The Leader Enterprise - Nov 28 2018 - Post-Thanksgiving Recipes

Crockpot Candy for a Crowd

It's party time! December is known as the month when we spend money left and right. I'm here to help you with some easy and somewhat frugal menu ideas. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday as we celebrate the Reason for the Season!

Crockpot Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs (Over the top delicious!)

The secret to great entertaining? It doesn't have anything to do with the foods you prepare, the drinks you serve, or the music you play. It's all about being friendly and adding that spice of personalized imagination to each and every little piece of celebration. You should be happy and joyful when your guest come to the door. Don't stress about what you have to offer, stay within your budget and you will have the best party ever. Make your guests feel like they are part of something magical. It is the holiday season, of course.

These meatballs are a favorite holiday dish. Even folks who think they don't like sauerkraut end up loving this dish too. Recipe is easily doubled. 

CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS

1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce

1 (14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well

1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 (2#) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs

In 4-qt.slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 3-4 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen delicious meatballs!!

I know I've shared this pretzel recipe before, but it's too good to pass up when feeding a crowd.  Very simple recipe and can be made ahead. Addicting! It's perfect for gift giving also. 

RANCH PRETZELS     Simple Ranch Pretzels

2# mini pretzels (or 2-20 ozs. bags)

1 (12 ozs) bottle Orville Redenbacher butter-flavored oil

1 pkt. (1 oz) ranch dressing mix, dry

Place pretzels in large 2 gal. ziploc bag (I use a clean 13 gallon garbage bag) and pour oil over pretzels. (I place the bag in a pan to keep the oil from going through the bag onto the counter). Shake bag to cover pretzels evenly with oil - sprinkle dressing mix over and shake again until mixed well. Shake bag about every 2 hours for several hours.  Let set overnight - keep in a sealed container. They keep well for several weeks stored in sealed container or ziploc bag. 

PECAN PIE MINI MUFFINS 

1 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 c. chopped pecans

2/3 c. butter (no substitutes), softened 

(not melted)

2 eggs  

Preheat oven to 325. Combine sugar, flour and pecans; set aside. In large bowl, combine butter and eggs; blend with mixer or whisk, until well blended. Stir both mixtures together until moistened. (I blend by hand). Fill greased and floured or paper-lined mini muffin cups 2/3 full.  Bake 16 - 18 minutes. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen 

CROCKPOT CANDY

1 (20 ozs) pkg. white almond bark

1 (4 ozs) box German chocolate baking squares

1 (12 ozs) bag semi sweet chocolate chips 

1 (16 ozs) jar dry roasted peanuts

1 (16 ozs) jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts 

Turn crockpot on high.  Break almond bark into pieces and place in crockpot. Break German chocolate baking squares on top of almond bark, then add semi sweet chocolate chips.  Place lid on crockpot. (Tip: Place a paper towel under lid to catch moisture) DO NOT STIR FOR FIRST HOUR. Then, turn crockpot on low. Pour in the peanuts and stir. Place the lid on and stir candy every 15 minutes for the second hour.  Turn off crockpot.  Drop candy by tablespoonsful onto waxed paper and let cool until firm.  Store in airtight container.  Keeps well in refrigerator for weeks. Yield: about 30 - 40 pieces

MINI BROWNIE TREATS  

1 box (9" x 13" pan size) fudge brownie mix

48 striped chocolate (peppermint) candy kisses, unwrapped 

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool about 30 seconds, then top each with a chocolate candy kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen yummy little treats

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas" ~ Peg Bracken 

Tips for "Shaving Time and Money" During the Busy Holiday Season

I discovered Dollar Shave Club, a subscription service whose motto is "Shave Time and Shave Money". Their service make it easier for you to get nice razors at a great price. (they ship to USA/Canada and even Australia!). It's $1 is for 5 cartridges for a month + shipping! They also have an option to get 'higher class' razors and shipping is free. Perfect for gift giving! 
They're awesome...Check them out!

Here's a few helpful ideas to help you 'SHAVE' time over the holidays....

I like to keep a list of recipes written out for review & reference. I try to make every minute count - get up and do something while a commercial comes on TV, and I always make myself lists so I can think of what I need to do next.

One thing I do to keep things moving along in the kitchen, is to keep hot sudsy water in the sink all the time I'm working there, and wash dishes when I have a minute in between things. It helps keep the counter cleared and dishes can dry (use HOT water to rinse) and you can put them away when you have another few minutes. (And really...who cares if they're still a little damp when you put them away?  They will air dry! =) 

I also like keeping cooked meat and chopped (leftover) veggies on hand in the freezer. All I have to do is thaw and throw the meal together. It's a real time saver. Here's my method for browning ground beef in the crockpot. You'll save money by not running through the nearest drive thru at the last minute! 

