Search Results for “chocolate covered cherries” – Page 2

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & MENU PLANS week 5 of 2022

Doing Happy Homemaker Monday so extensively helps keep me on track as it summarizes the past week and lays out a fairly concise plan for this week.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

What an exciting playoff day yesterday was! The sacks, the interceptions, overtime – the games had it all!!! So sorry Jean 🙁 I really thought the Chiefs had it until the very end. When the coin toss for overtime came up in their favor I was sure it was all over. It has been so many years since the Bengals have even made it to the playoffs, let alone through them that I’m not totally disappointed. It was a good game.

The Rams game didn’t start out well, but boy was the second half an edge of the seat worth the wait! I’m not from California, but I grew up there. My dad was an “original’ Rams fan from when they were originally a Los Angeles team so I grew up with them being the home town team. Honestly I would have been okay with the 49ers winning, but am so glad to see the Rams be one of the first teams to go to the Super Bowl in their brand new home stadium.

Our weekend rain didn’t materialize until last night and while it poured A LOT, it was short lived leaving us with an even colder week ahead. Saturday was actually gorgeous – sunny and bright despite being cold. With the sun the temperature actually hit 40 and we were able to take a comfortable hike around the pond. That sun was short lived though and the low was 29° that night 🙁 This week will be in the low 40’s with very little sun making it a bone chilling cold again. Nights will be in the low 30’s. But, I am LOVING the continued turtlenecks, flannels, hoodies and UGG’s though.

I’m a positive, upbeat person 95% of the time who loves to interact with people and be involved in multiple projects, but I can seriously see how easy it would be to become an agoraphobic person.

I seriously question leaving the house EVERY time I do it these days. COVID variants and people’s actions or lack of are on my mind ALL the time these days. I never used to judge people and hate to admit I do now. I try to not even use public restrooms these days, but every now and then it is a necessity and when I see someone leave a restroom without washing their hands I cringe and just want to yell at them!!!!

Because of my immuno compromised status I am ALWAYS (and have been for a VERY long time) aware of my surroundings and the actions of those around me, but MORE than ever it makes life a challenge these days.

Hot water and cherry yogurt!

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a load of towels to do, but the rest of the laundry is up to date. I’ll vacuum later. It’s been so cold at night that we are still getting those pesky tiny black ants. They are not in search of anything, but warmth since they never get into food, but boy are they annoying!! So I like to vacuum them up as often as possible.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have hair and pedicure appointments this week so will work the groceries and misc. errands into those appointments. The painting class for the Eagles is on Saturday also, but that’s super local with people I know and in a LARGE room appropriately spaced.
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS & PROJECTS Still whittling down a bunch of stuff.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve been reading a couple of new cook books and working on down sizing a few more recipes for February.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

PEACOCK Fraiser reruns
TUBI That Girl reruns
DISNEY+ Sulphur Springs Season 2
CABLE I have some cooking shows (Next Level Chef, Alex VS. America, Girl Meets Farm, The Lost Kitchen), Hallmark movies and some CBS shows (Magnum, Blue Bloods, NCIS, Bull) that haven’t yet gone on Hiatus as well as some Rawhide reruns recorded that I’ve been watching in between things.

I’m finishing up THE LAKESIDE INN by Leanna Morgan and will start BUNDLE OF TROUBLE by Diana Orgain this week. Bundle of Trouble wasn’t on my original list for the year, but popped up as a free kindle read in my email so I thought I’d try a new to me author.

It’s been completely dry and super cold lately with heavy dense fog mornings that haven’t been clearing off until around lunchtime, but that has been creating some incredible sunsets. 😀 I caught this one just in time on Friday afternoon.

Then on Saturday when it actually warmed up a bit with the sun we walked around the pond and were rewarded with this cute beaver sunning himself on a downed log.

Recently they cut back A LOT of brush from around the pond and you can now see all the beaver activity as they begin building their summer home.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	TACO SPAGHETTI	SALAD with GOAT CHEESE CROUTONS and CITRUS VINAIGRETTE	TEX MEX CHICKEN POT PIES	SEAFOOD SALAD & NO KNEAD SALAMI BREAD	SAUERBRATEN, POTATO PANCAKES & HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE	CHICKEN & DUMPLING SOUP with NO KNEAD ONION BREAD	HAMBURGER HASH with MARINATED BEAN SALAD
DESSERT		MOLLY CHOCO CHIP COOKIES

MARINATED BEAN SALAD
TUSCAN STYLE HERB CHICKEN
ELVIS COOKIES ala DUFF GOLDMAN
MARINATED PORK CHOPS & FRIED POTATOES

BLOGMAS 2021 ~ DAY 18 ~ FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOODS, BEVERAGES & RECIPES

This is a SUPER easy topic for me. The one thing I am noticing as I type each entry is that by doing this, I am remembering so many silly stories and anecdotes about aunts, uncles, cousins and such that keep bringing smiles to my face. These memories are part of what this season is all about to me.

I’d like to say that our table looked just like the one in the picture. Well Christmas day was close, but Christmas Eve was ALWAYS much more casual. One of my earlier memories is of a very warm Christmas Day, a backed up sink/garbage disposal (I don’t think we ever had a holiday in that house where the garbage disposal didn’t have an issue of some sort) and then having to transport all the prepared food from my parent’s house to my grandparent’s house via my grandmother’s RED (kind of like a Christmas sleigh) Chevy station wagon (remember those?) while my uncle and I sat in the back keeping the food from toppling over.

CHRISTMAS EVE – Served Buffet style since this was the night we did most of the present opening and the adults didn’t want to spend all their time in the kitchen – in later years we would have it catered (so to speak – they prepared the food, we picked it up and displayed it) from Rattler’s BBQ. We also began to use “FINE CHINA” as hubs calls it aka as decorated paper plates, bowls and napkins.

Sandwich makings – roast beef, ham, cheeses
Potato Salad
See’s Candy boxes
Wintergreen ribbon candy
Chocolate covered cherries

CHRISTMAS DAY – This is where we dug out the REAL fine china and crystal as well as the silver and cloth napkins. I loved setting the table for this meal. There were always enough people that we had a KID’S table too. I hated the kid’s table – all the good stuff was sitting at the grown-up’s table.

