There are some things you just *have to* make at Christmas-time. This recipe is a family favorite, so yummy … plus it makes the house smell amazing!

Mulled Apple Cider

• 1 gal apple cider
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 6-inch sticks cinnamon
• 2 tsps whole cloves
• 2 tsps whole allspice

Pour cider, sugar and juice into a crockpot or large pot on the stove. Turn heat to medium. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice in a piece of cheesecloth and wrap up, tying the top with twine or thread. Place spice packet into cider mix. Bring to a boil, then lower to simmer for half an hour or so. Take out the spice bag and serve. If you are feeling extra decadent, you can top big mugs of this cider with whipped cream and caramel sundae topping. Yum!

There are several recipes for sugared pecans out there, and I knew I needed to try one myself! So here’s our tweaked recipe. Everyone loves them and they are easy shmeasy!

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 16 oz pecan halves
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. allspice
• 1/4 tsp. ginger

Melt butter by placing into crockpot and turning pot on “high” for about 15 minutes. Add pecans and stir to coat. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Place lid on crockpot and allow to cook 15 minutes on high. Remove lid, stir, and turn heat to low. Cook on low uncovered for about 2 hours or until glazed and crunchy.

You’re welcome.

It may be living in Florida.

It may be the five years I spent in snowy, picturesque New England.

It may be childhood memories of winter days with drifts that piled up past our doorway … snow days with no school … building snowmen in the front yard with my little sister.

Whatever the cause, I love snow!

And when this time of year rolls around, the very first batch of official “Christmas cookies” is inevitably these–Snowballs!

Having used several recipes over the years, I’ve discovered there’s a definite variety of results possible! Some come out too dry, others too bland. I’ve done lots of hunting and a little tweaking and now I’ve got my favorite to share with you! It’s buttery and sweet and just the perfect cookie to have with a pot of tea … or hot chocolate.

Family Favorite Snowball Cookies

• 1 cup butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 1 tsp maple flavoring
• 1 tsp vanilla

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour, maple, vanilla and nuts and stir or beat to combine well.

Scoop teaspoonfuls and use your fingers to press together and shape into a ball … it’s just like making a real snowball, right? Note: unlike other cookies, where in most cases bigger is better, snowballs are perfect when just about bite-sized. In fact, if you do try to bite *into* one, you’ll find yourself dusted in powdered sugar so … I suggest little snowballs rather than giant ones!

Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes or until just barely golden. Let cool about 5 minutes, then roll gently in powdered sugar while warm. Then, allow to cool completely–perhaps 20 minutes more–and roll in powdered sugar a second time for a perfect finish!