Hello..........All

I am still here...just lots going on besides it being the Christmas Season!!!!!

Today we will start making our candies and the cookies will be Saturday afternoon/Sunday.  Hope to start delivering trays Sunday night and Monday have them all out.

I need to wrap yet but normally hubby does that.  Groceries for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day need to be gotten and prizes for some games I plan to do.

Hope this post finds you all doing good and close to be ready for SANTA!

Good Apple Kuchen

I ran across this recipe yesterday a.m. in my Aunt Bee's Dessert Cookbook. 
I made it yesterday afternoon.

Good Apple Kuchen
3/4 cup margarine
1 box yellow cake mix
1 20-ounce can apple pie filling  (I used 2 because 1 only covered about half of cake)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sour cream
2 egg yolks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut margarine into dry cake mix until crumbly.  Pat mixture into an ungreased 13X9" pan, building sides up slightly.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Arrange pie filling on warm crust.  Mix sugar and cinnamon sprinkle on apples.  Blend sour cream and egg yolks, drizzle over.  Bake for 25 minutes.
Serves 12-15

White Squrriels

Had 5 babies in yard in spring.  3 white and 2 gray.  They would eat out of the dog dish with the dog right there laying by them.

Teigan

WE started picking pumpkins this past Saturday (9-16) and Teigan helped with the little ones.  Have to pick the bigger ones yet.

White Squrriel

I think I finally got to where I can post pictures again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)  Thanks to a co-worker!  She is really a sweet girl and was so patient with me!

This spring we had 5 baby squirrels in our Maple tree and 3 were white and 2 gray.  One of the white ones a cat got it, not sure about another but one is back and bury nuts like crazy.  They were so friendly and my daughter even touched them while eating.  Was so fun to watch.  The whites ones were the friendly ones and you could get so close to them.

Summer Punch (AKA my Christmas Punch)

I have probably posted this before on my blog somewhere but will share again because it is worth it!
We usually try to make it up 3-5 days before when it will be served.  We put the batches in gallon size bags and freeze.  I have been making this since back in the early 2000's and is all I serve on Christmas Eve.  Also I have only used the cherry but they say you can use other flavors. It is a slush punch.

1 3 0z. cherry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 46 oz. can unsweetened pineapple juice
1 1/2 cup sugar
4 cups cold water


2 quarts ginger ale chilled when serving.

Dissolve gelatin into 1 cup boiling water.  Add pineapple juice, sugar, cold water and stir well.  Freeze.

Set out 2 hours before serving.  Break into chunks. Pour ginger ale over it. Sometimes I get it out when ready to use and have to use a knife to break it up.

For about 19 people I do 3 batches and that is using red solo cups.  If any is left over people like to drink it, 

Your 2017 Christmas!

I would like to thank everybody that took the time to look at the postings I did daily and I hope that maybe you will try a recipe, craft or tip.

Remember the holidays are for being with family and friends and remembering the REAL REASON of the SEASON!!!  Do not stress or worry if not all gets done or isn't how you want.  You will be the ONLY one knowing it.  I know because I have been there!  JUST ENJOY!!!! 

Ham Potato Puffs

This is such a easy, good recipe that I have made several times.  Taken it to work and church for breakfast. Could be left over Christmas Eve potatoes for Christmas breakfast.

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham ( lunch meat)
1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes  ( I leave this off)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder (adjust to your taste)

Press each biscuit onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin cup.  In a large bowl, combine the ham, potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese, parsley and garlic powder.
Spoon 1/4 cup into each prepared cup.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.  Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.
Yield: 10 puffs

Door Prize

For the last several years on Christmas Eve I mark either a cup, or plate (have been considering a napkin or silverware to try) for a door prize.  The prize is $10 gift card to Wal-Mart.  I put it in a box with candy or with chap stick, lotion, gum something that young and old could use.  Just alittle excitement. 

I am thinking this year to stick scratch off on the bottom of each plate and maybe the one without a ticket would be the gift card.....still thinking.

Frosted Pecans

Another easy item to add to trays.

Also known as Candied Pecans

1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 lb. pecan pieces

Combine sugar and sour cream in a large saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer, stirring constantly, 5 minutes.  Add vanilla and pecans and stir until pecans are well coated.
Spread on wax paper, break into pieces when cool.  Store in and airtight container.
Makes 4 to 5 cups.

