Red is that passionate color in romance and love
But beware of fire, danger, and stop signs above.
Green, red's best contrast, represents life in holly and trees
But its beverage choices are rare unless you're drinking green tea.
When these two colors are beautifully combined,
You can bet it's Merry Christmas time:
2-10 ounces packages frozen broccoli
2 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup\
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheese (or change it up)
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter
Grease an 8x11 baking dish. Put oven to 350.
Place broccoli into a pan of boiling water with salt and cook till tender.
Put broccoli in the baking dish and layer chicken on top.
Combine salad dressing, curry powder, soup, and lemon juice in a bowl and pour over chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
In another bowl combine the bread crumbs with the butter and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
Bake until golden brown about 25-30 minutes.
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter softened
1 1/2 cups maple syrup
2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
6 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
Raisins, and or nuts of your choice, optional
Prepare 2 baking sheets with nonstick spray. Oven should be on 350. In a large bowl beat the butter, syrup, sugar, eggs and vanilla together with an electric mixer.
Stir in the oats.
In another bowl stir baking soda, salt and flour together.
Into the cream mixture add dry ingredients and stir in well.
If using raisins or nuts add at this time.
By rounded teaspoons drop cookies onto prepared sheets about 2" apart.
Bake: 12-15 minutes
Yields about 6 dozen cookies
Peaceon earthwill come to stay
When we live
Christmasevery day.
Munch & Crunch Snack Mix
1 cup mini pretzels
1 cup corn chips
1 cup oyster crackers
1 cup pumpkin seeds toasted
1 cup honey roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Toss the first 5 ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, set aside. Whisk remaining ingredients together and pour over snack mix stirring to coat. Spread mix in a roasting pan bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes stirring after 12 minutes. Cool completely and store in airtight container.
I feel guilty when I post recipes that I haven't tried. But I do tell---I haven't made yet.
I don't drink coffee and I don't do flavor teas, but was thinking others could be interested in these so will post.
Cappuccino Mix in a Jar
1 cup powdered non dairy creamer
1 cup chocolate drink mix
3/4 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and place in an airtight container.
Makes 4 servings
Attach Instructions:
Place 2 tablespoons in a mug, add 3/4 cup boiling water and stir till dissolved. Makes 1 cup.
Cinna-Mocha Mix
1 3/4 cup powdered non dairy creamer
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/3 cup instant coffee granules
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until finely ground. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 14 servings
Attach Instructions:
To serve, stir 1/4 cup mix into 3/4 cup boiling water.
Cheery Cherry Hot Cocoa Mix (this one I want to try)
3/4 cup hot chocolate mix
3/4 teaspoon cheery mix
4 cherry flavored licorice twists
Combine first 2 ingredients in a plastic zip lock bag shaking to mix. Wrap licorice twists in plastic wrap and attach to mix.
Makes about 1 cup
Attach Instructions:
Add 3 tablespoons mix 3/4 cup boiling water stirring well with one licorice twist. Makes 1 serving.
Relaxing Tea Creamer Mix
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Stir ingredients together cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Pour into airtight container and store in refrigerator.
Makes about 2 cups
Attach Instructions:
Add 2 teaspoons creamer to a cup of brewed strong black tea stirring well. Makes 1 serving.
Use plastic clear ball ornaments --in all different sizes--to make a snowball tree or to add a few ornaments to any tree. Coat with white glue, mod podge, or spray adhesive and then roll in glitter to coat. May have to roll twice. So many different kinds of glitter and the snowflakes etc. to roll in and have different looking snowballs. Let dry completely. I would probably spray alittle clear coat on them to seal the glitter on.
When at antique shops, flea markets or rummage sales look for chandelier prisms to make ornaments or to hang on garlands on mantles or staircases. Also, while at those places besides looking for plates to give goodies on platters work too for bread and flavored butters and just cookies/candies.
I use my big old glass pickle jar (3 or so gallon) and fill with pine cones and put white lights all thru out it.
Cut wrapping paper into about 4" squares and have family members write down fun things to do on blank side thru the Christmas season . Fold and put into jar. Each day draw one activity to do together. If you get grandkids overnight or a weekend--you may have to do a few!
