No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

I am not a huge dessert person...unless it's apple pie!! And I really don't like the traditional cheese cake. It is wayyy to rich for me. But the no bake kind is pretty amazing!! And super easy to make. I decided to make one for our annual Christmas Eve potluck with my mom's side of the family.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups graham wafer crumbs
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 package of cream cheese (250g), softened

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1 tub Cool Whip
- 1 can cherry pie filling (or any kind you feel like making!)

Directions:
1. Spray pan with Pam
2. Mix wafer crumbs with melted butter and press down in pan
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar. Add Cool Whip and put on top of crust
4. Top with cherry pie filling
5. (Optional) Sprinkle with wafer crumbs

Cookie Balls

I made two treats yesterday during our baking day. I also make these super easy cookie balls that I am going to give to my neighbour. I saw them in the Kraft Foods Magazine. You can decorate them any way you want; crushed cookies, sprinkles, candy canes, icing, etc. You could also dip them in white chocolate, caramel, mint chocolate…The combinations are endless!

Ingredients:

-          350g of cookies (I used Chips Ahoy! But Oreos would also be good)

-          250g cream cheese, softened

-          1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Process the cookies in a food processor and save 1 Tbsp for decorating
2. Mix remaining crumbs and cream cheese and shape into 1 inch balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate chips over medium-low heat. Dip balls in chocolate and place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.
4. Decorate as desired and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Crispy Holiday Treats (also known as Peanut Butter Balls)

I love being home on maternity leave!! Not only do I get to spend every day with my little man, I also get to spend time with friends! We had another baking day yesterday, (although I opted for no-bake desserts) and then 5 of us mommies went out for a baby-free dinner! It was such a great day! You can read all about it over on my friend's blog :)

A couple years ago my sister in-law introduced me to these Crispy Holiday Treats (aka Peanut Butter Balls). They are spectacular!!! I absolutely love them!! So much so, that I usually give them as Christmas gifts! I put the ingredients in a mason jar and attach a recipe. My favourite Christmas treat!! I wasn’t going to blog about them, but I have to so everyone can enjoy them J

Ingredients:

-          1 cup icing sugar

-          1½ cup (holiday) Rice Krispies

-          ½ cup dried cranberries (or cherries)

-          ¾ cup chocolate chips

-          ¼ cups chopped pecans

-          1 cup peanut butter

-          ¼ cup butter, softened

-          1 cup coconut

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine icing sugar, Rice Krispies, cranberries, chocolate chips, and pecans.
2. Combine peanut butter and butter in a medium bowl until well blended and add to cereal mixture. Mix well (I use my hands – MUCH easier!)
3. Shape into 1½ inch balls and roll in coconut (I like to put them in little paper cups). Store in refrigerator (makes about 2 dozen).