AFTER CHRISTMAS

I am putting away the few items I put out for the Christmas Holidays. We were away and I had no reason to go all out with decorations. Over the years I have purchased a lot of holiday items. I have a great village that hasn't been out in 5 years. All those red and green boxes are filled with things , I probably don't even remember having. I guess I'll go through them next year, God willing. Where does the time go?
I did write my Christmas cards and got to enjoy the company of family and friends. My children and grandson are healthy and my Mom is well for 92. We think that my sister's brain surgery is a success the second time around. Jackie's family is well and in our lives. I really think that's what makes for a happy holiday. Tomorrow is 2008 and I hope that we all have PEACE OF MIND---HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

I AM BACK TOO!

We were with our family. We had a very nice Christmas and I hope you all had the same. I wish everyone a GREAT 2008. Will have more hints and recipes soon. Please hang in there with us, there is more to come. PEACE!

Hi, it's me, Jackie! I'm baaaaack! Merry Christmas!

For the last week or so my world has been topsy-turvy. Besides getting ready for Christmas I've, also, had to call 911 to take Bill to the E.R. We went to the hospital early on Sunday morning and he stayed overnight for observation. Saturday morning we got up early because Andy was leaving to go home to Phoenix at 6a.m. and we wanted to spend some time with him before he left. After he left Bill and I ate breakfast and later Bill left to go help his lodge brothers do work inside and outside the lodge. It was a very long and tiring day for him. Evidently, it was too much because later that night he fell on the floor and couldn't get up. When I couldn't get him up and realized there was no way that he could get himself up, I called 911. Luckily, the tests showed there was not another stroke or mini-stroke. To make a long story short, he is doing much better now. In fact, we are now in Summerville at our daughter, Sue, and son-in-law, Otis's home for Christmas. We drove here yesterday and had a great time with kids, grandkids and our great-grandson. Now we have to go home and get ready for our trip in a few days to Hilton Head.

SEASON'S BEST SHRIMP DIP

1 8oz Pkg cream cheese --softened

1/2 C Miracle Whip salad dressing

1 4 1/2oz can tiny cocktail shrimp, drained

1/3 C finely chopped green onion

1/8 t garlic salt

Mix cream cheese and salad dressing until well blended.

Stir in remaining ingredients and chill.

Make about 2 cups.



I will be off the Blog for a couple of days. BE SAFE!

SUNNY HOLIDAY PUNCH

1 Can pineapple juice -chilled (46oz)

1 Bottle mineral water or club soda-chilled (28oz)

1 Can frozen orange juice concentrated, thawed-(6oz)

1 Lemon or lime, sliced

2 Cups fresh or frozen berries

1 Bottle chilled champagne, optional (750ml)

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl.

Garnish if desired.

Makes 3 quarts.

This is another punch I would make last minute and add those non-melting ice cubes. I will look in the future as to where we all can purchase them.


On a personal note: Jackie's husband is feeling better and will stay in the hospital for observation. Thanks for all your good thoughts.......

SPARKLING BERRY PUNCH----HOLIDAY DRINK

1 Can (6oz) frozen concentrated lemonade
1/2 Cup water
1 Package (10oz) thawed raspberries or strawberries in syrup
1 Bottle (1L) 7up chilled
1 Bottle (750 ML) champagne chilled
Raspberry or Lemon sherbet (optional)
**** you can use sparkling apple cider instead of champagne ****
Combine concentrated lemonade and water. Add choice of fruit, 7UP, and champagne. Serve in punch cups. Garnish with choice of sherbet or fresh mint, if desired. Makes 24 servings.
If your place this in a punch bowl, I would use non-melt floating ice cubes. If anyone knows where to purchase these, please write and let us pass this on to others, Jackie, and myself. This will keep punch cold without watering it down. I would make this punch just before your ready to serve (last minute) . Serve with choice of sherbet and no ice is needed.

I had an early call from Jackie, her husband Bill was taken to the hospital during the night. Please keep both of them in your prayers. Thank you!!!

BANANA SPLIT DESSERT - NO ICE CREAM

This is a great crowd pleaser and absolutely delicious!!

Banana Split Dessert

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 stick margarine, melted

2 cups powdered sugar

2 eggs

1 stick margarine, room temperature

1 large can crushed pineapple (well drained)

4 bananas, sliced

1 9 oz. carton Cool Whip

chopped nuts

Maraschino cherries, drained well

Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine well and spread in a 9 x 13 pan.