Sometimes, we just have to prioritize. I do that often during this very busy month. And I have to consider what REALLY needs to be done first - usually, according to the day of the week it needs to be ready. We gotta 'keep the main thing, the main thing'....I always record comments on new recipes - 'excellent'....'rubbery' (just did that today with a sugar free cookie I tried =) If the recipe isn't in a book, and I'm not wild about it, I usually throw it away and keep trying new ones.

I have always loved making and giving homemade gifts from my kitchen. It doesn't have to be a pricey gift because you are already investing your time in the gift of love.  I have always been ALL ABOUT quick & easy!

(Click on links for recipe)
White Christmas Mix

White Christmas Mix is a really yummy, easy, pretty holiday gift to give. Cereal, pretzels, nuts & candies coated with white almond bark - simple! Give it in the holiday printed zipper-seal bags because then you can see how pretty the mix is. Even plain ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons is 'fun and festive.'

Date Balls

Homemade Date Balls are a special holiday treat worth sharing. The date/butter/sugar mixture is cooked on the top of the stove, stir in nuts and cereal, cool, roll into balls and then roll in powdered sugar.  Addicting!! They keep in the refrigerator for weeks ahead.

Fruited Raisin Oatmeal Mix

Fruited Oatmeal Mix is a nice gift to give – it’s warm and filling and is a healthier option, too! It can be bagged and tucked into a pretty tin or given in a pretty gift jar.

Or how about making a simple 
Infinity Scarf from a t-shirt

Honestly - These are all NO sew! 
Anyone can do this...and it's ready to wear in about 2 minutes! I also have tutorials for a Ruffle Scarf from a t-shirt (check it out...it's so cute!)
and a practical bag from a t-shirt!  (everyone raves!) I have purchased many t-shirts from second hand stores or used ones I was no longer wearing. 

I try to be ready for last minute gift giving by purchasing items on sale throughout the year - candles, books, calendars, Avon, & clearance items I come across. I have two file drawers in my desk with gifts in them, so I can look through and see if I can find anything 'fitting' for the person I desire it for. And I always have something edible made up - even if it's in the freezer.

I hope these ideas will have 'shave time and money' during the holiday rush! 

I'd love to know your favorite hints for 'shaving time' during the holidays....

​

Leader Enterprise - Dec 4 2013 - Holiday Party Tips & Treats

It's party time! December is known as the month when we spend money left and right. Here's a few ideas and tips to throw a great holiday party and keep your budget in check at the same time. These were shared in an article I read at Foodie Friends Friday's Daily Dish e-zine online.

Invitations: Be creative with your invites and set a theme for your party. To keep up with the style of technology you could send out an E-vite. Make sure you send out your invites at least two weeks in advance. But two important things to remember when putting together you invites: Include a start and end time, and clearly include the type of party you are hosting (cocktail, dinner party, etc...). That way your friends will know what to expect and when the party will end.

Decor: Cheap is the name of the game when hosting a great party, especially if you are inviting a crowd. Tea lights are a fabulous decor piece, and you can place them in small drinking glasses with your choice of Christmas decorations (greenery, ribbon, tree ornaments, etc.). String those white lights around your doorways, windows, or on the buffet table. And don't forget the mistletoe over the doorways.

Music: You'll want to set the mood of your party with some popular Christmas music.   Choose wisely, you don't want to put your guests to sleep. Choose Christmas music that will keep toes tapping. And don't forget, when the music ends and lights come on, hat is usually a good sign to let your guests know that the party is ending.

Snacks: Unless you are planning a full blown meal, your party should start way before dinner time or well after. It is important to offer an assortment of snacks. Everyone loves food at a party. You don't have to slave in the kitchen all day. You could design a self-serve buffet that is overflowing with finger foods.

Tortilla pinwheels with ham/pickle or veggies/cream cheese

Olives and nuts in bowls scattered around the room

Cheese trays mixed with fruit and baguette slices

Homemade Chex Mix or White Christmas Mix

Look Festive Yourself: You are the master of this party, so dress it up. Wear something festive, bright, but elegant to set the mood. Try putting flowers or ribbons in your hair, or wear a festive hat. Your guest will smile right away when you great them at the door.

Don't send your guests away empty handed: Gather some simple party favors to place by the door (a big bowl of candy canes, cookies, or an assortment of both). That way your guests can grab some to put in their pockets on the way out. You might even consider the old fashioned gift swap or secret santa scheme. You would have to include the gift swap idea in your invitations though.

