Ice Cream Bread - 12 Weeks Of Christmas Treats

I can hardly believe it myself, but Christmas is just around the corner. Its exciting, yet scary. In-laws, fancy meals, excessive family time, buy gifts, spreading the finances evenly, wondering when my boys will be enlightened abut Santa Claus, will it be this year? and of course juggling the craziness that comes with all this prep. I always default to baking to calm my nerves.

Not only is required, as there are definitely required and requested holiday treats, but it helps me find my focus. My husband doesn't bake. My kids don't bake. And, those sweet treats aren't going to make themselves. Its me. Mom that has the obligation to make them, and I don't mind one bit! Its one of the rare times I can kick everyone out of the kitchen, sport my pretty apron and sift, stir and mix to my own holiday tunes.

This year I'm determined to keep up with the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats! Its a fresh new treat every week from today until December 11, 2013. That should give us plenty of treats for school, parties and mid-night snacks. ;)

Ice Cream Bread

I first saw this on Pinterest by Brit+Co. It sounded great and so super easy, so I gave it a shot! I read about six or seven other blogs about Ice Cream Bread before I settled on the recipe. Brit+Co's looked amazing! I just wanted something I little more simplistic. It was more dense than I like, so I think I'll add a few mix-ins next time and a nice glaze. This was my modification.

Ingredients:

2 cups premium ice cream, softened (We used Blue Bell, like every good Southern Gal would!) 
11/2 cups self rising flour  

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats

I know, it can't be that time already. Right? Not really, but I like to start planning now.  I've started buying a few gifts.  I'm thinking about making a few more and the sweets treats are just par for the course.

Image from Meal Planning Magic. Thanks!

I tried, yet horribly failed to participate in the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop last year.  But, things are a little calmer and I have a little more time on my hands this fall.  So, I'm thinking I'm going to try again. But don't be mad if you don't get more than 1 week posted.  Just pat my back, tell me I did a good job and there's always next year.

Would you like to sign up and keep me accountable?  You can do so right here on Meal Planning Magic.  Will you share your greatest sweet or savory holiday recipes with me?

12 Weeks of Christmas Treats - Week 7

This week I was inspired by the minor cold front that swept through Houston. It brought great memories of holidays past and many cranberry bliss bars yet to be had. Oz and I put our heads together and come up with an awesome alternative since we both aren't quite ready to make those blissful bars.

Cranberry Almond Bark was in order!!

Ingredients:
6oz Velata Milk Chocolate
16oz White Chocolate Almond Bark

9ozs Dried Cranberries

That's it! So easy.

Now the directions: Warm up the Almond Bark and Velata Milk Chocolate in the microwave according to the directions seperately. Mix 3/4 of the cranberries with the white chocolate and pour into a 8x8 square baking dish. The top with 1/2 of the Velata Milk Chocolate and swirl with a toothpick. Then sprinkle remaining cranberries over chocolate and drizzle more Velata Milk Chocolate over the top. Chill until set and serve!!!

12 Weeks Of Christmas Treats Blog Roll

I'm late. I'm late. For a very important date...

Wait, No i'm just a little behind in jumping aboard the Blog Roll. Six weeks ago Brenda at Meal Planning Magic started her annual 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats Blog roll. I, along with 50+ bloggers (and more joining weekly, like me!!) are baking and cooking up some great treats for the holiday season. We are sharing ideas to get you ready for the holidays. It is a little different from last year in that its not only baked goods, we are also including other treats, candies, food gifts and sweets. Simply any treat that you might share on the holiday table for munching or serving at your holiday parties!

Join in the Baking!!
If you're a blogger, there is still room to join. And if you're not a blogger or just not up for blogging about it, then join us anyway and fill your freezer. Every Thursday from now until December 15th, we will be bringing you lots of new inspiring recipes. Put on your baking cap and collect all those recipes from your recipe box, magazine cuttings, cookbooks or online. Now is the time to make those cookies you've always want to but never found the time. And feel free to make a bar or even a candy.

Here is the link from last week's blog roll. Man do some of those look yummy!!!