Readers share recipes for festive treats

Photos by BRANDY CRUZ

We asked our readers … YOU … to submit a favorite holiday recipe for this issue of Tex Appeal. For the next issue, we want recipes of your favorite Valentine’s treats for your loved ones. You may also submit a short story and a photo with your recipe, if you have one. Email recipes to editor@texappealmag.com by Dec. 13.

Mock Toffee

Submitted by Tonya Warren

This is a simple, but delicious recipe that I have to make every year because my daughter always says, “It just wouldn’t be Christmas without your toffee!” I always cave.

Ingredients
2 sticks butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 sleeve saltine crackers
1 large bag milk chocolate chips
Chopped pecans or Christmas sprinkles, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan with foil, even on sides, and spray foil very well with nonstick spray. Line pan with saltines (salt side up), and pack together so sides are touching. Melt 2 sticks butter and sugar, stirring frequently, until frothy on medium high heat.

Pour over crackers. Spread evenly.

Bake for 10-12 minutes (or more, depending on your oven) until slightly brown.

Take out of oven, and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top and allow the chocolate to melt. Carefully spread the melted chocolate evenly over warm crackers. Sprinkle pecans or Christmas sprinkles on top, optional.

After fully cooled, break apart and store in an airtight container.

Note: I’ve found higher quality milk chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli, melt much easier than store-brand chips.

To prevent the toffee from melting, keep it cool.

I like to give this toffee in small decorative gift bags tied with festive ribbon.

Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

Submitted by Bruce Caldwell

This is a perfect fall/winter dessert, and both kids and adults tend to love it. Grab a bowl and turn on your favorite holiday movie or break out your favorite board game.

Ingredients
1 1-ounce box of vanilla pudding
1 cup of milk
8 ounces of whipped cream
4 Snickers bars, diced small
4 Granny Smith apples
Caramel sauce (squeeze bottle)

Directions
Combine pudding and milk until smooth. Add whipped cream, Snickers and apples to pudding mixture. Squeeze caramel sauce over the top for presentation purposes.

You can make this healthier by using sugar-free pudding, sugar-free whipped topping and Russell Stover sugar-free Snickers. I like to also add protein powder so it’s even more guilt-free.

Ham and Egg Breakfast Cups

Submitted by Jacob Cruz

This is an easy meal for Christmas morning. Breakfast can be baking in the oven while your family opens presents. Then everyone can gather around the table and enjoy a hearty breakfast while waiting for the big Christmas dinner.

Ingredients
1 package of thin-sliced ham (can substitute turkey)
Eggs
Shredded cheese (whatever you prefer), optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Directions
Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.

Place two slices of ham inside each muffin cup, crisscrossing the ham. Crack an egg into each cup and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-20 minutes, until your eggs are at the desired consistency.

During the last couple of minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Variations: You could scramble the eggs beforehand and add veggies or seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, diced onions or mushrooms.

Then pour into meat-lined cups and bake.