The secret to great entertaining? It doesn't have anything to do with the foods you prepare, the drinks you serve, or the music you play. It's all about being friendly and adding that spice of personalized imagination to each and every little piece of celebration. You should be happy,joyful when your guest come to the door. Don't stress about what you have to offer, stay within your budget and you will have the best party ever. Your guests will want to return. Make your guests feel like they are part of something magical. It is the holiday season, of course.

WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX

1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)
Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Mix together:
3 c. Rice Chex
3 c.  Corn Chex(or combined-6 c. crispix cereal)
3 c. Cheerios
2 c. mini pretzels
2 c. peanuts
1 lg. bag of (holiday) M & M's-plain or peanut, optional. Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers.

PRETZEL PRETTIES

13 oz. bag Rolos (or 6-7 rolls)
1  1# bag tiny twists pretzels
1 bag (holiday) peanut M & M's

Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out pretzels, place one unwrapped rolo on top of pretzel. Bake at 300 for 5-6 minutes or until chocolate becomes shiny. Take out of oven, place M&M on each one, smashing down rolo. Let cool for 10 minutes, then place entire sheet in fridge or cold room to set for at least 1 hour. This is so great because you can make few or many at a time. A cookie sheet full will make 70-90 treats. May also top with pecan halves instead of M & M's.

I recently made these for a party and they were a real hit.  Be sure to stock up on meatballs when they're on sale. These will be the talk of the party!

CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS

1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce

1 (14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well

1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 ( 2 #) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs

In 4-qt.slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 3-4 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen delicious meatballs!!

These awesome treats are great for parties because they can be made ahead 1 week if desired. They are chewy, caramel-y bites of YUM that folks will create a fuss over.

DATE BALLS 

1-1/4 sticks (10 Tb) butter

1 c. white sugar

1 (8 ozs.) pkg. dates, chopped(not pre-packaged chopped dates)

3/4 c. finely chopped nuts (we like pecans)

2 c. rice krispies cereal

powdered sugar or coconut flakes  

In skillet over medium heat, combine butter, sugar and dates; cook until thick like jam, stirring often. Remove from heat; stir in nuts and cereal. Allow to cool until you're able to handle them, then roll into walnut-sized balls and drop them into a bowl of powdered sugar or coconut flakes. Roll and store in covered container for up to 2 weeks. Yield: about 20. 

Thought this idea from Reader's Digest was worth sharing: What are the holidays without strings of lights, and what are fresh-out-of-storage cords of lights if not tangled? Grab an empty coffee can and its lid. First, slice the plastic lid of the can with a sharp knife and insert one end of the cord. Then wrap the cord of lights around the can, taping the end to the can to keep everything in place. Before putting on the lid, fill the can with extra bulbs and an extension cord. No tangles, no misplaced accessories.

Two Fun Easter Foodie Nests

I had big plans to make some fun things for Easter posts, and life has kept me hopping (sorry - I couldn't resist =) in other directions.

So I will share what I quickly made, and give you a few links for some other great and creative ideas to help celebrate this special holiday.

I looked around for 'Easter nests' recipes and found sooo many options!

You can use rice krispies, coconut, chow mein noodles, shredded wheat, etc.

Chocolate, marshmallow creme, butterscotch, peanut butter bases...etc.

But I used what I had on hand and that was cornflakes with melted butterscotch chips and peanut butter.  Very tasty.

Simple too!

I think the next time I would hand-crush the cornflakes a little bit before stirring them into the candy mixture. 

I put them in muffin cups to form them easier.  The paper is easily removed after they're chilled.

I tried making a well in the center, but they wouldn't cooperate very easily.  Crushing the flakes some might make a difference?

This recipes comes from Cooks.com

They're more of a candy than a cookie...

EASTER COOKIE BIRD NESTS

1 (6 oz.) butterscotch morsels

1/2 c. peanut butter

5 c. corn flakes

Jelly beans

Melt peanut butter and morsels. Stir in corn flakes and blend until coated. Drop on waxed paper and make a center. Chill and fill with jelly beans or whatever candy you want or even peanuts. 

I made this adorable big nest as a centerpiece for our family get together!

It was simple and we all enjoyed bites of it too.


EDIBLE CHOCOLATE ROBIN'S NESTS

1 cup shredded coconut
4 cups Frosted Mini Wheats (Regular or Chocolate)
2 cups milk chocolate chips (or leftover chocolate bunnies)
wax paper
round bowl for shaping
Cadbury Mini Eggs or jelly beans or fruit (for eggs)

Place Frosted Mini Wheats in a large bowl and break up. Add coconut and toss until mixed well. Using a double boiler, (or a heat-safe bowl set over pot of boiling water) melt chocolate. Pour melted chocolate over wheat mixture and mix up until the chocolate evenly coats.

