SURPRISED VISIT!

Had a most wonderful Christmas, spent with loved ones & friends. My grandson from California (haven't seen him in 2 years) and his new wife surprised us with his appearance Christmas Eve.
What a gift from Santa! He is here for the next week and I am spending as much time with him as possible, so forgive me if I don't do much posting this week.
I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine.
God bless each & everyone of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERY ONE!

Wishing you and yours a very
Merry Christmas!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas! May Santa be good to you and God bless you in the coming year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN!

Merry Christmas from Heaven

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your care
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't you shed a tear....
'Cause I'm spending my Christmas
With Jesus this year.

FESTIVE IDEAS TO DECORATE YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER TABLE!

Festive Christmas Dinner Table Settings

Looking for festive ideas to decorate your Christmas dinner table in new and unique ways? Included here are several small suggestions that can be used alone or all together


The following Christmas dinner table decorating tips can be quickly and inexpensively done. A small effort with a big effect to share your Christmas spirit with all your Christmas dinner guests.

Try one or more of these Christmas dinner table decorating ideas at your holiday meal:

~Use small Christmas stockings to hold silver ware. Tuck the knives, forks, and spoons into the stocking and if you like, add a decorative touch by including a candy cane. You can also tuck the napkin in behind your silverware. If you haven't the time to shop for lots of little stockings, tie silverware bundles with Christmas ribbon and place atop cloth napkins.

~Festively coordinate wine glasses and goblets by crafting handmade wine glass charms to match your table, a guest's personality or hobby and give the charms to your guests as favors of the day. (See this_article to learn how to easily and inexpensively craft wine glass charms with beads.)

~Looking for another way to festively coordinate glasses and goblets? Buy one or two bunches of fake Christmas berry, Holly, or tiny poinsettias, then cut small sprigs from the bunches and wrap them once or twice around stemware bases. The same works beautifully to decorate coffee mug handles during the dessert course.

~Flower or candle centerpieces add beauty to a Christmas dinner table to be sure, but they also waste precious table real estate with a large piece that won't be served. Make good use of your central Christmas table space and still gain the effect of an attractive centerpiece by placing a large basket or bowl filled with rolls and bread in the middle of a fake green or Christmas berry wreath. The piece can be easily removed if the space is later needed for a main course, or the bread bowl can be exchanged for a meat platter, vegetables, or potatoes.
~As an alternative to taking up table space with a large basket of bread, place small Christmas baskets with individual bread and butter servings at each place setting. An added benefit- the close by individual bread

course keeps passing and bumping across the table to a minimum.

~On the alternate side of each place setting, place a colorful, Christmassy saucer to hold condiments. Give each place setting (or in between every other) a small set of crystal salt and pepper shakers and a dollop of whipped butter or several sliced butter pats. This way, Christmas dinner guests will have all they need readily at hand and won't have to wait while their food cools for condiments to be passed.

~Add a festive Christmas touch to cloth napkins by exchanging napkin rings for small Christmas ornaments. Slip a small, personally chosen Christmas ornament over a folded or rolled napkin for each Christmas dinner guest to keep. Or for another decorative Christmas napkin ring alternative, buy strong tinsel, gift wrapping ribbon, Christmassy or red and green plaid fabric craft ribbon and use it as a tie.

~Make each Christmas dinner guest feel welcome at the table with small, decorative jewelry size boxes wrapped in Christmas paper topped with ribbon and set out at each place setting. Prior to wrapping, fill each little box with after dinner mints or a couple of chocolate truffles. With the look of small presents, gifts will offer guests breath refreshment, or a little taste of dessert for the meantime when no one can yet think of a full dessert serving.

