Sweets & Treats: Pfeffernusse

Do you know what pfeffernusse is? We hadn't even heard the word before we received this recipe from one of our Marketing Managers. But this German spice cookie is one tasty treat. Try baking it this year and make this old tradition a new one in your home.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups flour
• 1/2 Tsp baking powder
• 1/4 Tsp baking soda
• 1/2 Tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 Tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 Tsp cardamom
• 1/4 Tsp allspice
• 1/4 Tsp ginger
• 1/4 Tsp salt
• 1 Egg
• 1/3 Cup butter
• 1/2 Cup brown sugar

Directions

Mix sugar, butter, and egg. Then in a separate bowl add all dry ingredients.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixer.

Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Let cool and enjoy.

To help celebrate the start of the holidays and get everyone feeling a little more festive we asked our Marketplace Events team members to send us their best seasonal desserts. Visit our Facebook page to see the complete list of goodies in our Treat Guide and share your favorites with friends and family.

Did you know that connecting with us on Facebook has sweet treats beyond our Sweets & Treats? Like us and stay in the know about ticket deals, Home Show news, celebrity style, home decor trends, and more.

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5 Fabulously Festive Outdoor Decorations

Feeling a little underwhelmed by your usual outdoor holiday decor? We've got just what you need: five DIY decorations to light up your home this season. Check out these unique creations and get ready for your house to be the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Bird Seed Decorations - These little guys will add some pizzazz to your trees, and the birds they attract will help decorate your yard with their bright colors and sweet songs.

Image via Saltwater-Kids

2. Giant Ornaments - These novelty bulbs are a fun and festive way to supersize your outdoor look.

Image via Hallmark Channel

3. Light Up Snowmen - This project is sure to delight your little ones! They can completely customize their snowpeople, and the finished product is a great way to light up your walkway.

Image via Design Dazzle

4. Through The Roof Christmas Tree - What an adorable idea! The Griswolds would be jealous.

Image via My Life And Kids

5. Joy Door Decor Wreath - Spread the joy this season with this neat alternative to the standard holiday wreath.

Image via Uncommon Designs...

With Christmas coming up fast, we've got to ask: are your holiday decorations up? There's usually at least one house on the block that goes all out - is it yours? Or are you more subtle? Let us know below.

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Holi-DIY: 12 Decorations To Make This Year

Looking for a fun way to get everyone in the holiday spirit? With the busyness and stress associated with this time of year it’s common to encounter a Grinch or two. Help family and friends find that festive feeling with these fun, seasonal DIYs. We’ve compiled a list of 12 holiday projects for you and your brood to enjoy. Turn on some wintry carols, gather your supplies, and get crafting. Everyone will be holly and jolly in no time.

1. Winter Silhouette Candle Holder - Set the scene with this mason jar candle holder. Create a cozy winter wonderland.

Image via Shabby Art Boutique

2. Magazine Christmas Trees - Don't throw away that old catalog. Turn it into a sweet little Christmas Tree instead. 

Image via Seven Clown Circus

3. JOY Bottles - Spread some joy with this message on a bottle!

Image via Mandi Being Crafty

4. Retro Snow Globe - Get nostalgic for a simpler time and holidays of old.

Image via It All Started With Paint

5. Ribbon Tree Ornaments - We've found a use for the scraps of ribbon left over from last year's gifts. These cute little ornaments are simple to make and look great!

Image via Fireflies + Mudpies

6. Burlap Holiday Lights - Jazz up your holiday lights with this rustic twist.

Image via create. craft. love. 

Please only try this craft with modern lights. This is a fire hazard when done with older holiday lights.

7. Pine Cone Christmas Tree - This is a great project for little crafters and allows for lots of creativity!

Image via Crafter's Delights

8. Santa Logs - How nice would these guys look on your front porch?

Image via Smart Girls DIY

9. Button Snowman Ornament - Is your sewing kit full of old, mismatched buttons, saved from shirts you no longer own? You're in luck! Use them to make this adorable little Frosty.

Image via See How We Sew...

10. Cinnamon Spice Ornaments - Fill your home with the smells of the season!

Image via Simply Notable

11. Embroidery Ornaments - This creative project is a great way to put leftover crafting supplies to use.

Image via The Crafty Cupboard

12. Felt Christmas Tree - Speaking of leftover crafting supplies, do you have felt swatches going to waste? Use them to create this fun and festive tree. 

Image via Scissor Variations

We hope these fun crafts help get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit. Since it’s still early December we’ve got to ask: when do you start decorating for the holidays? Is your tree up as soon as Thanksgiving dinner is put away or do you have a different tradition? Let us know.

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