Whip the powdered sugar, eggs and room temperature margarine until fluffy. Spread on top of first layer. Place well-drained pineapple on top on powdered sugar mixture. Top the pineapple layer with the sliced bananas. Spread Cool Whip evenly on top of bananas layer. Sprinkle with chopped nuts to taste. Decorate with maraschino cherries. Refrigerate until chilled. For best results, refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.

Andy, left to go home today and I miss him already. It was great having him here and we really enjoyed him. He finally met Chris in person (he has talked to her before) and said he sees why we are such good friends. Our nephew, Sean, and his two children spent a couple of evenings with us and it was great family time.

Our sister, Roxy, came by yesterday on her way to the Shrine Bowl in Spartanburg. Her daughter, Rikki, has the honor of being the only female trainer from SC invited to participate. Rikki is a pretty awesome young lady that we are all very proud of. She graduates high school in June and has a bright future ahead.

TOASTED ALMOND PARTY SPREAD

1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
1 1/2C Swiss cheese
1/3C miracle whip salad dressing
2T chopped green onion
1/8t ground nutmeg
1/8t pepper
1/3C sliced almonds, toasted
Preheat oven to 350
Combine all ingredients-mix well
Spread mixture into 9 inch pie plate or quiche dish
Bake for 15 minutes, stirring after 8 minutes. Garnish with additional toasted almonds, if desired.
Serve with crackers or toasted bread cut-outs.
This makes about 2 1/2 cups and is a big hit. I will add some punch recipes next. Have a good day!

PECAN SQUARES

Crust:
3C flour
1C butter softened
1/2C sugar
1/2t salt

Filling:
4 eggs
1 1/2C sugar
1 1/2t vanilla
1 1/2C light or dark corn syrup
3T butter melted
2 1/2C chopped pecans
In a large bowl, blend together flour, sugar, butter, and salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into a greased 15 by 10 by 1 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Meanwhile in another bowl, combine first five filling ingredients; stir in pecans. Spread evenly over hot crust. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until set. Cool and cut into squares.

I just was sweeping out the garage because it will drop about 15-20 degrees for the high tomorrow. I will continue getting ready for our trip up north. Christmas is 10 days away. My children's birthdays are the 24th and 26th. So we celebrate three birthdays. Thanks for looking at our Blog. Jackie and I love to see the response. We hope for better days for all!

CHRISTMAS FUDGE

Combine and boil for 5 minutes
2/3C evaporated milk
1/4t salt
1 2/3C sugar
3T butter

Next--mix in:
1 1/2C chocolate chips
1t vanilla
1 1/2C miniature marshmallows
1C chopped nuts
Pour into buttered pan, let it set up and cool. YUM!

I went to the auction with Jackie last night. This was for charity and this group of women do a lot for people in need. They also celebrated a birthday of one member who will turn 87 years young. She has a wonderful smile and you just know how kind she is. Hope we all think and do something kind for one person this year. A better idea, lets do it all year long! Have a great day................

CARAMEL CORN

2C brown sugar
1/2C dark corn syrup
1/2t baking soda
1C salted peanuts (optional )
1C butter
1t salt
1C un-popped popcorn
Pop popcorn and keep warm in-- 2-- 9 by 13 pans or large roaster in 250 degree oven. Combine sugar, butter, syrup, and salt--boil slow for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda; pour immediately over popcorn. Bake 1 hour, mixing every 15 minutes at 250 degrees. Pour out on wax paper to cool--store in air tight container.
I have to do some errands this morning and tonight meet Jackie for an auction at the Knights of Columbus. Bill and Jackie are members and this is for charity. Hope your day goes well!

Fantastic Drink Recipe

Bill, Andy, Marcy and I went over to visit Chris last night after dropping in to see our mother. Chris lives on the next street over from where my mom lives with my Ricky and Annie. Chris had made the Irish Cream recipe and made enough to give me a bottle to take home. I had not had any since we lived in the Philippines and I forgot how great it tastes. Bill loved it. Bailey's Irish Cream is his favorite drink and this is comparable. He had some of Chris' while we were there. Then when we came home he had a good share of our bottle. So today I am going to go get the makings and make some more. That stuff is sooooooooo good. We are going to IHOP (Bill loves to eat here) in a little while and I will get the ingredients afterwards.

Like Chris said the weather is beautiful here now and I wish it would stay this way all year round. We could use quite a bit more rain, though.

