Fill Your Stockings With Today's Nestle Giveaway

If you were to ask my children or my husband what does Trisha ask each year for Christmas or what does Trisha love most when it comes to getting gifts? They would tell you that I would be happy if the only thing I got for Christmas was a filled stocking. This happiness all begin for me when I was a child - my mom would fill my stocking completely full with special things that I loved, wanted and needed. Each Christmas I could hardly wait to run down the stairs to find my filled stocking and begin taking out each item one by one. Today, I get that same feeling - I can hardly wait to empty my stocking and discover all the surprises that have been tucked in their by my husband and children.



I have since past this same tradition down to my children who often get up in the middle of the night to discover what is in their stocking each year - full of things they want, need and love.



Some of my favorite things to place in my kids stockings are:



Gloves

Socks

Hats

Underwear ( yes my mom did this as well)

Umbrellas

Books

Art Supplies

Make-up / Nail Polish ( teen girls)

Wallets

Gift Cards ( Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Mc Donalds)

Music CD's

Books on CD

DVD's

Video Games

Perfumes and lotions

Small stuffed toy

Favorite Candy and gum

Travel Games

Shampoo, Soaps

Tooth Brush

Hair Accessories

Candles ( teenagers)

Flash lights

Batteries

Nestle' Canes filled with various candies

Sunglasses



What do you fill your Children's stockings with?





Nestle also loves stockings and even has a simple Stocking Making activity



How to Make a Very Special Christmas Stocking

Click Here for complete instruction on this simple Christmas Stocking



As we continue our Nestle Holiday exchange here at 24/7 MOMS we want to help you fill your stocking with our fabulous Giveaway of amazing Nestle products and even some extra $$$ to pay for those special items to fill your children's stockings this year.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away Stocking Stuffers, including WONKA Fun Dip books, a CRUNCH/Paul Frank Basket and a $100 Visa gift card





Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address and what you fill your Children's stocking with.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address and what you fill your Children's stocking with.



US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on December 19, 2010.

Enter your email address:

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Stop by my fellow Blogger moms sites and see their fun Holiday Exchange ideas as well oh,Amanda, Southern Plate, The Mommy Files and Supermom Central they have great giveaways going on as well.



Giveaways sponsored by: CRUNCH^®, WONKA^®



*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

Gifts Kids Create and Give - Nestle Holiday Exchange Giveaway

Are your kids creating gifts for giving this Christmas? Today as we continue our Nestle Holiday exchange of ideas to help you this Christmas season I have some simple, useful and fun to give gifts that kids can make.





Hand soap Featuring kids artwork - Click here for instructions from Giver's Log.





Recipe Dish Towel - Click here for instructions from Wonder Time



Plaster Hand Print -Click here for instructions from Activity Village

Try these 6 easy homemade gift ideas to bond with your kids during the holiday season from Nestle



1. Make candles Click here for Instructions.

2. Make a unique "candy dish" - Click here for instructions.

3. Make homemade ornaments- Click here for instructions.

4. Create a recipe or candy jar- Click here for Instructions

5. Write a poem

Roses are red, violets are blue, anyone can write a poem, but can you? Poems are easy to write if you just have a little bit of time and imagination. Sit with your child and brainstorm ideas for a holiday poem. We'll help you get started:

Easy: Try writing an acrostic poem. Ask your child to choose a word, such as holiday, and write it vertically. Each letter will begin another word that describes the holiday.

Example:

H appy faces in our house

O ffer presents to everyone

L ove is all around

I cicles hang from the roof

D ad lights the fire

A ll the beautiful decorations

Y es, it's the holidays

Intermediate: Try writing a diamante poem. The text forms the shape of a diamond. Ask your child to choose a word, such as winter. Line 1 contains one noun or subject, line 2 contains two adjectives that describe line 1, line 3 contains three -ing words that describe line 1, line 4 contains four nouns - the first two are connected with line 1; the last two are connected with line 7, line 5 contains three -ing words that describe line 7, line 6 contains two adjectives that describe line 7, and line 7 contains one noun antonym for the subject.