Roast Turkey, Baked Ham or Roast Beef
Daddy’s Stuffing – now recreated from scratch to taste virtually the same as my Oatnut Sourdough Herb Dressing
Mashed Potatoes ALWAYS from scratch – it was those potato peels that were one of the biggest garbage disposal problems
Giblet Gravy
Cranberry Sauce – my family always used Ocean Spray from a can but nowadays we make my homemade sauce ALWAYS (though our oldest prefers canned sauce LOL 😀 ) – Cranberry Sauce
Baked Ham – in later years it was always HONEYBAKED HAM and I loved making Split Pea soup with the left over bone.
Glazed Carrots
Green Bean Casserole (THEN) Brussels Sprouts Casserole (NOW) 😀
Gran’s cranberry salad – she’d make two, one for mom and aunt Liz and one for everyone else.
Rolls and butter
Traditional pies like pumpkin, Cherry and as well as Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
See’s Candies

When we go to my SIL’s family for Christmas (or any other big family get together) we do Hor’deouvres style. The family is so big now that over the years we have found that if each person brings an hor’deouvre to feed 10+ people that we can make a HUGE feast. We just serve it buffet style (skipping the sit down meal) and mingle and play – it is ALWAYS the best time.

CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES
CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Pre-heat oven to 350°.
Line cupcake tins with papers.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
Whisk eggs for about 1 minute. They will become frothy and lightened in color.
Add oil and whisk again until combined.
Add sugar and whisk for about 1 minute.
Add vanilla extract.
Add sour cream to the batter, whisking until combined
Now add the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl and whisk gently. Whisk batter until JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!

CINNAMON SWIRL
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar

Make the Cinnamon Swirl: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

Now start by pouring about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter on the bottom of each cupcake tin.
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
Now, sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon Swirl mixture over batter.
Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
Using a toothpick, swirl the batter a few times to create a swirl effect.
Top already swirled cupcakes with one final 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to rotate pans.
Remove from the oven once cupcakes are lightly golden brown and puffed.
Cool 10 minutes.

GLAZE
+/- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
+/- 2 tablespoons milk

Mix powdered sugar and milk together.

NOTES: There are many factors that will affect your glaze consistency. The brand of sugar you use, whether you use a scale or a measuring cup… If your glaze is too thin and runny, add more sifted powdered sugar and test for consistency again. If the glaze is too thick and not spreading, add a very, very small amount (1 teaspoon) of milk at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES
11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces
1/2 cup butter
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Creme-de-Menthe Filling (BELOW)
Dark Chocolate Ganache (BELOW)

In a medium saucepan, melt and stir 4 ounces (3/4 cup) of the dark chocolate pieces, butter, and the unsweetened chocolate over low heat.
Remove from heat; cool.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside.
Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture in saucepan.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon JUST until combined.
Stir in vanilla.
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined.
Stir in the remaining 7 ounces (1-1/2 cups) dark chocolate pieces. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Spread Creme-de-Menthe Filling over cooled brownies.
Place uncut brownies in the refrigerator while preparing the Dark Chocolate Ganache.
Spread slightly cooled Dark Chocolate Ganache over Creme de Menthe Filling, spreading to the edges with a spatula.
Cover and chill about 1 hour or until set. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Cut into bars.
Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

CREME-DE-MENTHE FILLING
3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons GREEN creme de menthe
Milk (optional)

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter.
Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.
Gradually beat in 1 cup of the powdered sugar.
Beat in creme-de-menthe.
Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar. If necessary beat in 1 tablespoon of additional milk to make the filling slightly thicker than a frosting

CHOCOLATE GANACHE
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces

In a medium saucepan, bring whipping cream JUST to boiling over medium-high heat.
Remove from heat.
Add dark chocolate pieces (do not stir).
Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
Cool for 15 minutes.
Pour over brownies and QUICKLY spread evenly.

NOTE: You can substitute 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and several drops of green food coloring for the GREEN Creme-de-menthe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are some of my FAVORITE RECIPE LINKS to make for a crowd. They make some pretty impressive foods and drinks for a buffet table.

BLOGMAS 2020 ~ DAY 16 ~ FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOODS & RECIPES

This is another easy topic. The one thing I am noticing as I type each entry is that by doing this, I am remembering so many silly stories and anecdotes about aunts, uncles, cousins and such that keep bringing smiles to my face. These memories are part of what this season is all about to me.

I’d like to say that our table looked just like the one in the picture. Well Christmas day was close, but Christmas Eve was ALWAYS much more casual.One of my earlier memories is of a very warm Christmas Day, a backed up sink/garbage disposal (I don’t think we ever had a holiday in that house where the garbage disposal didn’t have an issue of some sort) and then having to transport all the prepared food from my parent’s house to my grandparent’s house via my grandmother’s RED (kind of like a Christmas sleigh) Chevy station wagon (remember those?) while my uncle and I sat in the back keeping the food from toppling over.

CHRISTMAS EVE – Served Buffet style since this was the night we did most of the present opening and the adults didn’t want to spend all their time in the kitchen – in later years we would have it catered (so to speak – they prepared the food, we picked it up and displayed it) from Rattler’s BBQ. We also began to use “FINE CHINA” as hubs calls it aka as decorated paper plates, bowls and napkins.

Sandwich makings – roast beef, ham, cheeses
Potato Salad
See’s Candy boxes
Wintergreen ribbon candy
Chocolate covered cherries

CHRISTMAS DAY – This is where we dug out the REAL fine china and crystal as well as the silver and cloth napkins. I loved setting the table for this meal. There were always enough people that we had a KID’S table too. I hated the kid’s table – all the good stuff was sitting at the grown-up’s table.

Roast Turkey, Baked Ham or Roast Beef
Daddy’s Stuffing – now recreated from scratch to taste virtually the same as my Oatnut Sourdough Herb Dressing
Mashed Potatoes from scratch – it was these potato peels that were one of the biggest garbage disposal problems
Giblet Gravy
Cranberry Sauce – my family always used Ocean Spray from a can but nowadays we make my homemade sauce ALWAYS – Cranberry Sauce
Baked Ham – in later years it was always HONEYBAKED HAM and I loved making Split Pea soup with the left over bone.
Glazed Carrots
Green Bean Casserole (THEN) Brussels Sprouts Casserole (NOW) 😀
Gran’s cranberry salad – she’d make two, one for mom and aunt Liz and one for everyone else.
Rolls and butter
Traditional pies like pumpkin, Cherry and as well as Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
See’s Candies

When we go to my SIL’s family for Christmas (or any other big family get together) we do Hor’deouvres style. The family is so big that over the years we have found that if each person brings an hor’deouvre to feed 10+ people that we can make a HUGE feast. We just serve it buffet style (skipping the sit down meal) and mingle and play – it is ALWAYS the best time.

CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES
CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Pre-heat oven to 350°.
Line cupcake tins with papers.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
Whisk eggs for about 1 minute. They will become frothy and lightened in color.
Add oil and whisk again until combined.
Add sugar and whisk for about 1 minute.
Add vanilla extract.
Add sour cream to the batter, whisking until combined
Now add the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl and whisk gently. Whisk batter until JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!

CINNAMON SWIRL
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar

Make the Cinnamon Swirl: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

Now start by pouring about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter on the bottom of each cupcake tin.
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
Now, sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon Swirl mixture over batter.
Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
Using a toothpick, swirl the batter a few times to create a swirl effect.
Top already swirled cupcakes with one final 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to rotate pans.
Remove from the oven once cupcakes are lightly golden brown and puffed.
Cool 10 minutes.

GLAZE
+/- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
+/- 2 tablespoons milk

Mix powdered sugar and milk together.

NOTES: There are many factors that will affect your glaze consistency. The brand of sugar you use, whether you use a scale or a measuring cup… If your glaze is too thin and runny, add more sifted powdered sugar and test for consistency again. If the glaze is too thick and not spreading, add a very, very small amount (1 teaspoon) of milk at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

In a medium saucepan, melt and stir 4 ounces (3/4 cup) of the dark chocolate pieces, butter, and the unsweetened chocolate over low heat.
Remove from heat; cool.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside.
Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture in saucepan.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon JUST until combined.
Stir in vanilla.
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined.
Stir in the remaining 7 ounces (1-1/2 cups) dark chocolate pieces. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Spread Creme-de-Menthe Filling over cooled brownies.
Place uncut brownies in the refrigerator while preparing the Dark Chocolate Ganache.
Spread slightly cooled Dark Chocolate Ganache over Creme de Menthe Filling, spreading to the edges with a spatula.
Cover and chill about 1 hour or until set. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Cut into bars.
Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

CREME-DE-MENTHE FILLING
3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons GREEN creme de menthe
Milk (optional)

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter.
Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.
Gradually beat in 1 cup of the powdered sugar.
Beat in creme-de-menthe.
Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar. If necessary beat in 1 tablespoon of additional milk to make the filling slightly thicker than a frosting

CHOCOLATE GANACHE
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces

In a medium saucepan, bring whipping cream JUST to boiling over medium-high heat.
Remove from heat.
Add dark chocolate pieces (do not stir).
Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
Cool for 15 minutes.
Pour over brownies and QUICKLY spread evenly.

NOTE: You can substitute 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and several drops of green food coloring for the GREEN Creme-de-menthe.

Here are some of my FAVORITE RECIPE LINKS to make for a crowd. They make some pretty impressive foods and drinks for a buffet table.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 6 of 2019

Happy Monday and Happy February! I’ve been having trouble sleeping or should I say staying asleep. I get to sleep just fine, but then I’m WIDE awake just a few short hours later and can’t seem to get back to sleep which is leaving me sleepy and lethargic! So I’m up early today and hoping to get a bunch of things done before I’m out of energy again.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING I’m certainly glad we’re not in Chicago or even in our old community in the Upper Peninsula this past week, but we are cold for here. A little snow is predicted for today and tomorrow – nothing that will be really bad, but cold none-the-less and they just aren’t prepared for it here. The last time they predicted it like this we had a bunch of snow that turned to ice and made traveling a PAIN in the butt. Fortunately I do not have to go anywhere and am able to stay warm and toasty. I have on comfy yoga pants, warm fuzzy socks and my favorite well worn sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Honey Nut Cheerios, banana and green tea

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE/WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS/CRAFT BASKET/APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY… ALL caught up except for the towel folding
LIVING AREAS… need to dust and vacuum
KITCHEN… need to tidy up A LOT I made a mess making snack food for the Super Bowl and was too tired since I didn’t sleep the night before and had been up since 5AM on a Sunday
YARD… nothing
BLOG… I want/need to get back into some form of daily posting
CRAFTS/PROJECTS… working on some ideas to start an ETSY store with… not ready to show anything yet – will wait to see if what’s in my mind comes to fruition in reality
APPOINTMENTS… nothing much
TO DO… paperwork, VA follow up, makes some appointments…

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY In addition to the Blessings Gratitude jar this year I’m also doing the 52 week deposit challenge in the same jar. It really is amazing how fast it adds up! I do it on Mondays so it coincides with this post that always has the week number in it and I don’t really have to even think about it that way.

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED I’d like to say the SuperBowl, but honestly it was boring and not even the commercials were up to par as in years past. My favorite commercials were:

Christinia Applegate and M&Ms
Budweiser Dalmation Blowin’ In The Wind
Toyota Supra Pinball
Bud Light Corn Syrup deliveries
CBS “eyes”
Harrison Ford in Amazon’s Alexa “FAILS”
Charlie Sheen and Mr Peanut
Hobbs and Shaw movie trailer
The football awards just before half time

I’M READING Ava Miles The Patchwork Quilt of Happiness (Dare River Book 6)

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH not a darn thing except Worst Cook

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I didn’t get anything this week

INSPIRATION

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST & LUNCH	DINNER
MONDAY – FRIDAY	BREAKFAST GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT LUNCH CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY R.E.D. PINEAPPLE RAISIN TAMALES TUESDAY ALOHA RIBS WEDNESDAY C.O.R.N. THURSDAY RED CHICKEN CHILI FRIDAY CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS
SATURDAY	CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST	CHEESY SOUR CREAM CHICKEN
SUNDAY	BAKED OMELETES	CHICKEN WINGS & SALAD

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE
TERIYAKI & ENCHILADA CHICKEN MARINADES
BAKED SOUTHWEST PORK CHOPS
BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS
FRENCH ONION PASTA BAKE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK I’ve now eliminated 14 sites from my ‘WHERE I LIKE TO PARTY” list since the first of the year. I find it refreshing to be downsizing and eliminating those blogs from the list that are too multi-layered and problematic in their effort to be a money making platform instead of the fun blogging experience. I find a lot of inspiring projects and recipes at these blog hops and I still do this for the fun of it – I really want to keep it that way 😀

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES – just for Valentine’s Day
TROPICAL GLAZED PORK LOIN
CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS
DRUNKEN CHICKEN & TOMATOES
PINEAPPLE ANGEL FOOD SNACK CAKE

DAY 14 – BLOGMAS 2017 – FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOODS

This is another easy topic. The one thing I am noticing as I type each entry is that by doing this, I am remembering so many silly stories and anecdotes about aunts, uncles, cousins and such that keep bringing a smile to my face. These memories are part of what this season is all about to me.

