Tasty Dishes for your Labor Day "Last Hurrah"

Here's a great lineup of sides and desserts you could make for the last big BBQ of the season!  Enjoy each scrumptious bite!

Homemade Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Fritos Corn Salad

All taste testers will go wild over these baked beans.  They are simple and are the bomb-diggety when it comes to bean dishes!  YOWZA!! 

Winning Baked Beans

Tasty Three Bean Salad (make ahead)

Tasty Deviled Eggs

Kansas Cucumber Salad

Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Brookies (Cookie topped Brownies)

Special Sugar Cookies

No Bake Payday Bars (Sugar free option)

Simple (Garlic) Ranch Pretzels - Addictive!

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Flashback Friday - Perfect Pineapple Dishes for Special Days

I think all of these would be great to serve for Easter or Mother's Day....


This amazing side dish has cheese in it.  It's wonderfully delicious & simple too!

Hot Pineapple Casserole

This simple-to-whip-up dip is amazing.  Only a few ingredients, and a 

sugar free option to beat! 

Pina Colada Fruit Dip

This simple sweet and salty dish will be a real hit...and a conversation starter too. 

Pineapple Pretzel Salad

This was a favorite of my mom's...so that means it will always be one of my favorites too. The simple sauce poured over the top makes it so very moist and flavorful. 

Mom's Favorite Granny Cake

If you're looking for something 'lighter', this easy 3-ingredient dish will go over big-time with those having to watch their sugar intake.  Can easily be made sugar free...or not. 

Pineapple Fluff

Leader Enterprise - Dec 19, 2018 - Party Helps

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. 

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.

Crockpot Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs

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! Is perfect for gift giving also. 

Ranch Pretzels (3 Ingredients)

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. 

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 (for a crowd)

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 

Holiday (Peppermint) Popcorn Crunch Mix (Easy - Last Minute!)

I am almost giddy over this delicious concoction! 

You might want to call it a "Clean out the Pantry" treat! 

This very simple treat uses microwave popcorn as its base!

As we prepare to head to Florida next week, I had some things on hand I wanted to use up before we go.  I'm thrilled to say I was able to use the last of SEVEN ingredients and gave away bags of this tasty snack at church.

Almond bark..

Microwave Popcorn...

Pretzels..

M & M's...

Ghiradelli Peppermint Chunks in a bag...

leftover crushed candy canes

Sprinkles...

It tastes great!  And is not nearly as sweet as a lot of the other 'goodies' I made last week.  And it's pretty too!!!

I have said for a long time...RECIPES ARE GUIDELINES.  You don't ever have to follow it exactly...sometimes it's fun to do your own thing!

Use up what you have on hand and enjoy this treat that has many options to it!

Peanuts, or any kind of nut, would be a great addition! Maybe even some cereal! 

When I made a second batch, I used part peppermint chunks for the almond bark.

I also used the penguin bags for the Peppermint Version so I could tell the difference. 

(This is what I used...not the 'crunch' mixture...these melt nicely..

and it only gives a light peppermint flavor)

Have fun with this one!  Folks appreciate receiving something homemade from your kitchen..and I am very pleased with the end result of this 'experiment'. 

HOLIDAY (PEPPERMINT) POPCORN CRUNCH MIX 

*2 bags microwave popcorn 

(lite butter is ok)

*3 - 4 c. pretzels 

*12 ozs. white almond bark (or candy melts)

(or use Ghiradelli peppermint baking chunks for part of almond bark) 

*2 hands-full peanut M & M's

*crushed candy canes, optional

*holiday sprinkles, optional 

Cover 2 cookie sheets (with sides) with waxed paper; set aside. 

Pop the popcorn according to package directions; pour into an extra large bowl and be sure to remove any kernels that didn't pop. Mix in the pretzels. 

Melt almond bark in microwave according to directions. Pour over the popcorn mixture, stirring to coat, then add M & M's and continue to mix until everything is coated. Stir in sprinkles or add over top of mixture once you've spread it over the cookie sheet. 

(For the peppermint version, I sprinkled crushed candy canes over the top at the end)

Allow to dry (it doesn't take long!); break apart and place into decorated bags to give as gifts. 

Recipe Inspired by Southern Plate
(Christy shares a great tutorial - check her out!)

You might also enjoy...

Simple Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

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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