There was more then enough food and I am always worried about that, but then again no one wanted left overs I asked and asked but there was no takers, not that there was a whole lot, but there was enough for them to have some for dinner, I made two turkeys and a ham .
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Elderly Thanksgiving
Well dinner is over and every one seemed to enjoy it. We did things different we served them as they sat. I am not sure they liked that idea but the kids who did the serving did. It seems that we had the most we have ever had there. The table was set for 35 and I believe there was maybe 5 seats empty.












Tuesday, November 23, 2010
two young adults and turkey cup cakes
Now law student and business student are very good at helping me, Let me restate that they are they best at helping. And I do come up with some weird ideas to make. I try to be different in the things to make. sometimes since these recipes are from other parts of the country, my area doesn't always carry the exact item that they use. Take the turkey cup cakes my area doesn't carry the small s shaped cookies. So I thought maybe we could use candy. Epic fail so I now have headless turkey's. Cute but not what I wanted. So you can not improvise cookie turkey heads. But you can use orange gummy candy in place of chicklets.
So the cooking is done, and even though I am tired and feel this is so not worth it, I know they will enjoy it, I wont as I can not stand to look at food at this point. I made a lot of food. But I always make a lot of food, I also can never decide on what to make and who will like what I make, so I have to make different stuff. I also get bored with lots of items I make so I am always looking for different and that is what gets me in trouble.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday the week of Thanksgiving
Well my stove has been working over time as I prepare the Thanksgiving feast for the elderly in one of the building that I manage, and so far I have cooked a lot. I still have two turkeys, a ham, and a couple of appetizers still to make but that is tomorrow. What i have realized in all this I am way to old to do any of it.
I went over board and here is what I have made
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Fruited-Turkey

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Turkey-Cheese-Ball

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pumpkin-Pie-Dip

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cucumber-Canapes

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/B...ese-Bruschetta

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/U...arty-Meatballs

main course will consist of 2 turkeys and a ham
the sides will be
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/B...ddar-Casserole

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Scalloped-Corn-2

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/M...Corn-Casserole

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/M...Sweet-Potatoes

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Whipped-Potatoes

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Green-Bean-Casserole

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Green-Bean-Casserole

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/S...tato-Casserole

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/M...ultry-Dressing

Plus plain stuffing
Dessert
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Banana-Cream-Pie x2

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pretzel-Dessert

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pilgrim-Hat-Cookies

2 cherry pies
2 apple pies
2 http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/No-Cook-Coconut-Pie

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Candy-Bar-Pie-3

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Easy-Pumpkin-Pie

http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/09/10/turkey-cupcakes/

Drinks
coffee both reg and decf, hot water for tea
and these
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Snow-Punch

