It is time to share what I made for my husband’s office party this year.

Long time readers will remember these posts. My husband owns a couple of businesses, and I have been hosting the Christmas party for at least twenty-seven years.

The party was two weeks ago, so I am a little late getting this post up, but I hope it gives you some ideas for last minute Christmas candy.

This year, I made the least amount of candy that I have in years. Ongoing health issues have limited what I can do, but I still managed to make five candies, a cookie, and bacon dip.

The rest of the food we got from a local, award-winning, BBQ place.

What I Made for the 2025 Office Christmas Party

This Coffee Fudge Recipe is a must make every year. I think I have been making this fudge for at least fifteen years.

Every year, I even ship my mom some of it. This year, I also sent my son a box of candy and included this in the box. Coffee fudge is a great gift for coffee lovers.

Salted Caramel Fudge was a new recipe that I tried this year, and I loved it.

I have made Martha Stewart’s Marshmallow Fudge before, but this year I added holiday M&M’s. It was a fun way to change it up.

Homemade Heath Bars are also a must make every year. This is a favorite for so many. It is a little more challenging to make, but it is so worth it.

Oreo Cookie Bark is one of the easiest candies that I make. It is basically Oreo’s and chocolate. It even works with a gluten-free Oreo-type cookie.

Several employees eat gluten-free, so I always try to make gluten-free holiday cookies. This year I made gluten-free Andes Mint Cookies, and they were delicious.

I would love to hear what Christmas candy and cookies you have been making this year.

More Christmas Party Recipes

If you need even more Christmas recipes, be sure to check out some of my past Christmas party recipes.

Christmas Party 2017

Christmas Party 2022

Christmas Party 2023

Christmas Party 2024

The post Office Party 2025 appeared first on Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.

    

Salt and caramel are combined in this delicious non-chocolate Salted Caramel Fudge recipe.

This year, for my husband’s office Christmas party, I was looking for something that did not involve chocolate.

So many Christmas candies are chocolate-based, which is a good thing. I love chocolate, but due to health issues, as in I have developed an allergy to chocolate, I have been looking for a non-chocolate candy recipe.

After searching for a recipe, I ended up combining a couple to come up with a delicious salted caramel fudge.

I wanted the fudge to be super caramel flavored, so I made sure to add lots of caramel to it.

I will say that many recipes I find online don’t have great directions for making fudge.

Most fudge recipes must be heated to 235 degrees, called the softball stage.

This needs to be done over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. It usually takes 8-10 minutes. If you cook it too hot, too fast, the sugar will not dissolve properly, and it will be more likely to burn.

Fudge is not hard to make, but it does require patience and a candy thermometer.

This fudge was so good. It was my favorite non-candy recipe of the year.

If you are looking for a fudge without chocolate, give this one a try.

Ingredients

• granulated sugar
• butter
• evaporated milk
• caramel bits
• marshmallow fluff
• vanilla extract
• salt
• coarse sea salt

More Fudge Recipes

Coffee Fudge

Martha Stewart’s Fudge Recipe

Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Yield: 40 servings

Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe

Print Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

A delicious fudge without the chocolate.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 5 ounces evaporated milk
• 16 ounces of Caramel bits ( about 1 1/2 bags)
• 1 -7 ounce jar marshmallow fluff
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt ( you really need the coarse salt for this to give it the right taste and texture)

Instructions

1. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper so the fudge releases easily.
2. In a large pan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook on medium-low, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 235 degrees ( softball stage). This will take 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the caramel bits, marshmallow fluff, vanilla, and salt. Sitr until caramel is melted and the marshmallow fluff is thoroughly combined.
4. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
5. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Using a small spatula or similar item, press down on the salt so that it won't fall off the fudge when cooled.
6. Let cool for several hours before cutting.
7. This will last at least a week if stored in the refrigerator.

Notes

This salted caramel fudge is gluten free as long as you read labels to make sure that your ingredients are gluten free.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 26gSugar: 26gProtein: 0g

Nutritional values are approximate and aren't always accurate.

The post Salted Caramel Fudge Recipe appeared first on Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.

    

If you love mint and chocolate together, these Gluten Free Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies are for you.

Every year for the last twenty-seven years, I have hosted my husband’s office Christmas party. I enjoy making all kinds of Christmas candy and holiday cookies for the party.

Two of the employees eat gluten-free, and since I eat gluten-free too, it is easy for me to make gluten-free treats for those who need them.

This year, I decided to try a new gluten-free cookie recipe for the party. They turned out delicious!

I found a recipe online for Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies, and with a few changes, I adapted it to gluten-free.

These gluten-free Andes Mint Cookies will be a new holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• butter
• sugar
• brown sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour Blend
• cornstarch
• cocoa powder
• baking soda
• salt
• milk
• Andes mints candy
• gluten free semi sweet chocolate chips

Yield: 36 cookies

Gluten Free Andes Mint Cookies

Print Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

Mint and chocolate are combined in these delicious gluten free cookies.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour Blend ( see note below)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups Andes Mints chopped into pieces ( be sure to use Andes brands mints because they are gluten free)
• 1 cup gluten free semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. This will take 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg.
4. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Slowly add half the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture just until well combined.
7. Add half the milk and mix until combined.
8. Add the remaining flour mixture until combined.
9. Add remaining milk until well combined.
10. Stir in Andes Mints and chocolate chips.
11. Scoop dough, using about 2 tablespoons of dough, onto the cookie sheet.
12. Bake for 9-10 minutes.
13. Cool on a baking sheet for 3-4 minutes.
14. Remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Notes

These cookies were tested with Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour blend. Other gluten free flour blends may work, but they have not been tested.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

36

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 292Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 175mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 3gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g

Nutritional values are approximate and aren't always accurate.