Example:





Challenging: Try writing a shape poem. Ask your child to choose a word, such as snowman. Then, make a simple outline of that shape or object. Next, brainstorm a minimum of ten words and phrases that describe that word. Be sure you place those words in the shape of your object.

Example:

6. Spread the holiday cheer- Click here for instructions

Share a favorite homemade gift that you’ve received or an idea for a homemade gift that your kids can give.



As we continue our Nestle Holiday exchange here at 24/7 MOMS we want to help you get started creating gifts with your kid with our fabulous Giveaway of amazing Nestle products and even a Joanne fabric and craft store gift certificate to pay for your needed supplies.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away a “Famous CARNATION Fudge Kit,” a LIBBY Pumpkin Bread Kit and a $25 gift certificate to Jo-Ann Stores for craft supplies.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address,



US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on December 19, 2010.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by feedburner

Stop by my fellow Blogger moms sites and see their fun Holiday Exchange ideas as well oh,Amanda, Southern Plate, The Mommy Files and Supermom Central they have great giveaways going on as well.



Giveaways sponsored by: CARNATION Evaporated Milk, LIBBY’S^® Pure Pumpkin, TOLL HOUSE Morsels



*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

Christmas Brunch Giveaway and Recipes Form Nestle

Each Christmas morning my children arrive down the stairs to our completely wrapped living room. Not only is it exciting for my kids to arrive to a wrapped living room from Santa Clause but it also allows the anticipation to build while we first eat our Christmas brunch together as a family.



Christmas brunch happens to be my favorite of all the Christmas meals not only do I serve recipes from years past but I also like to search out one or two new ones each year. This year I have once again been searching the Nestle websites and have come up with 4 absolutely yummy sounding recipes -two of which I have already tested out ( potato bacon casserole and perfect party mini quiches)and they are perfect for Christmas brunch.



Is Christmas brunch one of your favorite meals? Do you have a tasty and fun recipe that you use each year?







Snow-Capped cinnamon hot cocoa

from Nestle

Potato Bacon Casserole

from Nestle

Perfect Party Mini Quiches

from Nestle













Apple Banana breakfast crunch

from Nestle





Not only do I enjoy serving tasty foods I also enjoy creating a festive and fun brunch table setting that is more kid friendly for my family. Why not get your kids involved in creating your Christmas brunch table setting this year with these Nestle homemade holiday napkins - simple activity from the Nestle Family holiday and celebrations site. Click here to see more fun family ideas.

Homemade Holiday Napkins

WHAT YOU NEED

• White cotton napkins
  
  
• Crayons
  
  
• Iron & ironing board
  
  
• Safety scissors
  
  
• Tape measure
  
  
• Newspaper
  
  
• Pillowcase

HOW TO DO IT

• Decide what images you would like on the napkins. Set out holiday books, magazines and cards to look through for ideas.
  
  
  
  
• Have your children draw their designs on a piece of paper before transferring them onto the napkins.
  
  
  
  
• This drawing can be their template. (Print out our illustration template for additional ideas)
  
  
  
  
• Decide where you would like the design to appear on the napkin and place the template under this area.
  
  
  
  
• Press firmly with the crayons as you draw the image(s) onto the cloth.
  
  
  
  
• Place a newspaper and then a pillowcase over the crayon image you have drawn.
  
  
  
  
• Iron on the pillowcase with a hot dry iron, to fuse the crayon to the cloth.
  
  
  
  
• Your napkins are now ready to part of the Holiday table.

TIPS

• Wash the napkins in cold water so that the design does not fade.

FOLLOW UP FUN

• Your children can make wonderful gifts for friends and family by personalizing aprons, pillowcases and guest towels.
• 
  
  

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As we continue our Nestle Holiday exchange here at 24/7 MOMS we want to get you planning your upcoming Christmas Brunch wit our fabulous Giveaway of amazing Nestle products and even some extra $$$ to pay for your needed groceries.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away a Family Holiday brunch package, including a brunch menu, corresponding NESTLÉ products, and a $50 VISA gift card.



Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address and what you will eat or serve on Christmas morning.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address and what you will eat or serve on Christmas morning.



US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on December 19, 2010.

Enter your email address:

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Stop by my fellow Blogger moms sites and see their fun Holiday Exchange ideas as well oh,Amanda, Southern Plate, The Mommy Files and Supermom Central they have great giveaways going on as well.



Giveaways sponsored by: JUICY JUICE^®, TOLL HOUSE Morsels, CARNATION Evaporated Milk, CARNATION BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™



*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

Holiday Exchange with Cookies and a Giveaway

Today the Holiday Exchange continues with Cookies and giveaways ( I know you thought it should be milk). I thought you would prefer some great giveaways so keep reading.

Each December I look forward to our family baking day,we have a long list of cookies and treats we not only enjoy baking but eating during the Christmas season.

Three of our favorites we make each year are:



Lemon Nut Star/snowflake Cookies - Click here for recipe.



Frango Cookies - Click here for recipe.




Russian Tea Cakes - Click here for recipe.



I often go searching for a few new recipes each year and the one website that I have over and over again found many new simple and yummy recipes is the Nestle Family site.

Here is an example of a fun, creative and simple one you can make with your kids The Very Merry Cookie Wreath . Watch the below video for complete instructions. Then you can click here to get the recipe.

Share : Do you have a favorite Christmas baking recipe or one you have found on the Nestle Family site? Leave us a comment and share with the 24/7 MOMS your recipe ideas.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away a Baking package, including VIP coupon/product for CARNATION Evaporated Milk, TOLL HOUSE Morsels, RCD and a $25 Visa gift card for other baking supplies.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address and recipe you like.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address and recipe you like.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on December 19, 2010.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by feedburner

Stop by my fellow Blogger moms sites and see their fun Holiday Exchange ideas as well oh,Amanda, Southern Plate, The Mommy Files and Supermom Central they have great giveaways going on as well.

Giveaways sponsored by: TOLL HOUSE^® Morsels, TOLL HOUSE Refrigerated Cookie Dough and CARNATION^® Evaporated Milk,

*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

A Holiday Exchange Party and Giveaway

It's time to PARTY Nestle style over the next 2 weeks myself and my fellow Blogger moms oh,Amanda, Southern Plate, The Mommy Files and Supermom Central will all be part of the Holiday Exchange sharing tips, traditions and great giveaways that you can enter on each of our sites.

Ready to Party? - Lets kick off our Holiday Exchange with Traditions:

I have many times been accused of being a tradition and celebration junkie - Yes, I plead guilty to the charge of enjoying the fun of creating celebrations with my family.

The celebrations have only just begun here in our home from counting down the days until Christmas to decorating our home. One of our family favorites is Family movie night - A night when we all stay home eat dinner together and then pile onto our couch to watch either a new movie or a family favorite Christmas movie from years past and of course I create a fun buffet of treats including popcorn, candy and home baked goodies to enjoy while watching the movie together.

This year I found a new treat to serve during our Family movie night from The Nestle Family Holiday Celebration website The Quick Brownie Bites Sundaesdoesn't it look yummy? Pretty sure my family is gonna go wild over this new recipe and it is so super simple to make. Click here for recipe.

What about your family - What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Have any of those been passed down for generations? How about ideas for creating new family traditions?

Ready to WIN a family MOVIE night pack?

WIN: The Nestle Family holiday movie night package, includes “A Christmas Story” Collector’s Edition DVD, 3-flavor pack of OVALTINE, RAISINETS, a family size dinner from STOUFFER’S and DREYER’S/EDY’S cups.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address and your favorite family tradition.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address and your favorite family tradition.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on December 19, 2010.

Enter your email address:

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Giveaway Sponsored by: STOUFFER’S^®, OVALTINE^®, RAISINETS^® EDY’S^®/ DREYER’S
*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

WIN :MORE Nestle Goodies and Get your Marinating TIPS

Summer Cookout Marinating TIPS:

Sauces-Don't put the sauce on until the meat is about ready. Too early and the sugars will burn and blacken.

