I’m not normally interested in making desserts. I’d rather have something savory than something sweet. However, I know that most people enjoy sweets and it makes them happy to receive an assortment of goodies. The holidays and sharing treats go together like turkey and dressing. It just seems wrong to have one without the other. So, I’m sharing my favorite recipes for holiday treats that are perfect for wrapping up with a pretty bow and sharing with neighbors.

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Clusters
2 c. pecan halves
2 dz. individually wrapped caramel candies
1 tsp. butter, unsalted
1 c. milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cover cookie sheet with aluminum foil, shiny side exposed. Lightly grease foil with vegetable oil spray.

Place pecan pieces in clusters of 3 or 4 on the foil. Place 1 caramel candy in the center of each cluster. Bake just until caramel has melted, about 9 to 10 minutes.

Heat butter and chocolate chips over low heat just until chocolate melts. Drizzle over candies and refrigerate for 30 minutes to harden.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
2 bags chocolate chips (dark, white or milk chocolate)
1 bag large pretzel sticks
Chopped nuts, crushed candy pieces and/or sprinkles for garnish.

Melt chocolate in double boiler over medium heat on stove top. Quickly dip pretzels in chocolate allowing the excess to run off. Place dipped pretzels on waxed paper lined cookie sheets. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, crushed candy or candy sprinkles. Allow to harden in the refrigerator. Once hardened, remove from sheets and store in a cool location, with waxed paper between layers.

Sugar and Cinnamon Pecans
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
16-oz. bag pecan halves
1 egg white
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. water

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, add sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla and water together until frothy. Add the pecans and gently toss until the pecans are well coated. Add the sugar and cinnamon mixture and toss until pecans are covered.

Spread the pecans out in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. The sugar mixture will harden on the pecans.

Remove from the oven and let the pecans cool on the baking sheet. When completely cool, store in airtight containers.