**This was available earlier through the CleanTeam Facebook Page, but now we have a link directly to the sample form.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Free Clorox Sample Pack
**This was available earlier through the CleanTeam Facebook Page, but now we have a link directly to the sample form.
Last Day of the Month--Print Your Coupons!
24 Photo Cards with Envelopes $2.49 Shipped
- Head over to See Here and create a new account
- Create a 4x8 Flat Photo Card
- Add 24 of them to your cart and use promo code 25cards.
- Total cost should be only $2.49 shipped!
Chili's Deals Each Day Until Christmas!
So if you are heading to dinner sometime this month, check out the Chili's Deal list before you go.
American Girl 50% off Sale Today
American Girl online has some great items for 50% off! This outfit above is just $10.00 for all pieces (Shirt, leggings, shoes, headband, and underware!) There are several books for less than $5.00 too. Shipping is $4.95.
Disney Store: Buy One Plush, Get one Free!
Shipping is $4.95.
**The free item will be the one of equal or lesser value. So, you wouldn't be able to purchase a $8 plush and get the $40 one free.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Disney Sale! Items up to 50% Off and Free Shipping on ALL Orders!
The Disney Store is offering Free Shipping on all orders. Plus, you can get 25% off a $125 order or more, 20% off a $100 order or more, 15% off a $75 order or more, or 10% off a $50 order or more! Just use coupon code CYBER to bag the discount and/or the free shipping.
Tons of items are up to 50% off. This is one of the best deals I have seen from The Disney Store in a while!
$10 Off $40 Worth of Melissa and Doug Items!
While I was there, I noticed that you can purchase $40 worth of Select Melissa and Doug Items and get $10 off your total! You won't need a promo code either. It will just come off in your cart.
If you want to do this deal more than once, you will have to make separate orders to get the $10 to come off for each $40 you purchase!
**Again, no expiration date. So this could end at any time!
Awesome Fisher Price Toy Deals! BIGFOOT Monster Only $69!
Fisher-Price Imaginext BIGFOOT the Monster $84.88
Use code FPBF5015 to get $15 off
Total cost $69.44!
**This price is bound to go up once word gets out!
Check out the other Fisher-Price Toys that are included in the $15 off promo!
**Offer can end at any time. They don't have an expiration date on this one!
Walmart's Cyber Monday
Wal-Mar's Cyber Monday sales have already started! There are a lot of great deals you can score. So hopefully you have your Christmas list on hand to get to work.
Here are just a few of the highlighted items I quickly saw. But there are TONS more!
- Garmin Nuvi 295W 3.5" Portable GPS $89.00!
- HP Pink 10.1" PC Laptop $318.00
- VTech MobiGo Touch with your Choice of Game $49.97
- FujiFilm AX250 Bundle- Camera, SD Card, Case and 100 Free Prints $89.00
- Playstation 3 Bundle: PS3, Your Choice 2 Video Games, Plus a Blu-Ray Movie of your Choice $388!
- Buy 2, Get 1 Free Xbox Games- Comes to $26 each!
- Buy 2, Get 1 Free PS3 Games- Comes to $26 Each!
- Buy 2, Get 1 Free Wii Games- Comes to $26 Each!
- Ematic 4GB Touch MP3 Player $49! **Great cheaper substitute for the iPod!
Baby Legs: 3 Pairs Only $10 Shipped!
***Last time BabyLegs had a sale similar to this one, their site took a serious beating from all the traffic. So, as soon as you see this deal, I would purchase right away to not only grab the cuter patterns before they sell out- but to not have to deal with an incredibly slow site!
50% Off Colby's Kettle Corn--Today Only!
Just use code CYBERMONDAY to get the 50% off.
Win Oprah's Favorite Things Online!
Now, I know this is going to be a hard one to win. But there are so many of us, someone is bound to win!
Once a day from Nov 29th- Dec 10th, you can enter to win one of the 12 Online Favorite Things Prizes. Each day you will need to go to the Oprah Favorite Things Online Giveaway and enter in the corresponding code for that day.
11/29: 68
11/30: 74
12/1: 91
12/2: 122
12/3: 133
12/4: 146
12/5: 168
12/6: 178
12/7: 201
12/8: 217
12/9: 253
12/10: 260
And if you want to be an instant winner, you can possibly win a roundup of items from Oprah's past giveaways by entering here.
