Igloo Cheese Ball

This adorable cheese ball was made by my sister-in-law Christine and her mom. Isn't it so cute?!!!

This is more of an idea than a recipe - just use your favorite cheese ball recipe and

form it into an igloo. The penguins are made from olives. Carrot pieces form the beak and feet. Slit the olives and pipe cream cheese in until a "white belly" appears.
Sprinkle the plate with coconut to make it look like snow. Cute, cute, cute!!

Onion Strings

I recently tried this recipe for the first time - wow! These are incredible. Thanks to Claudette for passing it along. ;)

Onion Strings

• 1 whole large onion
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups flour
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 - 2 quarts canola oil
• black pepper to taste

Slice onion very thin. Put in shallow dish and soak onion rings in buttermilk for at least an hour. (If you don't have buttermilk add 2 tbsp vinegar to just under 2 cups of milk).

Combine dry ingredients and set aside.

Heat oil to 375. Put soaked onion rings in dry mixture in batches. Tap off excess flour on the side of bowl and plunge into hot oil. Fry for a few minutes and remove when golden brown.

Repeat until all onion rings have been fried.

*My family wents nuts for these. Even my three year old was eating them up. :)

**I skipped the cayenne pepper and seasoned the fried onion rings with seasoning salt. Mmmm...

Deep Dark Chocolate Cake

Mmmmm... The best chocolate cake I've ever tasted. This recipe comes from Devin's aunt Rita and it's oh so good!
Deep Dark Chocolate Cake

• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cocoa
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 tsps vanilla
• 1 cup boiling water

Combine dry ingredients in large mixer bowl. Add eggs, milk, vanilla and oil. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 until done.

*Ice with your favorite chocolate icing. :)

Crispy Chews

These are so easy to make and add a nice variety to a plate of Christmas baking. And they're delicious too!
Crispy Chews

• 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup corn syrup
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 1/2 cups rice krispies
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup mini marshmallows

Combine brown sugar, corn syrup and peanut butter in saucepan over low heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients, stirring until well combined. Drop by teaspoonful onto wax paper lined baking sheet. Form into firm balls. Chill for 1/2 hour.

Chocolate Banana Loaf

Something a little different to make with those bananas that are too ripe to eat. ;)

Chocolate Banana Loaf

Cream together:

• 1 cup margarine
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar

Add:

• 2 eggs
• 2 bananas (mashed)
• 1 tsp vanilla

Sift together:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup cocoa

Grease and flour 2 loaf pans (4 1/2 x 8 1/2).

Blend together and add:

• 1 cup boiling water

Divide between 2 loaf pans. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Corn Chowder

This is a super easy, super tasty soup recipe - the picture really doesn't do it justice.

Corn Chowder

• 4 bacon slices, diced*
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups (10 oz) fresh, frozen or canned cream corn
• 1 1/2 cups potato, raw, diced
• 10 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Put bacon and onion into large pot. Saute together until onion is clear and limp. Add the next 6 ingredients. Bring to boil. Cover and simmer until potato is cooked. Stir frequently. Makes approximately 6 cups. Tastes excellent with fresh biscuits!

*Ham also works for this soup, as an healthier alternative to bacon.

Italian Peas

This is a nice variation with peas. Adds some flavor! Excuse the foggy picture - they were fresh from the skillet. ;)
Italian Peas

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 16 ounces frozen green peas
• 1 tbsp chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook about 5 minutes. Add frozen peas and stir in stock. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until peas are tender; about 10 minutes.