~Decorate each Christmas dinner guest's place setting with a small, Christmassy tea light or votive candle in a pretty glass holder. Small candles keep each place setting intimate, without overwhelming the table with large, obstructing taper candles. The ambience of a candle lit Christmas dinner is maintained, without interfering with conversation around the table. During Christmas dinner, unscented candles are best, so you can all enjoy the wonderful aromas of the foods being served.
These are several ways to add decoration to your Christmas dinner table while maintaining serving ease and function. Choose one festive touch, try many, or incorporate your favorite suggestions with a small crafted Christmas tree and arrange useful decorative elements around it for a centerpiece that serves double duty. Above all, enjoy your guests and enjoy your day, and have a very Merry Christmas!

GREETINGS IN ERA OF CORRECTNESS!

GREETINGS IN ERA OF CORRECTNESS
By Tracy Wiggins

A couple weeks back, I decided to look for some free Christmas fun for the family to enjoy. I found The Christmas Village in Philadelphia located in the shadow of City Hall. It sounded like an interesting place. It is described as an outdoor market that is modeled after a traditional Christmas market in Germany. It features about 80 booths that sell European food, sweets and drinks along with international holiday gifts and ornaments.
Then I heard of the controversy. Over The Christmas Village. Really? Apparently, because of some opinions, the city almost removed the word "Christmas" from "Village" to be replaced with "Holiday." Again, really?
A lot of my generation grew up on what I refer to as the "fringe." We grew up just before the computer craze really grabbed ahold of the country. Cell phones were huge and usually only in cars driven by the rich. And the term "politically correct" was unheard of.
While I am not saying that being politically correct isn't a good thing, I think it can be taken a little too far. And The Christmas Village is a prime example. The Christmas Village is based on a German Christmas tradition, so why shouldn't the word "Christmas" be allowed?

Why has the word "Christmas" become so wrong? I don't think that when the words "Merry Christmas" come out of most people's mouths they are intended to offend someone. So why are they taken that way? In fact, wouldn't it be even more wrong if you stereotype someone, placing them into another "holiday" celebration category based solely on their appearance or name? That, to me, is offensive.
Most who supported the "Christmas/Holiday" change at The Christmas Village cited the need to show diversity as their reason. Inclusion is a component of diversity, but so is tolerance and open-mindedness. Diversity is supposed to bring people together, not divide them, especially not during the holidays (yes, holiday is the appropriate term here since I am referring to all the celebrations.)
If vendors from various other holiday celebrations - Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. - choose to participate in the village as a vendor, they need to do so accepting that they are a part of a Christmas celebration. They shouldn't expect the tradition of the event to change to accommodate their beliefs. Think about it this way: In what instance would "holiday" be changed to say "Christmas?" It most likely wouldn't and, just as fairly, it shouldn't.
Looking at it another way, wouldn't non-Christmas vendors participating at the Christmas Village be seen as a positive for diversity? What better way to spread the messages of non-Christmas celebrations?
Another danger of using the word holiday instead of Christmas is dilution. If we lump all our celebrations together, aren't we losing what is special about each of them? Aren't we in danger of losing the words Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa altogether in favor of the non-offending, completely generic term "holiday?"
I think it is important to demonstrate to our children that there isn't one-path-fits-all in life. Just because you believe in a certain holiday doesn't mean you can't give importance (or even just acknowledgment) to other religious celebrations that are just as meaningful to other people.

So if I see you on the street and send you a "Merry Christmas," please don't be offended. Because I won't be if you return my greeting with a "Happy Hanukkah" "Happy Kwanzaa" or a simple "Thank you, and have a good day

TEN LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR MEN, WOMEN & FAMILIES!

Forgot the mail carrier, the next-door neighbor who just dropped off a box of chocolates, or Uncle Harry who lives far away? Here are some inexpensive last- minute gifts!


The last-minute dash to the store is inevitable when someone is accidentally omitted from the list or brings by an unexpected present, or when the gifts under the tree just don’t look even and a little something extra is needed to make them seem even.

