Sunday, November 9, 2008

Wanna win a Wal Mart Gift Card????

Okay, first off, today Carson seemed to be a little better so I was able to play catch up on every one's blogs and get some housework caught up. It was so refreshing that we were acting a little more like himself. Now don't get me wrong, he's not 100% yet but I'll take the small improvement that I did get.

Coltan and Cody were in a soccer tournament this weekend. It is actually Coltan's team and Cody guest played. Well needless to say the boys team took first! I'm so proud of you boys. My mom went to all but one game and said that both boys played great. Coltan plays as a defender (closest to his own goalie) and mom said he did great. Cody plays on top and he scored a couple of goals as well.

My dad, step dad, mom, and two nieces came over and my dad cooked his famous chili for dinner while we watched the Chiefs. WOW, 1-8. Just not looking so hot.

So anyways, I have noticed that a lot of people are already blogging about Christmas. So this is the deal, I know I have a lot of friends that read my blog as well as a lot of lurkers. So this is your chance to delurk and help me out as well. Every year my Aunt Mary has Thanksgiving. Now everyone in my family knows that Aunt Linda brings Pumpkin pie and a corn casserole. Aunt Mary makes a rice casserole and of course the turkey. My mother brings a 7 cup salad and another one that I can't think of the name of right now. My sister is in charge of the store bought rolls, dad is the Tippins pie and I always bring my cherry/pineapple salad and hash brown casserole. So this is my plan...... I would like to take with me a new side dish and/or dessert. So this is all you have to do, leave me your favorite recipe in my comment and you will receive a chance to win. If you have a couple of recipes to share, you will get one entry per recipe.Now if you post it on yours and send me your link so I can check it out, you get an extra chance. I really would like for you to put a tried and true recipe on my blog. If someone else already has a similar one, put it on anyways. If it is that popular, I should be trying it out. I will put everyone who participates name in a hat and have my boys draw one name out. If I choose you, you will receive a $25.00 gift card to Wal Mart. If you want an additional chance, add me to your blogroll and leave me a comment and you will one more chance, If I do not have your name on my list, let me know so I can add you. This contest will end on Saturday November 22rd at 11:59 PM CST. I will announce the winner on Sunday November 23rd by 9:00PM CST. Thanks and good luck!!!

17 comments:

mommy to Kaden, Brody and angel Ava said...

First of all, I am so glad that Carson is feeling better. How is his seperation anxiety panning out???

About your contest...how fun!!! I will definitely be checking in on the comments to see what kind of recipes you get. I will leave you one as well, ok maybe two.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake
1 can apple pie filling
1 (9 in) graham cracker crust
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/4 cup caramel topping (I add more)
12 pecan halves (I don't use)
2 TBS chopped pecans (I don't use)

Preheat oven to 350F. Remove 1/2 cup of apple pie filling and set aside. Spoon the remaining filling into pie crust. In medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs and beat well. Pour over apple filling. Bake cake for 35 minutes, or until center is set. Cool on a wire rack. Combine reserved apple pie filling and caramel topping in a small saucepan. Heat over moderate heat until soft, but not hot. Spoon over cooled cheesecake and spread evenly. Decorate the edge with pecan halves and sprinkle the top with the chopped pecans. Refrigerate until ready.

Got this recipe from Better Recipes.com not too long ago. I have made two in the last two weeks. They went fast. It is really simple and doesn't take much time at all. I don't like pecans so I didn't use them on the second one I made.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Balls
1 (18 oz) jar of peanut butter
2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

In a double boiler over low heat, melt chocolate and set aside. In a medium size bowl, combine all other ingredients. Using a toothpick or fork, dip the balls into the chocolate until well coated. Place onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

I thought these turned out better when left refrigerated much longer. I love these because they are simple to make and they taste great if you like peanut butter and chocolate. I got this from christmas-cookies.com last year and made them a few times around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I forgot about them until you this comment. I looked through my deserts for holidays and found them and thought to myself, I better get the things to make them, they sound really yummy to Brody : ).

