Jenny Hale's Blog, page 13

Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Walnut Sandwiches

Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Walnut Sandwiches - Just the title is a mouthful! That sort of decadence is what we live for at Christmastime, am I right? This year, I’ve got the recipe so you can make your own! Happy holidays!

 

Prep Time: 2 hours freezer prep and 20 minutes cookie prep

Cook Time: 15 minutes

 

Servings: 1 dozen

 

Ingredients:

1 stick salted butter

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 ½ cups rolled oats

1 cup almond flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup dried cranberries

 

Center of sandwich:

Premade Coconut Walnut icing or an icing of your choice.

 

Instructions:

1.     Beat both sugars and butter until fluffy.

2.     Gently add in egg and vanilla until well mixed.

3.     In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Sift together.

4.     Add dry ingredients into sugar/butter/egg mixture.

5.     Fold in cranberries.

6.     Pop the dough onto a square of plastic wrap and fold over to cover entire dough. Place dough into the freezer for 30 minutes or you can refrigerate it for 2 hours.

7.     When dough is nearly cold per instructions above, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

8.     Make balls of dough and place them on baking sheet about an inch or more apart.

9.     Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

10. Let cool.

11. Spread premade icing on the back of one cookie and top with another, creating the sandwich.

12. Enjoy!

 

 

Christmas decorations!

There’s something magical about Christmas. But what is it, exactly? To me, the magic is that feeling that we create, ourselves. I use the same source of energy to decorate for Christmas as I do to write my Christmas novels. Both begin with a feeling I want to create. For me, the season is about stepping outside of what we live on a day-to-day basis and remembering how we got here and who we truly are as human beings. It’s a time to reconnect with that part of us that is rooted in faith, hope, and love—that’s the magic. When I decorate for Christmas, I want an inviting space that also feels like nothing is off-limits. I want a place where we can cuddle up by the fire and read our favorite books, play board games on the floor, or sip hot cocoa while watching Christmas movies. I try to create an environment that fosters family interactions, an environment that strips away all the “stuff” we deal with on a regular basis. When we strip that away, the magic is what’s all around. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my home this holiday. What are your favorite tips and tricks for the season?

Sale Alert!

For a limited time, my novel A Christmas to Remember is on sale for $0.99/£0.99! Grab it fast!

Get that southern farmhouse Christmas vibe...

As you know, my books are often set in small southern towns. And in the south, we take our farmhouse Christmas decorating very seriously… But there’s a problem I always face when decorating: Christmas wreaths. It’s very expensive to get a good one, and mine usually get kind of gross by the end of the season. Why pay a ton of money for something I’m only going to use for a short while? So I’m going to share my secret with you. I’ll take this cheapo wreath and turn it into a little southern Christmas magic!

Step One: You’ll need one or two spools of wire-rimmed farmhouse-style ribbon, 5-6 rustic ornaments (all the same), a slightly larger ornament for flair, floral wire or twist-ties, and the wreath.

Fluff out the wreath, bending the branches to a wider circle. Set out the ornaments, giving an even amount of space between them. Once you get them where you want them, (I cut off the hanging strings) wire them to the wreath.

Cut 5 or 6 ribbons. I layered the gingham and burlap ribbons for the farmhouse look, so I needed 10-12 ribbons to allow for two at each spot.

Slide them under the wire of the wreath and tie them once tightly. (If you have a vine wreath, you may need to cut your ribbons longer to reach all the way around.

Lastly, add your extra fancy ornament on the side and there you go! From cheap to farmhouse fabulous!

Christmas Wishes has crossed the pond!

The Hallmark Original movie based on my novel Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses will be airing on Christmas 24 (Movies 24) on Sky! You can find out all the information at this link: https://www.tvmovies24.com/schedule/0...

Forever and Sourcebooks Giveaway!

My US Publisher Forever and Sourcebooks Casablanca have teamed up for a Christmas-tree-sized giveaway that includes my novel It Started with Christmas! You can get all the details here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/for...

When can you catch my Hallmark movies?

Both movies will play throughout the season, but I’ve got the next time both of them will air right here! Full schedules can be found by searching my movies at www.hallmarkchannel.com.

Facebook Giveaway!

Pop over to my Facebook page for a whopper of a Christmas giveaway! I’m excited to see my books on shelves in your city!

Christmas Wishes TV Schedule

Did you miss the premiere of Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses? I’ve got all the times you can catch it right here:

Deal Alert!

For a limited time, the eBook for It Started with Christmas is available for less than a buck (or a quid, depending on what you carry in your wallet)! Here’s the US link so you can get your hands on it: https://amzn.to/2MTCJ2F