My favorite things.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It's a little more than a week before Christmas so I'm excited to be sharing one of our holiday traditions.  

I’m hoping that a few of these may inspire you to give some thoughtful and meaningful gifts while having some fun.

From my home to yours, M.j.



When Christmas approaches I always have trouble with gifts for our family.  I know money$$ always works but it still seems a little cold to just hand out a card and call it quits.

Remembering those who are less fortunate always comes to mind especially this time of the year.  Every year I make a donation to St. Jude and also make several gifts to the needy through our church.  It is a good feeling helping those unfortunate.

This year In addition to the above I am making a basket for our family with a few of my favorite things. If Oprah can do it I can too...Well in a much smaller scale that is.  I make it generic so both families can enjoy it.  

First We play a game where my hubby gives hints on the gifts.  ( they are items useful for any family member).  Usually three hints  for each item and each family (they talk about their choice between themselves) on a piece of paper writes what they think it is.  The family who guesses it gets the gift.  It's a lot of fun and everyone looks forward to this game.  I want to NOTE that the previous years hubby and I would buy one gift in the price range of $50 to $75 which has been always fun but this year I wanted to do something different.  I like to keep it fun and interesting!

Two good reasons this fun interaction is good for all is that it gets the kids away from their phones and we get to interact in a positive way.  

Here are a few suggestions I'll throw your way for the game below.

Small Kitchen items as hot pads, towels or your favorite small kitchen gadgets.

Gloves....everyone needs gloves at this time of the year.  This year I picked a woman's glove.  Men's work out too!

My favorite sweet treat...nuts too! 

An apron...generic type

A car deodorizer  ..

A bottle of Acetaminophen  (handy to have just in case)

Clorox wipes or hand sanitizer

Gum

Dental floss

Lint remover rolls

Throw 

Gift card

We play the Saran Wrap ball game too!  It’s so much fun.

These are just a few I'm suggesting.  Do some thinking about your favorite things and maybe you'd like to do something like this too! It's a fun game.


Hope you enjoy the holidays and Blessings and love to all.  


Love, Peace and Health,

Antipastos of mine!

Here are a few of my previous years appetizers and this year as well.

The most important thing to remember is to allow yourself time..

Rushing is never an option.  If you are rushing to make one don't.....Use the below illustration to help. 

If you are not able to duplicate one of the below appetizers the next photo is an easy solution. Pretty serving plates and you are good to go.  I like to fuss a bit most times but an easy to eat appetizer is always a hit.  Enjoy!



  All of my antipastos include the base which is usually meats and cheese.  Lettuce or kale if you want to garnish them.  Add ins are various olives, peppers, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts and veggies.  Anyone can create an antipasto it just requires planning. Make a list and head to the grocery store or Italian market.  

You can easily make it a meal as well.  Fresh rolls, crostini or breads can complete an appetizer and make it your meal.  Having fresh fruit cut in pieces is always a great addition. 

Fresh fruit

Crusty bread for dipping 

seasoned olive  oil 

Tree shaped also covered a Styrofoam cone with cellophane and I had my plan in place.

 My family looks forward to my Antipastos that I make every year.

Here are a few from previous years.  Enjoy!

Round(I covered a large styrofoam ball with cellophane and inserted items with toothpicks

One of my favorite layouts

Another favorite

Last but least.  A very simple antipasto for a quick snack.

                                                                        2025

 

Snacks: Easy chex mix

My grandchildren love this and whether it's back to school time or the holidays this is a great easy to eat snack.  I have even made it as a back to school treat surprising them when I went to visit.

Enjoy!

9 cups Corn chex or Chocolate rice chex cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups confectioner sugar

In large bowl, measure cereal, set aside

In microwaveable bowl..microwave choc, chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on high..one minute
Microwave additional 30 seconds so mixture can be stirred smooth..Stir in vanilla  Pour mixture over cereal.stirring until evenly coated.  Pour into 2 gallon resealable food storage bag..Add powdered sugar..Seal bag; shake until well coated..Spread on waxed paper to cool..Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Happy Baking!

From my kitchen to yours,

A non alcholic beverage: Mixed berry smoothie

 I'm thinking low calorie today...  To make serving your calorie conscious or (diabetic)guests I suggest making a pitcher of these...Just combine all the ingredients in your blender and keep cool..  They'll love it!

You can double recipe easily!

3/4 cup Diet Ocean Spray Juice drink ( I love any of the cranberry drinks)
3/4 cups frozen mixed berries...Lots to choose from in freezer section
1 - 6 oz. container low fat berry flavored yogurt
1/2 banana, cut into slices(optional)

Blend on high until all ingredients are combined..Pour into a large glass...This recipe makes approximately 2 servings but is easily doubled... Happy Entertaining!

Stuffed chicken breasts

I must tell you that I've been so craving my mom's sage stuffing that even though Thanksgiving is over there is still time for a nice stuffed chicken breast at our house.  Simple Sage stuffing, fresh chicken breasts that I cut a pocket into, stuffed and baked.  Easy does it.

Since I was making a small amount(of course a little extra pan too) I cut the recipe in half.

Here goes.

3 nice size boneless chicken breasts(they can be easily cut into for a pocket size of stuffing.
paprika
salt and pepper
olive oil
butter

Sage stuffing
12 oz. dry bread cubes
1 tsp. salt
pinch pepper
2 eggs beaten
1-15 oz. can chicken broth(Mom used all milk)
1/4 cup whole milk
1 tsp. dried sage
1 stick butter
1/2 cup celery chopped
1/2 cup onion chopped


In a small pot place butter, add onion and celery. Saute until tender.

In a large bowl place dried bread cubes, salt, pepper, chicken broth, milk and beaten eggs.  Mix...add butter mixture and mix with hands or a large spoon to all bread is moistened well.

In a medium to large baking dish place olive oil and butter.

Season chicken before stuffing them with salt, pepper and paprika.  Fill chicken breasts and place in baking dish.  Set oven to 350.  When temperature has reached the 350 degrees place covered chicken breasts and allow to cook with cover for 30 minutes.  Remove cover and baste with drippings.  Allow to cook approximately 30 minutes or more depending on thickness of chicken.  Usually one hour total is good for medium size chicken breasts.  There should not be any pink in center.

Enjoy!

Salt and pepper

Add paprika before placing in oven

Carrots and rice (hubby needed something additional) Applesauce is a good choice too!