Ten Last Minute Gifts for Women

Most women are flattered by a personal gift, one that reflects their individual taste. When choosing a last -minute gift for a woman, it is important to match it as much as possible to their personality. For example, a bottle of perfume means more if the fragrance is a personal favorite of the person it is being purchased for. However, there are many presents such as a gift certificate to a hair salon or a set of coasters that make great gifts for anyone, even if their personal tastes are not known.

Below is a list of suggestions for last-minute gifts for women

scented candle
assorted teas
set of wine glasses
bubble bath set
wrap or snuggie
set of coasters
gift certificate for manicure or hair styling
makeup bag
perfume
ornamental vase

Ten Last Minute Gifts for Men

Most men enjoy receiving tools, gadgets and little items for their car or computer as gifts. While women often expect a more thoughtful or sentimental present, more generic gifts are well-tolerated by men. If they can use it, they will probably like it.

Below is a list of gift suggestions for men that can be purchased at the last minute:

flash drive
alarm clock
tool set
self-winding flashlight
iPod accessories
Starbucks coffee mug
wallet
cologne
war or western DVD
gym or fitness center gift certificate


Ten Last Minute Gift Ideas for Families

Some gifts can be enjoyed by the entire family. This cuts cost and eliminates the need to pick out individual presents for every family member. Gifts of food and candy are usually welcomed by everyone. Another option is a game or jigsaw puzzle the entire family can do or play together. A gift for the whole family should be something that every member can enjoy.

Below are some tried and true favorite gifts for families:

gift card for a meal at favorite restaurant
box of assorted chocolates
gift box of selected meats and cheeses
magazine subscription
board game
jigsaw puzzle
homemade or store-bought cookies
fruit basket or big tin of popcorn
holiday dishes
one month family pass to local gym

If someone on the Christmas list has been overlooked, don’t panic. Use these handy suggestions to find just the right last-minute gifts.

BACON WRAPPED BROWN SUGAR SMOKIES, DIPPING SAUCE, SLOW COOKED SMOKIES IN CHILI GRAPE SAUCE,TACO ROLL UPS & BACON WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS

BACON WRAPPED BROWN SUGAR SMOKIES

Bacon-wrapped yummies! You can make these little smokies on skewers or toothpick them to secure.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound bacon
1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages
1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. Place the wrapped sausages on wooden skewers, several to a skewer. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle them liberally with brown sugar.
Bake until bacon is crisp and the brown sugar melted.
Serve with dipping sauce.

DIPPING SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

Stir together mayonnaise, chili sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl until the brown sugar has dissolved.

SLOW COOKED SMOKIES IN CHILI GRAPE SAUCE

Smokes in Chili Grape Sauce, what could be better than that? How about the fact that the recipe is complete in three easy steps. Just open, simmer, and serve, it's that simple.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pkg. Hillshire Farm® Lit’l Smokies®
1 bottle (12 oz.) chili sauce
1 jar (12 oz.) grape jelly or any jelly or jam of choice

DIRECTIONS:

Open package of Lit’l Smokies® and drain off any liquid; place in 3-quart slow cooker.
Combine chili sauce and jelly in medium saucepan; heat, stirring occasionally over medium heat until jelly is melted. Pour over Lit’l Smokies® and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.

TACO ROLL UPS

INGREDIENTS:

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 c sour cream
2 c finely shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 c picante sauce
2 tbs taco seasoning
8 (10 in.) flour tortillas

DIRECTIONS:

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth; stir in the cheddar cheese, picante sauce, and taco seasoning. Spread over tortillas; roll up jelly-roll style. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, refrigerate over night Just before serving, cut into 1 in. pieces.

BACON WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS

When I make these, I bake the bacon wrapped water chestnuts, then put them in a crockpot with the sauce. Yummy!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 (8 ounce) cans water chestnuts
1 lb bacon
toothpick

DIRECTIONS:

Combine sauce ingredients.
Set aside.
Cut bacon slices in thirds.
Wrap bacon pieces around water chestnuts; secure with toothpicks.
Place in 2 casserole dishes.
Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
Drain grease.
Pour sauce over water chestnuts.
Bake for about 30 minutes more or until bacon is cooked.

