HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAIG!!!

Thank you for all your help with this blog!! All your computer editing and pictures. Thanks again- have a wonderful birthday!!

TO ALL MY VIEWERS:

When Christmas time approaches-I think of family. That is why instead of traditional Christmas recipes I picked ones that I grew up with. Some of which my mom made-I miss her deeply especially this time of year. These are comfort food recipes-not just for Christmas. I just felt that I needed to share my version of Christmas time with you.

Spiced Red Wine

The Holiday Collection- Grape Ice Ring.(recipe follows)  1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1 bottle (750 mL) Burgundy wine, chilled 2 cups white grape juice, chilled 1 cup peach schnapps,chilled  Prepare Grape Ice Ring. Combine sugar and water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly,until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Cover; refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.  Combine wine, grape juice, schnapps and sugar syrup in punch bowl. Float Grape Ice Ring in punch. Makes 14 servings.   GRAPE ICE RING  2 lbs assorted seedless grapes ( Thompson, Red Empress,etc) *Lemon leaves (optional)  Fill 4-cup ring mold with water to within 3/4" of top. Freeze until firm, about 8 hrs or overnight. Arrange clusters of grapes and leaves on ice; fill with water to top of mold. Freeze until solid, about 6 hrs. To unmold, dip bottom of mold briefly in hot water.  *These nontoxic leaves are available in florist shops.

The 12 recipes of Christmas!!!

Day 12

Charley's Cheesies Pancakes :)

The Holiday Collection- Start with Bisquick pancakes- 2 cups original Bisquick  1 cup milk  2 eggs  Aprox. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  Heat griddle or skillet; grease if necessary. Stir in all ingredients until blended. Batter will be lumpy. Scoop batter by little less than 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle. Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until golden brown. (Source:  Betty Crockers Bisquick Cookbook) Do not put cheese on top of pancakes.

The 12 recipes of Christmas!!!

Day 11

Festive Hash and Eggs

The Holiday Collection- A breakfast favorite from my mom. 1 15-oz can corned beef hash  4 eggs  1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup (2oz) shredded swiss cheese  Spread corned beef hash evenly in four individual casseroles. Make a slight depression in center of each with back of spoon. Break one egg into each depression; do not salt. Spoon 2 TB milk over each casserole. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.  Bake, uncovered, in 350 degree oven for 18-20 min or till eggs are almost set. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Let stand 5 min before serving. Makes 4 servings.