Can't wait to see all of the different recipes you get!!!

Emma in Canada said...

I am such a horrible cook I can't even think of a recipe. I am the type of person who is told either not to bring anything, or to pick something up at the store!

Thanks for the comment on my blog, you can certainly add me to your blog roll and I will do the same!

Shari said...

I am sorry, Dear! I can't help you here! :o) I am not a very good cook and have been trying to learn for the last 20 years! My husband never, ever complains and just eats what I fix and always tells me it tastes good. Hmmmm! Ask the kids and they will tell you another story!

Unknown said...

Glad there's some improvement. :) Hope that continues. :) Looks to me like you're missing deviled eggs at your Thanksgiving.

Rachel Dominguez said...

DELICIOUS PINK JELLO SALAD

1 can mandarin oranges
1 can chunk pineapple
2 regular size boxes Mixed Fruit flavor Jello
1 sm. container cottage cheese
1 lg. Cool Whip or 1 envelope Dream Whip

Drain oranges and pineapple, then put on paper towel to take out excess moisture. Put oranges and pineapple in large bowl. Add dry Jello. Stir well with fork, then add cottage cheese and Cool Whip or Dream Whip (prepared as directed). This salad is ready to eat at once or it may be refrigerated overnight. It has a very pretty pink color.


There you go...I have entered the contest! I personally do not like this salad (becuz i hate jello) BUT my entire family of 30 or more LOVES IT TO DEATH! They actually fight over the left overs if there is any.

Hope you try it!

PS....so glad to hear Carson was better yesterday. Hope he's even better today.

mommy to Kaden, Brody and angel Ava said...

Your right, there is cream cheese in that cheesecake : ). I just figured you should know how much, just kidding.

2 packages (16 oz) cream cheese. I think the 16 oz may be the total. I tell you my blonde moment in the e-mail.

Julie said...

Streuseled Sweet Potato Casserole

14 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato (or use a couple cans of already cut up ones)
1/2 cup half and half
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Heat oven to 375. Place potato in dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer 12 minutes or until tender. Drain. (Skip this step if you use canned.)

Combine the half and half and next 4 ingredients (through egg) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add potato to egg mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Spoon potato mixture into a 13x9 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Combine flour and sugar in a food processor; pulse to combine. Add chilled butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in pecans; sprinkle over potato mixture.

Cover and bake at 375 for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes or until the topping is browned and the potatoes are thoroughly heated.

I've been making this for four years now and my hubby says it's hands down his favorite side dish of the season now.

junglemama said...

Here is a delicious and easy recipe.

Best green beans ever!

4 cans of french cut green beans drained
1/2 cup butter
1 envelope Liptons Onion soup mix

Melt butter in saute pan. add drained beans. Sprinkle soup mix over and saute over medium heat until the beans cook down and turn a nice rich brown. ENJOY! This recipe deserves 2 entries! (just kidding, but they are good)

Me said...

Hmmm...I'll have to think of a good recipe and get back to you. I did add you to my blogroll though!!!

The other recipes posted sound really yummy!!!

Bren said...

You're on my blogroll and I'll get back to you on the recipe. It's in my book downstairs and I'm too lazy to get it right now.

Julie said...

Oh, a p.s. on my recipe, I also add either some cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to the pumpkin mix or pumpkin pie spice, and I also substitute brown sugar for syrup. The recipe is very forgiving and you can change it to taste.

Thanks for the comment on my blog. Sure you can add it to your list and I'll do the same. :)

Tracey said...

Here is a EASY one!

GREENBEAN CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS
2 (15 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
3/4 cup milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (2.8 ounce) can French fried onions
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium casserole dish mix together green beans, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 of the can of onions. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until heated through and bubbly. Sprinkle remaining onions over the top, and return to the oven for 5
minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 6 servings.

It is a HIT @ my house! :0)

Pam said...

Okay, I know this sounds totally gross, but it is the BEST salad ever and so easy to do. It's what I take every time there is a potluck dinner. I never tell anyone what's in it until after they eat it.