SUGAR CONE CHRISTMAS TREE!

Forgot to put this in my post earlier today

What better way to keep kids feeling jolly than to encourage them to play with their food. To help your guests create these festive Sugar Cone Trees, stock the station with paper plates, sugar cones, sugar cookies (your own or store-bought), store-bought icing (one batch of white, one batch tinted with green food coloring), shredded coconut, sprinkles, lollipops, and a selection of bite-size candies. To make a tree, spread a cone with green icing; spoon a dollop of white icing onto a sugar cookie, then gently push the cone into the icing. Top the icing with shredded coconut snow. Decorate the tree with sprinkles and candy ornaments, and crown with a lollipop star (nibble a hole in the cone for the stem).

My 3 year old greatgranddaughter made one of these at her pre-school Thursday. She was so proud of it and had a ball eating her creation.

HOLIDAY PRETZEL TREATS, CRUNCHY SNOWMEN, RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER COOKIES & SANTA COOKIES!

HOLIDAY PRETZEL TREATS

Salty pretzels combine with sweet chocolate for these fun treats that make a yummy gift few can resist.

INGREDIENTS:

Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels
Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug
M&M's candy

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the oven to 170F. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.

Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.

Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

CRUNCHY SNOWMEN

Dressed in colorful candy scarves and top hats, these stylish, easy-to-make snowmen are sure to liven up any holiday gathering.

INGREDIENTS:

bag of 8-inch pretzel rods
1 cup white chocolate chips
mini chocolate chips
orange decorators' gel
fruit leather (various colors)
gummy rings
gumdrops

DIRECTIONS:

To make a batch, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler.

One at a time, dip one end of an 8-inch pretzel rod in the melted chocolate and use a plastic spoon or knife to spread the chocolate two thirds of the way down the rod.

Set the pretzels on a sheet of waxed paper and press on mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons. Use orange decorators' gel to add a carrot nose.

When the chocolate has hardened, stand the pretzels in a mug or glass and tie on strips of fruit leather for scarves. For each hat, stretch a gummy ring over the narrow end of a gumdrop and secure it on the pretzel rod with a dab of melted chocolate.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER COOKIES

Very CUTE little cookies that will bring a smile to the little ones faces! Great little cookies to send to school on "Christmas Party" day! You will be the hit of the classroom.

INGREDIENTS:

4 ounces chocolate-flavored candy coating
pretzels
1 (16 ounce) package Nutter Butter sandwich cookies
64 miniature M&M baking bits (blue, green, or brown)
32 cinnamonred cinnamon candies or 32 red miniature M&M baking bits

DIRECTIONS:

Microwave the chocolate in a small glass dish on high for 3 minutes, stirring once.

For each Rudolph dip 2 pretzel sticks in chocolate and stick to top of each sandwich cookie, forming large antlers.

Break one pretzel in half, dip in chocolate and place pretzel half next to longer pretzel sticks, forming antlers.

Dip one side of blue, green, or brown mini M&M's in melted candy coating and place, coated side down, on cookies for the eyes.

Dip one side of the cinnamon red hot, or red M&M in candy coating, and place on cookies, coated side down, for the nose

SANTA COOKIES

Sprinkle shredded coconut on the beard to make it look more like Santa’s beard.

INGREDIENTS:

2 (6 ounce) packages white chocolate baking squares, chopped
1 (1 lb) package Nutter Butter sandwich cookies
red colored crystal sugar
32 vanilla chips or 32 white chocolate chips
64 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
2 red-hot candies

DIRECTIONS

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate, stirring occasionally.

Dip one end of each cookie into melted chocolate.

Place on wire racks.

santa's hat, sprinkle red sugar on top part of chocolate.