Mattel Toys up to 75% Off and Free Shipping! Plus an Extra 20% Off!
Today only for Cyber Monday, you can snag up to 75% off and Free Shipping at Mattel. No promo code needed. But, if you sign up for their email alerts, you will get 10% off your first order. Or, you can try using code TXTA to get an extra 20% off!
**The D Rex Interactive Dinosaur is normally around $149.99. It is marked down to $60 on sale- plus use code TXTA if you can to get it for only $48!!
Free $10.00 off of $10.00 At Bath & Body Works Online
Bath & Body Works has a code out right now to take $10.00 off your $10.00 purchase or more!!! Shipping is around $5.99, so really you will just be saving $4.00 but that is still $4.00!! Use the code F102785 This coupon says it expires 12/31 but they could pull it any time.
There are many gift sets priced at just $10.00 too!!
HEAT Assistance Information
For those who are not aware. we have an Employment Specialist in the ward who helps provide information she receives about employment. This month we received some information for anyone you know who might be able to use some assistance this winter with heat.
HEAT-Home Energy Assistance Target-It's purpose is to assist eligible households meet the rising costs of home energy. HEAT is not a welfare program. It is federally funded Energy Assistance administered by the State of Utah. It is a one time only per year application. Starting Nov. 2 thru Sept 30. Based on qualifying income and household.
WEB SITE FOR APPLICATION IS; http://housing.utah.gov/seal/heat
PHONE FOR MORGAN COUNTY (for information)- 1-800-953-8850
ADDRESS TO MAIL IN APPLICATION: Futures Through Training
HEAT Program
1140 36th Street, Ste. 150
Ogden, Utah 84403-2046
Make sure you read all information on the web-site in order to fill out properly.
Contact Betty Shupe if you have questions or need help.
Hot Deals at Children's Place
You need to check out the $5 Fleece Frenzy at The Children’s Place. For a limited time, all Glacier Fleece pullover hoodies, tops, bottoms, mittens, and hats are priced at only $5! Plus, use the code W3C2RU7M12A to save 20% off your entire purchase AND get FREE standard shipping with the code FSHOLIDAY. Both can be used together too! That means you can snag all these $5 Fleece items for only $4 plus tax shipped right to your door!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Shutterfly Christmas Cards/ Gifts
As you can see from my last post, Shutterfly has a lot of really cute ideas for Christmas Cards. I wanted to be able to show you some of the deals you can get through ordering from them. There are many places who have deals on cards, so it was hard for me to decide this year. I hope you can find one that suits you and your family!
Check out all these great deals! Wow!
Christmas 2010 Card Idea
Snowflake Wishes Noir Holiday
Get custom holiday cards online at Shutterfly.com.
View the entire collection of cards.
Flirty Aprons 30% Off Sitewide
**Online you will see a 25% off coupon code on their site. But we scored a 30% off code instead!
A Flirty Apron would be the perfect gift for a Mom, Sister or Grandma. They are really cute and I scored the Black and White one with the last promo they had a few months back. Oh, and if you didn't know, they actually have little girl aprons too. So if your daughter likes to help Mom cook, this would be perfect!
Amazon Meets or Beats other Black Friday Deals!
Amazon is saying they will meet or beat some of the prices that stores are having on Black Friday! So, if you are planning on purchasing something somewhere else- head over to the Amazon Black Friday page
and search for your item! We will all want to go through and check our Christmas lists.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Free WHOLE Package of Extra Gum in the Mail! (still working)
*You need a Facebook Account to receive this offer. Get a free pack of Extra Dessert Delights Gum on Facebook when you “Like” the Extra Gum fan page. You even get to select your flavor: Strawberry Shortcake, Key Lime Pie, or Mint Chocolate Chip. You should receive your free pack of gum by mail within 2 to 4 weeks
Free Hardwater Test Strips from Morton Salt
Morton Salt is offering Free Hardwater Test Strips! If you live in an area that has pretty hard water, this could also be a really funny gag gift for a White Elephant party too.
Walmart Will Match Anyone's Black Friday Ad!
Walmart just released this press: They will be honoring and matching all Black Friday Ads!! And if you go shopping there.. They will give you some treats too! See the full Walmart Press Release for all details.