Just think a caramel apple salad, with a touch of chocolate...MMMMMMM!!

SNICKERS® SALAD

6 Granny Smith apples
4 regular size SNICKERS bars
1 med. container of Cool Whip

Peel and core and chop apples into bite-size pieces. Chop SNICKERS into bite-size pieces. Mix apples and candy bars with Cool Whip and serve

Seriously, would I EVER lead you astray?!?!?

Pam said...

Oh, and I always let it chill for a few hours before serving....much better that way!!

Overwhelmed! said...

Here are a couple of my favorites. They're not traditional Thanksgiving recipes, but I hope you don't mind.

Fudge Truffle Cheesecake
Makes 10-12 Servings

Ingredients:
Chocolate Crumb Crust (recipe follows)
2 cups (12-oz. package) Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
4 eggs
¼ cup coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Prepare Chocolate Crumb Crust. (see instructions below)
3. In microwave-safe bowl, place chocolate chips. Microwave at high 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred.
4. In large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
5. Gradually beat in chocolate, eggs, liqueur, if desired, and vanilla. Mix well.
6. Pour into prepared Chocolate Crumb Crust.
7. Bake 1 hour and 5 minutes until center is set.
8. Remove from oven to wire rack.
9. With knife loosen cake from side of pan.
10. Cool completely. Remove side of pan. Refrigerate before serving. Garnish as desired. Cover. Refrigerate leftovers.

Chocolate Crumb Crust:
1. In Medium bowl, stir together 1 ½ cup vanilla wafer crumbs, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa, and 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine.
2. Press firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

Blackberry Cobbler

1 16-ounce bag frozen unsweetened blackberries, thawed
2 Tbsp confectioner's sugar
2 cups pancake mix
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
Cool Whip

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8 inch square baking dish. Add the berries and 1 1/2 Tbsp of the sugar to the dish and toss. In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk and eggs until no lumps remain.

Pour the batter over the berries. Bake until the crust is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven. Let cool for five minutes.

Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or cool whip. Enjoy!

Me said...

OK...here's my recipe. Well, not MY recipe since I found it online, (http://www.joyofbaking.com/NanaimoBars.html) but it's a traditional Canadian thing, especially for Christmas time.

Nanaimo Bars (pronounced Na-nEYE-moh).

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut (either sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, oarsely chopped (I omit this due to my son's allergy, so it's not really necessary)

FILLING:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 - 3 tablespoons milk or cream (start with 2 and add a 3rd if mixture too stiff)
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (Bird's) or vanilla pudding powder
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar (ie icing sugar)

TOPPING:
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

Butter (or use a cooking spray) a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan.

BOTTOM LAYER: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder and then gradually whisk in the beaten egg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (1 - 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm (about an hour).

FILLING: In your electric mixer cream the butter. Beat in the remaining ingredients. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add a little more milk. Spread the filling over the bottom layer, cover, and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).

TOP LAYER: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Cool slightly...if it's too warm it will melt the filling. Spread over the filling and refrigerate.

TO SERVE: To prevent the chocolate from cracking, using a sharp knife, bring the squares to room temperature before cutting.

Yield: Makes about 25 squares

Let me know if you try it.

Wendy Hill said...

Ooh - a contest! And I have LOVED reading all these other recipes. Must print out your comments page and keep all these recipes (to add to my thousands of others - don't remind my husband - he!).

I used to get rave reviews for two baked items.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

Soften one stick of butter. Stir in one cup sugar. Add two eggs and three bananas (I don't even bother mashing them first) - blend. Stir in one cup flour and one teaspoon baking soda. Add one cup choc. chips. Bake in 325 degree oven for one hour (or sometimes I try 350 for 45 min).

Easy Peasy Sweet Corn Bread

One box yellow cake mix (plus whatever ingredients the box calls for). Two small boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix (plus whatever box calls for). Bake at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean (I think it is about a half hour).

Enjoy your freedom once Carson is done with his house arrest.