Holiday Cake Cookies and Traveling Ornaments

1994, My (future) husband's first trip to Alaska where we found this mini dog sled.

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; "

Well it's not quite the night before Christmas, but close enough....not only have I had visions of sugar-plums, but also Karo syrup, vanilla bean, baking soda....I think you get the picture.

1997 Craft Market in Finn Creek, Minnesota

We have also been going down our traveling memory lane with the Christmas tree ornaments.  Ever since my husband and I met, whenever we travel somewhere for vacation, we always pick up a Christmas ornament for the coming year's tree.  I write on the bottom of it the year and where we were, to always treasure the memory of our adventure.

2007, Atlantis Resort, Nassau Bahamas for our 10th wedding anniversary.

2013, this year's adventure to Mount Rushmore

As I was trying to think of items to put in the holiday treat bags I made for everyone in my company, and I came across these delightful cookies.  I can't help but love anything so easy and festive that even Santa Clause will love them during his quick visit on Christmas Eve.

"He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! "

Holiday Cake Mix Cookies

Adapted from parentpretty.com

1 box white/vanilla cake mix 15.25 oz.

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup mini holiday M&M's candy

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together the cake mix and baking powder, set aside. In a small bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Add mixture to the cake mix, beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add M&M's (reserve small amount to put in the tops to make them pretty) stir in with a wooden spoon.

2. Roll in to 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Use reserved M&M's to press randomly into tops of cookie balls for decoration. Bake 9 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.