Walmart is kicking off three days of savings, typically reserved only for the Friday After Thanksgiving, on this seasons’ must-have holiday gifts, including the strongest “price match” guarantee in the market. In fact, Walmart is one of the only retailers that will price match competitors’ ads on “Black Friday.” Customers simply bring in competitors’ ads and Walmart will match the price of any identical product right at the register, making Walmart the easiest place to save this holiday season.
The retailer’s three days of savings will commence with Thanksgiving Day online-only specials followed by unbeatable prices on Friday, Nov. 26 on electronics, home and apparel items. Also on Friday starting at midnight, Walmart will offer treats and entertainment to customers including 5-Hour Energy, Great Value Breakfast Bars, donut holes, Trident Gum and Hershey Holiday Kisses.2 Electronics savings in store will continue on Saturday, Nov. 27 including the largest shipment of new Kinect sensors and Xbox 360 bundles while supplies last.
“We’re making this year’s Friday After Thanksgiving a special, festive event with big savings starting at midnight, and lots of food and fun for our customers while they shop and wait for the electronics deals starting at 5:00 a.m.,” said Stephen Quinn, executive vice president and Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart. U.S. “Walmart’s ability to easily price match competitors’ ads right at the checkout registers mean our customers will save time and money on Nov. 26.”
Free Vaseline Intensive Lotion Sample
Head on over to Walmart and get a free sample of Vasline Intensive Relief Lotion! Allow up to 4 weeks to arrive.
Free 8x10 Photo Collage From Walgreen's
Walgreens has another great 8×10 Photo Collage for free! I did this a couple months ago, picked it up at the Walgreens next to Macey's in Ogden, and was surprised at how cute they turned out. Plus it was FREE! This offer is good today though 11/27! Choose to pick up in store and get it 100% free! Use the code BFCOLLAGE at checkout to get it for free.Head on over to Walgreens and Sign in or Up.
Create your Collage and enter your code! Enjoy The Freebie.
ToysRUs Crayola $10 Off Coupon, Plus a Rebate!
And on top of that, there is also a Crayola rebate where you can submit up to $22 in rebates! The prices for the Crayola items are not advertised, so the prices will probably vary in store. However, just hand them the $10 off coupon first, then your Crayola coupons and then submit for your rebate!
Based on online prices, here is a possible scenario if store prices are similar:
Purchase Crayola Presto Dots to the Max for $16.99
Purchase Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush $16.99
Use the $10 off $30 Coupon
Pay $23.98, then submit for two $2.00 rebates
Total cost $19.98 for both kits!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A Few Yummy Recipes for Thanksgiving
I think most people have those lifelong recipes they make year after year for Thanksgiving. I know every time I go to my parents home, I get my mom's homemade pecan pie, and I would be upset if she changed that! While there are those "staple" items we have every year, sometimes it's fun to throw something else in the mix. And for those new families who are asked to bring something to Thanksgiving Dinner, or even are going to venture on doing one yourself...I thought I would post a few REALLY GOOD recipes that people will be sure to love. I was looking at the "recipe archive" from this blog, and wanted to incorporate some of those recipes I spent a lot of time on in this post. What better than to have a lot of them in one place, in case you want to access them in the future? Hopefully you will love them as much as our family has.
#1 Potatoes
First things first....and the item that goes THE FASTEST at our home, is the yummy, creamy homemade mashed potatoes. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
#2 Rolls
For rolls, I wanted to do something elegant that we could do with Rhodes Rolls (frozen rolls). Doing this to them instantly takes them up a notch. They are so good (especially dipped in gravy) and not much of a hassle. I thought I would post something a little more nice. Something that you can make for a nice occasion that look GORGEOUS, and taste amazing. I personally don't usually do Rhode's Rolls, but put the herbs on my favorite roll recipe. You can do the same. This is a simple way to make those every day rolls look oh-so-fab on the fancy table.
HERB-TOPPED DINNER ROLLS
Your favorite dinner roll recipe
1 egg
1 T water or milk
one bunch flat-leaf parsley (or any other flat leaf herb like sage, dill, cilantro, but I think parsley is best.)
You want your rolls to be at the stage where they're ready to bake. So if you're making dough, prepare it through the second rise. If you're using frozen dough, just follow the package directions, etc. When your rolls are shaped, risen, and ready to bake, then go ahead with the herby fun.
