The Gathering of Friends author, Michelle Huxtable, shares her favorite cookie and sweet treats. You can’t really call it “the holiday season” until your powered your way through a few candy canes.

Almond Cake

1 c. sugar
1 c. flour
2 beaten eggs
½ c. butter, melted
1 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all of the ingredients together and hand mix with a fork as little as possible. Cover with slivered almonds. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Makes 1 pie tin or round cake pan.

Option: You may make ahead of time and freeze. They thaw beautifully.

Peppermint Cake

1 angel food cake
(You can make one or pick one up at your neighborhood grocer)
2 c. whipping cream
½ c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. crushed candy canes

In a chilled bowl whip the cream until stiff peaks appear, fold in sugar and vanilla. Frost the cake and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Helpful Hint: Sprinkle crushed candy cane just before serving or it will dissolve.

Shortbread Cookies

1 c. butter
¾ c. sugar
2 c. flour

Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and gradually add in sugar. By hand, handling as little as possible, fold in flour. If dough is crumbly add 1-2 tbsp. of softened butter. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes.

Using rolling pin, spread to desired thickness (about ¼ inch thick). Cut into desired shape. Bake at 325° for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Frosting:
½ c. butter
1½ tsp. vanilla
3 c. powdered sugar
3 tbsp. milk or cream

Blend all of the ingredients until creamy and frost.

The Mama’s Guide to Christmas Recipes

Christmas. All the things. Are you ready? One of the most exciting aspects of Christmas is the food and treats. We have the recipes we love. The recipes we don’t. We all have our favorites and make no mistake, the foods and goodies we surround ourselves at Christmas time enhance the Christmas spirit and make this special holiday memorable. Today’s Mama wanted to share all of the Christmas recipes, tips, secrets, and hacks we’ve come to love and enjoy. To learn more about why we love Christmas and the foods it brings, check out our extensive guide to Christmas recipes.