If you have any spare grapevine (or get wild grapevine) soak in warm water until pliable. using inflated balloons of whatever sizes you want, gently wrap it around the balloon forming a sphere making it as dense or sparse as you choose. Once the vine is dried pop the balloon. These spheres look really magical wired with tiny twinkling white lights suspended from bare tree branches, in windows, bathrooms or anywhere you want to put some cheer up.
A gift to start while children or grandchildren are young. Get a recipe box and start writing down those favorite recipes with any stories or memories you have about them. When child is older and on own they will have the treasured recipes besides having to ask for them or the chance of not getting them.
Have you ever thought of contacting a local nursing and seeing what residents might need? Maybe some would like some lotions (free ones we get coupon for from B&B), what about skeins of yarn and knitting needles or crochet hooks, cross stitching items, guys maybe some models to put together whittling items.
Of course, if they are allowed to have and I understand some can't do such things anymore but some can and just don't have to means or people to get it for them.
Jigsaw puzzles, search a word books, crossword books, Readers Digest, Guidepost etc they can read and do.
White icing or whipped cream in spray can
mini brownies
strawberries
Cut off the top of the strawberry.
Using the frosting or whipped cream attach the strawberry to the top of the mini brownie with white showing around the rim like fur of the hat also.
Squeeze a dollop of icing or whipped cream to the top (pointed end) of the strawberry for a pompom/
If you have any little or younger kids to buy for get a tote and fill it up with stuff to do crafts.
With the school supplies coming out can get paints, construction paper, colors, doodle pads, washable markers. rulers, scissors, etc. Throw in coloring books, pipe cleaners.
Print off project pages or find little books of kids crafts to throw in.
If you serve up lots of snack mixes at parties (chex mix, puppy chow, etc) put into a punch bowl or pretty crystal bowl, add a scoop and stack of snack size paper bags for people to help themselves.
If you have some old buttons (relatives or not) go thru and pick out ones to make magnets for people. There are all different sizes of magnets so you will be able to find the size you need to just hot glue unto back of button. I am going to use the thread that comes on a spool and can crochet with and make x stitch in holes.
An egg slicer will slice mushrooms, olives, strawberries, and bananas so fast and easy.
Savory Croutons--use cubes of day old bread and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place on a sheet single layer and bake at 400 for about 10 minutes until toasty.
If any of you have plants and family and friends that like plants----why not give them a start. This is a good time to take a cutting and start new plants for them to be well established for Christmas.
Pots are going on clearance in some places or while it is summer you might have more of a choice of pots to choose from. Unless you go to your stash.
What I wouldn't give for one of my Grandma's African Violets.
It would such a great gift!!!
16 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup raspberries (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest --optional
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Scape into serving bowl. Cover and put into fridge for at least 2 hours or more before serving.
I have use toothpicks and have put out pineapple chunks, pound cake cubes, vanilla wafers, pieces of chocolate bars, and assorted cookies to serve with it.
I just ran across this recipe this month so have yet to try it. I think it sounds somewhat good.
1 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
1/2 cup salsa of your choice
8 ounce package of finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped nuts optional
Combine cream cheese and salsa till smooth. Add shredded cheese and mix in. Transfer cream cheese mixture into a bowl lined with saran wrap. Cover and put in fridge until firm. Take out and roll in chopped pecans if using. Maybe even thinly sliced green onions to roll in if not using nuts. Rewrap and store in fridge till time to use.
Makes 10-12 servings.
1/2 cup butter
1 8 ounce package whipped cream cheese
1 cup whipped cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8-12 chocolate sandwich cookies
cookies, crackers or fruit to dip
Using a whisk, beat the butter and cream cheese together until fluffy.
Add in whipped cream, brown sugar, powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat with whisk until smooth.
Place chocolate sandwich cookies in a plastic zipper storage bag and crush them into fine pieces.
Using a spatula, fold most of the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the mixture.
Use extra cookies to garnish the dip and dig in.
I have left the cookies out before and just used graham crackers, and also the teddy bear ones to put dip on. Another option I have did is some mini chocolate chips in it. Seems to go over better plain with fruit or crackers.