SEASONED PRETZELS

30 ounces pretzels ( 2 reg. size bags )
12 ounce bottle of Orville Reddenbacher popcorn oil
2 packages dry Seasons Zesty Italian salad dressing mix
3T Lemon Pepper seasoning
Pour oil over pretzels; stir to coat well. Sprinkle seasoning over pretzels in small amounts and stir to coat evenly ( if you pour all at once it will clump ) Stir mixture every 15 minutes for approximately 1 hour or until pretzels absorb all the oil.
NOTE: For less salty variety, you can use salt free pretzels, Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper is also salt free. ( This recipe fills a large Tupperware bowl )
Hope you like this recipe, it can take time but taste very good.
Another great day in the South--82. We are 16 inches down in the rain table and that's not good. Lets think good thoughts for the people dealing with these ice storms. Please stay safe!

IRISH CREAM DRINK

YES, this recipe will fool most people. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a month. I can guarantee that it will be gone long before that.
3 eggs
1 1/2C whipping cream ( NOT WHIPPED )
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1 to 1 1/2C whiskey
1 1/2T Hershey's chocolate syrup
1/4t coconut extract

1. Beat eggs
2. Add other ingredients
3. Beat three minutes
4. Drink and enjoy

Take care and sleep well!

Santa Website for the Little Ones and Cookie Recipe

This is a great website that I found a few years ago. Two of my grandchildren, Dominique and Tyler, have always stayed with Bill and I on their Christmas break so they wouldn't have to go to a babysitter. We would get on the computer and go to Northpole.com and they would be in heaven. That site has all kinds of great activities for the kids. They can even track Santa's progress on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus's kitchen even has some great recipes. Here is one of her cookie recipes:

BAKELESS DREAM COOKIES
2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 cup milk

1 stick oleo or margarine

3 cups quick oatmeal

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup peanut butter
Place sugar, cocoa, milk and oleo in sauce pan. Bring to a boil and boil for a minute. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and nuts (if wanted). Blend well, stir in oatmeal and vanilla. Drop by teaspoon on waxed paper. Let stand until cool and real firm.

VODKA - NOT JUST FOR DRINKING ANYMORE

My sister, Marcy, gave these hints to me. I would suggest using cheap vodka for these. I have Absolut Peppar and Smirnoff Apple vodkas in my freezer. The only way I use them is over ice with a couple of blue cheese or anchovy stuffed olives and some olive juice in a drink.

1. To remove a bandage painlessly, saturate the bandage with vodka. The stuff dissolves adhesive.
2. To clean the caulking around bathtubs and showers, fill a trigger-spray bottle with vodka, spray the caulking, let set five minutes and wash clean. The alcohol in the vodka kills mold and mildew.
3. To clean your eyeglasses, simply wipe the lenses with a soft, clean cloth dampened with vodka. The alcohol in the vodka cleans the glass and kills germs.
4. Prolong the life of razors by filling a cup with vodka and letting your safety razor blade soak in the alcohol after shaving. The vodka disinfects the blade and prevents rusting.
5. Spray vodka on wine stains, scrub with a brush, and then blot dry.
6. Using a cotton ball, apply vodka to your face as an astringent to cleanse the skin and tighten pores.
7. Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. The alcohol cleanses the scalp, removes toxins from hair, and stimulates the growth of healthy hair.
8. Fill a sixteen-ounce trigger-spray bottle with vodka and spray bees or wasps to kill them.
9. Pour one-half cup vodka and one-half cup water into a Ziploc freezer bag and freeze for a slushy, refreshing ice pack for aches, pain or black eyes.
10. Fill a clean, used mayonnaise jar with freshly packed lavender flowers, fill the jar with vodka, seal the lid tightly and set in the sun for three days. Strain liquid through a coffee filter, then apply the tincture to aches and pains.
11. To relieve a fever, use a washcloth to rub vodka on your chest and back as a liniment.
12. To cure foot odor, wash your feet with vodka.
13. Vodka will disinfect and alleviate a jellyfish sting.
14. Pour vodka over an area affected with poison ivy to remove the urushiol oil from your skin.
15. Swish a shot of vodka over an aching tooth. Allow your gums to absorb some of the alcohol to numb the pain.

My brother, Andy, from Phoenix arrived last night. Our mom is having a feeding tube put in on Wednesday and he wanted to be here for that. It is so great to have him here. He is such a sweetheart and such a nut. Even though we text message quite a lot and talk sometimes several times a day, it is great having him here where I can see him. Bill and I are going to go to Phoenix in a few months to spend time with him and my sweet sister-in-law, Genelle.

