Christmas parties and goodies

Here are some pics of our ward Christmas party. Jannika, Kaylee and Ashlyn were angels (they are Kyle's sister Megan's kids). They loved their part. Everything went well with the Nativity, much to the joy of the primary president (me)! Megan is my secretary and she really jumped on the project of making most of the costumes. She is great at it! Thanks, Megan!

Here are some of the goodies we made to take to our friends. The top picture is a chocolate bundt cake that is super easy to make.

1 chocolate cake mix

1 small vanilla instant pudding

1 C water

1/2 C vegetable oil

Mix. Grease bundt pan and coat with sugar. Pour batter in and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

1 yellow cake mix

1 small vanilla instant pudding

1 C water

1/2 C vegetable oil

2 Tbsp poppy seeds

1 tsp almond extract

Mix. Grease bundt pan and coat with cinnamon/sugar. Pour batter in and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

(I actually like the poppy seed one better. It is a really quick and yummy dessert so I try to have the ingredients on hand.)

Soft Sugar Cookies

1 C butter or margarine

2 C sugar

2 eggs

1 C sour cream
1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp soda

4 tsp baking powder

4 1/2 C flour

1/2 tsp salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add the rest of the ingredients. (Best if refrigerated for a while). Roll out on well-floured surface and cut into shapes. Bake at 350 for 14 to 17 minutes.

Easy Yummy Frosting

1/2 C shortening

1/2 C butter

1 tsp vanilla

4 C powdered sugar

2 Tbsp milk

Mix shortening and butter. Add remaining ingredients. Can be used to frost cookies and can be used to decorate with a decorating bag and tips.

This is the only frosting recipe I use! It is soooo good.

One more fun thing I make during the holidays is yogurt pretzels. Just take almond bark and melt it in the microwave. Dip pretzels in and put on a tin foil covered cookie sheet. Enjoy!