Enter to win some Christmas Style

Every year at Christmas we would buy hot pads, dish towels and trivets in holiday style for my mother. This giveaway offers you the chance to have some holiday style as well. Hallmark North Pole products are being given away by the blog Simply Stacie. You can enter this giveaway which ends 12/9 here

Giveaway for Movie Money

After seeing the ads for the movie Penguins of Madagascar I must say that I know this would be an awesome movie to take my little princess to. How fun it would be the blog Obsessive Mommy is hosting a give way for $25 Visa to go see the movie as well as the prize package above. Giveaway ends 12/5 and you can enter here

Giveaway that will help keep your health in check

Many health experts will recommend that you give yourself an extra boost during the holiday season. The many things that you will be doing, the weather that can often be unpredictable and many other factors may leave you feeling down and out. To help you out the blog Tamilee Tips offers you the chance to check out the vitamins at CVS and also a chance to win a $25 gift card. You can enter this giveaway that ends December 8 here

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

I simply love this dessert it has that elegant look without being over the top for the trim the tree party, a family get together or the night you simply want to entertain

 

1 1/2 - 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
4 tablespoons white sugar
6 T butter, melted
1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
4 cups white chocolate chips (2 bags)
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, 4 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan.

In a saucepan, combine raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to boil, and continue boiling 5 minutes, or until sauce is thick. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds.

Preheat oven to 325 º In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt white chocolate chips with half-and-half, stirring occasionally until smooth.

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

shared at one or more of these parties
DIY Sunday Showcase (Sat 5)- Pink When, Minette's Maze, My Crafty Spot, VMG206, View From the Fridge, Interior Frugalista
Inspiration Monday (Sun1p)- Your Home Based Mom, Domestically Speaking, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Mom on Timeout, Redhead Can Decorate, Today's Creative Blog, Will Cook For Smiles, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Live Laugh Rowe, Five Heart Home, TwelveOeight
It's Party Time (Sun)- Three Mango Seeds, It's So Very Cheri 
Nifty Thrifty Sunday (Sun)- Nifty Thrifty Things
See Ya in the Gumbo- Ms. enPlace
*Sew Darn Crafty*- Sew Many Ways
Share It One More Time (Sat 5:00p)- One More Time Events
Snickerdoodle Sunday (Sat4p)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Meatloaf and Melodrama, Sadie Seasongoods, Nifty Thrifty Family
Submarine Sunday- USS Crafty
Sunlit Sunday (Sat7p)- My Little Home and Garden
Sweet and Savory Sunday (Sun 10a)- The Velvet Moon Baker, Cookin for the Seven Dwarves, Baking in Pyjamas
Sweet Tea Social (blog)- Texas Women Bloggers
That DIY Party (no recipes) (Sun am)- DIY Showoff

Think Pink Sunday (Sat9p)- Flamingo Toes

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Use up Those Leftovers

So now you have enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and there are plenty of leftovers on hand. Don't let them get you there are plenty of ways to use them up. 

Turkey:
 turkey salad

turkey wraps

turkey chili

Cranberry Sauce
use it as a tasty sandwich spread it will offer a kick to any sandwich.

Green Beans and other veggies:
these can easily be added to soups whether you make your own or start with canned soup

left over veggies also go great in stews or salads

left over sweet potatoes is a noted item in many chili recipes


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Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Stuffing Topped Turkey Pot Pie

The big day of November Turkey Day the day we all took a pause and gave thank is over and now it is time to use up those left overs. Check out this delicious filling recipe

Stuffing-topped Turkey Pot Pie

2 1/2 - 3 cups chopped precooked turkey
1 cup shelled edamame
1 cup fresh corn
1/2 cup diced red peppers
1 1/4 cups gravy (I used turkey gravy I made earlier)
About 5 ounces dry stuffing mix
1 1/3 cups simmering turkey stock

Preheat the oven to 375

In a large bowl, combine turkey stock and dry stuffing mix. Mix until the stuffing is evenly moist.