 Using wax paper, line a round bowl that you will use for shaping the nest. Form the nests, either in the muffin tins or on the tray. Make sure to make a little center for your eggs. Place bowls of nests in your refrigerator to harden. When they are hardened, simply pull the wax paper and they should pop right out.

Place your choice of eggs in the center of your nest and use as a table decoration.

(Freezing Directions)
You can make these ahead and simply place them in a gallon freezer bag until you are ready to use. Take out of freezer and serve. (Displaying them frozen can help them last longer as a display item.)

Linked to Spring Link Party

Christmas Recipes, Tips, and Tricks - Oh my!

As the holidays approach this year, I'm reminded of an interview I gave to my daughter Deb, for her blog The Queen Mommy in 2008.  I thought I'd share that interview here with you - my readers.  Enjoy!

Q: How do you prepare for your holiday activities (calendar, lists, etc.)?

I make notes on a desk calendar for any activities going on from day to day, including cookie baking, cookie exchanges, Christmas concerts, etc.

I keep a pocket file folder in my recipe drawer - I have many - but one I have marked "Holidays". I keep my favorite recipes there so I don't have to dig through all my recipes to try to find a holiday favorite. I also use small photo albums (you know - the inexpensive ones from my local dollar store or walmart) and place recipes from newspaper/magazines in them, and mark each of them with the kind of recipes they contain. I have one marked "Cookies" that I refer to often. Others are 'desserts' '9" X 13" pan desserts' 'snacks and appetizers', etc. etc. I stand these little albums on end so I can easily see the one I'm looking for.

I keep a Christmas Card record book from year to year - that way I can make changes in addresses when needed ( I include the year of change also), and I keep track of to whom I send to, and receive from. Most record books are good for 5-8 years. I keep a list of gifts I give to friends and customers from year to year so I will vary the kitchen 'goodies' I share with them and don't repeat - unless it's one of their favorites, which I record, also.

Q: What shortcuts and time savers do you rely on during your holiday preparations?

As I mentioned previously, I keep a list of recipes written out for review & reference. I try to make every minute count - get up and do something while a commercial comes on TV, and I always make myself lists so I can think of what I need to do next.

One thing I do to keep things moving along in the kitchen, is to keep hot sudsy water in the sink all the time I'm working there, and wash dishes when I have a minute in between things. It helps keep the counter cleared and dishes can dry (use HOT water to rinse) and you can put them away when you have another few minutes.

Sometimes, we just have to prioritize. I do that often during this very busy month. And I have to consider what REALLY needs to be done first - usually, according to the day of the week it needs to be ready. We gotta 'keep the main thing, the main thing'....I always record comments on new recipes - 'excellent'....'rubbery' (just did that today with a sugar free cookie I tried =) If the recipe isn't in a book, and I'm not wild about it, I usually throw it away and keep trying new ones.

Q: What homemade gifts do you like to give? How do you package them?

White Christmas Mix is a really yummy, easy, pretty holiday gift to give. Giving it in the holiday printed zipper-seal bags is nice because you can see how pretty the mix is. Even plain ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons is 'fun.'

Pretzel Pretties are fun to make with kids, and make a LOT so giving them away by themselves or along with other goodies is nice. If you can keep from eating them all…

Fruited Oatmeal Mix is a nice gift to give – it’s warm and filling and is a healthier option, too! It can be bagged and tucked into a pretty tin or given in a pretty gift jar.

Q: How do you prepare for last minute party invitations or gift ideas?

I buy things (on sale) throughout the year - candles, books, calendars, Avon, & clearance items I come across. I have two file drawers in my desk with gifts in them, so I can look through and see if I can find anything 'fitting' for the person I desire it for. And I always have something edible made up - even if it's in the freezer.

**RECIPES**

WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX

1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)
Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Mix together:
3 cups Rice Chex
3 cups Corn Chex (or combined - 6 cups crispix cereal)
3 cups Cheerios
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups peanuts
1 lg. bag of M & M's - plain or peanut (optional) (We love using the holiday mix)

Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers.

PRETZEL PRETTIES

13 oz bag Rolos (or 6-7 rolls)
1 bag tiny twists pretzels
1 bag peanut M & M's - we like to use holiday colored ones

Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out pretzels, place one unwrapped rolo on top of Pretzel. Bake at 300 for 5 -6 minutes or until chocolate becomes shiny.

