To help, there's a brand new cookbook with 300 recipes, such as:

• A sumptuous brunch: Dreamy Orange Waffles, Baked Puffy Cheese Omelet with Peach Salsa, Overnight Blintz Bake or Cheesy Vegetable Quiche.

• Lunch or dinner might include: Slow Cooker Burgundy Stew with Herb Dumplings, Skillet Chicken Parmesan, Oven-Fried Pork Cutlets with Apple Slaw or Impossibly Easy Quesadilla Pie.

• Special sweet treats: Peach-Praline Tart, Fudgy Frosted Brownie Cookies or Impossibly Easy Toffee Bar Cheesecake.

• Take breakfast to the next level: Bisquick, the nation's bestselling convenience baking mix, makes it a snap to prepare Pear'n Ginger-Topped Waffle, Scrambled Egg Biscuit Cups or Carrot-Walnut Coffee Cake.

"The Betty Crocker Ultimate Bisquick Cookbook" (Wiley) offers plenty of stress-free cooking inspiration to make any meal you prepare-brunch, lunch or dinner for Mom or Dad, a birthday celebration or just a get-together of family or friends--a good time.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable.

• Take a nature walk. Bring a book to help you identify birds or wildflowers. Take a picnic lunch.

• Make a scrapbook or collage of your favorite pictures.

• Play a game together. Be sure to choose one in which younger players can compete evenly with older players, such as the Ruckus Card Game, winner of seven toy industry awards, including Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games.

Part of the game’s appeal stems from the quirky graphics (Monkey in a Bottle, Pig in the Attic and the like) and nonstop action that often have players laughing out loud. The game also owes much of its multigenerational popularity to its speed and simplicity.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.funstreetgames.com or call (800) 901-9820.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable. Creating a family cookbook is a great activity for the whole family.

CHOCOLATE SNOWBALL COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

¾ cup packed light-brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup Hershey's® Special Dark® Chocolate Cocoa or Hershey's® Cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons milk

¾ cup finely chopped Mauna Loa® macadamia nuts or almonds

¾ cup Heath Bits 'O Brickle Toffee Bits

Powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Beat butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until blended. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda; add with milk to butter mixture until well blended. Stir in nuts and toffee bits.

2. Refrigerate until firm enough to handle, at least 2 hours. Heat oven to 350° F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely; roll in powdered sugar. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

KISSABLES® CHOCOLATE CANDIES MACADAMIA SHORTBREAD

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

⅓ cup packed light-brown sugar

2½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup coarsely chopped Mauna Loa® Dry Roasted Macadamias

½ cup Hershey's® Kissables® chocolate candy in red, green and white colors

½ cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons milk

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350° F.

2. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in flour and macadamia nuts. Knead mixture until it holds together and can be pressed into a ball.

3. Divide dough into 4 portions. Shape dough on a lightly floured surface into four 10-inch long rolls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make a ¼-inch deep grove down the center of each roll. Cut each roll diagonally into 1-inch slices, but do not separate slices. Press 3 to 4 chocolate candies into groove of each slice.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until surface and edges are lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes on cookie sheet on wire rack. Recut slices; cool completely.

5. Stir together powdered sugar and milk; stir until smooth. If necessary, add additional milk, ½ teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency. Drizzle over cookies; allow drizzle to set.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

For these and other recipes, visit www.hersheys.com.

Something to throw together are these Chocolate Snowball Cookies. While you're at it, give a hug to this recipe for Kissables Chocolate Candies Madadamia Shortbread.

This posting is sponsored by the CookbookFundraiser.com which helps schools, churches, community groups and other groups create community cookbooks that are easy to make and earn money for your organization.

"We are so thrilled with the outcome of our cookbook project. Originally I had thought that we would do the printing of our school cookbook in a traditional way, as I have more than two dozen years in publication production. Another PTA mom suggested finding an online vendor, and after searching the possibilities, I found your site to be the most user friendly and cost-effective solution.

"What we liked most was the ease in allowing folks to enter their recipes directly online. From there, we could go in and edit the entered data to be consistent. And at the time of completion, I could go in and manipulate the recipes to fit the pages, making the most of space and economics! You give so many options.