Candy Canes

Use PVC pipe and red tape and make candy canes to line you driveway or sidewalk.  Put lights from one candy cane to another to make a path on both sides.  Use a straight piece and elbow of PVC pipe to make the candy canes.  Or straight piece for peppermint stick and still use lights.

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

10 slices bacon cut in half
3 tablespoons Savory Honey Mustard
10 large Brussels Sprouts (1/2 lb) cut lengthwise in half or 20 small ones

Heat oven to 400.

Place bacon in batches in single layer on paper towel-covered microwaveable plate cover with second paper towel and microwave on high 1 1/2 minutes.  Bacon will not be done.

Spread bacon with mustard.  Place 1 brussel sprout half cut side up on center of each bacon piece.  Fold ends of bacon over sprout.  Put seam side down on rimmed baking sheet.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crisp and sprouts are tender.

Have a nephew who loves brussel sprouts---might have to try these for Christmas Eve.  Will do a trail run.

Clay flower pots

When serving dip put either foil or parchment paper into the clay pot and up the sides and fill it up.  The pot can be painted or decorated for the event.

Use the really small ones for individual servings for each person.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

1 cup butter melted
21/2 cups peanut butter
5 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons butter melted
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Mix butter and peanut butter until smooth.  Add powdered sugar, then press firmly into a 9X13" baking dish.  Over low heat stir melted butter and chocolate chips until smooth.  Spread on top of peanut butter mixture.  Refrigerate for 2 hours then cut into squares.

Fisherman on your Christmas List

Get a fishing hat, turn it upside down and hook lures around it and inside the hat put hooks, bobbers, spinners, spools of line, sunscreen, nice reel, sunglasses, gold fish or gummy worms for a snack, magazine or book on fly fishing, fishing and information on area lakes.

Can be put in a minnow bucket, fishing basket or even a goldfish bowl just toss it in.

Cookie of the Month

If you have somebody that you have no ideal what so ever to give them...maybe give them a cookie jar (could pick one up at a rummage sale, flea market or Goodwill)  filled with cookies and them bake them cookies once a month to keep it filled or every other month.

Chocolate Nut Caramel Bars

Nice to add to trays
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
40 caramels unwrapped
5 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons water
1 cup peanuts, chopped

Melt (over hot water) chocolate chips and vegetable oil.  Stir until smooth.  Pour half of mixture into 8X8" baking pan, spreading evenly.  Refrigerate until firm.  In saucepan, combine caramels, margarine and water, heat until smooth.  Add nuts and pour over chocolate mixture.  Then reheat other half of chocolate mixture, pour over caramel layer.  Set several hours until firm.

Reusing Pasta Boxes

A lot of pasta boxes come with a see thru window.  Unglue the boxes carefully and refold with the printed side in.  Then use a piece of wrapping paper, comic or scrapbook paper and fold around the box cutting out where the window is.  For around the window trim with a piece of ribbon or rick rack, etc..  Also the top and bottom of the paper can be finished off with a piece of ribbon.  Attach a label and put your goodies inside.  I use a gallon size baggie or whatever size will fit in my box to put my food in.  When I received it the food was just in the box. 

Good for trail mix,  caramel corn, cookies, and candies.

Congo Bars

This recipe always seems to go over good when taken places

1 cup margarine, melted
2 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups self rising flour
12 ounce package semi sweet chocolate chips

Mix margarine & brown sugar together, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.  Slowly stir in flour and chocolate chips.  Spread into a greased 13X9 baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.  Cool completely before cutting into bars.  Makes 2 dozen.

Cinnamon Scent

If you love the scent of cinnamon and don't have some simmering on the stove and you don't use pinecones to decorate. then get some of the scented pinecones and hide around.  I had a friend who hated to use pinecones but she would place them on lower level of tables (unseen) behind furniture and anywhere else she could.