PEANUT KISSES

Yes, these are the cookies with the chocolate kiss in the center.
1C sugar
1C shortening
4T milk
2 eggs
1t baking soda
1 ( 14oz ) pkg. chocolate kisses
2C brown sugar
1C creamy peanut butter
2t vanilla
3 1/2C flour
1t salt
white sugar ( FOR ROLLING )

Cream together sugars and shortening in bowl. Add peanut butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients. Add to cream mixture. Mix well! Roll dough in to 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Just after removing from oven, press a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. Bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

This is a favorite of children. Hope you get to try it. Jackie and I are so pleased to see that so many of you have visited us. Now is a good time to use that measuring cup tip we gave you with the peanut butter, also the shortening. The HOT water inside the cup will not hurt the recipe. Just pour out the water but don't dry before you add the peanut butter for easy release.

I want to give Jackie's brother Andy a BIG WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA. I know he will enjoy his stay because Jackie will take good care of him. Later!

COTTAGE CHEESE PASTRIES

2C flour
1/2t salt
1C butter
1C cottage cheese
Mix flour and salt; cut in butter as you would for pie crust. Mix in cottage cheese; wrap and chill. Roll out on flour board to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3 inch squares. Put 1 teaspoon jelly or preserves on each square. Whatever flavor you prefer. Raspberry or apricot works well. Moisten edges, pinch corners to center. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. This is Grandma's recipe, so I don't know but I think you use a ungreased cookie sheet. Remember she is in a better place, so I can't ask. Cool cookies and sprinkle with powder sugar.

This recipe is a little harder but worth it. Jackie and I went to see her husband Bill in the Christmas parade. The weather was great at 75 and a big turnout. Sleep well!

Bon Bons Pie

This is a recipe that I got from a paper years ago. This is quick and delicious. There was just the following given:

TEN MINUTE BON BONS HOLIDAY PIE

1. Cover bottom of 9" chocolate cookie crust with Bon Bons Ice Cream Nuggets.
2. Mix one box instant vanilla pudding with 1 3/4 cups milk. Fold in 1 cup non-dairy whipped topping, 10 drops green food coloring and 1 tsp. peppermint extract. Spoon over Bon Bons nuggets and freeze 5 hours.
3. Decorate with melted chocolate, whipped topping and more Bon Bon nuggets.

See, nice and easy. And good!!! I don't know if they still make Nestle's Bon Bon ice cream nuggets or not. But, any of the nugget ice cream like Nibs or something like that can be used.

The party Bill and I went to last night was fun. It was nice to get out and socialize a bit. Plus we came home with a bottle of Freixenet and a bottle of Beaujolais-Villages. Marcy and I just came back from shopping and are now eating great roast beef sandwiches that she made us. They taste like the ones made at the Rosen in Pittsburgh. Next we'll watch "Chuck and Larry" and then get ready for bed to get up for church in the morning. Have a great night's sleep.

CHERRY ALMOND CRESCENTS

1 1/2C sifted flour
1/4t salt
1C butter 1/4C corn starch
1/3C powdered sugar
1/2C finely chopped candied red cherries
1/2C finely chopped blanched almonds
1t almond extract
Cream butter and sugar; add flour, salt, and cornstarch mixing well. Add chopped cherries and almonds; turn out onto floured surface and knead slightly. Divide into 8 pieces; roll each like a pencil; cut into 2 1/2 inch pieces, roll and shape into crescents. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet till lightly brown for 10-12 minutes at 350. Remove from oven and cool slightly and roll in powder sugar while still warm.
Lets all have a good weekend. Another recipe from Grandma tomorrow. Jackie and Bill are going to a Christmas party tonight. They were nice to ask me along but I declined. They are a great couple.

Just a quick note before I start my chores

I am going to start putting more pictures in. In fact, I put one in last night of the beautiful twin daughters of my nephew, Arrit. The pictures go in at the bottom of the page after our posts. When I learn more about publishing a blog maybe I will be able to change that. My granddaughter, Tamisha, is going to help me with it when she can. For now you'll have to go to the bottom of the page to see our pictures. I am pleased to have a large and beautiful family and hope to get them all in eventually.

Also, Chris and I would love to have comments on any of the posts that someone cares to comment on. In fact, we are asking you to please comment. We would like to know how we are doing in our first venture into this. We, also, welcome any comments or suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to check us out. Have a great day!!

Now I am going to go do some chores before I have to pick my granddaughter, Charlotte, up after school. Then about 5p.m. I have to start getting ready for Bill's Knights Christmas party tonight.

