The family that bakes together...

Does anyone else get a little misty eyed over a good dance number? It probably speaks volumes about my emotional levels...

This morning my breakfast received a little musical accompaniment with a viewing of the 75th Annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular (thanks, Netflix). There is something special about a good kickline appropriately timed to the crecendoes of a Christmas tune. I really did get a lump in my throat!

My emotional state was peaked with a meaningful statement recited by the extra-rouged, exceptionally nimble Santa Claus: the holidays bring with them new, joyous experiences but also the rekindling of old memories steeped in rich, beloved tradition.

I was reminded of this over the weekend as my mom and I dusted off the old recipe cards and got to work on a Christmas favorite, peanut butter balls.

[A Crocker at Work]

Over the years I have heard it called by other names, "buckeye" for example, but we Hartnetts keep things simple. I'm not entirely sure where the tradition began, but isn't that how all great family staples are started? For as long as I can remember this creamy, chocolate soaked snack has been the flavor of the season. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without it!

[Rollin, rollin, rollin]

Our weekend was spent swaying to the sounds of Bing Crosby, and the other great Christmas legend—the Chipminks—whilst elbow deep in peanut butter and sugar.

I made up for the filling I consumed with the making of these glorious treats. Talk about arm work as you dig through that thick, buttery dough. But It's well worth the sweet treat that follows.

[Tada!]

From my family to yours, wishing you a peanut butter-laiden, family tradition-fostering Christmas time!

The Hartnett Family's Famous Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients (which should always be doubled, in my personal opinion, cuz these suckers go fast!):

1 cup butter

2 cups peanut butter

1 T vanilla

5 cups powdered sugar

melting chocolate

The dirty work:

Mix butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Blend in powdered sugar. Form into small balls, approximately 1 t dough per ball (and 1 t in mouth...) Melt chocolate and submerge balls. Place on wax paper to harden. Gourge.