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Coffee-Punch

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Percolator-Punch

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Turkey-Cheese-Ball
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pumpkin-Pie-Dip
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cucumber-Canapes
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/B...ese-Bruschetta
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/U...arty-Meatballs
main course will consist of 2 turkeys and a ham
the sides will be
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/B...ddar-Casserole
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Scalloped-Corn-2
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/M...Corn-Casserole
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/M...Sweet-Potatoes
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Whipped-Potatoes
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Green-Bean-Casserole
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Green-Bean-Casserole
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/S...tato-Casserole
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/M...ultry-Dressing
Plus plain stuffing
Dessert
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Banana-Cream-Pie x2
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pretzel-Dessert
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pilgrim-Hat-Cookies
2 cherry pies
2 apple pies
2 http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/No-Cook-Coconut-Pie
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Candy-Bar-Pie-3
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Easy-Pumpkin-Pie
http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/09/10/turkey-cupcakes/
Drinks
coffee both reg and decf, hot water for tea
and these
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Snow-Punch
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Coffee-Punch
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Percolator-Punch
so this may be the last year and i am really leaning towards that. Although most of them enjoy it I don't think I have it in me to continue. It really is more then I want to handle, I plan the menu, buy the menu cook the menu and have no desire to eat the menu.
It is also getting close to black Friday and I am not sure that I am up to that. Although it is something I do with my kids and we have a lot of fun and conquering the stores is always a challenge, again I am getting old and the kids are getting older, It's not like it used to be to get that hot toy they wanted and I wait in the line hoping to snag one. Some people it was Cabbage patch dolls, some people it was tickle me elmo. For me it was Furbe the annoying creature that every kid just had to have. I trudge to the store stood in line, didn't get one. Felt defeated and knew my kids would be disappointed. But alas I did get two, and for ten minutes they were thrilled then they sat on a shelf and collected dust. But we have grown in our wants and the little things no longer thrill them. Oh why did Christmas get so complicated.
PS 48 day's smoke free
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Well well
Thanks giving is almost upon us, and we know that deep down we all have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes it is hiding in life. We don't always know what life holds for us. Some times life deals us a raw hand, and sometimes the cards in that hand isn't always a winning hand. So we get dealt a new hand, Sometimes we would love to fold that hand, but have to play it out. We sometimes bet all the chips we have to get ahead. But then we know that we should have folded.
We don't always look at the positive things we have in life, We only see the negative things. We don't stop to smell the roses so to speak. We also don't look to see out side our so called world. Even if we don 't think we have been dealt a winning hand there are others who take that hand and turn it around, they make the most of their lives and live for the day.
Take the family with the physically or emotional challenged child, they don't have regrets they live life for the moment, they laugh together and they cry together, every milestone is celebrated. They only question the little things. They accept the challenges, makes you look in awe on that love of the family. Your problems pale in any way to theirs
Everything these day's are about money, who has what, and how we can out do each other. Gone are the day's of sitting outside and enjoying each others company. Gone is getting to know your neighbours. Enjoying watching your children catch lighting bugs. The world when you grew up is gone. It can never be a simple world again.
Tell your children you love them, spend time doing the simple things. Make these holiday's about time together, celebrate a new beginning.
Take time to smell the Christmas trees, learn to laugh again. just find yourself and play the hand you were given and you will then find peace with in your self.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dancing Diva and Dance
So as most if you know Diva dances, she has been dancing since she was 7, she begged and begged to take ballet, So I found a dance school and I enrolled her, thinking this would be a passing phase and she would want to quit. No not diva she learned quick and loved it and thrived. So the following year she tried out for their dance team and we began a new journey for her and dance. I had never seen a child take to something and be dedicated as she was her heart belonged to dance.
second year on the team she sprained her ankle right before her first competition but she danced she would not let the team down. she was dedicated and it showed. Now it has not been all wine and roses at the studio but as long as she thrived and loved dance I was happy.
Then as she got older it got harder, then she went into Middle school and found Track, When I say she hurdles like a gazelle it is an understatement as a 6th grader she was the only one to go to sectionals and she was ranked 5 in the district. Do she found another love. Well it got sticker as dance and school clashed with dates but we worked it out. Now 7th grade was a challenge and she had a hard time as again she was set to go t sectionals and this year she was ranked 3rd. But it was hard one her.
