Obligatory First Entry

It has been mentioned to me, with all of my pictures of the tasty things I make, that I should post pictures and recipes all in one place. Which I am totally jumping on. Who doesn't love delicious things? I just finished baking/making these things about half an hour ago, and felt that I would start off with that. Over this week while I'm staying at my parent's house to look after the house/dog/my sister, I'll be doing a lot of baking, so there will be tons of pictures. However, I will tell you this right now... I can't disclose my recipe for gingerbread or sugar cookies. My Gramma was incredibly upset with my mom for disclosing the sugar cookie recipe to my aunt (my dad's sister), so I'm not going to suffer that wrath. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Butter Tarts
3 eggs
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup white sugar
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup raisins or 1 cup chopped pecans
24 3" Frozen tart shells, thawed

1. Beat eggs lightly with fork in a bowl.  Add corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until blended.

2. Spoon raisins/pecans into tart shells, pour in filling, about two-thirds full.

3. Bake at 350F for 20 - 25 minutes or until set and golden.

Chipits Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
2 cups Hershey's Chipits Special Dark Chocolate Chips or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 cup peppermint pieces (candy canes)

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper.
2. Place chocolate chips in a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM (50%) for 1 minute; stir. If necessary, continue to microwave, 15 seconds at a time and stirring after each interval, just until chips are melted and smooth.
3. Stir all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) crushed candy into the melted chocolate. Pour chocolate mixture onto prepared baking sheet; spread evenly, about 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick. Gently tap the bottom of the baking sheet on the counter to even out the thickness of the mixture. Sprinkle the surface with reserved peppermint candy.
4. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm; break into pieces. Store, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry palce. Makes about 3/4 lb (375 g) candy.

* Increase peppermint candy, if desired.