handles turned in and having a parent remove food from the oven.

• Incorporate Math Skills: Teaching children how to read a recipe is a great way to introduce math concepts. Start with simple number recognition for the youngest in your group. Older children can double a recipe for an addition equation challenge and have more baked goods to share.

• Make it Fun: For many adults and children, the basics of baking are brand new. Remember to compliment your children as you make something new together, and to be patient and approach baking with a sense of humor if your first cake is a flop.

I really like Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and use them in many of my baking recipes especially cookies!

Here is a delicious holiday recipe from our friends, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas:

Chocolate Toffee Brookies

Cookie Dough (bottom layer)
1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup toffee bits

Directions for Cookie Dough
Coat 2 light-colored non-stick cupcake tins with cooking spray; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, add butter, sugars, vanilla extract and toffee; beat to combine.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture and beat to combine, dough will be crumbly.
Place a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough in the bottom of each cup and lightly press; set aside.

Brownies (top layer)

1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa (Dutch processed)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur
1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Chocolate Extract
2 eggs
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Directions for Brownies
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together; set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, add butter, sugars, coffee liqueur, vanilla and chocolate extracts; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two additions, beating well after each addition. Fold in the chocolate morsels.

Spread a heaping tablespoon of the brownie batter on top of the cookie dough.

Refrigerate both tins of Brookies before baking for at least 2 hours. For best results, bake one tin at a time on the center rack in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Bake until done, about 20 minutes.

Makes 24

I received a 2-ounce bottle of Nielsen-Massey Pure Chocolate Extract and I tried this recipe and it was a hit with our family! I think you will love it too!

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Photos and info were also provided.

It’s that time of the year! Time for Holiday baking and I love baking cookies!

It’s a tradition that has followed me since I was a little girl!  I used to bake cookies with my Mom and used to bake cookies with my son. Now, that he’s a teenager he mostly just helps by eating the cookies. But, it is still a favorite thing for me to do. My favorite is to bake gingerbread and sugar cut out cookies.

I have new Mixing Bowls this year from Trudeau! I just love them! This set of 3 Mixing Bowls are just perfect for holiday baking! My favorite thing is that they have a non-skid base and they also have a pour spout.

You can find them here!

I also love their Set of 5 Measuring Cups!

This cute and colorful set of measuring cups features 5 different sizes with measurements from 1/8 cup up to 1 whole cup for the most essential measuring needs and suitable for both wet and dry ingredients. Innovative stacked design allows the cups to be nested neatly together, while occupying the minimum amount of space. Each cup is constructed of durable, lightweight BPA free plastic. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning at the end of a fun baking party.

I love how colorful they are and that they are dishwasher safe! They brighten up holiday baking time!

The Decorating Pen is a favorite of mine too!

This one is perfect for making faces on Gingerbread men!

Unleash their inner artist with this handy tool that makes customizing favorite homemade treats as easy as writing and drawing with a regular pen. Personalizing baked goods with names and messages or embellishing them with creative designs is a snap with this easy-to-use gadget that customizes cookies, cakes and other home-baked treats. A great gift for holiday bakers –this nifty tool provides decorating and dessert specialization with an ergonomic one-handed design. Includes two interchangeable tips— the smaller one is ideal for coulis and sauces, while the larger tip is perfect for icing. The Decorating Pen stands on its own to keep counters and work surfaces clean and comes apart for easy clean up. Dishwasher safe.                                                                                     

09914053 MSRP $6.99.

Find all these wonderful baking items at https://www.trudeaucorp.com/us_en/

Happy Holiday Baking!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday post. Some photos were provided.

Looking for really cute Journals & Notebooks?

Chic, Affordable And A Timely Reminder Of Faith: Olivia Sophia Stationery is one of my favorites this holiday season!

I received a Pocket Notebook and it is really cute! 

Check this website out!

