[cyn]

I am SO embarrassed to admit that my Christmas tradition is . . . trying to remember where all the stockings were stored, lol! We may need to use the Santa hat for one!

I LOVE to sing JOY to the World! I sing it all year long, because it's always true! So if you hear it sung loud and glorious -- lol, it might be me!

I had a nice easy recipe I wanted to share. CHOCOLATE!!!

Easy, tasty brownie-type bars:

1 egg, slightly beaten
1 stick (1/2 c) butter or margerine, melted
1 box chocolate pudding in mix cake mix (can use yellow)

Stir & knead those 3 ingredients (really satisfying, like playing with clay!). Press into 8 x 12 or whatever pan (use greasy fingers or wax paper).

Filling: 1 egg
1 8-oz bar cream cheese
1 16 oz whole box confectioners sugar
1 1/2 c or so chocolate chips

Beat the first 3 ingredients until smooth. Stir in choc chips. Pour over bottom. Bake at 350º for about 20 - 30 min or until light brown over entire surface and 'set'.

AuntB, I've been thinking of you today -- I hope you are well!

[Liz]

Well, that's very inventive....using Santa's hat.....I just hope you didn't confuse poor Santa....LOL.

[Liz]

So you like chocolate.............

RASPBERRY GLAZED TRIPLE-CHOCOLATE CAKE
Good for Christmas or New Years Day brunch.

Beat on low speed to moisten 18 1/2 oz pkg chocolate cake mix, pkg instant chocolate pudding mix, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup dark rum, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 cup veg oil, then two minutes at medium speed. Stir in cup chocolate chips. Pour into 10-inch tube pan, or use 12-cup bundt pan. Bake 50-60 min. Cool in pan 15 min, remove from pan, cool cake on wire rack. Place cake on server.

Prick surface all over with fork, then brush evenly with Glaze made with 10 oz jar seedless raspberry preserves, 1/2 cup dark rum heated together--use it all-- takes a few minutes. Drizzle over Icing of cup chocolate chips, melted smooth with 2 tbl shortening. Then drizzle over Vanilla Icing made with ounce vanilla baking bar melted with tea water.

[AuntB]

cyn,

At the moment, I am simply outstanding and hope your Christmas has been wonderful. We cooked a goose this year...my first time!! It was delicious.