Beth Williamson, author and favorite blogger, shares with us some of her favorite holiday treats. Wonder if a cowboy is on the list…
Don’t forget to check out Beth’s new releases:
The Tribute, 25 Dec 07 – Print release
Devils on Horseback: Jake, 27 Mar 08 -Â eBook release
My 12 Favorite Holiday Treats (in no particular order)
 1. Molasses cookies. My mom used to make these when I was a kid and I make them now. They’re kind of like gingerbread only with a bit more kick and very sweet. If you want the recipe, let me know!
 2. Candy canes. Okay, I’m all for the new-fangled ones like Gobstopper flavors and Jolly Rancher flavors, but I am also a true believer in standard peppermint candy canes. Ya know, when you peel down the plastic and get red stuff on your hands and lips. Oh yeah, I love them – big or small (and hey they can double as a tease for your DH, too 😉
 3. Decorated sugar cookies. Yum, yum, yum. I especially like the ones with gobs of frosting and sprinkles.
 4. Homemade rolls. Another tradition in my house, these homemade knot rolls are scrumptious hot out of the oven with loads of butter.
5. Chocolate covered pretzel rods. A friend of mine introduced me to these about five years ago. So simple to make, but absolutely addicting. The sweet of the chocolate and decorations and the salty of the pretzel. Perfect salty/sweet treat.
 6. Ribbon candy. Remember this stuff? The most beautiful candy treat at Christmas.
 7. Pumpkin bread. I make some really awesome pumpkin bread – very moist with the right bit of spice. Delicious with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
 8. Gingerbread. I made gingerbread this weekend – a dark, sweet treat that’s perfect with a big ol’ dollop of whipped cream. Served slightly warm, of course.
 
 9. Fresh donuts. Okay I don’t make these, Mr. Dunkin’ does, but nothing’s nicer than a calorie laden donut on Christmas morning with hot coffee. I can almost taste the bavarian cream now…
 10. Homemade pizza. A family tradition – we’ve made homemade pizza on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. Everyone gets their favorite toppings and we make individual pan pizzas in my house.
11. Peanut butter cookies. I’ve been making these since I was about 11. I know they’re not very holiday-like, but they are my absolute favorite cookie, and generally speaking, I only make cookies during Christmas time. When polled, my family all voted them their number one cookie to make. Three dozen lasted four days.
 12. Belgian waffles. I make these from scratch with yeast and everything. Strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar and syrup – it’s all included. These come out an inch high and slightly crisp, golden brown. I think I gained five pounds thinking about them. 
What about you? What do you indulge in over the holidays that you don’t usually indulge the rest of the year? What “treat traditions” does your family have?
