If you’re no longer living in the same city as your parents and you’re low on funds to fly home you might find yourself creating your own Christmas with your ‘chosen family’ (aka your friends).

So if Mom’s famous recipe isn’t near don’t fear! (That’s a Christmas rhyme)  Amanda over at TheHotPlate.com can easily teach you in three minutes how to make peppermint Christmas bark.  She even suggests using the delicious bark as a Christmas gift! And if you’re looking for Christmas dinner tips browse through her collection of recipes that range from butternut squash to chicken, pineapple & bacon kabobs.

We suggest getting a little creative and festive all at the same time and trying the Parmesan cayenne shortbread cookies. It sounds gross, but we hear it tastes really good. TRY IT!