Buffalo Dip

6 ounces hot sauce (Franks)
2 8 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 bag shredded cheddar cheese (or more)
Chicken cooked and shredded
Put all ingredients into crockpot and let warm.
Stir occasionally

Pasta Wagon Wheel Snowflake Ornament

I have made some snowflakes before but they were single ones.  Here I go again trying to explain without a picture. :(

Spray paint the pasta and let dry.  I have used gold, white and put some very fine glitter on them and used a clear sealer. 
Make like a plus sign using 7 wheels each way.  Glue them together.
Make a X with 5 one way and then 2 on each side of the middle, glue onto bottom layer.
Attach hanger.

Try different shapes on bottom and top.


Several years ago I made Christmas trees using the wagon wheel pasta.  Painted green and the bottom one brown.  On the center of the wheels I used different colored small jewels that you purchase several in a pack.  The top I put a star jewel and a hanger.

A friend made some and used a piece of corn in the middle of each wheel.

My hangers are always fishing line.

Cucumber Dip

This dip is really good!

Original recipe is:
1  8 oz. package of cream cheese softened
2  small to medium cucumbers
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
Peel, core and dice cucumber pretty small.  Sprinkle with salts and toss.  Let stand for 20 to 30 minutes, then mix in the cream cheese.  If it is to thick add a few drops of milk, BUT be carefull it can get runny fast. Sometimes if left to sit in fridge juice will be standing in it so if you mix that in, it is ready for dipping and no milk needed.

For a larger batch for a potluck the lady I got the recipe from said she used this:
3  8 oz cream cheese softened
3 large cucumbers
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion salt
then follow the above

Like she said it is a trial and error recipe and depends on your taste.

I have always used the original recipe and added to our taste.

Twig Stars

5 twigs of equal length
hot glue or thick craft glue
twine or jute--optional

 A.--Make upside down V glue with ends overlapping
B. --Glue third stick across upper portion of triangle
C.--Glue 2 remaining sticks into place--making points
D.--When glue has set, wrap star points with twine (or jute) for a rustic look if you like

Pretzel Beer Dip

1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Dip (dry mix)
2 8 oz. package cream cheese softened
1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup flat beer

Mix cream cheese with beer.  Add dry ranch and cheese in, stirring well.  Serve with pretzels or crackers.

Santa Picture

I don't know if I have ever taken a picture with Santa!  Don't recall seeing any from my younger days.

For a change why not try to get the family----or just you and the grandkids---together and go to the mall or wherever Santa is and get a family picture taken. 

That might be an ideal for Christmas cards this year!

Never to old for Santa!

Breakfast Casserole

This is a casserole that I make often to take to work.

1 can crescent rolls
ground sausage
onions
green peppers
mushrooms
3 to 4 eggs
grated cheddar cheese
milk

Using a 9x13 dish spray the bottom.  Unroll the crescent rolls and put into bottom of dish pressing the seams together.

Cook your sausage with the onions, green peppers and mushrooms.  I season it with salt, pepper and some Cajun seasoning.  Drain when done. Put the mixture onto the rolls.

Break the eggs into a bowl and beat.  Stir in some milk and stir together.  Pour over the sausage mixture.  I put about 1/2 the bag of cheese on now.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes.  When the crust is brown. Put the rest of the cheese on top when it comes out of the oven.

Sorry not more specific but haven't seen the original recipe in years and I just do it this way.
You can change the toppings and amount of eggs you put on.  Also adjust the seasonings.  Have used red pepper flakes too.

Snowman Containers

Purchase 3 containers that fit on top each other with each being a different size (like 3 snowman balls).  They could be square or bowls.  You can give goodies--cookies, candies, rubs, or seasoning salts, chex mix, etc. in a container.

The head put on 2 black button eyes, a piece of fleece or ribbon around the bottom of it for a scarf, and on the other 2 put a big button in the center.   Maybe try packaging or duct tape on bottom to hold together.

The receiver will get useful containers to use over and over and the goodies will be enjoyed.

Tropical Candy Drops

3/4 cup macadamia nuts
3/4 cup shredded coconut toasted
8 ounces vanilla flavored  candy coating or white chocolate baking squares (with cocoa butter) coarsely chopped
1 cup tropical blend mixed dried fruit

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, set aside.  In a medium saucepan combine the above ingredients and 1 tablespoon shortening.  Cook and stir over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until candy coating is melted.  Remove from heat.  Quickly drop mixture by teaspoonfuls about 1 inch apart onto the wax paper.  Chill candies on cookie sheet about 30 minutes or until set.  Makes about 35 candies.

