I am looking into doing something new for christmas. Any idea? Unusual is a plus.

I made a pumpkin roll for Christmas last year and it was a big success. It can also be made in advance and frozen.
Here's a recipe: http://southernfood.about.com/od/pumpkins/r/blbb465.htm

I've been thinking of doing a "traditional" British Christmas Pudding. It's not something my family (or really anyone I know in this country), has ever done and the big advantage is that you make it well in advance. I don't have a recipe yet, but I was going to ask a family friend in England.

Also, there is a great recipe in the Ball Blue Book (home canning) for Pear Mincement. I've found that people who don't like mincemeat like it and people who do like mincemeat see it as a yummy but unusual variation. Now's a good time to make it because pears are in season and many stores have their canning jars on clearance.

Julie

Thanks for sharing!

How about a Red Velvet Cake? Or Apple Butter Cake? I don't know what you usually bake for Christmas, but these two are usually great for the holidays.

Sharon

Buche de Noel (Christmas "yule log") is alwyas gorgeous and yummy.

I made an eggnog cheesecake with rum sauce last year that my family just tore into! I'll try to find the recipe if you want it - I think it came from "Bon Appetit".

Also, check into food network's website as it gets closer to Christmas. They have wonderful stuff - and you can sign up to receive their "12 Days of Cookies" recipes. I love that! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Real mincemeat is very unusual these days.

This may seem a little labor intensive but it�s worth it.

White Chocolate Cheesecake

1/ � cup pound cake crumbs take the shortcut and buy the pound cake
3 (4oz) bars white chocolate
3 (8oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 (16oz) carton sour cream
1 TBS peach liqueur, optional
1 tsp vanilla

Process cakes crumbs in food processor with short pulses until they are fine, then press them into a greased 9� spring form pan, or one prepared with a non-stick spray. Bake at 350� F for 5 minutes and let cool on a wire rack.

Melt white chocolate in a saucepan over low heat or in the top of a double boiler, stirring constantly. While it is cooling beat cream cheese at medium high speed of an electric mixer until light and smooth. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Add the sugar and beat for another 5 minutes. Next comes the chocolate which you will beat for another 5 minutes. Add the sour cream, vanilla and liqueur if you�re using it. Mix just until blended. Pour over cake crumb crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, then let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to release the sides, do this with a light hand, the cheesecake is still delicate at this point. Let it cool in the pan still on the rack for another 30 minutes. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours. Remove from pan and garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

This sounds great Sandy! I think everyone would love it for the holidays around here. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for sharing.

Sharon

Just got this wonderful recipe. It's very moist and delicious:
German Chocolate Upside-Down Cake
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 box confectioner's sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
1 stick margarine or butter
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1 cup coconut
Mix cake according to directions. Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan and spread nuts and coconut on bottom. Top with cake batter. Melt cream cheese and margarine together, stir in powdered sugar.
Pour evenly over cake batter in pan. Bake per cake mix instructions. You don't turn this cake out of the pan...just serve from pan.