INGREDIENTS
DOUGH:
6 ounces cream cheese
1/2 pound margarine or butter (softened)
2 cups flour
FILLING:
14 ounces of caramels
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Whipped cream or white icing (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together the dough ingredients. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles, using a scalloped or circular cookie cutter. Line a mini muffin or nut cup pan with the dough.
Bake the dough for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool.
In the meantime, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler. Allow them to cool slightly.
Fill each tart with the caramel mixture. If desired, decorate each tart with a dab of white icing or whipped cream. Enjoy!
This recipe was submitted by Joni Sabbato-Bergert, resident of Wellsville, Ohio, and parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in East Liverpool.
THE CATHOLIC KITCHEN
A reflection by Cindee Case, consultant in the diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, as well as a parishioner at St. Joseph Parish in Austintown.
What is your favorite Christmas cookie? What family traditions do you have that involve baking? Have you learned to bake specific kinds of cookies from relatives? Do you only get to enjoy some of these cookies at Christmas time? Perhaps something like these caramel tarts or another dessert provided the special treat?
Regardless of the ingredients, most of us have something sweet in mind when we think of Christmas. And many spend a good bit of time in December preparing these treats. Do we make a point of connecting this sweetness to our Advent season?
When we bake, we have to prepare—gather the ingredients, clean the work area, preheat the oven, ready the storage containers. Advent is our time to prepare for Christmas. Our necessary “ingredients” might include participating at Mass, celebrating Reconciliation, listening to special speakers or going to a retreat. Your parish might provide opportunities to offer service to others via a Giving Tree, toy drive or service projects, as well as supporting area food cupboards and Catholic Charities. The Dorothy Day House, Joshua Casteel House and St. Vincent de Paul kitchens might welcome some Christmas cookies, candies or caramel tarts if you would be inclined to bake them!
At home, as you make good use of your Advent wreath, countdown calendar, creche and Christmas tree, follow up prayer with a seasonal sweet treat. After all, Advent is different from Lent, as we need not abstain from sweet treats. We take time to grow in a deeper understanding of what Emmanuel—God with us—means, so that we can celebrate the Nativity of the Lord with deeper joy. Best wishes for a sweet Advent, blessed 12 days of Christmas and a fantastic start to 2025!
Want to submit a recipe for “The Catholic Kitchen?”
Email us! Give us your name, your parish and, of course, your recipe!
We look forward to hearing from you.
