Ann Cox Eastes from Kroger made an assortment of food gifts you can make and share with friends and family. (see recipes below). Find more recipes online at www.kroger.com.
HOT CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES
1 ½ c all-purpose flour
½ c cocoa
1 t baking powder
1 t cornstarch
¼ t salt
¼ c butter, melted
2 eggs
1 t peppermint extract
1 c brown sugar
¼ c miniature chocolate chips
1/4 c mallow bits or miniature marshmallows
Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, cornstarch and salt in a mixing bowl and stir. In a separate bowl whisk together the melted butter, eggs and peppermint extract. Stir in the brown sugar to mix. Add the flour mixture and mix to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Place a sheet of parchment paper on the cookie sheet. Drop the cookie dough by rounded spoonful on the baking sheet; flatten slightly. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 9-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before removing from baking sheet. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Yield: 24 cookies
** If giving as a gift assemble ingredients in reverse order. In a quart canning jar place on the bottom of jar the mallow bits and chocolate chips. Top with brown sugar, salt, cornstarch, baking powder and cocoa. Finish the layered ingredients with the flour. Attach the recipe and a bottle of peppermint extract. Most people should have butter and eggs at home to add to the gift for a perfect cookie treat.
BEER CHEESE SPREAD
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 t dry mustard
¼-1/2 t black pepper
¼-1/2 t cayenne pepper
1-2 t Worcestershire sauce
2/3-1 c flat amber beer (lost carbonation) or non alcoholic beer
Place cheese, garlic, mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper and Worcestershire sauce in the bowl of a food processor. Process cheese mixture while gradually adding beer until mixture is smooth and spreadable. Chill in refrigerator for several hours until flavors have a chance to marry. Serve with crackers or vegetables. Yield: about 2 1/2 cups
HOLIDAY PUNCH
1 c orange juice
1 c cranberry juice
1 c mango juice
2 c ginger ale
Bottle of Simple Truth Italia Prosecco Sparkling Wine or Champagne, if desired
Orange slices or thin wedges for garnish
Combine the orange juice, cranberry juice and mango juice in a pitcher or punch bowl; stir to mix. Add ginger ale and sparkling wine or champagne just before serving. Yield: 6 servings
**Other juices can be used such as grapefruit juice or pineapple juice.
For additional recipes check out the Kroger web site at www.Kroger.com