If you have anybody that wears pins or brooches shop for them at flea markets or rummage sales and then pin it onto the bow to glitz up the present.
Give ponytail holders and use the string ribbon and tie them all over and then curl the ends of the ribbon for a bow for young girls with makeup or bath items as the gift.
Can always reuse any tins by spray painting or decoupage them,
Use maps to wrap a travelers gift. Sheet music for music lovers.
Watch for dog/cat toys to be on clearance or sale for their stockings.
At rummage sales or flea markets watch out for little spoons to put onto a jar of jam, salsa etc. for gift giving. Also, white plates or other odd plates to give cookies/treats on and not to return.
18 1/4 oz package white cake mix
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup butter, melted
21 oz can cherry pie filling
opitional-1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice
In large bowl combine: dry cake mix, melted butter, lemon juice and nuts if you choose to use. Mix until crumbly with fork, then spread half in an 8x8 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Put the pie filling over the crumb mixture and then the rest of the mixture over the cherries. Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown--the top. Can top with whipped cream or ice cream.
8 servings
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons mustard
1/2 to 2/3 cups apple jelly
1/2 to 2/3 cups pineapple preserves
Unwrap cream cheese and place on a serving plate, set aside. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl. Spoon mixture over cream cheese.
Makes 7 to 10 servings.
The Elf on Shelf site is having a sale on items if anybody is interested. Last year I got a couple games that the elf gave on certain days and few things for stockings.
Don't forget when grocery shopping or out and about to pick up baby items or travelers size items, pairs of socks, lip chap etc. to give to shelters, nursing homes or shelters housing new mothers.
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. milk
2 cups finely chopped almonds, toasted
1 tsp. vanilla
6 oz. good chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, beat in milk and vanilla. Add flour, salt, and nuts to combine. The dough should come together and form a ball. If too soft, chill for 30 minutes wrapped in plastic to prevent drying out.
Shape spoonful of dough into 2" fingers, placing on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until very lightly browned. Cool completely on wire rack.
Melt chocolate chips of choice in a double boiler. Dip one end about 1/3 of cookie, placing on waxed paper to set. Sprinkle with desired sugars or decorations to compliment the season---optional
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Option to use finely chopped pecans, walnuts or cashews in place of almonds if desired. Also dark chocolate works.
Recipe is from a book of a local author. A Simple Stitch series by Deb Obermeier. Has 2 books and a cookbook. I am awaiting her 3rd book. She is on Amazon.
How many of you remember taking in the rolls of film after vacation, family reunion, holidays or any occasions and getting the pictures?
I am considering for Christmas to get together pictures from cell phones, and computers and to print them off for my granddaughter. If something happens to the computers or phones she will not have the pictures. Would like to do her a small album of various ages.
Do you have anybody who would like a small album or maybe a couple new pictures printed out for them to frame? Some they haven't seen from you capturing them on your phone.
Do you have any popcorn tins around?
If you do, spray paint them and use decals or stickers or decoupage with pictures of you with them, cards, or whatever. Then fill the tin with homemade treats--hot chocolate mix, corn chex mix, layered jars or containers of cookie mixes or soup ingredients, and even just bags of homemade cookies. Could put rolls of frozen cookie dough in and they can bake them when needed. (with instructions of course)
Can even be a container to wrap a odd present in and can always decorate the tin with a hobby of theirs Cooking items with recipes decoupaged on the sides, garden items, doll with clothes, bottle, homemade blanket, etc..... (see if it stays stored in there--lol) Maybe if a child into the little cars, small tractors or farm animals could decorate as such and have a storage bin for them.
Hello!!!
I have not posted in ages---seems never enough time to get all done! I do go look at blogs I follow. Some I can't post on anymore but, I enjoy reading them!
I am going to post my yearly reminder that I do every July (I am sure), this is the time to check your Christmas mailing labels if you order them and any labels for treats that you have your name printed on. Companies like Colorful Image and Current normally have sales on them in July.
Also, remember your garden lovers and yard decorators that you buy gifts for. Stores are putting those items on clearance. Summer toys for kids--pool items and sandbox items.