Nice day today and no snakes

Yep, I was outside today, the weather was very nice and I saw no snakes. Of course, I didn't look where one might be lurking waiting to scare me, though. I checked the aloe plant that I want to plant and it is still hanging in there waiting to be put into the ground. As soon as the snakes go into a deeeeeep sleep I will do what little yard work I do now. I received a large box of Dale & Thomas popcorn from my brother, Andy, and my sister-in-law, Genelle, today. I see why Oprah's says it is one of her "favorite things". The box contained 12 bags that were a little over 9 oz. each of different flavors. Andy knows I love this popcorn and, boy, will I be enjoying it! I'll stay in and eat my popcorn and wait for the snakes to go into their deep sleep. Bill and I are going to the Knights of Columbus Christmas party tomorrow which will be fun. They do the gift exchange thing where everyone who wants to participate brings a present. A spending amount has been set. All of the presents are put on a table and participants get numbers. When your number is called you can take a present from the table or one from someone who has picked before you. It was fun last year. I tried to get Chris to come this year, but, she said no. On Sunday Bill is going to be in our town's Christmas parade. He will be on the Knights of Columbus float as a shepherd. If my pictures turn out good, I will put one on the site next week. I may even put one of us as we go to the Christmas party. I am going to start putting more pictures on of my family. Chris will put some on, too. Well, have a good, restful night. I sure am going to try to.

NUT TARTS

EASY

3 ounces cream cheese

1C flour

1/2C butter

Blend mixture; chill and divide into 24 balls and press into mini muffin pans. They are small cup cake pans. All stores should carry them.

1t butter

1 egg

1/2t salt

3/4C brown sugar

1t vanilla

2/3C chopped nuts

Melt butter; mix in remaining ingredients. Place 1 teaspoon into each muffin. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. Gently remove from pan; run a knife around outer edge.
This will be a big hit, so you might want to make a double recipe.
Hope your day is going well. Don't let the holidays get you down.

I knew it was going to happen--

Snakes just don't know how to do what they are supposed to instinctively do!!!!!!!!!!!! HIBERNATE WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chris told me that she saw one in her yard!!! @#$%&^*?@#!!!! Bill told me that they pop their heads out of the ground and I guess he was right. I was about to go plant a plant that my sister-in-law, Annie, gave me, but, that will have to wait now. When I go out to my car I do not look left or right and just get in. Our property is filled with trees, mostly pines, and I don't want to see a snake anywhere. If I didn't hate the severe cold so much, I would have to move to Alaska or Antarctica. So next best thing is that I will just keep my distance as I know it from any of those yucky snakes. I'm not afraid of lizards or things, just snakes.

Now that I have written all of this I am too upset to write a tip or recipe. Sorry. Good thing I already finished the Santa letter that I planned on writing this evening before I got on my tangent. I think I mentioned before that I write personalized Santa letters for friends and family children. They are very personalized from the info that I obtain from the person requesting the letter be sent. I, also, send a beautiful photo of Santa signed to the child from Santa. They love it and I really enjoy doing it. I get a kick out of hearing how they respond to it. Well, now, I hate to say it, but, I have to go hope for a little colder weather so I can get some things done outside. Have a good night.

Raspberry Meringue Kisses

3 egg whites

1/8t salt

31/2t raspberry gelatin

3/4C sugar

1t vinegar

1C miniature chocolate chips ( must be miniature )

Beat egg whites with salt until foamy. Add raspberry gelatin and sugar gradually; beat until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Mix in vinegar; fold in chocolate bits. Drop from teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheets covered with brown paper. Bake at 250 for 25 minutes. Turn oven off; leave cookies in oven 20 minutes longer.

This is a very light cookie. Been busy getting things ready for Christmas. Hope all is well with everyone. More cookies recipes tomorrow.

Chocolate Dipped Creams

This is my favorite cookie that my sister-in-law bakes. She could make just a plate of these and I would be in FAT heaven.
1C butter
1t vanilla
1C cornstarch
1/2C powdered sugar
1/8t salt
1C flour
1C chocolate chips-melted
Powdered sugar for rolling
Chopped nuts and jimmies for dipping
Cream butter; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar;add vanilla. Sift salt, cornstarch, and flour together; blend into cream mixture. Chill 2-3 hours; Shape into balls or crescent etc. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for about 12 minutes. Chill, roll in powdered sugar. Dip part of each cookie in chocolate, then in nuts and jimmies; allow chocolate to harden before storing. Makes about 6 dozen. I like the crescents because you dip the end of each about 1/2. To make the crescents, you roll the dough into little logs about 1 to 1 1/2 inch long. I hope you like these as much as I do. It is worth making this cookie.
Enjoy your day!

