Cousins' Christmas Bake-off

One of the advantages of Ashley and Katie getting older, 

being the big college freshmen that they are,

...is turning over the Christmas baking to them this year.

As the girls baked away, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and I 

enjoyed chatting, while browsing blogs and Pinterest!  

Every now and again, we offered a hand, 

but they baked like old pros and did a wonderful job with the treats they created!

First up, Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies.

They were a little fluffy, but very tasty!

Next, my sister-in-law, Leighann, was part of the assembly line to make

 Chocolate Covered Nutter Butter Reindeer.

Are they not the cutest things???

Sugar Cookie/Candy Cane Kisses Blossoms were added to the line-up.

And Sugar Cookie Flowers ...ummm, Stars

Candied Pretzel Creations

Brownie Pops and Round Whoopie Pies...

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies...

{ The girls were busy little elves, were they not??? :) }

Last up, a Snowman Cake.

Leighann found a two sided cake pan at a yard sale for $1.00!

On a wing and a prayer ....and with lots of toothpicks, he stayed together.

Instead of icing the Snowman, which would have diminished his intricate details,

 the girls decided to NOT lightly DUST,  but to pat on powdered sugar.

...gobs of powered sugar! :) 

As the hour drew late, things got silly, 

and powdered sugar began to fly, --the girls had a little food fight!  

Powdered sugar casualties resulted and in the end,

 the Snowman was not the only thing covered in white. -ha! :)

The girls have declared, it will soon be time to turn all the Christmas preparations over to them.  

We countered that in another five years, we may discuss it! :) 

 I'm thinking I'll be much older before I relinquish the reins fully on my favorite Holiday!

But it sure was fun sharing the baking duties with them!