Press one vanilla chip off-center on hat for pom-pom, let stand until set. Note: you can also use a mini marshmallow cut in half for the pom-pom.

Dip other end of each cookie into melted chocolate for beard, leaving center of cookie uncovered. If you want to use the coconut on the beard now is the time to sprinkle it on.

Place on wire racks.

With a dab of melted chocolate, attach semisweet chips for eyes and a red-hot, or red mini M&M's, for nose.

Place on waxed paper until chocolate sets.

CAPPUCCINO NOG, MINT HOT CHOCOLATE & CREAMY CHOCOLATE ALMOND COFFEE

Tired of serving the same old drinks at your get togethers? Then try these. Your family & friends will love them.

CAPPUCCINO NOG

INGREDIENTS:

6 eggs, slightly beaten
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups hot espresso coffee
1 cup coffee liqueur or brandy
2 cups whipping (heavy) cream
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
Ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

Stir together eggs, granulated sugar and salt in heavy Dutch oven. Gradually stir in milk. Cook over low heat 15 to 20 minutes, stirring constantly, just until mixture coats a metal spoon; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Stir together coffee and liqueur. Gradually stir coffee mixture into egg mixture; keep warm.

Just before serving, beat whipping cream and brown sugar in chilled large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Gently stir 2 cups of the whipped cream into egg mixture.

Pour into mugs. Top with dollops of remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve immediately. Immediately refrigerate any remaining nog

The sugar in this recipe helps keep the eggs from setting up in the first step. But you'll still need to stir constantly over low heat to provide the gentlest heating possible.

Make espresso coffee from instant espresso powder, or use any strong (regular or decaf) coffee.

ALPINE MINT HOT CHOCOLATE

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
6 cups milk
3 cups white vanilla baking chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
*Candy cane or crushed hard peppermint candy, if desired


DIRECTIONS:

In chilled small bowl, mix whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk just to simmering over medium-low heat - do not boil. Reduce heat to low. Add baking chips; stir constantly with wire whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.

Pour hot chocolate into cups or mugs. Top each serving with whipped cream. Garnish with candy cane for stirring, or sprinkle with crushed candies.

Melt white vanilla baking chips carefully. They burn easily, so be sure to cook over low heat, and stir constantly.

Use 1/3 cup peppermint schnapps for the 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract in the hot chocolate to make a delicious adult drink

CREAMY CHOCOLATE ALMOND COFFEE

Like a desert in a mug!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
4 scoops (about 1/4 cup each) chocolate ice cream
4 cups strong hot coffee, Chocolate shavings or toasted sliced almonds, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

In chilled small bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar and almond extract with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Place 1 scoop ice cream in each of 4 cups or mugs. Pour coffee over ice cream. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings or almonds. Serve immediately.

Serve this indulgent coffee with chocolate-covered spoons. Look for them at gourmet stores. Or make your own by dipping silver or plastic spoons into melted candy coating; refrigerate until firm.
Recipes from Betty Crocker.

CARMEL FUDGE TRUFFLES, FUDGE TURTLE COOKIES, EDIBLE PENGUIN & DIPPED MARSHMALLOWS!

SMORES

CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRY

BOSTON CREME PIE

DIPPED MARSHMALLOWS



If you want to make these dipped marshmallow pops then click on Our Best Bites

EDIBLE PENGUIN

And how about this adorable Penguin the gals at Our Best Bites came up with! Want to make them or just check out the many ideas and recipes from these two talented gals ! Just click here on The Penguin!

CARMEL FUDGE TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS:

butter flavor no stick cooking spray
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons instant coffee
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
1/4 cup toasted coconut
1/4 cup chocolate decorator sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

COAT plate with no-stick cooking spray. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, cocoa and coffee crystals in 2-quart saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture pulls away from bottom of pan. Spread on prepared plate. Chill 30 minutes.
PLACE pistachios, coconut and sprinkles on 3 different plates. Coat hands with no-stick cooking spray. Using a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon, form caramel mixture into 36small balls. Roll 12 each in the pistachios, the coconut and the sprinkles. Put in mini paper liners, if desired. Chill 30 minutes.