I’d like to say that our table looked just like the one in the picture. Well Christmas day was close, but Christmas Eve was ALWAYS much more casual.

One of my earlier memories is of a very warm Christmas Day, a backed up sink/garbage disposal (I don’t think we ever had a holiday in that house where the garbage disposal didn’t have an issue of some sort) and having to transport all the prepared food from my parent’s house to my granparent’s house via my grandmother’s RED (kind of like a Christmas sleigh) Chevy station wagon (remember those?) while my uncle and I sat in the back keeping the food from toppling over.

Sandwich makings – roast beef, ham, cheeses
Potato Salad
See’s Candy boxes
Wintergreen ribbon candy
Chocolate covered cherries

CHRISTMAS DAY – This is where we dug out the REAL fine china and crystal as well as the silver. I loved setting the table for this meal. There were always enough people that we had a KID’S table too. I hated the kid’s table – all the good stuff was sitting at the grown-up’s table.

Roast Turkey, Baked Ham or Roast Beef
Daddy’s Stuffing – now recreated from scratch to taste virtually the same as my Oatnut Sourdough Herb Dressing
Mashed Potatoes from scratch – it was these potato peels that were one of the biggest garbage disposal problems
Giblet Gravy
Cranberry Sauce – they used Ocean Spray from a can but we now use one of these 2 homemade recipes – Cranberry or Cranberry Pomegranate Tangerine
Baked Ham – in later years it was always HONEYBAKED HAM and I loved making Split Pea soup with the left over bone.
Glazed Carrots
Green Bean Casserole
Gran’s cranberry salad – she’d make two, one for mom and aunt Liz and one for everyone else.
Rolls and butter
Traditional pies like pumpkin, Cherry and as well as Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
See’s Candies

When we go to my SIL’s family for Christmas (or any other big family get together) we do Hor’deouvres style. The family is so big that over the years we have found that if each person brings an hor’deouvres to feed 10+ people that we can make a HUGE feast. We just serve it buffet style and mingle and play – it is ALWAYS the best time.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 37 of 2017

Oh my I can’t believe it’s Monday again already! I hope you had a great week/weekend. We are personally back to normal after Hurricane Harvey, but so many aren’t including our house/dog sitter who unfortunately lost her car, her job and house was flooded during the hurricane. She’ll be here this week to “regroup” while waiting on materials for new walls and floors at her house. She’s on a waiting list to get a rental car – there just aren’t enough to go around!

My tests and surgery have been pushed out 6 weeks after being canceled during the hurricane. While I’m not happy about this because of the way it is affecting my life, I do understand what a scheduling nightmare it would be to push everyone out 2 weeks to accommodate everyone that was canceled.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re enjoying some milder weather finally. Unfortunately it is because of the Florida situation so I would take the heat and humidity back to save all those people from what they are going through.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

We made coffee to go, but will grab something on the road after we get out of the morning traffic.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE & WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… washer is having an issue so will have lots of loads to do next week
ALL LIVING AREAS… perfect! I did a deep clean before the house sitter got here.
YARD… NOTHING! New seeds have begun to come up and is looking good.
BLOG… still doing some recipe updating and planning for future posts.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

READING – I seem to fall asleep after just a paragraph or 2 – Ava Miles #5 Dare Valley – The TOWN SQUARE

The new season is finally about to start. I do have some cooking shows to clean up on the DVR, but there are plenty of things still going on:

ZOO
THE STRAIN
SALVATION
NIGHT SHIFT
MIDNIGHT TEXAS
CHESAPEAKE SHORES
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES
Guy’s Family Road Trip
Great FOOD TRUCK race
MASTER CHEF – there are some interesting characters left this season and some I can’t wait to see go – hint hint JEFF still HAS TO GO!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	on the road	FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT	hotel	hotel	hotel	hotel	hotel
LUNCH	on the road	??	??	??	??	??	on the road
DINNER	??	??	welcome reception	??	out for my birthday	banquet	on the road
DESSERT					cake of course

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

There are so many things going on EVERYWHERE right now that I am just praying for the world and our country to level out and be still for awhile! This kind of comically sums it up though.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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DESSERTS

CAKES
APPLE CARAMEL PECAN DUMP CAKE
BANANA SPICE CAKE
BLUEBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE
BLUEBERRY CRUMB CAKE
BLUEBERRY STREUSEL
BOSTON CREAM CAKE/PIE
CHERRY PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES
CHUNKY MONKEYS
COCOA FUDGE CAKE
DOUBLE APPLE BUNDT CAKE
EGG NOG CUP CAKES with RUM CARAMEL
HONEYED BOGS
KING CAKE
MAPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL CAKE with OOEY GOOEY COCONUT TOPPING
MOONSHINE FRUITCAKE
PINEAPPLE ANGEL FOOD SNACK CAKE
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
RUM RAISIN CARROT CAKE with VANILLA CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

CANDY
CHOCOLATE CHERRY TRUFFLES
CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES
CORN FLAKE HOLLY WREATHS
COUNTRY BOB’S FUDGE
FRITO BRITTLE
PB BANANA BITES
REINDEER NIBBLES

COFFEECAKE, SWEET BREADS and MUFFINS
ALMOND WALNUT DANISH
APRICOT PINEAPPLE MONKEY BREAD
BANANAS FOSTER BREAD
BANANA NUT ROLL
BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD
CARAMEL APPLE PIE MONKEY BREAD BOMBS
CARAMEL CHEESE STUFFED APPLE BREAD
CINNAMON PUMPKIN PULL APART BREAD
CINNAMON RAISIN PULL APART BREAD
CINNAMON SWIRL LOAF
PUMPKIN MUFFINS
TOFFEE WALNUT CINNAMON PULLS

CHEESECAKES
BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE
BLUEBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE
BLUEBERRY LIME CHEESECAKE
CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE

COBBLERS, CRISPS & TORTES
CHEESECAKE APPLE CRISP
CHERRY APRICOT GALETTE
FRENCH PEAR TART
HONEY CARAMEL MACADAMIA NUT TART
MEYER LEMON TARTS
PEACH BLUEBERRY CRISPS
PINEAPPLE RAISIN TAMALES with ORANGE BLUEBERRY JAM