New tradition?

At your holiday dinner hand out paper star cut outs (construction paper, brown sacks, etc) and have each person write down what they're the happiest for since last Christmas and date them.  The front could be decorated with paints, words (joy, etc...).  Be sure they sign them.  Punch a hole in them and put ribbon thru and hang on the tree.

Hot Cocoa Nog

1 qt. eggnog
3 cups milk
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine eggnog, milk and chocolate syrup in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Stir constantly until heated through.  Add vanilla and nutmeg.

Serves 4

Chair Decoration

Fill Victorian-style paper cones with old fashioned hard candies or tiny surprises (lip chap, lotion, bubble baths), ornaments.  Then hang from a chair with ribbon for a charming welcome at a holiday meal for family/friends.

Cranberry Relish

I ran across this while reading cookbooks awhile back but haven't tried it yet.

1 pkg. washed cranberries
2 whole washed oranges
Put through meat grinder.  Add 1 cup of sugar.  Let set overnight.  Use 1/2 the mixture with large carton of whipped topping.  Freeze other half for later.

Photo Pillow

Photocopy a favorite snapshot onto iron on transfer paper available at craft and office supply stores.  iron onto white fabric, frame with a ribbon border and sew onto a pillow.  Or make a pillow by sewing photo to a bigger piece of fabric and a backing-sew 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 sides, stuff and then slipstitch shut.

Not a sewer?  Use a photo and put onto a sweatshirt. 

Can enlarge picture or use several and put onto project.

Wild West Rub

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
5 tablespoons pepper
4 teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Mix all ingredients together.  Store in a plastic zipping bag or airtight container.  Makes about 1/2 cup.

Attach instructions.

Sprinkle desired amount over meat-refrigerate for at least 4 hours or longer to allow flavors to blend completely.  Grill to desired doneness.

Teigan and Boomer

This was a picture from this past week one night.  Teigan got ready to fall asleep and she went and got Boomer (her sissy) and they both fell asleep on couch.  Love this picture.  Boomer was born in a litter at our house before they were married so Teigan and Boomer are pretty close.

Flea Market, Goodwill, and Rummage

Always be on the lookout for baskets, plain white plates (platters), cake plates, silverware (big spoons, pie servers etc) that you can use to regift with food items, or bath items.  Spoons to tie onto homemade salsa, jellies, jam with raffia.

Butter Brickle Cookies

18 oz. pkg. butter pecan cake mix
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup margarine, softened
8 oz pkg. toffee baking bits

Mix together all ingredients.  Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes.  Makes 3 1/2 to 4 dozen.

Vanilla Powder

If you are having trouble finding vanilla powder that is in some recipes---substitute French vanilla flavored coffee creamer in its place.  Has the same rich creamy taste.

Garden Herb Bread Blend

1/3 cup dried parsley flakes
1/3 cup dried minced onions
2 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
2 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Blend ingredients together, then package in an airtight container or a plastic zipping bag.  Makes 3/4 cup or enough for 6 loaves of bread. 

Attach recipe:
Add 4 teaspoons garden herb blend to a 16 oz. package dry hot roll mix.  Follow instructions on hot roll mix box for mixing, kneading and resting.  Shape dough into loaves or follow instructions on box for rolls. Allow dough to rise.  Bake dough in greased baking pans for 35 to 40 minutes at 375 degrees.  Brush tops with margarine.

Smooth As Silk Fruit Dip

8 oz pkg. fat free cream cheese softened
1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
6 Tablespoons sugar
4 Tablespoons skim milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Blend in sour cream.  Add sugar, milk and almond extract.  Mix until well blended.  Refrigerate and serve with assorted fruits for dipping.

Bath Bundles

1 cup Epsom Salt
1 teaspoon essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint or scent of your choice
2 drops of food coloring, color to match your scent (if you don't want to use food coloring you can buy colors in the department for homemade soaps)

Grind up the Epsom salt in a food processor until salts resemble a fine powder.  In a bowl, mix salts, oil and food coloring until completely blended.  Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and let dry overnight.  Divide into 4 plastic bags.