"The printed project turned out beautifully! Our custom photographs, including the cover, turned out awesome - a real selling point. We got unexpected benefits from extensive media coverage, boosting sales and necessitating a reprint within only a couple of months of our original printing - be sure to order enough up front - the final product has been in serious demand. We made more than $1,500 from our first printing, and expect even more from the 2nd printing. Thank you, CookbookFundraiser!"
- Cheryl Madden Brown, McKee Elementary School PTA, Oakdale, PA

Here is the link to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article Fresh Find: McKee Elementary School Recipe Collection

Way to go McKee!

SNOWMAN AND TREE CUTOUT COOKIES

(Submitted by J. Gottfried from Ohio)

Prep time: 45 minutes

Bake Time: 7 to 8 minutes per batch

Makes: 3 to 4 dozen cookies

Dough

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

1 cup butter OR margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract

1 egg

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Frosting

2 ½ cups powdered sugar

¼ cup water

4 teaspoons meringue powder

¼ cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup

Green food coloring

Assorted decorations

¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

For dough, mix sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until dough is completely chilled.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Divide dough in half. Roll each half ¼-inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into snowman and tree shapes using cookie cutters. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake until edges are light brown, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.

For frosting, beat sugar, water and meringue powder on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4 minutes or until soft peaks form. Add corn syrup; beat 1 minute longer.

Tint half of frosting with green food coloring. Frost cookies with green and white icing. Use melted chocolate to form snowmen's hats. Decorate and let stand until frosting sets.

Corn Syrup Tips

A question often asked is whether corn syrup serves any function in recipes besides sweetening?

Corn syrup serves different functions in different types of products and in recipes. It controls sugar crystallization in candy, prevents the formation of ice crystals in frozen desserts, enhances fresh fruit flavor in jams and preserves, sweetens and thickens relishes. Corn syrup balances sweet and sour flavor profiles, and is therefore an ingredient in many Asian dishes.

When brushed onto baked ham, barbecued meats, baked vegetables or fresh fruit, it is an ideal glaze. Corn syrup helps hold moisture and maintains freshness longer in baked goods. Karo can also be poured over waffles, hot cereal and pancakes. Enjoy most of your favorite Karo recipes with Karo Lite Syrup that has 33 percent fewer calories and no high fructose corn syrup. This new product makes it okay to indulge in that favorite holiday treat or find a new treat that you can make all year-round. For best results in candy and no-bake cereal bars, use original Karo Light or Dark Corn Syrup.

For more recipes and tips, visit www.karosyrup.com.

Cooking with kids is as much about the process as it is about the end result. The idea is to have fun and spend a nice afternoon together.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable.

1) Loyalty Cards: If you don’t have one, sign up for one. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries on sale each week. Never leave the store without swiping your loyalty card at checkout.

2) Electronic Coupons: Online coupon sites such as www.Shortcuts.com let shoppers load coupons onto their store loyalty cards for savings without printing or clipping. Just click the coupons you want and they’re automatically redeemed when you use your loyalty card.

3) Buy One, Get One Free: These buy-one-get-one sales are great on their own, but you can also use one coupon for each item. So if you get two items, make sure to use two coupons.

4) Printable Coupons: Check out coupon Web sites such as www.Coupons.com and www.SmartSource.com, which let you select the coupons you want to print.

5) Favorite Brands: Frequent the Web sites of your favorite brands. You can often find money-saving printable coupons right on the site or you can sign up for special offers by mail or e-mail.

6) Coupons for Sale: If you spot a great sale and want to double up on your savings, go online to a site like www.TheCouponClippers.com, which lets you order coupons for a few cents each.

7) Stack Coupons: Some retailers offer coupons that can only be used at their stores. You can use these coupons along with manufacturers’ coupons on the same product for extra savings. By doubling up, you can sometimes get products for free or nearly free.

8) Double And Triple Coupon Deals: Some grocery stores double or triple coupons and sometimes only on certain days of the week. Check the newspaper for which days they’re multiplied.

9) Rebates & Free-bates: Look for rebates and free-bates, which refund you the full purchase price. You can make money in some cases when you use a coupon and then get a full-price free-bate. Just don’t forget to send in the forms.

