Chilled appetizer with cheese!

I thought I'd try this spread recipe since I have used pimento's in a few recent recipes and actually like them.

It’s delicious and very easy to make when you have the ingredients.

I thought maybe this might be an opportunity for you to try this spread that you could serve to your guests.. I love cheese so you'll find that I use cheese quite a bit in my recipes. 

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 oz. cream cheese softened
3 tablespoons diced or sliced pimentos
2 tablespoons onion powder

 

 Blend thoroughly the above in a food processor..Chill.

Serve with plain saltines or cracker of choice. Add some green olives for an extra touch! 

Try it on celery for easy serve.

From my kitchen to yours,

For the Kiddo's

About 5 years ago or so I decided I wanted to make some Grammy and Poppy memories so one weekend in December we invite our grandchildren to our house for a sleepover.  It doesn't have to be a sleepover and it doesn't have to be a weekend it's really about making some memories. What ever works! 

I try to buy a pre made Gingerbread House!  Note:  Pre made, in the box, ready to decorate are the way to go!!!! unless you like to get into all the work that is involved making a from scratch Gingerbread House and that is not what I felt would work for us.

FYI: You can purchase one of these houses at Bed, Bath and Beyond and I even saw them at Costco.  I am sure you can find them almost anywhere.

We pick a Friday or Saturday in December and email our two children with the dates and see what works for them.  We work around their schedule now that we have teenagers to deal with.  It was a lot easier when they were little.  Busy kids, busy!  We do it somehow!

This year will be interesting!  Two 16 year old, one 13 yr. old, one 12 and one 9 so I'm guessing the oldest will come but not participate.  He is our oldest grandson and I think we'll have him be the judge of the "whose gingerbread house is the coolest:"?  I'm figuring it's not COOL to be helping make a Gingerbread House!



I have to be honest and say it is a bit messy but controllable. They provide you will everything you need to decorate.  I have extra mini chips and candy just in case.

Here are a few photo's from previous years.  It is really lots of fun and you'll make some wonderful memories for years to come.

Happy Holiday fun Baking from my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

Making Sweet Potato Gnocchi Video

6 small to medium sweet potatoes

3 1/2 to 4 cups all purpose flour

2 eggs

Pinch salt

Pinch nutmeg(optional)

I’m a large pot place potatoes making sure to completely cover with water.

Bring to a boil and continue boiling until potatoes are fork tender.

Remove and drain potatoes.  Allow to cool completely.

Once cooled skin should remove e easily,

Cut potatoes in half and put potatoes through potato ricer.

Once riced add pinch or two of salt and optional nutmeg.  If you like nutmeg it does add nice flavor but be careful of amount.  It can overpower your taste of potato.

Video will show the steps.  

Freeze Gnocchi on floured cookie sheets.  Once frozen bag in freezer bags until ready to use.

When ready to use in a large pot place water, add some salt.  When water reaches a full boil add gnocchi slowly stirring so as to not stick.  Allow gnocchi to rise to top on a slow boil.  Cook several minutes (5 to 10). Drain and serve with sauce if choice.

I use a brown butter sauce or even a sage butter sauce.

Braciole, my way!

I make Braciole  several times a year.  It’s a family favorite.

It’s especially a nice touch for the Christmas holiday. You can easily make it ahead and freeze until ready to use which I do often.  At Christmas if there is any left I make them to go containers.  

1  & 1/2 lbs. round steak sliced thin

Several cloves garlic minced( garlic granules are ok too)

Salt

Pepper

Breadcrumbs seasoned or plain 

Parsley

Olive oil

Pecorino Romano Cheese 

String or thick sewing thread

Step 1: if steak is not thin enough pound steak will mallet until thinner

Step 2: brush olive oil on steak

Step 3:  spread some minced garlic , salt and pepper on steak

Step 4:  sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated cheese on steak

Roll from widest part of steak to center and tie with string in several areas

Brown Braciole in olive oil in skillet  until browned and place in crockpot with your favorite sauce cooking on low for several hours..   Using a Crockpot is the most convenient way to cook braciole!  Enjoy!

  

Happy Cooking!

My Christmas preparation

Hi everyone;

After 3 weeks of preparing for Christmas here’s my accomplishment s.