This year she decided to cut back on dance and take the time to devote her self school and sports with the school. Now I will never know if she made the right choice but I know she feels like an outcast at the one place she loved. Tonight on the way home she told me that the girls she has danced with for the past 6 years now treat her like she isn't there, they don't talk to her at all, or include her in anything they do away from dance. That light shone so bright now is so dim, it's heart breaking. Then tonight she tells me that she was asked to do wall stretches as they went over team dances that they would do on the night she doesn't go. So for almost an hour she was left to do her thing because she isn't dancing on the teams this year.
I finally asked her tonight if she wanted to quit. I can not see her feeling like she doesn't belong there any more.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Nothing better then a clean house
Nothing smells better then a clean house. And I have one, There isn't a dust bunny to be found, Well yeah there is there is still my room to do. But every picture every nick nack every corner, curtains, blinds are clean. I do believe that all the nicotine is gone. but it'a nice to have a clean house. All I need now is to clean the carpets, The one in the kitchen really needs it, but then again it always does. Who in their right mind carpets the kitchen??, Well some day we will tile, well we have the tile have had it for the past 12 years, just a matter of it getting put down in the kitchen.
Now I am also trying to retrain a kitty, Ella has an issue and I am tired of it, so right now she is confined to the bathroom with her food and water and litter box. Lets hope this is a success because she is such a sweet kitty. I did a lot of reading on the Internet and this is what I read every where so It is worth a shot. I am hoping she will retrain her self like every thing I read.
Lil man has taken 3 weekend to do is room and it's still not done, I don't know how long he wants to be grounded, he has lost everything. If he would just do it then there wouldn't be any issues and it would be done. no he would rather just shove things in corners and think he is hiding things. Little does he know there were three before him and they have all done the same thing.
I have been looking at the ads and there seems to be some bargains nothing really to write home about but there are a few, Although k-mart and wal-mart are still AOL but I am sure they will appear soon. I just can not seem to get in the zone, this is bothering me, I just don't have my Santa spirit, oh well maybe it will come.
Did I tell you all that Diva was such a big help, along with Hubby, they washed walls, and scrubbed and neither complained. We all worked together and got it all done. I love it when a plan comes together,
Chow for now
Friday, November 12, 2010
Well I started
I started to cook for the Elderly Thanksgiving, Since I am not cooking, cooking it, just preparing it I thought it would be easier to just do that and freeze it, then cook and heat and things wont be cooked twice. So that is different this year then in years past.
So far I have made the
Mallow-topped sweet potatoes
scalloped Corn
Savory Green bean casserole
whipped potatoes
ultimate party meatballs
Green bean casserole
sweet potato casserole.]
Candy bar Pie
not to bad for a day's work.
I decided that this year I think we are going to serve them instead of buffet style. I think they will enjoy that so much. And there will be enough of us to do this so I think it's a go. But I can still change my mind.
For those of you who do not know about getting the ads early for Black Friday you can go to Gottadeal.com be sure to register and you can see now the Target,Best Buy, Sears, JC Penney, Toys R us and a few others. They are still waiting on others but they will all be there before we know it.
So tomorrow will be weekend two of the great deep cleaning of the house. I do hope we get farther this weekend then we did last. I will not decorate till the house is clean, so if it doesn't get clean it will look very bare this year. I don't get as much help as I would like. Last weekend as my husband sat and watched me do walls, I finally said to him I really don't need you here to sit and watch me. He has been married to me for 27 years he knows what needs to be done, I will not tell him, If I have to tell him I would just do it myself.
Love to you all
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Okay I have been bad
I have neglected my blog and my blog friends, I promise to do better, It has been the bully week from hell. It started last Tuesday when to high school kids put their hands on lilman. That didn't make me happy so a trip to the school Tuesday, Weds, and Thursday and several phone calls later.
I thought I had made head way only to find out that it didn't seem to matter. Well today I made it matter, And yes they listened they may not like what I had to say but they listened., It was a week and lilman who for all purposes was the victim was they one they had imposed a punishment to.
Well that is no more and the bus driver is not happy but I don't care, they should have dealt with this a different way and not make it so now my son will never tell any one if he is being bullied. They did this and they better hope nothing ever happens on the bus again. The director of the bus company learned that his driver doesn't always tell him everything. Oh well lets just hope it settles down. But he doesn't have to sit in the front any more which is a good thing.
I have one completely clean room that is free of any hint of nicotine and smoke. I need to get a move on it as it is the 9th of Nov and I need to start bringing down the Christmas stuff and transform my house. Which I will show the transformation here on the blog. It really is a lot and sometimes I just don't know why I go over board as I do, It just happened. Every year I say I am going to cut back and not do so much but it just doesn't work that way. I sat I am going to do things different every year and that doesn't happen either. But we will see what I come up with.