Wrap a bag in a terry cloth washcloth and drop it up and tie with a ribbon.

Use 1 bag per bath.



Years ago I use to make bath salts and put them in quart jars.  I made rose, and a rain one.  It called for glycerin also but I have misplaced the recipe.  People loved them.

Name Tag

For a name tag purchase some of the round tags with metal rims that can be found at office supply stores and probably craft stores.  Decorate with rubber stamps, maybe a beaded or glitter initial, a photo of the person who the gift is for.  Can be used for an ornament then.  Put a ribbon or hanger on it.

I think it would be neat to do that with baby or pictures of the person when younger and let the present giver outer try to guess them.

Broccoli Ham and Cheese Strata

14 slices white or wheat bread, crust trimmed
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
10 oz pkg. chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 cup cooked ham, chopped
1 medium tomato, peeled, seeded & chopped
5 eggs
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cup milk

Butter a 13X9 baking dish.  Layer 7 slices of bread on bottom of dish.  Sprinkle half of cheddar cheese over bread slices.  Next, layer thawed chopped broccoli, onion, ham and tomato over cheese and bread layers.  Top with remaining cheese and bread slices.  In mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients, beat well.  Pour egg mixture over layered ingredients in baking dish.  Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Serves 8-10

Peppermint Foot Scrub

For tired aching feet.  Maybe try to find a red/white stripe pair of soxs or the fuzzy soxs. 

Put 2 cups of sea salt in a plastic bag
Vial of peppermint essential oil
tuck both into a pair of soxs put into each other and tie with a ribbon, attaching a jingle bell.

Mix 1/4 cup of sea salt with 3 drops peppermint oil.  Rub on feet and leave on a few minutes then soak them in warm water.

Fancy Fruit Pizza

18 oz pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough
3 oz, pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups assorted fresh fruit, sliced into bite-size pieces
1/3 cup apple jelly, melted

To form crust, press cookie dough into a 12" pizza pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden, then set aside to cool.   Beat together cream cheese, brown sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Spread on cooled cookie crust.  Arrange sliced fruit on top and brush melted jelly over fruit.  Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Maybe a few pecans sprinkled over the top before the jelly? Or walnuts?

Pumpkin Pecan Tassies

 1 -15 oz. package rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust (2 crust)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup half-and-half light cream or milk
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Let piecrusts stand according to directions.  Preheat oven to 350. Unroll crust.  Using a 2 1/2" round cookie cutter cut 12 rounds from each pie crust.  Gently ease pastry rounds into the bottoms and up the sides of 24 ungreased 1 3/4" muffin cups, set aside.

For filling, in a bowl, stir together pumpkin, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.  Add egg, stir until combined.  Gradually add half and half (or milk).  Stir just until combined.

For pecan topping, stir together pecans, brown sugar and melted butter.

Spoon about 2 teaspoons filling into each pastry lined cup.  Top each with a scant 1 teaspoon pecan topping.  Bake about 35 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.  Remove tassies from muffin cups and cool completely on a wire rack.  Makes 24 tassies.

Make ahead directions: Place tassies in a single layer in an airtight container, cover. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.  Thaw about 1 hour at room temperature before packaging as a gift.

A cake cover

If giving a full size cake as a gift, purchase a hat box. Plain cardboard one.  Either wrap the box with wrapping paper, use scrapbook paper, or paint it and then use a sponge to put another color on it.  Can use fringe, beading  or the likes if you want to decorate it up.

Put the cake on the lid part and then the big part over it.

I sure miss not being able to post pictures of what I am talking about!

Fried Raviolis

1 (16 oz.) pkg. ravioli, thawed
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 cup flour
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Mix water and eggs in one bowl, set aside.  Mix spices with bread crumbs in another bowl set aside. Put flour in its own bowl.  Dip raviolis in flour, then egg mixture, then into bread crumbs.  Deep -fry in 350 degree oil till brown.

Twig Decorations

Brush craft glue onto twigs and sprinkle with frosty silver or white glitter.  Epsom salt can me used too. Arrange twigs in a vase.  Maybe put some lights down inside or a few light up twigs you buy.  lights down around the vase on a twig wreath.