Marinades- Simply marinating your meat for at least 20 minutes not only improves flavor but tenderizes all cuts of meat. (Note: red meat, poultry and pork can be marinated in the refrigerator overnight, but fish should be soaked for no longer than 20 minutes, as marinating actually starts the cooking process in fish).

POP Marinade - Marinade steaks or chicken with Pepsi (or Coke if you prefer) cola makes meat tender

Containers: Combine the meat and marinade in a nonreactive, sealed container such as ceramic, glass, plastic. Avoid metal containers including aluminum and cast iron.

Zip Bag marinating - Place meat and marinade is a resealable plastic bag, it keeps the meat coated and east clean-up. Turn the zip bag several times during the marinating process to get all the meat covered the marinade.

Party Hopping: There are FOUR more Block parties going on this week and you are invited to stop by Classy Chaos, Cutie Booty Cakes, Momma Findings and The Not-so Blog.



Today's Party Prize:

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away: FREEBie coupons for
JUICY JUICE®, OVALTINE®, EDY’S®/DREYER’S®, CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials, WONKA®, STOUFFER’S®, NESQUIK®, TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Cookie Dough, TOLL HOUSE® Morsels, DRUMSTICK® Sundae Cones, NESTLÉ® Pure Life

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.


EXTRA entries:
1. Leave your favorite marinade TIP in comments
2. Tweet about this be sure to include @247moms #Nestle
3. Facebook this post.
US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on July 25, 2010.

Enter your email address:

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*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

6 Summer Cookout Entertaining ideas - WIN: Nestle Celebration package

It's a SUMMER BLOCK PARTY here at 24/7 MOMS and we have partnered with Nestle this week to bring you some great tips on Summer cookouts as well as amazing daily giveaways from Nestle so be sure to stop in and party with us each day this week.

Today we will kick it off with simple entertaining ideas for your Summer cook outs

1. Who's drink is this: Provide each party guest with a name tag for their beverage. You can purchase fancy tags, charms or labels or you can download and create your own for free ( search goggle for this)

2. Creative serving dishes: Think about your theme or decor and find fun containers to serve the food and beverages in.
- Wagons or wheelbarrow filled with ice to hold your beverages
- Tin buckets to serve salads and chips in
- NEW sand pails of various sizes for holding utensils, chips, buns etc.

3. Frosty mug: Remember the jingle "A&W Root Beer's got that frosty mug taste!” why not place your glasses in your freezer or refrigerator prior to your cook out and serve up your soda pop in frosty mugs/glasses.

4. Party fun: Plan age appropriate games for your party guests to keep them busy. Set-out backyard games such as Bocce ball, Horseshoes, Croquet, Frisbee's, bubbles, sidewalk chalk etc. Or plan old fashion pick-nick games such as three legged race, egg toss, sack races etc.

5. Music: Create a CD of Backyard tunes that your party guest will enjoy even singing along with.

6. Slow cooker ease- Use your slow cooker for baked beans, baked potatoes, corn on the cob or other dishes you can either prepare ahead or need to keep warm.

Stop by tomorrow for MORE simple Summer Cookout ideas
Party TIP: There are FOUR more Block parties going on this week and you are invited to stop by and gather more summer fun ideas and tips on various topics as well as enter for MORE chances to WIN great prizes.
Join the fun over at : Classy Chaos, Cutie Booty Cakes, Momma Findings and The Not-so Blog.




Today's Party Prize:

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away:
1 NESTLÉ® Drumstick® Heroes Summer Celebration Package, valued at approx. $300.This fun-filled, NESTLÉ® DRUMSTICK® Heroes summer celebration package comes complete with enough NESTLÉ® DRUMSTICK® Sundae Cones for a party of 50 pals. If you’d like to nominate a young hero to win their own summer celebration package, visit:
http://www.drumstick.com/promotions/heroes.aspx

PLUS a mix of coupons from: JUICY JUICE®, OVALTINE® , EDY’S®/DREYER’S® , CARNATION® Breakfast Essentials, WONKA®, NESQUIK®, TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Cookie Dough, TOLL HOUSE® Morsels.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on July 25, 2010.