I started to buy the food for the elderly thanksgiving this year it will be different, Because I am thinking this may be the last year. I am getting to old to cook the way that I do for them. I know that they enjoy it well most of them do but it's so much work and I am just not up to it any more. 14 years is a long time to be doing this and I am tired, Besides I think I over plan it. But who knows I could change my mind.
Then in a few short weeks we have Black Friday, I just don't have the excitement that prior ones have had for me, Could be the fact wondering where the money is going to come from for Christmas. But I will find it I always do. But just not over excited for the holiday's this year, but then again that can change.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
We will start with Diva's Facebook status
i might be a girl and only 13 and might look like a little girl but dont under estimate me if you bully my little brother i will find you.... stupid boys on the bus if the dont watch out i will beat the crap out of them exspecially if they lay another hand on him he is my brother and thats my job and if you try this i advise you to sleep with one eye open cuz this short 13 year old girl will kick you butt! :)
Well Let me tell you I will not put up with Bullies, I don't care that they are in 8th and 9th grade, This is my son. No one lays a hand on my son. They went to far today, and then to top it off he gets in trouble on the bus. It just isn't going to happen. I don't care that I live in a small town were they ar4 not in the 21 st century and any one who is not blonde and blued doesn't belong. I am sorry you have a hate for minorities. But we are I am sorry to say as white as your punk asses.
This child wouldn't hurt a fly he wont fight back as we taught him better then that. But But But I will not let you or allow you to take your hate out on an 11 year old boy. Gay do you really known what it is to be gay, and I don't mean the happy kind. why would you call an 11 year old gay when you don't know the first thing about a sexual preference.
Break his legs off and throw him in the pond, Touch him again and see what happens.
Why do we live in a world that has so much hate, and to be honest young kids don't know why they hate, they learn this from their parents, grandparents and friends. What happen to tolerance, what happen to educate your self about different cultures. We may be olive skin, we may have dark hair and eyes. But just a question have you ever seen the Godfather.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
No children again this night
So an other Saturday night, and the two younger children are away at friends again. This is becoming a weekend thing with them. I am so not used to this. So hubby and I decided to go out for dinner just he and I. That doesn't happen very often but it would be different and nice just the two of us. I went and took a nice long bath and put make up on and put my ready are you ready size 12 yes size 12 jeans on. Can you tell I was a little bit excited about that. I know I was so I can be excited for me and every one else.
So we went to a Mexican restaurant down town Moline. called La flamma and boy was it ever so good. Now that I can somewhat taste what I am eating I am enjoying life so much more. At least somewhat of what i can taste now I am enjoying. But not to the point of over eating as I am still dieting and don't want to gain any weight. So far with the no smoking that has not been an issue. I am still losing or staying the same. So that is the same thank goodness.
Vaping the sweet flavors I think helps not being hungry. I got some free samples of some juice yesterday that was out of this world. So I have reinvented myself some and I am liking this. I am really liking the no smoking part.
Okay so we are sitting here watching all the Halloween movies we are now on number 4 the return of Michael Myers. I can only say that these are the only scary movies I can watch, don't ask me why but I can. Scary movies and I don't get along at all. But here I am watching a marathon of them.
So soon it will be Thanksgiving, then the day after and shopping, I know we wont need a whole lot but we have to go it's tradition. Walmart at midnight and then the rest of the stores. It's something we have done for years, and years. Oh well we will have to see what the ads bring, Can not wait till they come out. For a sneak preview go to Gottadeal.com and they will have them all way before hand.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Adults play the team,
So we have a scrimmage game with the Softball team, Parents against the players. I can tell you that I have not played softball in umpteen years. I have not swung a bat, played a position since. I have not done this in so long. Can not say I am excited or not. Although I am wearing Diva's sweat pants, and they fit. Now granted we buy her sweat pants larger then her size as she likes them baggy But I know we don 't but them that big. I am also wearing a tee shirt that I have not worn one of them out of the house in months and when I mean months I mean months They have been my bed time sleep wear. Tennis shoes grace my feet, another thing I have not worn in months. Since I had my toe done. So can we say I am ready to play. Nooooooooooooo I am old, too old to play so I tell myself.
SO I have informed the family that lives in the house that is becoming cleaning time. Not just pick up the house clean I mean clean. I want all the panelling washed down from top to bottom, the curtains all washed, the blinds and then shampoo the carpets all before I even attempt to decorate the house for Christmas. I want the nicotine gone from the house. I want a house that smells good, and not such burn stuff to mask the odor of the house when I burn tarts and buy pine cones. So that will be the task to do. Since it has been 25 day's since cigarettes have been smoked in this house. so that is a good thing in it's self.