Olivia Sophia Stationery
Inspirational Paper for the Soul
www.Oliviasophiainc.com

More info: 

When Bridgette Reed learned she was expecting, she knew it was a miracle. She named her daughter “Olivia Sophia,” which means “anointed wisdom.” Shortly after, she founded her business, Olivia Sophia Stationery, a brand built on love and faith.

“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord,” Reed explains. “We live for Him and believe He has blessed us with this great miracle. Our little baby is our inspiration, God is our foundation, love is our destination, empowerment is our goal and faith is our movement.”

Olivia Sophia Stationery products are fun, inspiring and fashionable. They are also affordable. “We believe that anything is possible,” Reed continues. “While you can get a journal from anywhere, we want our customers to be reminded that God is able and anything is possible. There is no mountain too high that you can’t climb and there is no obstacle too tough that you can’t make it through. With God on your side you can achieve anything.”

Bridgette Reed is best known for her self-published book Bold, Fierce and Transformed, featured on FOX Good Day, ABC Good Morning Dallas and a host of other radio, television and print media. It has been sold internationally and in major bookstore chains such as Barnes and Noble and Family Christian Stores.

This is another recommended gift idea!

TUDIA Shock-Proof Cases Make Tough Samsung Galaxy S7 Active Even Tougher for Active & Outdoor Use.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active is called the toughest Galaxy yet, “Shatter-resistant up to 5 feet on a flat surface” (according to Samsung), but if there are protrusions or the surface isn’t entirely flat, the phone could get cracked, scratched, or damaged – so a protective case is essential gear to protect your smartphone investment. The TUDIA MERGE and ARCH shock-proof cases make your Samsung Galaxy even tougher, with dual layer and single layer designs, raised edges, superior materials, precision cut openings, a soft touch, and multiple colors — at a low cost of only $9.90-$12.90 each.

It is durable and easy to put on. I like that it is also lightweight!

Find out more at http://www.tudiaproducts.com/

Looking for a Case for an iPhone?

NewerTech NuGuard KXs Case for iPhone 7, 6 & 6s, Screen Protector for iPhone/iPad:
NuGuard KX case for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: the KX case uses state­-of-­the-­art military-grade X­Orbing Gel Technology to absorb and evenly distribute kinetic energy. This revolutionary technology is engineered into a one-piece design that features a hard outer shell integrated with a soft interior core, providing protection and style at a price you’d pay for a regular case. Incredibly thin at ½”, it protects your iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and other iPhones against accidental drops, impacts, and scratches, while still easily fitting in your pocket.
Price: iPhone 7 $49.99 ($29.99 at most outlets).
iPhone 7 Plus $59.99 ($34.99 at most outlets).

I like that the Case is sturdy and is really good protection for an iPhone!

Check them out here! 

This next one should be in every Women’s stocking!

SABRE Runner Pepper Gel with Adjustable Hand Strap  fits in the palm of consumers’ hands for police-strength protection on the go. This runner favorite offers greater protection at a safe distance, boasting 35 bursts with an increased range of up to 12 feet. Pepper gel virtually eliminates airborne particles and wind blow-back, only affecting the target/person it directly contacts. These benefits make pepper gel ideal for outdoor use, with reduced chances of wind causing the spray to affect innocent parties, including the user. Gel also offers protection at an even safer distance its increased range: Gel reaches 20% farther than pepper spray.

Retails for $12.99

Safety is a real important thing and should be taken seriously! You may just think that it will never happen to you. SABRE has a variety of products that would be great gift ideas!

More info:

About SABRE:

SABRE, the no. 1 pepper spray trusted by police and consumers worldwide, is family owned and operated with four decades of experience and is the leading brand in personal safety. The company’s law enforcement grade pepper sprays provide consumers with the same superior quality chosen exclusively by the New York Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and law enforcement agencies worldwide. SABRE has trained 3,500 officers around the globe on the use of force and how to use pepper spray. SABRE also has a line of consumer personal alarms and home security systems, and is dedicated to educating its customers. SABRE’s Personal Safety Academy is available through certified instructors around the world to help teach personal safety skills to SABRE users. Learn more at http://www.sabrered.com, on Facebook at ‘SABRE-Security Equipment Corporation’, on Twitter @SabreRed or on Instagram @SabreSafety.

