Homemade Popcorn Seasoning

It's New Year's Eve and as new parents Dave and I will likely go to bed before the ball drops, but then Logan will probably wake us up so we'll be able to watch anyway. Otherwise, if we get a nap later today, we might stay up and watch a movie before ringing in the New Year. We love to cuddle up on the couch, watch movies and eat popcorn. Dave has been through a number of popcorn makers over the years--not because the machines don't work, but because he makes so much that they just wear out. To add a twist on the flavor for our popcorn, I made these homemade popcorn seasonings, which I also made into gifts for our friends Rachel and John who also love popcorn. The Cheesy Garlic flavor is a great twist on regular cheese popcorn and the Mexican Hot Chocolate is a fun, sweet option for a traditionally salty snack.

Homemade Easy Bake Oven Mixes

Did someone you know get an Easy Bake Oven from Santa? Or are you completely grossed out by how much the mixes cost to churn out goodies from the Easy Bake Oven? My niece Abi asked for more mixes for Christmas so I decided to stock her up with three different mixes, each good for several batches, and recipe cards explaining how to turn these homemade mixes into tasty cookies and cakes. I opted for chocolate chip cookie mix, chocolate cake and funfetti cake mixes, so Abi will have some variety. Since Abi is a frequent visitor to this blog, I had to wait until after she opened her gifts to post these recipes so as to not spoil the surprise. But now she'll have these recipes to replenish her supply after she's treated everyone to plenty of cake and cookies.

Cranberry Upside Down Bread

While most of your holiday activities might be over, there's always a reason to whip up a quick bread and this one is still seasonally appropriate. I think it would be perfect for New Year's Day brunch, although I've been sneaking pieces just because. This tender bread has a lovely vanilla flavor with a hint of orange and the cranberries really provide some tartness and tanginess, making every bite delicious. It's a really simple recipe and I was able to make it with a baby strapped to my chest in the Ergo carrier--nothing like a cozy baby snuggled up next to you and having your hands free to bake.

Merry Christmas!

If you follow me on Facebook, then you saw my announcement that Dave and I welcomed our little boy, Logan, two weeks ago. He's definitely the best Christmas gift and the only thing I asked for this year. We're all healthy and happy, though a bit tired. Little does Dave know that in a few years he'll lose his title as First Lieutenant in Charge of Sprinkles to a younger, cuter helper.

Thank you to all my loyal readers for the support, comments and blog love this year. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas full of cookies, goodies and everything wonderful.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

Soft Pretzel Bites

Sometimes you just need a snack that's salty, soft and pairs well with mustard. Enter these soft pretzel bites. They make the perfect appetizer, game day treat, or really just an excuse to eat salty pretzels. You could easily turn this recipe into regular full size pretzel twists, but I made them into bites when I took them to two different parties and they were a big hit. Just the right size to have a few but not be committed to a huge pretzel. Although I probably popped enough of these delicious and doughy snacks to qualify for a huge pretzel, but that's not the point and really who's counting? As bites, these do take a bit more time, but they certainly aren't complicated. And the dough is super easy to make. Get ready for New Year's Eve or playoff football with these awesome treats.