well off to the ballgame
Friday, October 29, 2010
Life in General
Well last night we had student lead parent conferences which went fairly well. Lilman still likes to be the center of attention. Still rushes through his work and doesn't assert the God given brains he was given. But what else is new, every year every teacher say's the same thing. He is so smart wish he would apply himself. Gee tell me how to make and I will answer that 10,000.00 question. His report card was good well it was very good. 2 A's 4 b and a c plus so what is he not doing I wonder.
Do they want to tie him to the chair and put electrodes to his head to make him learn more. These are the best grades he has had in for ever. But he doesn't stay on task, he disrupts the class. He likes to be the center of attention. Well hello he is the 4th child he has always been the center of attention what did they think he was not going to want to be in 6th grade.
Now Diva, glowing reports as always. Although in math her absents caused her difficulty, Oh welll we were on vacation she went a cruise, and duh she hates math. Well I am glad she is back on track so you say, I didn't think she was off the track.
She puts forth effort in all her classes, she is a pleasure, she goes above and beyond what is required, Really well then can you send that child home because I get the wrong one every day.
3 b's 3 a' and a c plus. Really not much different then lilman but man oh man the comments sure are.
Can you tell I hate conferences, My children know what I expect, and they have accomplished this with how they work. I never understood teachers and never will, Lilman his own soul and if they push him he will shut the learning down. Because believe it or not he his learning and his grades are a product of that.
So we will see how the year progresses,
Business student when he was in I believe 6th grade could have been 5 I missed his conference and it upset his teacher. So she called me and said I had to come in, and we had to meet, I asked her if I could ask her a few questions first.
Is he a joy to have in the room , Yes, Does he do his work , Yes ,is he a problem oh no I love having him in class. Okay then why do I have to come if you are going to tell me the same thing every one else does. Okay so that was out meeting.
So I thought I would report on the weight lose, So I am down another pants size, that makes three sizes down. Yeah me. And to think I got rid of this past winter all that size clothes. Not a good thing, some of those were my favourites and thinking I would never be that size again. Makes me sad. Although if you look at the BMI for me I am still over weight by 30 pounds, where it wants me to lose this 30 pounds I do not know. I want to lose at least another 20 never thought of 30.
Almost a month now and no smoking, Yeah me. I am enjoying this a lot as I don 't smell except for ,my body spray and perfume I wear. So that excites me. I guess the final stage of my make over is deciding what to do with my teeth. Yeah my teeth they are bad I know. Do I keep them, cap them and go forward, have them pulled and wear oh gosh you know.
what I would really like is a complete make over like they do on what not to wear, I would love to be on that show and learn how I should dress, along with how I do dress. For those who don't know it is a show in TLC it has it season premier tonight. It would be so good to have some one show me how to dress, wear my hair and do my make up. Oh well I can dream
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Lilman and Iowa city
So this morning was an easy morning no one had to get up too early as Lilman has his 6 month check up in Iowa city. He sees a specialist for his growth. He hates going as they check him all over and when I say all over I mean all over. But they good news is he has gone from the 7th percentile to the 9th percentile. He is growing but not fast enough I still think. They drew blood again to check all his levels and did another x-ray for bone density. The bone density will be the deciding factor I think. A year ago before the med for his thyroid he had the bone growth of a 7 year old. So we are hoping for better results this time. If not I think it will be time to see about growth Hormones.
Diva had catching practice and batting practice. This coach is awesome I can not begin to tell you how great he is. I do think he has her best interest, and she is learning so much from him. It is only going to make her a better ball player, and that is the ultimate goal.
But being a better ball player has put a sacrifice on her as far as dance. She was hoping that cutting back on dance there would be a hip hop team and she could stay connected with all her friends but no one tried out for the team and there is not one and she now is in limbo. I thought we had all of this figured out when she decided to do this but no not going to happen. Still waiting on word for her solo's and i really don't see that happening any time soon. I wish the studio owner would tell us one way or another now instead of getting this child's hopes up and then dashing them down. I will find out this week one way or another because this is not fair to Diva at all. If there isn't going to be solo's then there is no reason for her to be in the production or even go for that matter. So that will have to be another decision we will have to make Diva and I.
I really didn't want it to ever come to this but when you tell a child something and it's your idea you really should stick to your word.
So I want to shout out to my cruise buddy. I was sorry to read that you will have surgery from your encounter with the shelf on the cruise I hope it all goes well and you have godspeed in your recovery.
Well we will chit chat tomorrow
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
So Planning Thanksgiving for the elderly
This is the 14th year I have cooked dinner for the elderly at one of the properties I manage. Menu has always been the same and I am bored with cooking it. I am trying to decide if I want to keep it buffet style or if I want to serve them their dinner. I am leaning towards serving but we will see.