COOKIES & BARS
CARAMEL STUFFED AUTUMN SNICKER DOODLES
COCOA FUDGE BROWNIES
GINGERBREAD BARS
GINGER COOKIES aka LEBKUCHEN
GOOEY CARAMEL TOPPED GINGERSNAPS
HOT CHOCOLATE BARS
MAGIC COOKIE BUTTER BARS
MOLASSES CRINKLES
PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE DROPS
SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE WALNUT BARS
SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS
SNICKERDOODLES

PIES, PUDDINGS, SOUFFLES, CUSTARDS & JELLOS
BANANA KEY LIME PIE
BOSTON CREAM PIE/CAKE
CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES
GRAN’S HOLIDAY JELL-O SALAD
HOT CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES
KEY LIME PIE with BLUEBERRY CARAMEL SAUCE
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CUPS
PINEAPPLE CHERRY PIE
ROASTED BANANA PUDDING
SOUR CREAM DUTCH APPLE PIE
STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE
TROPICAL YUM!

RECIPES

APPETIZERS
BACON PICKLE FRIES
BEET PICKLED DEVILED EGGS
BRANDING IRON MEATBALLS
BUFFALO CHICKEN FRITES
BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS
BUFFALO CHICKEN PULL APART BREAD
CHILI BOURBON/WHISKEY BALLS
COWGIRL KISSES with RASPBERRY CHIPOTLE SAUCE
CRAB PUFFS
GARLIC DILL PICKLES
MAGIC DUST SLAM DUNK HOT WINGS
MINI CHEESE PUFFS
MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS
PIMIENTO CHEESE SPREAD
REUBEN PINWHEELS
SLOW COOKED MEATBALLS
TATCHOS
TEX MEX BLT’S
TEXAS CAVIAR

ASIAN
BAKED PINEAPPLE ORANGE CHICKEN
CHICKEN CHOW MEIN
CRISPY SESAME CHICKEN
FISHY CHICKEN STIR FRY
GLAZED SESAME CHICKEN STIR FRY
PINEAPPLE SESAME PORK & BROCCOLI
SPICY CHICKEN POT STICKERS with BLACKBERRY DIPPING SAUCE
SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN

BREADS
BUTTERMILK ROLLS
CAT HEAD BISCUITS
GARLIC CHEESE BISCUITS
PARMESAN CHEESE ROLLS
VAMPIRE SLAYER ARTICHOKE BREAD

BRUNCH & EGGS
BACON CHEDDAR PANCAKES
BAKED EGGS
BASIC OMELTES
BISCUITS & SAUSAGE GRAVY BAKE
CORNED BEEF HASH
CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST
HAM & CHEESE BRUNCH CAKE
HASH BROWN HAM & CHEESE QUICHE
FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
GERMAN PANCAKE aka DUTCH BABY
KITCHEN SINK FRITTATA
QUICHE LORRAINE
ROASTED RED PEPPER HAM STRATAS
SHIRRED EGGS
SLUMBERING VOLCANOS
TIE DYE EGGS
TOASTED FRENCH TOAST

BEVERAGES
TEQUILA ROSE FIZZES

CASSEROLES & SIDES
5 CHEESE MAC & CHEESE
ASIAGO SHRIMP RISOTTO
BISCUIT TOPPED CHICKEN POT PIES
BUFFALO CHICKEN AND POTATOES
CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE
CHILI DOG CASSEROLE
CHILI MAC CASSEROLE
CONEY ISLAND TATERS
GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
GRANS BUTTER CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE
HERB POTATO SOUFFLES
HORSERADISH POTATOES
INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES
MEAT LOVER’S PIZZA MAC & CHEESE
PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES
PIONEER BEAN DINNER
POTATO PANCAKES
SHEPHERD’S PIE – ITALIAN STYLE
SINFUL MAC & CHEESE
SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
S.O.S.
STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
TIMBERMILL BBQ BAKED BEANS
TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

DESSERTS
CAKES
APPLE CARAMEL PECAN DUMP CAKE
BANANA SPICE CAKE
BLUEBERRY CRUMB CAKE
BLUEBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE
BLUEBERRY STREUSEL
BOSTON CREAM PIE/CAKE
CHERRY PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES
CHUNKY MONKEYS
COCOA FUDGE CAKE
DOUBLE APPLE BUNDT CAKE
EGG NOG CUPCAKES with RUM CARAMEL
HONEYED BOGS
KING CAKE
MAPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL CAKE with OOEY GOOEY COCONUT TOPPING
MOONSHINE FRUITCAKE
PINEAPPLE ANGEL FOOD SNACK CAKE
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
RUM RAISIN CARROT CAKE with VANILLA CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

CANDY
CHOCOLATE CHERRY TRUFFLES
CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES
CORN FLAKE HOLLY WREATHS
COUNTRY BOB’S FUDGE
FRITO BRITTLE
PB BANANA BITES
REINDEER NIBBLES

COFFEECAKE, SWEET BREADS and MUFFINS
ALMOND WALNUT DANISH
APRICOT PINEAPPLE MONKEY BREAD
BANANAS FOSTER BREAD
BANANA NUT ROLL
BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD
CARAMEL APPLE PIE MONKEY BREAD BOMBS
CARAMEL CHEESE STUFFED APPLE BREAD
CINNAMON PUMPKIN PULL APART BREAD
CINNAMON RAISIN PULL APART BREAD
CINNAMON SWIRL LOAF
PUMPKIN MUFFINS
TOFFEE WALNUT CINNAMON PULLS

CHEESECAKES
BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE
BLUEBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE
BLUEBERRY LIME CHEESECAKE
CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE

COBBLERS, CRISPS & TORTES
CHEESECAKE APPLE CRISP
CHERRY APRICOT GALETTE
FRENCH PEAR TART
HONEY CARAMEL MACADAMIA NUT TART
MEYER LEMON TART
PEACH BLUEBERRY CRISPS
PINEAPPLE RAISIN TAMALES with ORANGE BLUEBERRY JAM

COOKIES & BARS
CARAMEL STUFFED AUTUMN SNICKER DOODLES
COCOA FUDGE BROWNIES
GINGERBREAD BARS
GINGER COOKIES aka LEBKUCHEN
GOOEY CARAMEL TOPPED GINGERSNAPS
HOT CHOCOLATE BARS
MAGIC COOKIE BUTTER BARS
MOLASSES CRINKLES
PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE DROPS
SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE NUT BARS
SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS
SNICKERDOODLES