Cappuccino Mix

I have never had a cappuccino--don't do coffee but might-----possibly try this.  Nice mix to do in mason jars if you know any cappuccino drinkers.

1 cup instant coffee creamer
1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
2/3 cup instant coffee crystals
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Combine all ingredients, mix well.  Store in an airtight container.  To prepare one serving, add 3 tablespoons mix to 6 ounces hot water.  Stir well.

Plywood Decorations

I can remember when I was very young and several summer nights when my sister and I were in bed you would see dad outside with a projector and a Christmas picture blown up on a piece of plywood and he would be tracing it and then cut it out and paint for Christmas decorations.  Had Charlie Brown characters for awhile and several other things.  I keep buying coloring books with big pictures in order to do this sometime BUT..... time is never there for it!  Would love to do cartoon themes from what my granddaughter watches.

Cookie Salad

1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 can crushed , drained pineapple
2 small cans mandarin oranges drained
1 pkg. Keebler Fudge Striped Cookies
Mix pudding mix with milk.  Add cool whip.  Add pineapple, then oranges.  Crush the cookies and before serving stir in 2/3 of crushed cookies and sprinkle the remainder of cookies on the salad.

I know this is a repeat BUT

I think maybe every year for Christmas In July I post about gift giving for the garden.  This is the time of year to look for that stuff.  Several stores like Big Lots, Hobby Lobby and Dollar General are clearancing some of it. Bird feeders, little decorative stakes, wind chimes, fairy garden items, plant stands, gloves, gazing balls etc.....

Last year I gave 4 gifts that were a metal chair that said Welcome on it.  It was at least 36" and could be inside or out and they all loved it. 

Cheap Wreaths

If you are in the area to get honeysuckle vine you can gather it and make your wreaths.  Fall is the time to gather it. Nothing beats free.

Payday Popcorn

In a skillet melt 4 tablespoons of butter and then add in either 2 king size or 5 regular size payday candy bars chopped up.  When all is melted pour over microwave popped popcorn. 

A customer gave us this recipe about a week ago when he was in the bank.

Lid ornament

Get 2 lids the same size--such as mayonnaise
Get 2 Christmas cards that are alike and putting the lids back to back by gluing but also put some lace inbetween so it is out and a hanging ribbon.
Glue cards inside the lids.

My son did this back in 1st or 2nd grade and used a card with deer on it.  They put some cotton inside to look like it was walking on snow.  Some of the snow glitter would be pretty to add.

Sorry no picture--hope it makes sense the way I explained it.

Mississippi Fun Dip

This year I am looking up recipes that I would like to try for the holidays.

1 loaf Italian bread
2 8 oz pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked ham, diced
4-oz can diced green chiles, drained
1/4 cup green onions diced

Slice off top of loaf lengthwise and scoop out the bread inside--reserve it for dipping.  Combine the other ingredients.  Blend well and spoon mixture into loaf.  Replace top of the loaf wrap in aluminum foil.  Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Unwrap carefully and remove top of loaf.  Serve with corn chip scoops and reserved bread pieces.  Serves 8 to 10.

Fancy Cheese Ball

Another recipe I have not tried. 

2 (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 medium can fruit cocktail drained
1 small pkg. French vanilla instant pudding
Slivered almonds
Vanilla wafers
1/8 cup orange juice
Blend pudding mix, cheese, and orange juice.  Add fruit.  Blend well. Chill at least 4 hours.  Roll in almonds.  Serve with vanilla wafers.

Odd Package to wrap?

Use a bath towel.  Regular, over sized or even a beach towel.  Some stores might have beach towels on clearance now.  I know one year for Christmas I gave almost everyone beach towels.  Kohls had them super cheap on line at one point.  Some were like 2 or 3 dollars.

Gift for the feet

Find a cute pair of soxs or the fuzzy soxs and fill each one with items to pamper the feet.  A stone to file the dead skin, lotion, pair of long clippers, feet soaking solution, polish, polish remover, maybe a gift card for a pedicure. Tie the pair together with a ribbon.

Maybe a toe ring if the receiver would like that.

Cranberry Snow Candy

16 oz. package white chocolate morsels
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups walnuts chopped
Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler.  When melted stir in the cranberries and walnuts.  Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper until set.  Makes several dozen.