Take out of oven, place M&M on each one, smashing down rolo. Let cool for 10 minutes, then place entire sheet in fridge or cold room to set for at least 1 hour. This is so great because you can make few or many at a time. A cookie sheet full will make 70-90 treats. May also top with pecan halves instead of M & M's.

FRUITED OATMEAL MIX

6 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apples or dried banana chips or any dried diced fruit
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tsps. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt

(Yield: 7 cups of mix/two batches - each makes 7 servings of oatmeal)

Directions to include with gift:

For each serving:
1/2 cup fruited oatmeal mix
3/4 cup water

In a deep microwave-safe bowl, combine mix and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Cook 20-30 seconds longer or until bubbly.  Let stand for 1 - 2 minutes.

A healthy gift - I use splenda, splenda brown sugar, and reduced sodium salt....Delicious!

My First Interview with The Queen Mommy

Last year, my daughter Deb asked if she could interview me for a few Christmas posts at her blog, The Queen Mommys Cafe.  She asked the questions and I gave the answers. This is the first part of the interview, and I wanted to share it with you this Christmas season...

1) I'd like to start off by asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself, Queen Martha.

I wear a lot of 'hats' in my world, but my favorites are wearing my wife, mom & nana hats. What a privilege to be given those special places of honor. When I was a kid, my mom spent much time at the sewing machine, so I would work in the kitchen. I developed a love for making dishes then, and even more, after marrying a man who is willing to try anything, and then enjoying hosting company, who enjoyed the recipes I shared. It's just kinda snowballed since then.

God has given me the gift of encouragement, and so I spend a few hours a day at the computer, along with several hours a week, at the dining room table, where I enjoy writing out cards to mail to help brighten days for dear ones in my life.

I had a story published in Christian Miracles...Amazing stories of God's Helping Hand in Our Everyday Lives in 2005. I won $100 for a recipe contest in American Profile - a paper magazine distributed in newspapers nationally - for butternut squash bake in 2006. That, plus 5 other recipes of mine were included in their Holiday Cookbook in 2007. I've publicly shared our life's 'God-story' a few times, and have spoken for Mother's Day dinners and also shared encouragement ministry ideas.

I love to say "I'm not a professional speaker, but I AM a professional talker".

2) What are your favorite childhood Christmas memories? What are your favorite Christmas memories as a mom?

I do think my most favorite Christmas memory as a child is the year I realized there wasn't a Santa. My mom had made my older foster sister and me matching plaid nighties, and it dawned on me (though I hadn't had a glimpse of her making them, that SHE made them. I was probably 10 or 11.) Holidays celebrated with the aunts and uncles on both/either sides of the families are special memories also. I've always been so saddened that my own children missed out on those growing up times with family that I so enjoyed...since we were military and lived far from home. We rarely had $funds$ to make it home for the holidays very often.

My favorite Christmas as a mom is tough - I loved them all. Having my children help as we 'worked' together doing the decorating was always so much fun. The music going, the candles burning, as we sampled goodies we'd already made....those are all my favorites.
3) What are your favorite things to do during the holiday season? How do you prepare for them? What tips & tricks can you share about making your preparations simple and time-saving?

I LOVE baking - trying new recipes, a few times a week, and sharing the goods. I begin stocking up on baking items - chocolate chips, nuts, brown and powdered sugars, etc. when they're on sale - probably beginning in October. I usually have an extra 5# bag of flour in the freezer, so I don't run short at the last minute. Shopping with coupons, especially with store sales, and shopping at discount stores like Aldi's, Big Lots, or Sam's Club can really help me get stocked up.

I keep a few lists going at once....I have a running grocery list...I taught my kids when they were younger, to add to the list when they used the last of something, and that really helped keep on top of things.

Now, that I no longer have those ready and helping hands, every day at least, I keep a list handy where I can write things down when I realize I'm almost out. I like to have the salt, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, out on the counter ready to be measured. After I've used it, I set it on a different place in the counter, so I know it's already been used...just in case I get interrupted in the middle of what I'm doing.

Because I have many cookbooks, and love to sit and read them, I keep a running list of recipes I want to try, with cookbook name, and page number handy, so when the mood strikes, I can review my list and decide which one would work best for my time frame.

I do have a kitchen drawer full of recipe files and collected recipe cards that I use most frequently. It's where I also keep my most recent cookbook magazines. And I normally have a pile of recipes on the countertop...sometimes I need to see the recipe to be reminded of it, and that seems to work for me, since I do have enough countertop to do that.