PIES, PUDDINGS, SOUFFLES, CUSTARDS & JELLOS
BANANA KEY LIME PIE
BOSTON CREAM PIE/CAKE
CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES
GRAN’S HOLIDAY JELL-O SALAD
HOT CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES
KEY LIME PIE with CARAMEL BLUEBERRY SAUCE
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CUPS
PINEAPPLE CHERRY PIE
ROASTED BANANA PUDDING
SOUR CREAM DUTCH APPLE PIE
STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE
TROPICAL YUM

FRUITS
APPLESAUCE
BAKED CARAMEL PEARS
CARAMEL GLAZED APPLES

ITALIAN
BEEF RAGU
BUFFALO CHICKEN LASAGNA
CHICKEN PARMESAN LASAGNA
CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS
COUNTRY HEAVEN LASAGNA
ITALIAN PIGGY SHELLS
ITALIAN STUFFED CHICKEN
POTATO GNOCCHI
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
STUFFED MARSALA CHICKEN

JAMS & BUTTERS
BANANA JAM
BANANAS FOSTER BUTTER
ORANGE BLUEBERRY JAM
TANGERINE MARMALADE

PASTAS & PIZZA
CHEESY ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA
CHICKEN HORSERADISH MAC & CHEESE
FRENCH ONION PASTA BAKE
ITALIAN GARLIC SUPREME PIZZA
LEMON SHRIMP SPAGHETTI
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE & MOZZA STUFFED MEATBALLS
WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA

MEATS & PROTEINS
ALOHA BBQ PORK RIBS
ARTICHOKE CHICKEN and PASTA in LEMON CREAM SAUCE
BBQ BACON CHEESEBURGER MEATBALLS
BBQ BACON ROAST CHICKEN
BACON HERB ROASTED TURKEY
BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN SKEWERS
BAKED HONEY LIME CHICKEN
BAKED APRICOT PINEAPPLE GINGER SALMON
BAKED HAM with CHERRY SAUCE
BAKED SWEDISH MEATBALLS
BAKED WHITEFISH & CHAMPAGNE DRESSING
BALSAMIC BAKED MOZZARELLA CHICKEN
BALSAMIC BROCCOLI, BRUSSELS SPROUTS and CHICKEN SAUTE’
BALSAMIC CHICKEN ala CROCK POT
BALSAMIC MUSHROOM CHICKEN
BARBACOA
BARRAMUNDI
BEEF & BROCCOLI ala SLOW COOKER
BEEF RAGU
BEEF STROGANOFF
CLASSIC BEEF STROGANOFF
BROWN BOX CRACKER MEATLOAF with BEER BEEF GRAVY
BEEF TENDERLOIN
BLACK BEAN CHEDDAR CHICKEN
BUFFALO CHICKEN LASAGNA
BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF
BUFFALO CHICKEN PULL APART BREAD
BUTTER BEEF ROAST
BUTTER CHICKEN MEATBALLS
BUTTERMILK PORK CHOPS
BUTTERMILK CHIVE CHICKEN
BUTTERMILK RANCH CHICKEN
CAJUN HONEY BUTTER LEMON PEPPER SALMON & SHRIMP
CARAMEL CHICKEN
CARAMELIZED FRENCH ONION CHICKEN
CARIBBEAN CHICKEN
CAST IRON SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN
CEDAR PLANKED SALMON
CELEBRATION CHICKEN a.k.a. CHICKEN S.O.S.
CHEESY MUSHROOM CHICKEN aka CHICKEN DIANE
CHICKEN with CHARRED POBLANO CREAMED CORN & BACON
CHICKEN & DRESSING
CHICKEN AND ONIONS in WHITE WINE CREAM SAUCE
CHICKEN CHILE VERDE
CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN
CHICKEN FRIED HAMBURGER STEAKS
CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS
CHICKEN MARSALA
CHICKEN PARMESAN LASAGNA
CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS
CHILI HONEY LEMON LIME SALMON
CHILI LIME STEAK BITES
CHIPOTLE DR PEPPER SHREDDED PORK
CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN
CONEY ISLAND TATERS
COUNTRY BOB’S MEATLOAF
CREAMSICLE CHICKEN
CREAMY PORK TENDERLOIN
CRAB & CORN CAKES with LIME SOUR CREAM
CREAMED CHICKEN
CRISPY ONION CHICKEN with CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE
CRISPY SESAME CHICKEN
CRY BABY BURGERS
DEVILED STEAK TIPS
DRUNKEN CHICKEN & TOMATOES
DURANGO CHICKEN
FARMSTYLE MEATLOAF & GRAVY
FIRECRACKER PORK CHOPS
FONTINA STUFFED CHICKEN
FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS WITH SWEET PEPPER SAUCE
FRENCH ONION SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS
FRIED CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
GARLIC CREAM CHICKEN
GENERAL TSO CHICKEN
GREEN ONION TOMATO CHICKEN
GREEN TABASCO CHICKEN
GRILLED PORK CHOPS with RASPBERRY BBQ SAUCE
HAWAIIAN HASSELBACK CHICKEN
HOBO CHICKEN PACKS
HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS
HUNGARIAN CHICKEN
ITALIAN DEVIL CHICKEN
JUCY LUCY BURGERS
LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTO
LEMON LIME PEPPER CHICKEN
LEMON PEPPER PORK CHOPS
MAMA’S RETRO MEATLOAF
MAPLE GINGER CHICKEN & PEARS
MARINATED ROAST TURKEY with HONEY CRISP APPLE GRAVY
MARINATED & SEASONED PRIME RIB
MARRY ME CHICKEN – ORIGINAL
MARRY ME CHICKEN with KAHLUA CANDIED MUSHROOMS
MAXINE’S ON MAIN POT ROAST
MIMOSA CHICKEN
MIMOSA ROAST CHICKEN with CHAMPAGNE GRAVY
MISO GINGER CHICKEN
ONION BRAISED BEEF BRISKET
OVEN BBQ CHICKEN
PAN SEARED CHICKEN with BROWNED PASRLEY BUTTER
PAN SEARED CHICKEN with MCGILLICUDDY SAUCE
PAN SEARED CHICKEN with RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE
PAN SEARED CHICKEN BREAST & WILTED SPINACH with PARMESAN PASTA
PAN SEARED COD with SOUR CREAM SAUCE
PAN SEARED SEA BASS with LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
PAPRIKA POT ROAST
PEANUT BUTTER BURGERS
PEASANT CHICKEN
PINEAPPLE CARROT TOP GLAZED HAM
PINEAPPLE SESAME PORK & BROCCOLI
PORK MARSALA
PORK TENDERLOIN with ROAST PEARS & GREEN BEANS
PUB BURGERS & TANGY PUB SAUCE
RED PEPPER GLAZED HALIBUT
RICOTTA MEATBALLS
RITZY CHEDDAR CHICKEN
ROAST LEMON CHICKEN
ROAST PORK TENDERLOIN
RUSTIC CREAMY PARMESAN CHICKEN
SAUERBRATEN
SHEPHERD’S PIE QUESADILLAS
STICKY GLAZED PORK CHOPS
SWEET GARLICKY PORK CHOPS
SWEET GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS
TAWAINESE CHICKEN
TENDERLOIN GRILLADES
TERIYAKI SALMON
TERIYAKI SEX ON A STICK
TOMATO SWISS STEAK
TROPICAL GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN
TUSCAN CHICKEN
VANILLA COGNAC BRINED PORK CHOPS
WHISKEY BBQ CHICKEN