Cheesy Cocktail Swirls

1 pkg. crescent rolls
3 oz. cream cheese
2 Tbsps. chopped onion
1 tsp. milk
6 slices crisply cooked bacon
Parmesan cheese
Mix together cream cheese, onion, and milk.  Pinch 2 crescent roll triangles together to form a rectangle.  Spread cheese mixture over top.  Sprinkle with bacon.  Roll each rectangle from the long side, cut into 7 to 8 pieces.  Layer with cut side up on cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with Parmesan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes.

Egg Yolk Paint

Let the kids paint unbaked cookies with egg yolk paint.

For each color you are doing beat the egg yolk until smooth, then stir in 5 to 6 drops of food coloring.

Using a new paintbrush paint and then bake as usual.

I have not tried this but thinking it would be fun for kids.

For Christmas visitors

Fill disposable icing cones  (bags for frosting) with small treats and place in a wire cupcake stand for your guest to take when they leave.

Rocky Road Candy

2 cups (1 bag) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 bag colored miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Melt chocolate over low heat, or use double boiler or microwave.
Stir in marshmallows and pecans.  Spoon onto waxed paper.  Form into log.  Refrigerate for 2 hours.  Slice into 1/2" pieces.

Shredded filler paper

If you have a shredder and need filler for a box---make your own.   Use the comics, or buy the colored paper, or tissue paper and shred.  Even the grocery adds will add some color into it.  Cheaper than the pre packaged shred.  Hmmm......I don't have a shredder.

Chocolate Cherry Bars

Welcome to Christmas In July!!!!!!!

Last year my husband was down and I didn't do the daily posting in July and this year I am having issues posting pictures so.......

I will try to post a recipe daily and a tidbit or something on Christmas!

I am always looking for new items for our Christmas trays we do and thought this sounded pretty good--will have to try it before December.

Chocolate Cherry Bars

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz. pkg. milk chocolate chips
10 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Spread melted butter evenly in a 9X13 baking pan, Stir in graham cracker crumbs pressing down to form a crust.  Pour  condensed milk over top, sprinkle with chocolate chips and chopped cherries.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Cool completely then slice into bars.  Makes about 2 dozen.

I think some pecans or your choice might be good on the top also.

Miscellaneous Shots

 

Teigan, swinging along with mommy.

Suet was empty so she had to fill it.

Got a package of headbands but she decided they were our

 workout bands.  G'pa, G'ma, Uncle Ryan and her had to wear them and then race .  She took an ice cone break as she calls it.

That is part of a row of peas.  We have 3 rows that are probably about 40 feet and they look like this.  Hoping to get some peas for canning and freezing.  Looking good but can always freeze yet till mid April.

Our first asparagus cutting was the 27th.  Should of cut a few more tonight.  This is the earliest I can remember cutting asparagus.  Even tho it is just alittle.

Miscellaneous Shots

First few are of Teigans 3rd birthday (Jan.).  Teigan, then a friend Lily and then my 2 great nieces Lyla and Ava.  Gpa and Teigan doing stickers, she loves ice cream like Gma, loves helping gpa wash the eggs, the guys burning field a few weeks ago, swans that migrated thru the area and then Teigans fish.  She had been wanting to go and  and she reeled them in by herself.

Doll Items

These are the doll items I made for my granddaughters 3rd birthday.  Hooded towels, washcloths, bibs, burp rags, taggie, diapers, wipes, changing pad and blanket that reverses and then the diaper bag.  It was fun.

 

First picture is of our tree on Christmas morning.

The Elf Names I used on Christmas Eve to make the handing out of gifts alittle more exciting.

The snowman is what Teigan and I made for her parents gift.  I am not a painter!

The last 2 are of Teigan with some gifts.

 

Snowman Pillows and Teigan

 

Can enlarge photos by clicking on them.

I made the snowman pillows for a few co-workers and the girls at the beauty shop. In the past I have made them smaller for ornaments too.

Teigan opening some of her presents.  Last one is a camera, case and card from Uncle Ryan.  Minnie Bowtique and she just got a couple more.  LOL! Red tote is full of dress up items.