More Gluten Free Cookie Recipes

Gluten Free Drop Sugar Cookies

Gluten Free Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Iced Oatmeal Cookies

The post Gluten Free Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies appeared first on Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.

    

This Homemade White Chocolate Hot Chocolate recipe is a perfect treat for a cold winter’s day or for serving on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

This white chocolate hot chocolate recipe is one I have been making for years.

I first shared this recipe back in 2011. When I made it last weekend, I knew that it was time to update the recipe and share it again.

I actually didn’t update the recipe. I still make the recipe the exact same way. I did, however, update the pictures. My old post had one small, terrible image.

This recipe was long overdue for an update.

If you are looking for a holiday treat that is a little different, give this white chocolate hot chocolate recipe a try. It is rich, creamy, and delicious.

It made the perfect afternoon treat while I finished reading Family of Spies. If you are looking for a great nonfiction book for you or the nonfiction reader in your family, it is a great one.

If you prefer a rich, chocolate cup of hot chocolate, I think you will love Martha Stewart’s Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe.

Yield: 4 servings

Homemade White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Recipe

Print Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

A homemade white chocolate hot cocoa recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ounces of white chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 16 onces milk
• 2 ounces cream ( You can use all milk, but part cream is better and richer tasting.)

Instructions

1. In a pan or microwave heat the cream and milk until almost boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in white chocolate chips. Stir until white chocolate is melted.
3. Stir in vanilla.
4. Serve with whipped cream and enjoy!

Notes

You can easily half this recipe for just one or two cups or double or triple it for a big batch.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 705Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 539mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 36g

Nutritional values are approximate and aren't always accurate.

Originally posted December 2011. Updated December 2025.

The post Homemade White Chocolate Hot Chocolate Recipe appeared first on Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.

    

If you are looking for ways to use up the deer meat in your freezer, this Venison Chili Recipe is a must make.

Chili is my favorite way to use deer meat, and this venison chili recipe is my favorite recipe to make.

I grew up in Oregon with a dad who hunted. Many of the men in the area hunted. Some hunted because they loved it, but the majority in the area I grew up in hunted because they needed the food.

Venison and elk were staples in our kitchen and still are in the area where I grew up.

Thirty years ago, when my husband and I moved to our forty-three acres in Oklahoma, my husband and kids started hunting, and I knew that once again my freezer would be stocked with deer meat.

I don’t remember my mom making a lot of chili when growing up, but for me, it has become my favorite way to use venison. It is also a great way to serve venison to those who don’t really like it. The flavors of chili blend so well with the flavor of venison.

Chili is also one of my favorite recipes to take to serve company, take to church dinners, and send as a meal to someone in need.

I have been asked for my chili recipe quite a few times recently. My reply is usually something like, “Well, the secret ingredient is deer meat, so unless you have that, it won’t taste quite the same.”

Several people who have access to venison through family or friends still wanted the recipe.

While searching for the recipe on my site, I realized I had never shared my venison chili with you.

I think that is because most people are not hunters with a freezer full of meat. It is also very similar to other chili recipes I use.

However, I finally decided it was time to share it here so I can easily give it to people who ask for the recipe.

Frito Chili

While we are talking chili, let’s talk about serving chili in Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, Fritos are required with chili. If I forget the Fritos, I hear about it from my husband and kids.

From what I have been told, Oklahoma made chili and Fritos famous. If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it.

Some people put the Fritos on the bottom of the bowl with chili on top and others put the Fritos on top of the chili.

Either way, it is delicious, especially topped with cheese and sour cream.

Yield: 8

Venison Chili Recipe

Print Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

A delicious chili using ground venison.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground venison, see note below
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 green, red, or yellow pepper chopped
• 1 - 2 teaspoons chili powder use 1 teaspoon for a more mild chili and 2 teaspoons or more if you like really spicy chili
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2- 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1- 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes or tomatoes with green chilies
• 1- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 2- 16 ounce cans pinto beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained ( We prefer pinto beans, but kidney beans work fine too.)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the venison with onions and green peppers until the meat is cooked through and the onions and peppers are tender. Drain off any fat and return the meat to the pan.
2. Add the chili powder, garlic, salt, paprika, ground cumin, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans.
4. Cook on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to cook it at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors blend together well.
5. Serve with cheese, sour cream, Fritos, cornbread, or as desired.
6. See note below for directions for cooking in a slow cooker.

Notes

In place of 2 pounds of ground venison, you can use 1 pound of ground venison and 1 pound of ground beef, or two pounds of ground beef.

If you would like to cook in a slow cooker, cook meat, peppers, and onions until done. Drain fat and place meat in the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 225Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 433mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 31g

Nutritional values are approximate and aren't always accurate.

The post Venison Chili Recipe appeared first on Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.