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I've recently found myself bothered by the fact that Christmas can be such a stressful time when it's meant to be a simple and joyful time where we celebrate a God who would come to earth to live WITH us and FOR us. I like the decorations, the traditions, the parties and the gifts, but sometimes it feels like all the STUFF gets in the way of Christmas. I want to worship Jesus during this time, tell others about him, and love on my friends and family, not take endless trips to Target.
Next year I have a goal. It's a little far-fetched, but I'm really going to strive for it. Are you ready? My goal is to have all my gifts purchased and my Christmas letters ready to mail BEFORE Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy the Christmas season without drowning in an ocean of consumerism. Does that sound crazy? Maybe. But the first week of December is a crazy time for me with grad school {I am getting my PhD in English and I study how women are writing online - LOVE IT!}, and when school is finally done for the semester, I just want to relax and enjoy the season. So I am hoping to radically change my Christmas next year. Prepare little by little throughout the fall and really indulge in the JOY of the season come December.
On the search for a JOY-filled Christmas!!!
But there is one thing I can't really do in advance and that is BAKE up some Christmas goodness. I mean, I guess I could freeze dough and stuff like that, but there is nothing like fresh dough, fresh cake, and fresh cookies right out of the oven. So this season, I've been trying to find delicious holiday recipes that you can whip up in a flash for the various events throughout the season. I know some women like to say that they slaved all day in the kitchen, but I like to say I whipped this thing up in 30 minutes! Bam!
So today I'd like to share with you a little recipe I invented last week. We took it to dinner with friends and it was a major hit!
Eggnog Cupcakes
{with cream cheese spice frosting}
What you need for the cupcakes:
A box of yellow or white cake mix
1 cup eggnog
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350.
Mix together all of the above ingredients in a bowl (most cake mixes call for 3 eggs, but only use 2 since there is egg in the nog of course!}. Pour into a cupcake tin with cupcake wrappers. I did mini-cupcakes, but you can do big ones or an actual cake too.
Bake according to the instructions on the box. I think it took about 20 minutes for mini cupcakes.
Remove from oven. Cool in pan for 10 minutes and then move to a cooling rack.
What you need for the frosting:
8 oz. cream cheese {I used whipped cream cheese topping}
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 c. butter {1 stick - barely softened!}
1 tsp. vanilla
2 dashes cinnamon
1 dash of nutmeg
Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter to bowl. Begin mixing. Pause to scrape side of bowl and add vanilla and spices. Continue mixing until frosting is firm and fluffy. Frost cupcakes when they are cool.
Enjoy!
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*The eggnog flavor on these is very faint, so even if you don't like eggnog, you will probably still like these cupcakes!*
*Here are two other EASY holiday recipes - pumpkin dump cake and pumpkin spice cookies!*
*Here are two other EASY holiday recipes - pumpkin dump cake and pumpkin spice cookies!*
Merry Christmas!
Jen
{Linking to: Whipperberry, Southern Lovely, and House of Hepworths, and It's Overflowing! }
8 comments:
i know an egg nog lover that would LOVE these!
Egg nog cupcakes?! How yummy!!
These sound delish and I love that picture of you. If Micah has a desk he should have that picture on it! ;)
i think your goal is awesome...i actually started that this year..i don't think i have been stressed out one bit yet!
I just saw that you have never been to Zoo lights! You need to go!!!! :)
what an awesome idea! haha :) xx
These sound divine!!! Thanks for sharing! I LOVED reading about your sweet family traditions, too! FUN to get a tripod!!! I'm so glad to be bloggy friends with you!!!
XO,
Aimee from ItsOverflowing
Love your blog! You two are adorable! I think I need to try this recipe!
http://www.sincerelyarizona.blogspot.com/
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