Enter your email address:

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*This is a sponsored post from Nestle. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone.

Patriotic Grilled Pound Cake

WOW your guest with grilled Pound cake a simple dessert to make -
. I use my George Forman which makes perfectly grills it. When time is lacking I purchase the already made loaves at Costco which I can slice and grill or cut out in shapes for added fun.

Grilled Pound Cake with Seasonal Berries and Apple-Ginger Syrup

by: Nestle

Drizzled in an apple-ginger syrup, the juicy strawberries and blueberries add a flavorful flair to this star-shaped pound cake. Topped with a scoop of vanilla or ginger ice cream, one slice of this Independence Day delight and you're sure to see fireworks.

X

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 25 mins
Cooking Time: 6 mins
Cooling Time: 1 hr refrigerating

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1/3 cup Apple NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice
3 slices (1/8-inch-thick) fresh ginger, smashed
1/2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 basket (16 ounces) strawberries, sliced
3/4 cup (one 4.4-ounce container) blueberries
1 package (10.75 ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed
Nonstick cooking spray
3 1/4-inch or smaller star cookie cutters
1 container (14 ounces) Vanilla Bean or Ginger HÄAGEN-DAZS Five Ice Cream

Directions

COMBINE Juicy Juice, ginger and sugar in glass 2-cup measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 2 minutes or until bubbly. Allow ginger to steep for 10 minutes. Remove ginger and refrigerate syrup for 1 hour or until ready to use.

COMBINE strawberries and blueberries in medium bowl; drizzle with apple-ginger syrup. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use (can be made up to one day ahead).

CUT pound cake in half; then cut into ½-inch-thick slices lengthwise (making 8 slices total). Using star-shaped cookie cutter, cut pound cake into star shapes, if desired. Spray grill pan with nonstick cooking spray. Heat pan over medium heat. Grill pound cake for about 2 minutes per side until golden.

TO SERVE: Place one slice of grilled pound cake in each of 8 bowls. Top with a scoop of ice cream and a scoop of berries and syrup.

Cook’s Tip: If you don’t have a grill pan, toast pound cake slices in a toaster or on a clean outdoor grill.

WIN- Toll House, Juicy Juice, Carnation and More

This holiday season my shopping list includes many of the Nestle brand products that I will be using to create my Christmas dinner and brunch with.



Here is peek at two of the Nestle recipes my menu includes this year.





Christmas Brunch:

Potato Bacon Casserole

Christmas Dinner:



Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes









Two ways to WIN Nestle this Christmas season.





#1 Nestle is hosting a Holiday Memories Photo Contest that you can enter to win a $500 gift card as well as other prizes. There will be five grand prize winners who will receive a $500 gift card and then 45 $50 gift cards for all 45 finalists. For more details and to enter for your chance click here.



#2 24/7 MOMS and Nestle are giving away A gift of free coupons from Toll House (chocolate chips and cookie dough), Carnation Evaporated Milk and Breakfast Essentials, Stouffer’s, Juicy Juice and Boost Kid Essentials, as well as products from Wonka and Rasinets, including a 4x6 silver photo frame and the Carnation holiday recipe guide. A $40 value.



Enter for your chance to win:



Stop by the Nestle web site and check out their recipes, crafts or traditions and tell us your favorite idea then complete the steps below to enter for your chance to WIN. Click here to go directly to the Nestle web site.



1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address and favorite idea from Nestle.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address and favorite idea from Nestle.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on December 27th.

Enter your email address:

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Gooey Baby Ruth Brownies

www.verybestbaking.com
Featured on 24/7 MOMS Live Web Show as "Sweet of the week"

Ingredients

• 1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate brownie mix
• 3 (2.1 ounces each) NESTLÉ BABY RUTH Candy Bars, chopped
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons milk

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

PREPARE brownie batter according to package directions; stir in chopped Baby Ruth. Pour into prepared pan.

BEAT cream cheese and sugar in small mixer bowl until smooth. Beat in egg and milk. Using knife or spatula, swirl cream cheese mixture into brownie batter to create a marbling effect.

BAKE for 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars using wet knife

Simple Nestle Jack O' Lantern Party Treat

I love super easy fun treats I can make my family and this is one of those SUPER easy recipes that even your kids will enjoy jumping in and helping.

Jack O' Lantern Party Treat
By Nestle

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Servings: 24 servings

ingredients
1 pkg. (16.5 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough
1 pkg. (16 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Mini Brownie Bites Bar Dough
directions
PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish or pan.

CUT or break each bar into pieces along pre-scored lines (you should have 40 pieces for each flavor). Arrange about 2/3 of chocolate chip dough pieces in a pumpkin shape in center of prepared dish, leaving about a 1/2-inch space between pieces. Don’t fill in spaces for the eyes, nose and mouth. Fill these spaces with brownie dough pieces. Surround pumpkin with brownie dough pieces and remaining chocolate chip dough pieces along the short sides of dish. Pieces can be molded for a neater design. As the treat bakes, the dough will spread out to fill the dish!

BAKE for 25 to 27 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in dish on wire rack.

VARIATION: Use dough of one flavor to form initials, short words or other shapes such as a heart, then surround with the other flavor of dough. Bake as directed above.

6 Frugal Food Gifts To Create And Give

DIY Sugar cookie kits: Bake sugar cookies and place them in a container along with a can of frosting and sprinkles. So, that the receiver can decorate their own holiday cookies. The busy mom will love this gift.



DIY Gingerbread house kits: Place in a fun container or gift bag - Graham crackers, frosting, assorted candies and cardboard squares covered in tin foil. All the supplies needed to make mini gingerbread houses. The receiver can now create their own houses.

- Valerie’s CRISPIX Cereal Treat

A perfect treat to place in cellophane bags for simple gift giving.



1 pound butter

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 cups brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

2 boxes of 14 oz Crispix cereal

Almonds or pecans (optional)



Heat all ingredients until glossy. Pour over 2 boxes of Crispix cereal and nuts. Mix well until coated. Divide in 2-3 pans and bake in oven at 225 degrees for 1 hour mixing every 15 minutes. Spread to dry on wax paper.

Jar Mixes

I found a BIG selection of recipes and ideas over at About.com. These are simple to make and your kiddos can even join in the fun.

• Baking Mixes
• Cookie Mixes
• Convenience Food Mixes
• Soup Mixes
• Seasoning and Dip Mixes
• Homemade Salad Dressing Mix

Fudge

NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Famous Fudge

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups (9 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

conversion calculator

Directions

LINE 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.



COMBINE sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.



STIR in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces.



FOR MILK CHOCOLATE FUDGE:

SUBSTITUTE 1 3/4 cups (11.5-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Morsels.



FOR BUTTERSCOTCH FUDGE:

SUBSTITUTE 1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Flavored Morsels for Semi-Sweet Morsels.



FOR PEANUTTY CHOCOLATE FUDGE:

SUBSTITUTE 1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Morsels for Semi-Sweet Morsels and 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for pecans or walnuts.

Holiday Peppermint Bark by Nestle

Ingredients

• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels
• 24 hard peppermint candies, unwrapped

conversion calculator

Directions

LINE baking sheet with wax paper.



MICROWAVE morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.



PLACE peppermint candies in heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using rolling pin or other heavy object. While holding strainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir morsel-peppermint mixture.



SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. Let stand for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Recipe makes 1 pound of candy. Store in airtight container at room temperature.



Creative Containers:

Add fun to your homemade food gifts wit the use of creative containers:

- Chinese Take out containers

- Holiday plates from the dollar stores and dollar bins at Target

- Holiday boxes and cellophane bags

- Cookie jars, purchase these all year long on clearance sales to give filled with goodies.

- Altered Paint cans ( My friend Valerie created the ones in the picture)