There are 3 things that a "required" by my family to make at Christmas time. I just made 3 batches of peanut brittle and 9 dozen bourbon balls as well as 2 doz. molasses crinkles.
1) Peanut Brittle (microwave recipe - super easy and soooooooo yummy!)
1-1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. light corn syrup (Karo)
dash of salt
2 c. raw peanuts
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
Butter a medium sized cookie sheet. Put sugar, corn syrup, water and salt into a microwave proof bowl (I use the large pampered chef classic batter bowl because it has a handle). Stir and cook in microwave for 5 minutes. Add peanuts and cook 12-15 minutes or until syrup is at hard crack stage (300 degrees on a candy thermometer). Stir in butter, baking soda and vanilla. Pour onto buttered cookie sheet. Spread. Let cool and break into pieces. Store in a dry cool place.
2) Bourbon Balls
1 c. vanilla wafer crumbs
1 c. finely chopped pecans
1 c. sifted powdered sugar
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 c. bourbon (or rum)
1-1/2 tbsp. white corn syrup
Powdered sugar, sifted (for rolling)
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Blend bourbon and corn syrup. Add to dry ingredients and mix well. Form into small balls. Roll in sifted powdered sugar. Chill.
*Freeze or refrigerate balls before rolling in powdered sugar for best results.
3) Molasses Crinkles
Recipe courtesy of Ms. Betty Crocker herself.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/...c-f42830d14f76