PASTAS & PIZZA
CHEESY ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA
CHICKEN HORSERADISH MAC & CHEESE
ITALIAN GARLIC SUPREME PIZZA
LEMON SHRIMP SPAGHETTI
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE & MOZZA STUFFED MEATBALLS
WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA

SALADS
4 WINDS SLAW
APPLE FENNEL SALAD
APPLE POMEGRANATE SALAD
CARROT COINS
CUCUMBER POMEGRANATE SALAD
DECONSTRUCTED PORK EGG ROLL SALAD
FOUR WINDS SWEET & SOUR SLAW
HOT CHICKEN CHILE VERDE SALAD
KRAB SALAD with HOMEMADE 1000 ISLAND DRESSING
MEXICAN COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING
MARINATED CARROTS
PANZANELLA SALAD
PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH HOT POTATO SALAD aka GERMAN POTATO SALAD
PORKY PIG FARMER’S MARKET SALAD
SEAFOOD SALAD
STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD with BACON VINAIGRETTE
TUNA TARRAGON
VOODOO CHICKEN SALAD aka HOT WING SALAD

SANDWICHES
BUFFALO MEATBALL SLIDERS
CHEESY RANCH CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES aka CRACK CHICKEN
KENTUCKY HOT BROWN
KENTUCKY HOT BROWN CASSEROLE
TATER TOT GRILLED CHEESE and BACON WAFFLE SANDWICHES

SAUCES, DRESSINGS, GRAVIES, RUBS & SEASONINGS
DRESSINGS
1000 ISLAND DRESSING
BLEU CHEESE DRESSING
BLUE CHEESE RANCH DRESSING
CAERSAR DRESSING
CATALINA DRESSING
CELERY SEED DRESSING
CHAMPAGNE DRESSING
HERBED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE
HONEY GINGER VINAIGRETTE
JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING
RUSSIAN DRESSING
SWEET ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE

GRAVIES
GINGERSNAP GRAVY
PEPPERED GRAVY

BUTTERS, MARINADES, RUBS AND SEASONINGS
GRILLED CHICKEN MARINADE
HERB BUTTER
SALTED HONEY BUTTER
STICKY GLAZE

SAUCES
BERNAISE SAUCE
MCGILLICUDDY SAUCE
RASPBERRY CHIPOTLE SAUCE

SLOW COOKER
BARBACOA
BUFFALO CHICKEN
CHICKEN CHILI
MAXINE’S POT ROAST
SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

SOUPS, STEWS & CHILIS

SOUPS
BOOZY CREAMY OF TOMATO SOUP
BRUSSELS BISQUE
CABBAGE ROLL SOUP
CHEESEBURGER SOUP
CHEESY CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP
CHICKEN BISQUE
CHICKEN PARMESAN SOUP
CREAM OF ASPARAGUS
CREAM OF CARROT BISQUE
CREAM OF CARROT FENNEL
CREAM OF CELERY
CREAM OF TURNIP PUMPKIN SOUP
NAVY BEAN and HAM SOUP
ROASTED POBLANO, CHICKEN & CORN BISQUE
SMOKEY NAVY BEAN SOUP
SPLIT PEA & HAM SOUP
SOUP SUBSTITUTION – CREAM OF TOMATO
SPLIT PEA SOUP
SWEET CORN SOUP
TEX MEX MEATBALL SOUP

STEWS
BUTTER BEEF STEW
COWBOY GOULASH

CHILIS
BILL’S BEST CHILI
BLACK EYED PEA CHILI
CHICKEN CHILI
CHICKEN CHILI ala SLOW COOKER
RED CHICKEN CHILI

TEX-MEX / CAJUN / CUBAN
BLACK BEAN SALSA CHEDDAR CHICKEN
CHICKEN & CHEESE ENCHILADAS
PAN ROASTED STREET CORN
PIQUANT CHICKEN with CHARRED TOMATO SAUCE
RECONSTRUCTED MEXICAN LASAGNA

VEGETABLES
BACON WRAPPED MAPLE GLAZED CARROTS
BOSTON BAKED BEANS
GARLIC GREEN BEANS
HOMESTYLE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
HONEY ROSEMARY ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
ORANGE MARMALADE BEETS
PAN ROASTED CORN
PARMESAN ROASTED CARROTS
RANCH FRITES
RANCH GREEN BEANS
ROASTED CARROTS & ASPARAGUS
ROASTED PEPPER CORN CUPS
SEAGRAMS 7 HONEY GLAZED CARROTS
SOUTHERN STYLE TRADITIONAL GREEN BEANS
SWEET BAKED ACORN SQUASH
TIMBERMILL BBQ BAKED BEANS

BLOGMAS 2015 – PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

The packages are all wrapped and those that need to be shipped are on their way or will be by Wednesday. So, now it would normally be time to turn to the kitchen and start preparing the plates for the neighbors. This year with no kitchen, it was appetizers for a block party on the 17th.

This is truly my favorite holiday to cook for. I try to add a few new goodies each year that I bake for “Neighbor” plates.

Last year I added:

Lemon Oatmeal Bars
4 Layer caramel crunch nougat brownies
Chunky Monkeys
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with chocolate.

Here are a few of our favorites from year’s past:

This recipe is sooooooooooooooooo simple, but messy! Have fun making them. They are quite rich though – be forewarned! The centers will turn to a clear sugary liquid in a day or so.

CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES
1 cup butter, melted
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 pounds confectioners sugar (about 8 cups)
3-10 ounce jars maraschino cherries(about 120 cherries), really well drained
1-2 pounds milk chocolate candy coating, chopped (I used almond bark)

Combine butter and milk until smooth.
Gradually add in confectioner’s sugar until a soft dough forms.
Roll into 1 inch balls and flatten into 2 inch circles.
Place a cherry in the center of each one.
Wrap sides around cherry until cherry is completely covered and roll into a smooth ball.
Melt chocolate until smooth and dip each ball into the chocolate.
Place on wax paper until cool and sprinkle with sprinkles.
Cool well.

2008 Neighbor Plates

OREO CHEESECAKE BALLS – YUM YUM GOOD!
1 regular package Oreos
12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Almond Bark
Candy Decorations

Crush Oreos in food processor
With hand mixer, mix together the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese
Roll into small balls.
Put balls into freezer for 5 minutes.
Melt Almond bark in small batches.
Coat each ball in almond bark.
Immediately decorate.
Let harden.

BUTTERFINGER COOKIES
Ritz crackers
creamy peanut butter
almond bark
sprinkles

Spread peanut butter on ritz crackers and top with another cracker.
Melt almond bark in the microwave.
Dip each cookie in the almond bark and set onto wax paper to harden.
If you’re using sprinkles do so before the almond bark hardens.

BLOGMAS 2015 – DAY 5

This is another easy topic. The one thing I am noticing as I type each entry is that by doing this, I am remembering so many silly stories and anecdotes about aunts, uncles, cousins and such that keep bringing a smile to my face. These memories are part of what this season is all about to me.

I’d like to say that our table looked just like the one in the picture. Well Christmas day was close, but Christmas Eve was much more casual.

Sandwich makings – roast beef, ham, cheeses
Potato Salad
See’s Candy boxes
Wintergreen ribbon candy
Chocolate covered cherries

Roast Turkey
Daddy’s Stuffing – now recreated from scratch to taste virtually the same as my Oatnut Sourdough Herb Dressing
Mashed Potatoes from scratch – it was these potato peels that were one of the biggest garbage disposal problems
Giblet Gravy
Cranberry Sauce – they used Ocean Spray from a can but we now use one of these 2 homemade recipes – Cranberry or Cranberry Pomegranate Tangerine
Baked Ham – in later years it was always HONEYBAKED HAM and I loved making Split Pea soup with the left over bone.
Glazed Carrots
Green Bean Casserole
Gran’s cranberry salad – she’d make two, one for mom and aunt Liz and one for everone else.
Rolls and butter
Traditional pies like pumpkin, Cherry and as well as Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.

When we go to my SIL’s family for Christmas (or any other big family get together) we do Hor’deouvres style. The family is so big that over the years we have found that if each person brings an hor’deouvres to feed 10+ people that we can make a HUGE feast. We just serve it buffet style and mingle and play – it is ALWAYS the best time.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS – BLOGMAS 2014 – DAY 19

The packages are all wrapped and those that need to be shipped are on their way. So, now it’s time to turn to the kitchen and start preparing the plates for the neighbors.

This is truly my favorite holiday to cook for. I try to add a few new goodies each year that I bake for “Neighbor” plates.

This year I’m adding (I’ll post the recipes as soon as I can after I get pictures):

Lemon Oatmeal Bars
4 Layer caramel crunch nougat brownies
Chunky Monkeys
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with chocolate.

Here are a few of our favorites from year’s past:

This recipe is sooooooooooooooooo simple, but messy! Have fun making them. They are quite rich though – be forewarned! The centers will turn to a clear sugary liquid in a day or so.

Combine butter and milk until smooth.
Gradually add in confectioner’s sugar until a soft dough forms.
Roll into 1 inch balls and flatten into 2 inch circles.
Place a cherry in the center of each one.
Wrap sides around cherry until cherry is completely covered and roll into a smooth ball.
Melt chocolate until smooth and dip each ball into the chocolate.
Place on wax paper until cool and sprinkle with sprinkles.
Cool well.

2008 Neighbor Plates

OREO CHEESECAKE BALLS – YUM YUM GOOD!
1 regular package Oreos
12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Almond Bark
Candy Decorations

Crush Oreos in food processor
With hand mixer, mix together the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese
Roll into small balls.
Put balls into freezer for 5 minutes.
Melt Almond bark in small batches.
Coat each ball in almond bark.
Immediately decorate.
Let harden.

BUTTERFINGER COOKIES
Ritz crackers
creamy peanut butter
almond bark
sprinkles

Spread peanut butter on ritz crackers and top with another cracker.
Melt almond bark in the microwave.
Dip each cookie in the almond bark and set onto wax paper to harden.
If you’re using sprinkles do so before the almond bark hardens.

BLOGMAS 2014 – DAY 5 – FAVORITE FOOD

This is another easy topic. The one thing I am noticing as I type each entry is that by doing this, I am remembering so many silly stories and anecdotes about aunts, uncles, cousins and such that keep bringing a smile to my face. These memories are part of what this season is all about to me.

I’d like to say that our table looked just like the one in the picture. Well Christmas day was close, but Christmas Eve was much more casual.

Sandwich makings – roast beef, ham, cheeses
Potato Salad
See’s Candy boxes
Wintergreen ribbon candy
Chocolate covered cherries

Roast Turkey
Daddy’s Stuffing – now recreated from scratch to taste virtually the same as my Oatnut Sourdough Herb Dressing
Mashed Potatoes from scratch – it was these potato peels that were one of the biggest garbage disposal problems
Giblet Gravy
Cranberry Sauce – they used Ocean Spray from a can but we now use one of these 2 homemade recipes – Cranberry or Cranberry Pomegranate Tangerine
Baked Ham – in later years it was always HONEYBAKED HAM and I loved making Split Pea soup with the left over bone.
Glazed Carrots
Green Bean Casserole
Gran’s cranberry salad – she’d make two, one for mom and aunt Liz and one for everone else.
Rolls and butter
Traditional pies like pumpkin, Cherry and as well as Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.

When we go to my SIL’s family for Christmas (or any other big family get together) we do Hor’deouvres style. The family is so big that over the years we have found that if each person brings an hor’deouvres to feed 10+ people that we can make a HUGE feast. We just serve it buffet style and mingle and play – it is ALWAYS the best time.

More entries over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom’s BLOGMAS.

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