Sunday, November 27, 2011

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2011!


There is something wonderful in the air at this time of year, the time when we are planning, decorating, shopping, and cooking. The lights are sparkling, the trees are decorated and lit, and the smell of pine is in the air. But most importantly, this is the season to be jolly and to give and receive.
Christmas dinner is an exciting event and no matter what holiday you celebrate at this time, there will be plenty of food, family, and friends. It is amazing how many side dishes you can give and receive along with your turkey or ham (or any entree): mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas with pearl onions, green bean casserole, stuffing and gravy, cranberries, pumpkin dishes, desserts galore, and the list goes on!
Today we are going to talk about two very of-the-season dishes that not only go well turkeyand ham, but with any number of dinners that you may want to serve over this holiday period.
Enjoy these recipes and HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!

Jenna's Cheesy Corn Casserole
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 egg, beaten
1 can (16 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (16 oz) cream style corn, UN-drained
1 package (9 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix (dry)
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375°F
1. In large bowl, mix together butter, sour cream and egg.

2. Stir in the cans of corn & creamed corn along with the corn muffin mix.
3. Spoon mixture into buttered 2-quart casserole.

4. Bake in preheated 375°F oven, 45 minutes.

5. Add cheese; stir well.

6. Cook additional 20 minutes, or until dish is slightly puffed & lightly browned on top. It will have a creamy texture - do not overcook!


Mom's Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
3-4 Sweet Potatoes (or Yams), cut into 1 1/2” chunks
1/3 cup Pure Maple Syrup
4 Tb. Butter, melted
1 Tb. lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
Fresh ground pepper
Sprinkle of chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. Combine maple syrup, butter, lemon juice, salt & pepper & set aside.

3. Lay potatoes in an single layer in a 13x9 baking dish. Pour syrup mixture over potatoes and toss well so the potatoes are coated.

4. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.

5. Uncover, stir and bake until tender and brown on top, about 45 minutes or so. Be sure to stir potatoes every 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the pecans.

6. Check to be sure potatoes are tender. Remove from stove and sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans on top.

Enjoy!