This next one would be a hit in your Children’s Stockings!

NEW Welch’s Christmas Fruit Snacks.The Welch’s Christmas Fruit Snacks is the perfect stocking stuffers as it comes in specially designed 4-count boxes. The snacks are the perfect additional to any gift, with the fun holiday themed boxes. My son has been quickly going through the box that we received!

Look for them at a Retailer near you!

More info:

• Made with REAL Fruit
• Fruit is the First Ingredient
• 100% DV Vitamin C
• 25% DV Vitamins A & E
• Fat-Free
• Gluten-Free
• No Preservatives
• 4ct box with 0.9oz. pouches / $1.00

The next one is a great one for a new parent or a girlfriend who is going to be a mom soon!

Babytime! has the first ever body powder to soak up extra moisture while supporting the skin’s natural probiotic system. Silky Powder is enriched with sweet wild rose for a soft touch and delectable smell! It smells really good!

You can find it here and it is under $15!

Do you know someone who suffers from pain? The holidays can be a difficult time!

How about a stocking stuffer from Santa that is filled with Salonpas? This is sure to reduce pain and may foster holiday cheer! A new, cost-effective solution for pain management awaits aching sufferers with the launch of the maximum strength, unscented Salonpas Lidocaine 4% Pain Relieving Gel-Patch.

The  Salonpas Lidocaine 4% Pain Relieving Gel-Patch, Salonpas Pain Relief Patch and Arthritis Pain Patch which are the only FDA-approved OTC pain patches, Salonpas Pain Relieving GEL-Patch HOT,  Salonpas Pain Relieving Jet Spray and the Salonpas DEEP Relieving Gel would be perfect in a Stocking!

Find all their products at http://salonpas.us/

Also check out the Salonpas  blog, with new articles featuring world-class experts each Monday that offers expert advice on pain management, holistic living and wellness.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above products to facilitate this feature. Photos and info was provided.

There’s a new paper towel in town and it’s name is Ora! 

Ora is the first all-around paper towel that features a modern, compact stacking system, allowing you to grab a single sheet with just one hand. This is actually pretty cool! At first, I was worried and was thinking one sheet won’t be absorbent enough and that I would have to grab a bunch. Well, so not true! They are durable and do not rip easily and they are very absorbent!

Another really cool thing is that they are Eco-Friendly! This innovative stacked design has no cardboard inner tube. You basically get more sheets when compared to the traditional roll. You also don’t have to worry about recycling the cardboard tube.

Now, where would you find Ora? I know….you are thinking…”Have I seen it at a local store?” Ora launched in November exclusively at participating Target stores across Texas. I know! This is California and not Texas but they are also available online at Target.com. Ora is avalable for purchase in single, double or triple packs and retails for $2.99 (single), $5.49 (double) and $7.99 (triple).

For more information on Ora, please visit www.ora-homeusa.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received and any opinions expressed are my own. Photo was provided.

Looking for a Healthier Snack option this Holiday season? Gaslamp Popcorn is always a hit with me! One of my favorite flavors is their White Cheddar! I also like their Malibu Mix….yum!

But, another thing you can do is make Popcorn Balls this Holiday season!

I actually tried this out with Gaslamp Popcorn!

I basically used  corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners’ sugar and marshmallows…and Gaslamp Popcorn of course. I actually used the Kettle Corn Gaslamp Popcorn for mine.

How would you make your Popcorn Balls? Share your recipe!

Happy Holidays!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. I did purchase different flavors to make the recipe. Photo Credit: Gaslamp Popcorn.