Thanksgiving Decorations

I have started looking for ideas since Thanksgiving is looming in the near future. I came across this page today and thought you might get some ideas. If you find some decorating Thanksgiving sites post in the comment section. You know I read comments before posting on this site so it might take me a while to load it. GOBBLE, GOBBLE! Link to Thanksgiving decorating ideas I will keep looking for more links giving Thanksgiving ideas and start looking for Christmas too. The stores are getting ready for Christmas aren' t they?

Soup -Taco Soup

There is nothing better than a great bowl of soup on a cool fall or winter day. At one time I said that I could eat a potato each day, then the pounds began to sneak up on me, and now I think I could eat soup each day so that I don't eat such a large meal. This is another recipe from a friend. Soups on!

TACO SOUP

2 (13 3/4 oz) cans ready-to-serve chicken broth

15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

11 1/2 oz jar thick and chunky medium hot salsa

11 oz can Mexican-style corn

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese

Tortilla chips, broken into bit-size pieces

In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, black beans, salsa, and corn. Simmer, uncovered, to blend flavors, about 5 minutes.

Grate cheese and divide it and tortilla chips in serving bowls: ladle hot soup into bowls. Serve with additional chips and cheese if desired. YUMMY!

Salad -Cherry Salad

Today I pulled out this recipe that I had forgotten about. It was given to me by a friend after I enjoyed it at a luncheon. It might be an addition to your Thanksgiving table since we are now looking forward to turkey day.

CHERRY SALAD

1-16 oz carton of Cool Whip

1 large can(15 oz) crushed pineapple

1 large can(15 oz) of Cherry pie filling

1 can of Eagle brand milk

1 cup of chopped pecans

optional: 1 carton frozen strawberries

Directions:

Mix pineapple and pie filling (and strawberries), add milk and Cool whip, mix in pecans. Chill and serve.

Apron, what's that?

Do many wear aprons when they cook? I don't, but I bet many do. I guess I just put on my comfy clothes, start mixing, keep stirring, and at all times getting decorated with what's popping out of the pot. I was just looking for aprons and found many sites with apron making directions. I'm not into sewing, but the directions on the link I've included looked simple. Gee, I must find an apron to protect my kitchen attire! One link to directions for making a kitchen apron

Dip -Artichoke Dip

I could nibble on dip all day long with chips or crackers. I came across this recipe while thinking about what to post next and thought this might hit the spot while greeting Halloween visitors.

ARTICHOKE DIP

2 cans Artichoke hearts, mashed(NOT marinated)

1 small jar of mayonnaise

1small can parmesan cheese

1tbsp. cajun seasoning

Combine and place in a shallow baking dish.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes until toasted brown & bubbles around the edges. Serve with crackers.

Salad -Oriental Coleslaw

I have not made this salad, but I have tasted it and I thought it was very good. A friend gave me the recipe and it is a must try. In fact I may just prepare it today or if not today very soon.

ORIENTAL COLESLAW

1/2 lg. head cabbage, shredded-set aside

4 green onions, chopped-set aside

Mix for dressing:

1/2 c. oil

3 T. vinegar

2 T. sugar

You'll also need :

1/2 c. slivered almonds, toasted

2 t. sesame seeds

1 pkg. Ramen noodles, crushed

with Ramen seasoning packet

Combine cabbage and onions. Add dressing, almonds, sesame seeds, Ramen noodles, and Ramen seasoning packet(comes in noodle pkg. ) Mix together

Craft-Halloween head band

Martha Stewart is on and she is making some really cute last minute head bands. Here is the link to the directions. They look simple and on the show she showed other head bands made out of different materials. Cute idea! Link to Martha Stewart's Halloween head band crafting idea

Dessert -Jello Cake

When I was growing up this was a quick and easy dessert that my mother made. Then I began to make it. I bet it might have been a favorite of yours. So bring back some memories as you bake this jello cake.

JELLO CAKE

1 box Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix

1 box lemon jello

3/4 cup apricot nector

2/3 cup wesson oil

4 whole eggs

1 teasp. vanilla

1teasp. lemon extract

Put all ingredients in bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour in greased and floured tube pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hr.

Glaze

Mix 1 cup white powdered sugar and juice of 1 lemon. Add 1 teasp. or more melted butter. Pour over cake while still rather warm. ENJOY

Fitness-Walking

In just a few minutes I will go outside for my first walk. Today my plan is to walk two times for 45 minutes each time. Whew! I know I will be tuckered out when I finally finish. The sun is shining and the birds will be singing to entertain me. I hope that everyone is having an okay day and will find some time to exercise too.

Kitchen Gadgets

I have never been one for gadgets, but I found myself in a little cooking store the other day. As I looked around there was this huge wall of gadgets before my eyes. I found myself drawn like a magnet to that wall. I gazed at those gadgets, removed a few to examine them a little closer, and just thought about maybe buying and taking one of the gadgets home with me. There were just too many to pick from, so I turned around and quickly walked away bumping into the check out counter in my haste. There sitting and waiting for me to discover it was a soft skin veggie or fruit trimmer. I looked at it and began asking myself if I really needed this gadget to take up space in one of my kitchen drawers. Well, the temptation was too great and I bought it. It was well worth the money because when I have used it to trim tomatoes, it trims the skin and leaves a smooth tomato to be enjoyed. A few days later I noticed this article about health-boosting gadgets. Link to Health-Boosting Gadgets mentioned in Prevention I may have to go back and get more gadgets! If you have a gadget that you especially like, let me know by adding a comment.