In a 2 quart casserole, combine turkey and vegetables. Spoon gravy evenly over the vegetables and then spread the stuffing mixture over the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the gravy is bubbling.


shared at
sharing Saturday

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Have A Cake

Appetizer : Sausage Ball

3 cups biscuit baking mix
1/ 2 cup green onion, finely minced
1/ 4 cup red bell pepper, finely minced
8 ounces, Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 pound bulk breakfast sausage

· Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl with hand or a heavyduty mixer.
· Now, shape the mixture in small balls and keep it on a baking sheet.
· Bake the balls at 350 degree F for about 15 minutes or until browned on bottoms.
· Serve hot with tomato ketchup or Mustard Mayo Dip.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Who doesn't love Pumpkin Pie. Well there may be some but I love it that's for sure. I have never before seen a pumpkin pie cake but I must say that our family will be seeing this on our table very soon

Pumpkin Pie Cake (Adapted from Country Living)

For the batter
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
2 egg whites
15 ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree

For the frosting
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 ounce package cream cheese
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
crushed graham crackers or toasted chopped nuts to garnish

Preheat oven to 325

To make the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil until well blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated - mix in egg whites. Add pumpkin and mix until combined. Add flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients - mixing just until combined. Evenly divide batter between 2 8" round baking dishes lightly coated with nonstick spray. Bake until the top springs back when lightly pressed in the center or a toothpick comes out mostly clean - about 25 - 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove cakes and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating only until combined. Mix in orange juice. Place the bottom layer on a cake place and spread about 1 cup of the frosting on top. Place the other cake on top and spread the remaining frosting on the top and to the edges of the cake. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs or toasted chopped nuts.


share at one or more of these parties

Be Inspired (T8a)- Elizabeth and Co.
Brag About It (M late)- VMG206
Create, Link, Inspire (M8:30p)- The Crafty Blog Stalker, Nap-time Creations, Kleinworth and Co., Marvelous Mommy
Craft and Recipe Link Up (T)- The SITS Girls
Empty Your Archive- Mums Make Lists
Fluster's Creative Muster (T5p)- Fluffer Buster
Handmade Tuesdays (M7p)- Ladybug Blessings
Hearth and Soul Blog Hop (M5p)- The 21st Century Housewife, Premeditated Leftovers, Zesty South Indian Kitchen
Inspire Us Tuesday (T)- Two Little Cavaliers
Party In Your PJs- The Cookie Puzzle, Simply Sweets by Honeybee
Project Inspired (M7p)- Yesterday on Tuesday, The Silly Pearl, Cupcakes and Crinoline,  An Extraordinary Day,
Share it Link Party (T)- The Winthrop Chronicles
Simple Supper Tuesday (M7pm)- Hun What's For Dinner?, Cooking From a Stay At Home Mom, Moore or Less Cooking Blog
Tasty Tuesday (M7p)- New Mrs. Adventures
Tasty Tuesdays (T3a) (pinterest links)-  Anyonita Nibbles
Teach Me Tuesday (M8p)- 3GLOL
The Gathering Spot (M6p)- Mamal Diane
The Lou Lou Girls Linky Party (M8p)- The Lou Lou Girls
The Southern Special (T8a)- Spatulas on Parade, Random Crafty Georgia Girl, The Household Hero
Tickle My Tastebuds (T6a)- Detours in Life, I'm Not a Trophy Wife, 
Time for Mom (T7a)- Can't Google Everything
Time to Sparkle (M8p)- Inside Brucrew Life, The Gunny Sack, The Recipe Critic, Love Grows Wild
Tips and Tricks (Mpm)-Fearlessly Creative Mammas
Totally Talented Tuesdays (M8p)- Mandy's Recipe Box
Treasure Box Tuesday (Monday 7 p.m.)- Yesterfood, Memories by the Mile
Tuesdays with a Twist (T6a)- Stone Cottage Adventures, Back to the Basics, God's Growing Garden, Ms Smoozy's, Kneaded Creations
Turn It Up Tuesday (M7)- This Momma's Ramblings, The Mom Maven +16
You're Gonna Love It (M7)- Kathe with an E -

Pet Snack Dont forget your pet during the holiday

Pumpkin Canine Cookies

2 cups oats
1/2 cup butter
2 cups boiling water
5-6 cups whole wheat flour, divided
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup non fat milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup mashed pumpkin

Preheat the oven to 350

Lightly coat cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the oats, pumpkin, and butter in a large bowl. Carefully pour in the boiling water.
Stir in 2 cups flour and remaining ingredients.

With a wooden spoon, mix until it forms into a big ball, adding flour as needed to make a stiff dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface, adding flour as needed, until the dough taken on a rollable consistency. In total I used about 5 1/2 cups flour.

