90 Days to Christmas

Today's directive:

Reap the Harvest

This is a good day to experience the beating heart of fall. Picking apples right off the tree makes a delicious activity. Even if there are no orchards nearby, most places have a pumpkin patch or a corn maze within driving distance. Pumpkins can be propped on your porch and cornstalks tied to columns or a door frame to give your house a festive fall look.

Today’s Countdown to Christmas Challenge is to google a place to take the family where you can experience the bounty of fall. If necessary, call a friend and get a recommendation for some local farms. Pack a picnic (because you know you’ll likely run into either lunch or dinner), grab a blanket to spread out on, and head out for a day in the country!

Saturday!

It is a lot of fun having my 4 1/2 year old granddaughter with me. Today her 2 year old cousin came over for awhile and we had them dressed in their look alike Avon outfits that also match their Miss Alexander dolls from Avon. Definitely time for a photo shoot! lol...yeah right!

"Now I ask you very confidentially, Ain't she cute?"

Well, we have heard of smell the roses.... Kayden is smelling the hydrangeas!
She gets her funny bones tickled quite easily! :)



Time for a clothes change and Starbucks! Now Kayden matches the dollie she is carrying.

Watching big cousing and copying.....

"I'm not sitting THERE! You are TOO messy! "
Home to Watch "Tinkerbelle!" Well.... maybe someone got a little tired out, too!

91 Days, but who's counting? I AM!

Here is today's challenge. :)

Weekly Workshop 9/25

Whether it is something that was assigned here or just something in your own life or family that needs extra attention before the holidays, it is Saturday’s Weekly Workshop! We spent a lot of time this week preparing for fall and then getting ready to charge ahead with our Christmas cards.

Today’s Countdown to Christmas Challenge is to catch up on what you’ve missed here at 100 Days to Christmas. Saturday Workshops hold the promise of special challenges that require more attention than just one day such as of decorating, Christmas cards, gifts, holiday cleaning, and meal preparation. Don’t throw in the towel if you get behind! Use your Saturdays as a chance to get caught up on your holiday preparation and planning.

Here is why I am busy! :)

My granddaughter arrived! Her grammy and mom brought her up! :)


She couldn't wait to start playing with the dress up outfits. I am sure I will catch more pics with the other outfits. :)


Our big cousin came to visit and help grammy for a couple of days. Spot is in his GLORY!!! He is loving the attention.



This is just one of the many conversations I have had with her today. "Spot is cute." me: Yep, he is. "I am cute, too!" Me: gigglie, you are INDEED! "'Cuz I'm your granddaughter!" lol.. Out of the mouth of babes!

Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Slow Cooker Pork Chops Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Slow Cooker Pork Chops Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Making a List, and Checking it Twice!

Making a List, and Checking it Twice!

Todays directive:

You don’t even have to have Christmas cards yet in order to make a list of the friends and family to whom you would like to send holiday wishes. My family has lived in Kansas, Tulsa, Poland, New Orleans, Connecticut, Oklahoma City, and now Maine and I have collected friends all along the way. Christmas cards are often my one opportunity to stay in touch. A list would give you a good idea of how many you will need to make or buy when the time is right.

Christmas Card Consideration

Here is today's directive:

Christmas Card Consideration

If your intention is to send out Christmas cards, but it seems like you never have time, then this is your year! The trick is to begin planning early. If you wait until December to think about Christmas cards, you will be way too busy.

A little research is in order for the Countdown to Christmas Challenge for today. Maybe you have clippings that you saved from old magazines with some cute card ideas. Maybe you have saved a few of your favorite cards that friends have sent in the past. Maybe you just need to google “Christmas cards” to get the creative juices flowing. Be sure to jot down your ideas and findings in your Christmas planner.

Check out List Mama’s List of Possible Christmas Card Options.

Mini Cheeseburger Puffs

Mini Cheeseburger Puff Pies

Ingredients:

8 ounces ground beef
2 teaspoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
All-purpose flour for dusting
1 sheet puff pastry (from a 17.5-ounce package)
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the beef, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 equal-size patties. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the patties in oil about 1 minute per side.

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the pastry. Cut the pastry lengthwise into four equal strips, then cut strips in half crosswise. Place one patty on each strip and top with cheese. Fold the pastry up around the burgers and pinch the edges together to seal, molding to fit around the patties. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg mixture.

Place the mini burgers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings: 4
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

from The Deen Bros. Y'all Come Eat

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Root Beer Float

This will be a nice treat for the grands!!!

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Root Beer Floats

Ingredients:

1 pint (2 cups) vanilla chocolate chip ice cream
1 liter (about 4 cups) root beer
Whipped cream
Shaved chocolate

Instructions:

Fill four glasses with scoops of ice cream. Pour the root beer over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Serve with straws and long spoons.

Servings: 4
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

from Recipes from the Road

Baked Mac and Cheese

My granddaughter mentioned Mac and Cheese today so guess I will make this when she comes to stay. :)

Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
8 ounces American cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 cup whole milk
1⁄2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce or to taste (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; set aside. In saucepan, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Return macaroni to saucepan.