10) Money-Saving Blogs: Check out money-saving blogs that share with readers shopping tips and advice as well as coupons, free samples and round--ups of the best deals at the grocery store. Two to check out are www.MoneySavingMom.com and www.CouponCravings.com.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable.

For example, many cooks now prefer using Japanese knives. Believing these knives offer superior cutting performance, some cooks assume that a knife that looks like it's from Japan must also cut well. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

The good news is that sophisticated consumers are learning to distinguish between the look-alikes that don't really cut well and genuine knives that are popular with consumers in Japan.

That's the concept behind a line of cutlery designed and produced in a factory in Japan that has a history of producing quality knives for years.

Called Miyabi, the knives have a modern, Japanese design, inspired by samurai swords and based on the traditional shapes of Japanese knives, but use modern and durable materials. Available in Japan and sold to consumers at leading department stores there, they are now available in the U.S.

To achieve the desired sharpness, traditionally, Japanese kitchen knives were made from the same type of steel that was used to make the katana. Commonly referred to in the West as a "samurai sword," this type of blade, while very sharp, required frequent polishing and care to prevent rust and corrosion.

The new Miyabi knives feature a different steel in each of the four series. All the steels are manufactured keeping true to the traditional features of Japanese cutlery; that is, maintaining the true Japanese edge angles, blade shapes and blade thicknesses. The Miyabi knives are authentic Japanese cutlery at its finest and enable cooks to enjoy scalpellike sharpness in the home.

All Miyabi knives also feature the traditional "D"-shaped handle, which is thought by many to be the key to effortless fingertip control. The 7000 Series handle is made of a new material, Micarta, which forges layers of linen and resin under immense heat and pressure. It has the beauty and elegant look of wood but none of the issues of wood. The 5000S series is made of POM plastic with reinforced fiberglass.

The collection consists of double-bevel-edge knives, similar to Western knives, and also single-bevel-edge knives, which are traditional in Japan.

Now the leading upscale Japanese knives sold in Japan are available to American cooks.

Visit www.zwilling.com to learn more about this company, founded in Solingen, Germany in 1871. It is a global manufacturer, with products sold in more than 100 countries.

Many cooks prefer using Japanese knives because they believe these knives offer superior cutting performance. Shown is the 8" Gyuto knife.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable.

PRIZES: Three Grand Prizes: One Grand Prize will be awarded to the highest scoring Entry in each of the three Entry categories. The Grand Prize consists of a 7 day 6 night trip for two to Paris, France and $5,000 spending money.

One Fan Favorite Prize: A $500 cash prize .

DEADLINE: December 31, 2008

GO TO : http://recipecontests.com/cccmembers/list/deadline.html

Macadamia nuts are a concentrated source of monounsaturated fat, which, when eaten regularly, may help displace sources of cholesterol-raising saturated fats in the diet.

In addition to their great taste, the nuts are cholesterol free and contain important nutrients including protein and fiber. They're also a delicious way to get vitamins such as B6 and thiamine, and minerals including magnesium, copper, selenium, phosphorus and manganese. What's more, research suggests that nuts contain naturally occurring plant compounds, or phytochemicals, which may have health benefits as well.

Here are two recipes you may care to try:

CHUNKY MACADAMIA BARS

¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2⅓ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1¾ cups (10-oz. pkg.) Hershey's® Mini Kisses® Brand Milk Chocolates, divided

¾ cup coarsely chopped Mauna Loa® Macadamia Nuts

Vanilla glaze (recipe follows)

Heat oven to 375°F. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large bowl until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add flour and baking soda; blend well. Stir in 1 cup baking pieces and nuts; press into ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining ¾ cup chocolates. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Drizzle vanilla glaze over top; allow to set. Cut into bars. About 24 bars.

Vanilla glaze: Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl; stir until smooth. About ⅓ cup glaze.

SUPREME CHOCOLATE SAUCEPAN BROWNIES

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

½ cup Hershey's® Cocoa

4 eggs, beaten

⅔ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Hershey's® Special Dark® Chocolate Chips or Hershey's® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

½ cup Mauna Loa® Macadamia Baking Pieces

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Add sugar and cocoa; stir to blend. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs. Stir together flour, salt and baking soda; stir into chocolate mixture. Stir in vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan and begin to crack slightly; do not underbake. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. About 24 brownies.

You can find more information and a variety of recipes online at www.hersheys.com.

