Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Right about now up in the North Pole, Santa is fastening his suspenders, and Mrs. Claus is planning a hefty spaghetti feed to give all the elves energy to pack the sleigh high with presents for all of us good girls and boys down here. Us regular folks  are busy filling our own sleighs, with all the tidings for the upcoming Holiday festivities. One thing you need to attract some good nods from the jolly fat man is a great variety of Christmas cookies. I myself am hoping to receive a dark blue Subaru Forester from him, so I've had to pull out all the big guns this time around. 

Do many of you do cookie exchanges? They are amazing. For one, you don't have to make a million different varieties, just a few you love. Then, you get approximately 7,000 cookies from everyone there, and you get to try some new fun sweets. My personal new favorite is a marshmallow dipped in caramel, covered with Rice Krispies. It's something my former, more food-snobbish self would have flicked off my plate in horror at the rudimentary nature of the design.  I've taken a much more laid-back approach to desserts these days, as it seems we can all get behind a delicious and easy treat.  In the spirit of easy, if you find yourself in need of an easy sweet to bring to a Christmas get-together or New Year's party, these candies are just great.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

-1 bag semi-sweet chocolate

-1 cup butterscotch chips

-1 cup peanut butter

-1 cup peanuts

-1 T canola oil

Directions: Spray mini-muffin cups with non-stick spray. In microwave safe bowl melt butterscotch chips, chocolate chips , canola oil and peanut butter in 35 second increments, stirring each time, until smooth. Mix in peanuts and spoon into mini-muffin cups. Place in fridge 2-3 hours to harden before serving. Store at room temperature. Makes 45-50 servings.

Ta-dah! 

Creamy, crunchy  little decadent treats, that take less than ten minutes to create, and make a lot if you're exchanging or just want a bunch of homemade goodies to make to take to your various Holiday engagements.

Christmas is coming up quick,  and I hope you all have a stupendous Holidays, full of great food, family and friends. Enjoy!