While the macaroni is hot, add the cheeses to the pan; stir well. Spread the macaroni mixture in the prepared baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, eggs, butter, hot sauce, and salt. Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings: 8
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

from Recipes from the Road

courtesy of the Deen Brothers

Cheesy Pretzel Dipping Sauce

Cheesy Pretzel Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

1⁄2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1⁄4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon prepared deli-style mustard
1⁄8 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce or more to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Assorted pretzels, for dipping

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, bring the milk and butter to a boil; reduce heat. Add cheddar cheese; whisk until smooth. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese, sour cream, mustard, and hot sauce; whisk until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer sauce to serving dish. Serve sauce warm with pretzels. If the sauce starts to cool and fi rm up, heat it in the microwave on low power, stirring frequently.

Servings: 2 cups
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

Courtesy of the Deen Brothers

Easy Biscuit Doughnuts

Easy Biscuit Doughnuts

Ingredients:

1⁄2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 12-ounce tube buttermilk biscuit dough

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Fill a wide, shallow pan with 1 inch of oil. Heat the oil to 370°F.

Meanwhile, arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet. Using a 1-inch-diameter round cookie cutter, cut out the center of each biscuit. (Save the scraps to make bite-size doughnut holes.)

Drop the doughnuts into the hot oil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning doughnuts if necessary. Transfer the doughnuts immediately to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.

Servings: 10 doughnuts
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

from Recipes from the Road

Crab Eggs Benedict

Crab Eggs Benedict

Ingredients:

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce

CRAB AND EGGS:
3/4 pound cooked lump crabmeat, thoroughly picked and cleaned of cartilage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon white vinegar
6 large eggs
1 tomato, thinly sliced crosswise
6 English muffins, split, toasted, and still hot

Instructions:

For the hollandaise sauce, in a medium saucepan (preferably one with a lip for pouring), heat the butter until frothy. Use a spoon to skim off the foam. In a blender, whip the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and hot sauce for 3 to 5 seconds or until thickened. With the blender running, slowly pour in the hot butter, leaving the white milk solids at the bottom of the pan. Transfer the sauce to a bowl. Before serving, reheat the sauce in the bowl set
over a pan of simmering water.

In a medium bowl, stir together the crabmeat, chives, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the vinegar. Crack each egg into a separate cup. Reduce the water to a simmer and carefully slide the eggs, one by one, into the water. Simmer eggs for 3 to 5 minutes or until firm. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a plate lined with a clean dish towel.

Place a tomato slice on the bottom half of each muffin. Top each tomato with some of the crab mixture and a poached egg. Drizzle warm hollandaise sauce over eggs. Serve immediately with English muffin tops.

Servings: 6
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy..

Deen Brothers Magazine

Kick off Chili Cheese Dip

Kickoff Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

2 (15-ounce) cans turkey chili without beans
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder*
Large corn chips

Instructions:

1 In medium saucepan, combine chili, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until combined. Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and chile powder; cook, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted. Serve hot with Fritos® scoops.

Servings: 12 to 15 Servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

Backfield BLT Dip by the Deen Brothers

From the Deen Bros.

Backfield BLT Dip

by The Deen Brothers

If y’all know anything about us, you know we love Georgia football. Heck, we love all football…we’ve even been known to watch a powder puff game or two back in the day. One of the best things about college football season is tailgating! There’s something about hanging out in a parking lot with your friends and eating food out of plastic containers or fresh off the grill that makes us both say YUM! Maybe it’s more of a guy thing, but it’s definitely a sure thing for the best Saturday afternoon in the fall!

We’re happy to share another of our many tailgating recipes found in this issue of our magazine, The Deen Bros. Good Cooking. It’s packed with recipes and tips for making your football season a winner! Go Dawgs!

Backfield BLT Dip
Makes 8 to 10 servings

1 pound bacon, cooked, drained, crumbled, and divided
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded fontina cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
11/2 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
Toasted bread rounds, crackers

1 Preheat oven to 350˚. Spray a 11⁄2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2 Set aside 1⁄2 cup crumbled bacon.

3 In a large bowl, combine remaining bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheeses, spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes and remaining 1⁄2 cup crumbled bacon over hot dip. Serve immediately with toasted bread rounds and crackers.

Recipe courtesy of The Deen Bros. Good Cooking Magazine. GREAT Magazine! I am enjoying this.

Budget Humbug!

Today is time to budget at 100 Days of Christmas!


Budget Humbug!

Scrapbook Paper Gift Bag Tutorial

I am all about using up my "stash" and trying to keep things economical. I like these scrapbook gift bags from "from An Igloo". The picture and tutorial are hers. I am just sharing with you. Please go and check out her fun blog! :)


Scrapbook Paper gift bags tutorial

Duct Tape purse Tutorial

This looks like a fun project to do with pre teen girls!

Check it out at All Things Thrifty! Wonderful tutorial!

For the Love of Cooking: Roasted Chicken and Pineapple Quesadilla

For the Love of Cooking: Roasted Chicken and Pineapple Quesadilla: "I saw this recipe on The Pioneer Woman's site recently and couldn't wait to make it for lunch. I made these for my son and I with the leftov..."