Macadamia nuts are cholesterol free and contain important nutrients, including protein and fiber. Plus they make marvelous additions to desserts.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable.

The author says a chili cook-off is the perfect alternative to a formal Thanksgiving dinner or ideal for game day. To check out my ideas for hosting your own chili cook-off and the PlumpJack chefs' tips for making the best chili, read more.

A chili cook-off would also be a great time to get everyone to contribute to a family cookbook.

E-mail your recipe to: recipecontest@frwr.com

First Prize: Get Au$50 CASH deposited into your Paypal account along with $50 worth of exclusive and cool kids clothes from Fat Mummas.

Second Prize: $30 worth of exclusive and cool kids clothes from Fat Mummas.

This month's contest ends at midnight December 31st, 2008.

• Sonoma Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is great for brunch with friends. According to Food & Wine magazine, it is one of the "great value wines" from Sonoma County. The tropical fruit and ruby grapefruit flavors pair wonderfully with breakfast fare and do not add heaviness to the meal.

• For a rich, mineral-flavored wine with vibrant acidity, you may want to try Rodney Strong Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve Russian River Valley. The grapes grown in Russian River Valley are known for award-winning chardonnays and tend to create wines with depth and complexity. Rated over 90 points by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines, it complements a variety of fowl dishes and rich cheeses.

• When the weather is cooling, staying indoors and cooking hearty dishes can be a great way to spend time with friends and enjoy a bold cabernet sauvignon from Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. Cabernet warms up any occasion, even if you're bold enough to venture outside to grill a steak. Find a bottle of Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet and you'll find a wine with aromas of blackberry and cocoa leading to a rich, textured feel.

• Finally, pinot noir is getting a lot of attention these days and there are few places that grow better pinot than Russian River Valley. You can look for Davis Bynum Pinot Noir for a food-friendly wine, full of bright fruit aromas and flavors. Pinot noir is one of the most versatile wines for food and this well-priced pinot can complement hearty pasta or even a holiday dinner.

This season, remember to take time out for all the smaller occasions, whether it's brunch with friends or celebrating the fact that you left your work at the office for once--break out your favorite Sonoma County wine and pour yourself a glass. Every day should be this good. Cheers!

Many people are discovering the delightful versatility of Sonoma County wines this holiday season.

This posting is sponsored by the Family Cookbook Project which helps families and small groups create personalized cookbooks that are easy and affordable.

Thanks for helping to make Family Cookbook Project a growing success. Don't forget to tell all of your friends to help out as well!

For instance, party-planning experts suggest choosing the finger foods and snacks you serve carefully, being certain they complement any beverages you offer. Cheeses are always a classic choice, but consider foods with a seasonal flair as well, such as rum and nut cake and caramel popcorn.

When it comes to beverages, do some prep work ahead of time, such as slicing up a supply of fruit garnishes. Also, be sure to offer guests a variety of nonalcoholic choices, in addition to any cocktails. Remember to encourage only moderate alcohol consumption.

If you're looking for some festive cocktails to match the mood and ambience, consider these unique drinks. They capture the holiday spirit and can be simple to mix:

BACARDI® LIMÓN™

Jingle Bell Hopper

2 parts BACARDI® LIMÓN™

½ part sweetened lime juice

½ part melon liqueur

Pour ingredients over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with cherry.

BACARDI® Party Punch

1 750 ml bottle BACARDI®

Gold Rum

1 L cranberry juice

2 L ginger ale, chilled

8 oz. orange juice

1 oz. lime juice

1½ oz. lemon juice

Extra citrus fruit for garnish

Ice

In large container, combine rum and fruit juices. Chill. Just before serving, pour into large punch bowl. Add ice and gently stir in chilled ginger ale. Garnish by floating orange, lemon and lime slices on top.

Makes 16 cups.

Other stress-reducing tips include cooking well ahead of time and serving on eco-friendly, disposable ware to minimize cleanup.

For more recipes, visit www.bacardi.com.

Jingle Bell Hoppers can be a festive way to raise holiday spirits.

This posting is sponsored by the CookbookFundraiser.com which helps schools, churches, community groups and other groups create community cookbooks that are easy to make and earn money for your organization. Holiday parties are a great time to talk up an cookbook project.