I do not normally serve drinks but coffee but think I am change that up too here are some of the punches I am deciding on
Percolator Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup cinnamon red-hot candies
Directions
- Pour apple cider into percolator; place candies in percolator basket. Cover and begin the perking cycle. When cycle is complete, remove the basket and leave punch in the pot to keep warm
Mocha punch
Ingredients
- 4 cups brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 cups milk
- 4 cups chocolate ice cream, softened
Directions
- In a container, combine coffee and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Just before serving, pour into a punch bowl. Add milk; mix well. Top with scoops of ice cream and stir well.
Snow punch
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 5 medium ripe bananas
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 1 pint lemon or pineapple sherbet
- 1/4 cup flaked coconut, optional
Directions
- In a blender, cover and process the lemon juice, bananas and sugar until smooth. Add cream; blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
- Just before serving, pour banana mixture into a punch bowl. Stir in soda. Top with lemon sherbet and coconut if desired.
coffee punch
Ingredients
- 4 cups brewed vanilla-flavored coffee, cooled
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- In a large container, combine the coffee, milk and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Spoon ice cream into a punch bowl; pour coffee mixture over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Grinch punch
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons water
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 12 drops neon green food coloring
- 1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 pints vanilla ice cream
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved; remove from the heat. Stir in milk and extract. Transfer to a bowl; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
- Just before serving, transfer milk mixture to a punch bowl. Stir in the food coloring and soda. Top with scoops of ice cream.
- So I am trying to decide on one of these to make maybe
Appetisers
Pumpkin pie Dip
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Gingersnap cookies
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger until blended. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate leftovers
- Fruited turkey
Ingredients
- 1 large watermelon
- 2 whole cloves
- 2 medium cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch balls, divided
- 1 red chili pepper
- 4 medium navel oranges
- 2 pounds green grapes
- Wooden skewers (12 inches)
Directions
- Thoroughly wash and dry watermelon. With a sharp knife, cut a thin slice from bottom of watermelon so it lies flat.
- Using a small sharp knife, lightly score a horizontal cutting line around middle of the melon, leaving 4 in. on each side of stem end unscored for the head. Next, score a vertical line over top of melon, connecting both ends of the horizontal line. Using a long knife, cut through melon along the vertical cutting line. (Stop cutting at the horizontal cutting line.) Then, cut through the melon along the horizontal cutting line. Gently pull off cut section.
- For turkey's head, cut a 2 in. half-circle at top. Make a scalloped edge, using the rounded edge of a 1-in. circle cutter. With a sharp knife, cut along the scalloped lines; discard scrapes. For eyes, insert a clove into the center of each of two cantaloupe balls. Using toothpicks, attach eyes; add a chili pepper wattle.
- With a vegetable peeler, cut peel from oranges. (Save oranges for another use). Thread grapes, orange peel and remaining cantaloupe balls onto skewers; add to turkey for feathers. Yield: 9 servings.
TIP: Once guests each have a skewer, you can slice and serve the remaining watermelon.
Cucumber Canapes
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (no substitutes)
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/8 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme, basil, parsley flakes and dill weed
- 1 loaf (1 pound) white or rye bread
- 2 medium cucumbers, scored and thinly sliced
- Diced pimientos and additional dill weed
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, cream cheese, onion, chives, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Cover and process until blended. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Using a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter, cut out circles from bread slices. Spread mayonnaise mixture over bread; top with cucumber slices. Garnish with pimientos and dill
- Basil Cream cheese Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 12 slices French bread (1/2 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped ripe olives
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
Directions
- Place bread on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 6-8 in. from the heat for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the tomato, onion and olives; set aside.
- Combine cream cheese and basil; spread over the untoasted side of bread. Broil 3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown. Top with tomato mixture. Serve warm. Yield: 1 dozen.
- Ultimate Party Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounces can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
- 1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
- 1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs
Directions
- Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Yield: 30 appetizer servings.