To toast coconut: Spread coconut on microwave-safe plate. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes, tossing coconut with fork after each minute. To avoid over-browning, remove from pan immediately.

CARAMEL FUDGE TURTLE COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

1 pouch Betty Crocker® Sugar Cookie Mix
Butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch
2 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
12 caramels, unwrapped
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup hot fudge topping
36 Pecan halves

DIRECTIONS:

Make cookie dough as directed on package, stirring in flour. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375°F 11 to 12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute; place cookies on cooling rack.
Microwave caramels and milk uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring once, until caramels are melted. Dip one side of each cookie at an angle into caramel mixture to coat top half; spread if necessary. If caramel thickens, add up to 1 teaspoon additional milk and reheat.
Spread about 1 teaspoon fudge topping on top of each cookie. Place pecan half on topping. Let stand about 15 minutes until toppings are set.

BISCUIT AND SORGHUM BREAD PUDDING & CARAMEL BANANA CORNBREAD PUDDING!

BISCUIT AND SORGHUM BREAD PUDDING


While sorghum-flavored table syrup, which is part corn syrup, will work, 100 percent pure sorghum will provide a deeper, more complex flavor. Purchase crumbly prepared biscuits from the bakery section of the supermarket or use frozen home-style biscuits. Avoid canned biscuits, which tend to be a bit doughy.


INGREDIENTS:

3 1/2 cups day-old home-style biscuit cubes
3/4 cup sorghum
6 tablespoons butter, melted
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/3 cup hot 2% reduced-fat milk

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Place biscuit cubes in a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Combine sorghum, butter, eggs, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.

Slowly stir in hot milk.

Pour over bread. Let soak 15 minutes, pressing down to make sure biscuits are fully saturated.

Place pan in a larger pan. Pour hot water in larger pan to a depth of 1 inch.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes, until pudding jiggles slightly when gently shaken.

CARAMEL BANANA CORNBREAD PUDDING

Corn muffins or leftover cornbread make this decadent dessert—reminiscent of Bananas Foster—a snap. Be sure to crumble the muffins into large chunks. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix
3 bananas, sliced
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, divided
3 cups 2 percent low-fat milk
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel sauce or topping

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare corn muffins according to package instructions. Cool. Crumble 4 muffins into large chunks.

Preheat oven to 325F.

Lightly butter a 2-quart or 8-inch-square ceramic baking dish or 6 small (8–ounce) ramekins.

Arrange banana slices in the dish.

Top with 1/4 cup of the brown sugar and chunks of corn muffins.

Combine milk, eggs, remaining brown sugar, ginger and cinnamon; whisk well.

Pour over muffins.

Bake 50 minutes.

Drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm.

Recipes from American Profile.

MESSAGE FROM SANTA & MY OLD FASHION SUGAR COOKIES!

I found this site that I thought you might like! The PNP - Portable North Pole console lets Santa Claus send free personalized video messages to friends and family. Just click on Portable North Pole

MY OLD FASHION SUGAR COOKIES

These are the best sugar cookie I have ever made. The first time (many years ago) I tasted one I couldn’t believe it was homemade…I have since that time made many, many batches of these cookies…The nice thing about them is you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it…Perfect for holiday baking…Just thaw & bake…They will melt in your mouth

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup powder sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup soft butter (real)
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
4 cups flour
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream sugars & butter
Add eggs & beat thoroughly
Beat in oil, vanilla & almond extract
Sift the dry ingredients together and add to cream mixture.
Chill overnight
Shape into 1” balls…Make sure they are no larger.
Dip top in sugar put on ungreased cookie sheet and press down with the bottom of a glass
Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes