A No Bake Christmas

I haven't done a lot of baking like I normally do during the Christmas season. I've been all about the easy, no-bake recipes this year. Are you looking for an easy, last minute treat to take to your neighbor? Or to a party? Here are a few of my faves:

Spiced Christmas Tea

We also call this "Russian Tea" and I've heard it called "Friendship Tea", but at Christmas time, we call it "Spiced Christmas Tea". It's very soothing and yummy! Here's how to make a big batch of it. It takes...

2 c. Tang orange drink mix
1 c. instant tea
3 c. sugar (or less)
lemonade drink mix (enough to make 1 quart)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon (not pictured)
1/2 tsp. ground cloves (not pictured)
3/4 c. red hot candies

Mix all ingredients (except red hots) in a food processor until well mixed (you can also mix by hand, we just use the food processor to ensure that there are no lumps). Stir in red hot candies. Use approximately 2 Tbsp. of mix for every one cup of water. This makes a great gift. Just fill small jars or bags tied with ribbon.

Another favorite is Bakerella's Christmas Crunch

WARNING: This is extremely addicting! And because of that I've also heard it called "Christmas Crack", but I think "Christmas Crunch" sounds much better, don't you?

It consists of Corn Chex, pretzels, peanuts and M&M's drizzled and mixed with vanilla flavored almond bark. So easy. SOOOO good!

The next no-bake item is Microwave Peanut Clusters.

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My mom and I have been making these for years. In fact, the copy I have says "Holiday Cooking 1987", so apparently it's been almost 15 years! They are one of my husband's favorites! AND there are only 3 ingredients!!

1/2 pound vanilla flavored almond bark (4 small cubes)
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 c. spanish peanuts, roasted, salted (regular peanuts will also work)

Place almond bark and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted and smooth. Stir in peanuts.

Using a medium scoop, drop peanut mixture onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Chill for about 30 minutes, or until firm and set. Store tightly covered in refrigerator.

Another no-bake Christmas goody is Peppermint Bark

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I made this last year and was SO easy and again, only 3 ingredients...white chocolate, candy canes and peppermint oil or flavoring. 

My last treat is the newest edition to my no-bake Christmas recipe collection. It's Martha Stewart's Foolproof Holiday Fudge

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I've made fudge in years past and have been disappointed with the outcome. Most of the time it comes out too dry or too gritty. There's definitely a science to it all. But this recipe came out PERFECT! So smooth and not gritty at all! It truly is foolproof. The only changes I made was using 4 Tbsp of butter instead of 6 and omitting the peppermint candy.

So there you have it...my top 5 no-bake Christmas goodies. Do you have a no-bake Christmas favorite?