Snowballs - Holiday Cookies

This is another recipe that I had to make when Jerry and I made holiday cookies. They are absolutely deliciious.

SNOWBALLS

1 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped plain or peanut candy coated M&M's

Beat together butter and sugar; blend in vanilla. Gradually add flour. mix well. Add candies; mix well. Chill dough about 30 minutes. Shape to form 1-inch balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Immediately press one additional whole candy firmly into top of each cookie. Cool thoroughly; sprinkle cooled cookies lightly with additional confectioners' sugar.

Makes 4 dozen.

Today I did a little bit more of Christmas shopping. I had to get a top to wear with my suit for Bill's club's Christmas party on Friday. I, also, bought a gift for each of us to contribute to the gift table. I would have ordered the gifts from http://www.luckfamilygifts.com because there are so many items that would have been great. However, I waited too late to order and I don't think the order will arrive by the time I need it. I ordered quite a bit of other stuff, though, that I won't need until Christmas. I, also, bought me a cute red top to go with the suit I might be wearing. Then I went grocery shopping and I did not adhere to 2 of my laws. Never go shopping hungry and never go without a list. I did both and went shopping at 2 grocery stores and bought a whooooole lot more that I planned on. Now that we have finished dinner I am going to clean the kitchen and rest awhile.

Coconut Butter Balls

Hello---I had another problem with this computer. What a pain. Hope it is fixed this time. Here is a recipe that was Grandma's. Hope you try it................

CREAM ALL INGREDIENTS
1C butter
2t vanilla
1t salt
1/2C sugar
2C flour

Roll mixture into small balls--than roll them around in cropped pecans, dip in 1 egg white mixed with 1t water; then roll in coconut. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. I think Grandma was a no frills gal. I hope this recipe works for you. I do know you need to check these in the oven after 8 minutes , so the coconut does not get to brown. I would ask Grandma for further instructions but she has gone to a better place. I do know they taste great!
Talk to Jackie a couple times today. She was out doing all kind of errands. You all get a good sleep, it makes for a better tomorrow.

Toffee Bars

I am glad that Jackie shared her marinade with all of you. That turkey was the best. I don't care for the white meat because it gets dry, but not with this marinade. Try it!
Now for the best cookie recipes that my sister-in-law bakes at Christmas. She makes the BEST cookies and bars..............
1C butter
1C brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1t vanilla
1/4t salt
2C flour
chocolate chips
chopped nuts
Cream butter and sugar, add egg yolk and vanilla. Add salt and flour; mix well. Pat in ungreased 9 by 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes-till lightly brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips-once chips are soften spread as you would frosting covering the pan surface. Sprinkle with nuts. Cool and cut into bars.
I will share these recipes over December with all of you. My sister-in-law actually bakes these treats for the family and presents them on plates for us to take home. Both the time and cost is much appreciated by the family. One year she made us a book with all the recipes. She said; "we needed to start baking them ourselves". Thank goodness she later changed her mind. We are a LUCKY group to get this sweet gift. Hope your Sunday was a good one. Good night!

Injectible Marinade for Turkey

Chris and I worked at our church's Resale Shop for a few hours. It's amazing that the shop has such great items which we sell for extremely low prices and we make such a good profit. Well, we weren't busy all of the time and naturally we did our usual thing - talk, talk, talk. One of the things we talked about was Thanksgiving and the turkeys. Chris suggested that I put on the blog an injectible marinade that I made for them. I don't have measurements because I usually just do it. I used Italian dressing, melted butter or margarine, garlic powder, onion powder and cajun seasoning. It's all to taste. The Italian dressing you have to filter because the little pieces of seasonings in them would get caught in the injector or syringe. I suggest doing this before adding the other seasonings. Stir it all together and inject into the turkey ( any meat really) about 12 hours before cooking. We cooked 3 turkeys for Thanksgiving. Bill fried 2 and I roasted one. I was only planning on injecting the turkeys that were being fried. My sister, Marcy, who was doing the injecting suggested why not inject the turkey that we were going to roast, too. So we did and it turned out great. Chris said the taste was great and the turkey was so moist. Oh, be sure to lift the skin to inject the needle. You don't want to inject through the skin because more juice is held inside if the skin is not pierced.

Okay, now to bed to get some sleep for church in the morning. Good night,