Christmas Cookies & Treats

I saw where Kelly was doing "Christmas Cookies and Treats" this week on Show Us Your Life. I'm a little late, but I wanted to share one of my favorite treats to make around Christmas. I had a party last night for my high school girlfriends and made "Turtle Bars." This is a recipe I got from sister and it is SOOOO good and SOOOO easy.

• 3/4 C Butter
• 10 oz. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 C Chopped pecan pieces
• 1 (12 1/4 oz.) Caramel (I use the ice cream topping in a jar)
• 1 Package Vanilla Wafers

Melt butter. Crush wafers and stir in butter. Press mixture into bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Then, sprinkle pecans. Drizzle caramel over the top. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes (I usually bake a little longer 12-15 minutes). Let stand and then cut into bars.

If you enjoy ooey, gooey, chocolate, and caramel, then this is the treat for you. It is SOOOO good and one of my favorites!

I also made some Creamy Cheddar Cheese Soup by Paula Deen last night, and it also turned out really good. Talk about major comfort food! Yummy!

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 large pimentos, diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups cream
• 3/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• 1/2 cup green onions
• Salt and black pepper
• Dash cayenne pepper, optional
• Suggested Serving: your favorite bread or croutons

In a saucepan, saute onion and pimentos in butter for 5 to 7 minutes. Blend in flour. Add stock and cream. Cook until thick. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add 1/4 cup green onions, salt and pepper, to taste, and cayenne if desired. Garnish with remaining green onions.

Delish!