I'd like to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Lake Kitchen!  Christmas is such a fun time of year, especially if you like to cook and bake!  I've put together some fun cookie recipes and ideas for your Holiday party that will add a fun and easy twist to your Christmas cookies.  And the cookie trees will make a sweet treat [...]

I'm a big fan of the sugar cookie recipe by Alton Brown of the Food Network. You can use your favorite cookie recipe or in a pinch use the pre-made dough from the store. These cookies are great for Valentines Day as well, just use heart shaped cookie cutters. If you are making your cookie dough, add 1/2-3/4 (depending on how minty you like it) [...]

Sometimes you find a recipe that simply can't be topped!  In this case,  I like to use a sugar cookie recipe by Alton Brown of the Food Network.  You can use your favorite cookie recipe or in a pinch use the pre-made dough from the store.  I like to give these cookies as a gift to co-workers or my UPS driver, and they are a perfect party [...]

I make the frosting up to 5 days ahead. Since the cookies are store bought I keep them on hand throughout the holidays so I always have a quick dessert on hand. Makes 1 dozen Ingredients 1/2 cup or 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature 2 Tablespoons pumpkin puree a scant 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 cup brown sugar 24 [...]

These Smore Tree Bars are a fun twist on rice crispy treats, make great gifts and can be made 5 days ahead. If you want to display them before serving I like to sprinkle shredded coconut around the base to look like snow. Makes 6-8 Ingredients 13 cups golden grahams 1 cup chocolate chips 5 Tablespoons butter 80 [...]