I'm in the baking mode and have been busy this week baking up a storm! My good friend Sue came over Saturday and we made all kinds of goodies with my girls. My kitchen looked like a cookie factory! It's a fun tradition we do every year and makes us get in the Christmas spirit.

We had tons and tons of cookies and plated them all up and gave them away.

Source: Duncan Hines

I did not make these beauties but am going to give them a try!

Aren't these ornament cupcakes from "Duncan Hines" and the above nutcrackers adorable.

Great school/classroom Christmas party ideas.

Source: Duncan Hines

Gingerbread boys would make some school kids giddy! I've got to try this too!

Shortbread cookies are my all time favorite cookie. They are buttery and literally melt in your mouth!

Love the bell shapes and flowers we made this weekend. This recipe is the absolute best and everyone that puts one in their mouth just about falls over with their deliciousness.

The ones we made this past weekend are already all gone!

Mom's "Easy" shortbread recipe

Blend together:

4 sticks butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup cornstarch

Add:

4 cups of flour

Kneed well and roll out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired designs. Don't use large cookie cutters, the cookies are filling.

Bake at 275 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Sprinkle with icing sugar!

I'm going to make another batch this week and decorate them like below!

Red door cookies with gold hardware...

Black ones will be cute too!

I'm in love with these! I'll post pictures when I'm done :)

My husband loves pecan pie so I'm making this recipe I found on Pinterest.

He is going to love these Pecan Pie Bars

My good friend Terri got me hooked on this wonderful trail mix. Honey roasted peanuts, craisins and white chocolate chips. This is what I made for my neighbors last year and will do the same this year. It's Christmasy, colorful and addicting as well as absolutely delicious!