Slow Cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH. - Chicken salad puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
Filling:- 2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until smooth and shiny.
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Immediately cut a slit in each puff to allow steam to escape; cool.
- Split puffs and set tops aside; remove soft dough form inside. In a large bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Fill puffs and replace tops. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
- Turkey Cheese ball
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese
- 6 ounces deli smoked turkey, finely chopped
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
DECORATIONS:- 3 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Brown, orange and yellow paste food coloring
- 6 large oval crackers
- 1 large sweet red pepper
- 1 small yellow summer squash
- 1 cup pecan halves
- Assorted crackers
Directions
- In a small bowl, beat the first six ingredients until combined. Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
- In another small bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Divide among four small bowls. With food coloring, tint one bowl brown, one dark orange and one light orange (using yellow and orange); leave one bowl plain.
- Transfer each mixture to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of each bag.
- For turkey tail feathers, decorate the top halves of large oval crackers with tinted cream cheese.
- Using the red pepper, form the turkey head, neck and wattle. For beak, cut a small triangle from summer squash; attach with cream cheese. Add eyes, using brown and plain cream cheese. Insert pecan halves and decorated crackers into cheese ball. Serve with assorted crackers.
- Veggies and Potatoes
- Savory Green bean casserole
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen cut green beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
- 1 can (12 ounces) fat-free evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fat-free milk
- 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon pepper
TOPPING:- 2 cups sliced onions
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
Directions
- Place beans in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and cook on high for 7-9 minutes or until tender; drain.
- In a large nonstick skillet, cook onion and garlic in butter over medium heat until tender, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; gradually stir in evaporated milk. Combine flour and milk until smooth; gradually stir into mushroom mixture. Add the soy sauce, salt, poultry seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in beans. Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, for topping, in a small nonstick skillet, cook onions in butter over medium-low heat until golden brown. Add bread crumbs; cook until dry and golden brown. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake 7-10 minutes longer or until heated through and topping is browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Scalloped corn
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed saltines (about 30 crackers), divided
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, eggs, milk, 3/4 cup cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, onion, salt and pepper. Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cracker crumbs. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 1 hour or until a thermometer reads 160°
- Moist Poultry dressing
- 2 jars (4-1/2 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
- 4 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1-1/2 pounds day-old bread, crusts removed and cubed (about 13 cups)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth or 14-1/2 ounces vegetable broth
Directions
- In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms, celery, onions and parsley in butter until the vegetables are tender. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with salt, sage, poultry seasoning, thyme and pepper. Add the mushroom mixture. Combine eggs and broth; add to the bread mixture and toss.
- Transfer to 5-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160°
- Mallow topped Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 cups hot mashed sweet potatoes (prepared without milk and butter)
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 18 large marshmallows
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat the sweet potatoes, milk, butter, brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, vanilla, allspice, salt and nutmeg until smooth.
- Transfer to a greased shallow 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 40-45 minutes or until heated through. Top with marshmallows. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until marshmallows just begin to puff and brown
- Desserts
- I will make an apple, cherry and Blueberry pie, I make others and trying to decide on which along with other desserts
- Pilgrim hat cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla frosting
- 7 drops yellow food coloring
- 32 miniature peanut butter cups
- 1 package (11-1/2 ounces) fudge-striped cookies
- 32 pieces orange mini Chiclets gum
Directions
- In a small shallow bowl, combine frosting and food coloring. Remove paper liners from peanut butter cups.
- Holding the bottom of a peanut butter cup, dip top of cup in yellow frosting. Position over center hole on the bottom of cookie, forming the hatband and crown. Add a buckle of Chiclets gum. Repeat with remaining cups and cookies.
- Coconut Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup flaked coconut, divided
