Black Olive Penguins and Igloo Cheeseball

Here is a fun idea for your next Winter/Christmas party. Almost too cute to eat!

 For penguins use a jumbo and a small black olive. Slice the jumbo down the center and stuff with cream cheese. Cut a slice of a large carrot and cut out a small triangle, this will make the feet and the slice will be the beak. We also cut the beak in half, thickness wise because it was too thick.
Make a slit in small olive and insert beak, place a toothpick down the center to hold it all in place.

The Penguin Maker

Igloo
Mix 3 packages softened cream cheese with a large bag of Mozzarella, season with salt and pepper. To form igloo use a bowl, shown here is 1/2  of the ball pan from Wilton. Line with Saran Wrap, place cheese inside, cover with another layer and chill.
To make igloo invert and unwrap cheese, pinch and mold by hand, an entrance. Score ice cube design by using a toothpick, dragging it around in circles and then up and down.

Use left over cream cheese for snow around igloo and place penguins.

Cathedral Cookies

Beautiful stain glass effect, chewy chocolate delight!

Cathedral Cookies
1 c chocolate chips
2 Tbs softened butter
1 egg, beaten
3 c pastel mini marshmallows
1/2 c pecans or walnuts chopped, optional
1 c flaked coconut

In heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over low.  Remove  a couple Tbs of choc and stir into another bowl with egg, mix well and add back to chocolate on stove.
Cook and stir over low heat 2 minutes. Pour into bowl, let cool 15 minutes, stirring twice.
Add marshmallows and nuts. Chill 30 minutes.
Place on sheet of wax paper and form into a roll. Place on another sheet of wax paper covered with coconut, roll cookie until coated, seal in wax paper and freeze 4 hours.
Slice 1/2 in, store in airtight container in fridge.

NO Time for Gingerbread Caramel Cabin

 Love the idea of the gingerbread centerpiece but don't have the time or the patience? Here is an easy alternative.

Needed materials
caramels
cookies or graham crackers
frosting- home made or store bought
sugar cones for ice cream
sprinkles
assorted candies/decorations

HomeTalk generously gave away some party supplies  to throw a party for friends! The package included a beautiful bell choche from Wayfair, perfect for a centerpiece showcasing edible winter bliss!

On a small piece of wax paper- this helps with transport- "glue" with frosting the  unwrapped caramels. Continue to build, cut caramels in half when you get to the roof.

 I used some fig cookies for the roof, you can use grahams or whatever is handy and the right size for your cabin.

 Use green frosting for the trees, sprinkle with snowflakes, glitter or any cake decorations you like

I used a good smathering of frosting to anchor everything in place and topped it with more sprinkles and a small bit of blue sanding sugar.

There you have an easy centerpiece! So easy even the kids can make them!