Roll out the dough to 3/8 inch thickness. Cut out cookie shapes using your favorite cutters. Place them on the cookie sheets and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Cool completely.

shared at one or more of these parties

A Round Tuit (Sun3)- Creating My Way to Success
Bloggers Brag (M7a)- Creative Kids

Busy Monday (Sun2p)- A Pinch of Joy

Craftastic Monday (Sun5p)- Sew Can Do

*Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop (Sun late)- Carrie This Home, LilyWhite Designs, A Blossoming Life, Sneaky Spoons, The Casual Craftlete

Gingham and Roses Link Up and Social Media Hop (Sun pm)- New Mama Diaries, A New York Foodie

Grand Social- Grandma's Briefs

In and Out of the Kitchen- Feeding Big
Inspire Us Mondays (8a)- Cookin' Mimi, Simple Life of a Fire Wife , Morsels of Life, Just Another Mom, Diamonds in the Rough
Mad Skills (tutorials) (Mon a.m.)- Mad in Crafts
Made By You Monday (M6a)- Skip to My Lou
Marvelous Monday (Mam)- Smart Party Planning
Meet Up Monday- Jenny Marie
Melt in Your Mouth Monday (Sun 6:30pm)- Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
Merry Monday- Happy House and Home, The Kolb Corner, My Pinterventures
Metamorphosis Monday (M am)- Between Naps on the Porch
Mix it Up Monday (Sun7pm)- Flour Me With Love
Monday Funday (Sun6p)- Uncommon Designs, C.R.A.F.T., Lines Across, That’s What Che Said, Creatively Living, A Night Owl Blog, Club Chica Circle, Setting for Four
Monday's Musings- What Joy is Mine
Mostly Homemade Mondays- The Sustainable Couple
Motivation Monday (Sun6p) healthy recipes and crafts- A Life in Balance
Much Ado About Monday(S8p)- Huckleberry Love
Munching Mondays (Sun7pm)- Nibbles by Nic, A New York Foodie, Skinny Sweets Daily, Mom's Test Kitchen, What the Forks for Dinner
Weekend Recap LinkUp- Grapefruitprincess Reloaded
What'd You Do This Weekend? Tumbleweed Contessa, Pioneer Mama

Time To Defrost Your Turkey Tips on how to Safely Do So

Its time to defrost your turkey. You may have done this before or it may be your very first time Either way it is best to follow some easy steps so it is done easily

 

 

Thawing in the Fridge? (In the Refrigerator (40 °F or below)

Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds

• 4 to 12 pounds 1 to 3 days
• 12 to 16 pounds 3 to 4 days
• 16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days
• 20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days

Tips – DO NOT UNWRAP TURKEY. Put a tray or something under it so that the juices stay contained. Once thawed it is safe to leave the turkey in the fridge for up to 2 days.

You can also thaw in Cold Water (this isn’t a great method unless you are cooking in the evening)
Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound

• 4 to 12 pounds 2 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds 10 to 12 hours

Make sure you wrap the turkey, do not let any water leak through the wrapping. Put your turkey into the cold water. CHANGE THE WATER EVERY 30 MINUTES.  (very important to keep it from becoming contaminated.) Cook Turkey immediately. DO NOT REFREEZE.
What are your tips for thawing or cooking a Turkey? Share them in the comments

Pumpkin Crunh Cake

I first ate this delicious cake at a womans organization meeting. It was delicious and but rather than using a yellow cake mix it was presented with a spice cake mix. I prefer the yellow cake mix myself but the spice mix did add a bit more spice in the dish. You may want to create your cake using one of suggested cake mixes or another. I know that either way it goes fast at our home.

 

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (the original recipe called for 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup butter, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease bottom of 9 x 13″ pan.  Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Pour mixture into greased pan.  Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and top with pecans.  Drizzle melted butter over pecans.  Bake 50-55 minutes.

shared at one or more of these parties
DIY Sunday Showcase (Sat 5)- Pink When, Minette's Maze, My Crafty Spot, VMG206, View From the Fridge, Interior Frugalista
Inspiration Monday (Sun1p)- Your Home Based Mom, Domestically Speaking, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Mom on Timeout, Redhead Can Decorate, Today's Creative Blog, Will Cook For Smiles, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Live Laugh Rowe, Five Heart Home, TwelveOeight
It's Party Time (Sun)- Three Mango Seeds, It's So Very Cheri 
Nifty Thrifty Sunday (Sun)- Nifty Thrifty Things
See Ya in the Gumbo- Ms. enPlace
*Sew Darn Crafty*- Sew Many Ways
Share It One More Time (Sat 5:00p)- One More Time Events
Snickerdoodle Sunday (Sat4p)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Meatloaf and Melodrama, Sadie Seasongoods, Nifty Thrifty Family
Submarine Sunday- USS Crafty
Sunlit Sunday (Sat7p)- My Little Home and Garden
Sweet and Savory Sunday (Sun 10a)- The Velvet Moon Baker, Cookin for the Seven Dwarves, Baking in Pyjamas
Sweet Tea Social (blog)- Texas Women Bloggers
That DIY Party (no recipes) (Sun am)- DIY Showoff

Think Pink Sunday (Sat9p)- Flamingo Toes