Holiday Trees

Holiday Trees Recipe - Powdered Sugar, Meringue Powder, Water

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Holiday Trees are a festive and fun treat to make during the holiday season. These edible Christmas trees are made using ice cream cones, icing, and crushed candy canes, creating a whimsical and delicious dessert that is perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift for friends and family.

History

The tradition of making Holiday Trees dates back to the early 20th century, when families would gather together during the holiday season to create edible decorations for their Christmas celebrations. The use of ice cream cones as the base for the trees is a modern twist on this classic recipe, adding a whimsical touch to the festive treat.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz (454 g)) package of powdered sugar
3 tbsp of meringue powder
6 tbsp of warm water
6 (4 inches) sugar ice-cream cones
12 (5 inches) red and white candy canes, coarsely crushed
12 (5 inches) green and white candy canes, coarsely crushed
edible glitter or sparkling sugar (optional)

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 6 tbsp warm water using an electric mixer on low speed until well blended.
Increase the speed to high and continue beating for 4 – 5 minutes until stiff peaks form.
If the icing is too stiff, gradually add additional warm water, 0.25 tsp at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Spoon the icing into a zip-top plastic bag and seal it.
Using scissors, snip a 0.25 inch hole in one corner of the bag.
Pipe 2 rows of points around 1 ice cream cone, starting from the large end and working upward to resemble a tree.
Sprinkle the tree with crushed candy canes and, if desired, edible glitter or sparkling sugar.
Take two ice cream cones and stack one on top of the other, then repeat the decorating procedure.
Take the remaining 3 ice cream cones and stack them on top of each other, then repeat the decorating procedure.
Allow the decorated cones to stand for 8 hours.
Store the cones in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.

Variations

Use different colored candy canes or sprinkles to decorate the trees.
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the trees for extra sweetness.
Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit on top of the trees for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For fuller trees, double icing recipe, and repeat piping procedure before adding crushed candy canes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the icing mixture until stiff peaks form to ensure that the trees hold their shape.

- If the icing is too stiff, gradually add warm water until the desired consistency is reached.

- Allow the decorated cones to stand for at least 8 hours to ensure that the icing sets properly.

- Store the Holiday Trees in a cool, dry place to prevent the icing from melting or becoming too soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Holiday Trees as a dessert at holiday parties or gatherings, or package them up in festive boxes to give as gifts to friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

Beat the icing mixture until stiff peaks form to ensure that the trees hold their shape.

- Allow the decorated cones to stand for at least 8 hours to ensure that the icing sets properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

- Use royal icing instead of the powdered sugar and meringue powder mixture for a quicker decorating process.

Make Ahead Tips

Holiday Trees can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Holiday Trees on a festive platter or cake stand for a beautiful and eye-catching display.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Holiday Trees with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy and festive treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Holiday Trees in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. Do not refrigerate as the icing may become too soft.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Holiday Trees contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Holiday Trees contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Holiday Trees contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Holiday Trees contains approximately 0 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Holiday Trees are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

Holiday Trees may contain allergens such as wheat and eggs due to the use of powdered sugar and meringue powder in the icing.

Summary

Holiday Trees are a sweet and festive treat that is relatively low in fat and calories, making them a guilt-free indulgence during the holiday season.

Summary

Holiday Trees are a fun and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With their whimsical appearance and delicious flavor, these edible Christmas trees are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. She had just finished baking these adorable Holiday Trees and the whole house smelled like a cozy winter wonderland. I watched in awe as she carefully decorated each tree with vibrant green frosting and colorful sprinkles. They looked too beautiful to eat, but Margaret assured me they were just as delicious as they were pretty.

I begged Margaret to teach me how to make the Holiday Trees, and she happily obliged. As we worked together in her warm and cozy kitchen, she shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that the recipe had been passed down in her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who was known for her incredible baking skills. Margaret had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly unique.

The process of making the Holiday Trees was labor-intensive but incredibly rewarding. We started by preparing the dough, which was a simple mix of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Margaret showed me how to roll out the dough and cut it into tree shapes using a cookie cutter. The dough was delicate and required a gentle touch, but with Margaret's guidance, I soon got the hang of it.

Once the trees were baked to perfection, it was time to decorate. Margaret had a variety of colorful frostings and sprinkles to choose from, and we spent hours creating our own unique designs. I was amazed at how creative and intricate we could be with something as simple as a cookie.

The finished Holiday Trees were a work of art. Each one was a masterpiece, with its own personality and charm. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends, knowing they would be just as enchanted as I was.

From that day on, the Holiday Trees became a staple in my baking repertoire. Every year during the holiday season, I would whip up a batch and watch as my loved ones marveled at their beauty. The recipe became a family tradition, something that my children and grandchildren looked forward to every year.

Over time, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist to make it even more delicious. I tried different flavors of frosting, added nuts and dried fruit to the dough, and even shaped the trees into different designs. Each version was a hit, but the original recipe remained my favorite.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe with countless friends and neighbors, all of whom were equally enchanted by the Holiday Trees. I loved seeing the joy on their faces as they bit into a tree and tasted the love and care that went into each one.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me so much joy and connected me to my loved ones in a way that words cannot express.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a little taste of magic during the holiday season, I urge you to try making these Holiday Trees. With a little patience, creativity, and a whole lot of love, you too can create a masterpiece that will delight and enchant all who are lucky enough to taste it. Happy baking!