I recently attended the Target Holiday Event and got to preview some of the new products that will be available this holiday season at Target.

One of the area that was a big feature for me was the entertaining and baking area. Target has some new products out that are going to baking more fun for you this year, and items that can also make great gifts for anyone.

Macaron Baking Kit
If you are like me you have been looking at all of the new places that are popping up serving macaroons. These small friendly french baked goods are a special treat.

Target is not pulling any punches with with its recently launched line of wallet-friendly, authentically French sandwich cookies. Because we’re all sugar addicts to varying degrees, we will love this new product. This is the Chocolate Macaron Baking Kit, it includes the Chocolate Macaron Baking Mix, White Mint Filling Mix and the Macron Silicone Mold.

Macaron Chocolate Mix
All you need is 2 egg whites. You place your oven rack in the top position and preheat oven 325 F. In a mixing bowl, whisk 2 egg whites on high for 2 minutes or until stiff peaks are formed. Gently fold in mix,about 10-12 stokes, to combine, let rest 1 minute. Form dough into 24 1″ balls and bake 14-16 minutes. Let macarons cool completely before applying filling, yields 12 filled macarons.

Macaron Filling Mix
You will need 1 stick or 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 tbsp talk. In a mixing bowl, combine mix, butter and milk, mix on medium high for 2 minutes. Spread 1 tsp on fully cooled macaron cookie.

Another great thing from Target is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet.

This is the perfect dessert for family fun. This dessert is not only delicious, it is easy and fun. Kids will love to prepare their own Chocolate Chip cookie. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Cast Iron Skillet. This skillet is also great for personal pizzas, fajitas, and much more. The Cast Iron Skillet is made with the highest quality cast iron. Our cast iron skillet is seasoned with natural oils that are baked into the iron to create a black finish. This creates a a natural, non-stick finish and it’s ready to cook with right out of the box. Cast iron is a great material for cookware. The advantages of cast iron include even heating, superior heat retention, and a natural stick-resistant finish. This makes cast iron great for baking an cooking.

When you get your skillet clean it water and soap before using.

You will need
Bag of chocolate chip cookie mix (which is included), 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 egg.

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. In a medium bowl add 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 egg to the mix.
3. Mix well ad spread the dough evenly on the skillet until the dough nearly touches the edges.
4. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven using an oven mitt
5. Serve with ice cream along with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

These will make ideal gifts for the holidays

A couple of recipes that were given to us that I wanted to share with you

Hot Sauced Popcorn
What You’ll Need:
8 cups of popped popcorn
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. Hot Sauce (any from the Target Holiday Heat Collection)
2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese

What To Do:
1. Place popcorn in large bowl
2. Combine, butter, sugar, salt and hot sauce in small saucepan. Heat on Medium until butter is melted and sugar
is dissolved, stirring frequently. Drizzle on popcorn, toss to mix.
3. Sprinkle with cheese.

Holiday Heat Dip
What You’ll Need:
1 (8-oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup Hot Sauce (any from the Target Holiday Heat Collection)
Fresh cilantro, if desired
Finely chopped red pepper, if desired

What To Do:
1. Combine cream cheese and hot sauce in medium bowl.
2. Mix on medium speed until blended. Garnish with cilantro and red pepper. Spread on crackers or costini, or serve with veggies for dipping.