Archive for the 'Holidays & Special Occasions' Category

Apple sauce can be made at anytime of the year because apples are always available. But I wait until the temperature drops into the 50’s or very low 60’s; to me that’s the perfect time and around here that happens in early October. Give it a try. Ask the kids to join in.
16 large apples [...]

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These should be called “The Disappearing Party Sausage” because that’s just what will happen once you bring these out!
2 lbs. fully cooked mini smoked sausages (Perhaps Hillshire Farms)
1 8oz. bottle French or Catalina dressing
1 8oz. bottle Russian or Thousand Island dressing
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice
In a large, deep skillet [...]

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If Santa’s wife made homemade fudge, I imagine hers would be like this.
4 cups sugar
13 oz. can evaporated milk -(if need be, you can substitute half-n-half)
1 cup unsalted butter (NO substitutions!)
12 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips
7 oz. OR 9 oz. jar marshmallow fluff
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (NOT imitation)
Grease or [...]

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This is no exaggeration. Once you try this you’ll be hooked. Make for company or holidays or just a leisurely weekend meal. If your lucky, you may even get leftovers.
5 lb. beef bottom round roast
4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 minced garlic [...]

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Mincemeat may not be everyone’s favorite ingredient, but you’ve gotta try these bars. The shortbread base and crumbly topping enables the center filling to be something that folks are surprised about. Everybody in my house eats them. You may need to soften up the mincemeat by placing it in a bowl and microwaving it for [...]

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Ah, what to do with that leftover bird. I make it a rule to never go out shopping the day after Thanksgiving - instead I hang out at home make this soup for dinner leftovers. Let others shop, I cook!
6 cups chicken or turkey stock
2 cups water
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 carrots, peeled & chopped
3 [...]

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This is fabulous and beautiful with the speckling of spice. It’s also not as overpowering as a standard pumpkin pie may be to some.
Picture at left is pre-baked in a water bath.
Graham Cracker Crust:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 Tbsp. melted butter
1 Tbsp. white sugar
Cream Cheese Filling:
3 8-oz. pkgs. Philadelphia Cream Cheese (NOT lite, [...]

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Why the odd name?  My better half informed me I may change or update any recipe for anything except this one for our Thanksgiving Meal. If I prepare a turkey for other times I can experiment to my heart’s desire, but as hubby requests, “Please don’t mess with perfection.” And so it is.
1 whole [...]

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Here’s what we’ll be having for our Thanksgiving meal. No soup this year, and the desserts will be simple. But what never changes is the turkey recipe, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in the DVD player and the Christmas music - gotta have it. Good cheer to all!
Divorce Court Turkey - (See Poultry Category)
Gravy
Mashed potatoes- [...]

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No, I’m not bragging.  : )
Unbaked pie crust
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. kosher salt
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Set the pie plate aside. In a large bowl, whisk all the other ingredients together, pour into the pie crust and [...]

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