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 2 graham cracker crusts (9 inches each)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk the milk, extract and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.
- In large bowl, beat cream cheese. Stir in pudding and mix well. Fold in 1/2 cup coconut and whipped topping. Spoon into the crusts. Toast remaining coconut; sprinkle over pies. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 2 pies
- Candy Bar pie
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 4 Butterfinger candy bars (2.1 ounces each)
- 1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)
Directions
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Crush the candy bars; fold 1 cup into cream cheese mixture. Spoon into crust. Sprinkle with remaining candy bar crumbs. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before slicing.
- Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
- 3 medium firm bananas
- Whipped cream and additional sliced bananas
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt; stir in milk and mix well. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount into egg yolks; return all to saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook for and stir 2 minutes; remove from the heat. Add butter and vanilla; cool slightly.
- Slice the bananas into pastry shell; pour filling over top. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and bananas.
- Banana Chocolate Cream pie
Directions
- Cut pastry sheet in half. Repackage and refrigerate one half for another use. On a lightly floured surface, roll out remaining half into an 8-in. circle. Transfer to a 7-in. pie plate; flute edges.
- Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Sprinkle toffee bits over crust; layer with banana and pudding. Spread with whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 4 servings.
- Easy Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)
- Additional pie pastry, optional
- Whipped cream, optional
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat the first 10 ingredients until smooth; pour into pastry shell. Cover edges loosely with foil.
- Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 40-45 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove foil. Cool on a wire rack.
- If decorative cutouts are desired, roll additional pastry to 1/8-in. thickness; cut out with 1-in. to 1-1/2-in. leaf-shaped cookie cutters. With a sharp knife, score leaf veins on cutouts.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Arrange around edge of pie. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
- No Cook Coconut pie
Ingredients
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2-3/4 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)
- Toasted coconut
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat dry pudding mixes, milk and coconut extract on low speed until combined. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping and coconut. Pour into the crust. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Chill until ready to serve. Refrigerate leftovers
- Old fashion Custard Pie
Ingredients
- Pastry for single- or double-crust pie (9 inches)
- 4 eggs
- 2-1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Line 9-in. pie plate with bottom pastry; trim to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges or prepare a braided crust (see Editor's Note). Bake at 400° for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into crust. Cover edges with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 6-8 servings.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely crushed pecan shortbread cookies
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
FILLING:- 2 packages (one 8 ounces, one 3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger, nutmeg and cloves
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- Whipped cream, optional
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, flour and butter; press into an ungreased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
- For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, flour, milk and spices. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust.
- Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cover edges with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning if necessary. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Serve with whipped cream if desired
- Flock of Turkeys
Ingredients
- 48 sugar cookies (3 inches)
- 1 package (12 ounces) chocolate and marshmallow cookies
- 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting
- 1 cup vanilla frosting
- Yellow and red paste food coloring
Directions
- Using a serrated knife, cut 1/2 in. from one side of 24 sugar cookies. Using a sharp knife, cut marshmallow cookies in half vertically. Spread chocolate frosting over the bottom of each marshmallow cookie half; align cut edges of a marshmallow cookie and a sugar cookie, and press together to form each turkey body and feathers.
- Spread chocolate frosting over the cut edges of each turkey; position and attach near the back edge of a whole sugar cookie.
- Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag. Insert a #12 round pastry tip; fill bag with 3/4 cup chocolate frosting. Pipe a neck and head on each turkey.
- Tint 1/2 cup vanilla frosting yellow and 1/2 cup red. With a #3 round pastry tip and yellow frosting, add eyes, beaks and legs. With #3 round tip and red frosting, pipe snood and tail feathers. Store in the refrigerator
So help me pick pies, and punch and appetizers
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