It's so simple and literally took less than 5 minutes. Just a hint, if you're using more than one leaf, as in they're not connected by a stem or anything, place them really close together on the roll since they'll spread out a little while baking. Then just bake as directed. How cute are these?
#3 Stuffing
I have never been a huge fan of stuffing. So when I found this recipe, I was really excited because I love it. I was intrigued because it had some of my favorite flavors, but ones I wouldn't expect to see in a stuffing recipe: Parmesan cheese and marinated artichoke hearts. The parmesan is subtle and the artichokes add flavor without taking over the whole thing. It all blended together in one delicious dish.
ARTICHOKE PARMESAN SOURDOUGH STUFFING
Serves 12, makes approx. 10 cups
1 pound mushrooms, cleaned, ends trimmed and sliced or chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 onions (3/4 lb total), chopped
1 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2-2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 loaf (1 lb) sourdough bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 jars (6 oz each) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 C freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves or 3/4 tsp dried
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten.
*If desired, first toast chopped bread in a 400 degree oven until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes.
In a 12-in. frying pan over high heat, cook mushrooms, butter, onions, celery, and garlic, stirring often, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Pour into a large bowl. Add a bit of broth to pan (a few tablespoons) and stir to scrape up browned bits. Add to bowl.
Pour 2 cups broth into bowl and add bread, artichoke hearts, parmesan, poultry seasoning, and rosemary; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. (If you need to add a little more broth at this point, go for it. I added a bit more because I wanted my stuffing really moist.) Add beaten egg and mix into stuffing.
Preheat oven to 325° to 350° (meaning the temperature is flexible if it's going in the oven at the same time as other things. If it's going in alone, bake at 350). Spoon stuffing into a shallow 3-qt. (9- by 13-in.) casserole pan. For moist stuffing, cover with foil; for crusty stuffing, do not cover. Bake until hot (at least 150° in center) or lightly browned, about 50 minutes.
Make ahead: Up to 1 day ahead, make stuffing, put in casserole, cover, and chill. Allow about 1 hour to bake.
#4 Cranberry Sauce
It seems like cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes are kind of the ugly stepsisters of the Thanksgiving table--they're presence seems to be guilt-induced, there's plenty left over, and those leftovers often find themselves cold and lonely in the refrigerator as the rolls, mashed potatoes, and turkey get eaten in the days after Thanksgiving. Well, no more. Skip the can and go for homemade!
Cranberry Sauce
1 bag cranberries
1 c. white sugar
1 c. orange juice
1 c. water
1 stick cinnamon (optional)
1 very small pinch ground cloves (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash cranberries and place in 9x13 baking dish. Add water, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange juice and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake 1 hour. Remove from oven, remove cinnamon stick, and allow to cool. If you like it with a little texture, mash berries; if you prefer it smooth, process in blender or food processor until desired consistency is reached. Serve with turkey, Swedish meatballs, on pulled turkey, pork, or chicken sandwiches, or on top of ice cream or cobbler.
#5 Turkey Tips
I have only made a few turkeys in my life. Usually it is Mom or my in-laws who make it, and us who is invited to come! So, I compiled a list of "turkey tips" on things several professional cooks/moms have said are tried and true.
1. Thaw your frozen turkey out in the refrigerator. This helps to prevent food borne illnesses. A 20 lb. turkey can take up to 3 days to thaw completely.
2. Make sure you have the right size roasting pan to cook your turkey in.
3. When choosing a roasting pan, purchase one that comes with a rack. This aids in the cooking process by allowing heat to travel all around the entire turkey. It also helps you lift the turkey out of the roaster when it is finished cooking.
4. Be sure to remove the giblets and rinse your turkey with warm water. Then pat dry with paper towels, this will allow the seasonings to stick on your turkey.
5. Generously season the inside and outside of your turkey with kosher salt and pepper. (may use other desired seasonings)
6. To make the meat moist and delicious use 1 cup of softened butter and stuff it in between the meat and the skin of the turkey. Apply as much as you can on the entire turkey.
7. To give your turkey some major flavor stuff the inside with 2 whole carrots (peeled and ends off), 2 ribs of celery and one onion cut in half.
8. Be sure to place your turkey in an oven with the correct temperature. The directions should be located on the bag of the turkey you purchased. Remember low and slow is best.
9. Baste the turkey every 15-30 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and let the turkey rest for 1 hour before serving.
#6 Desserts
Want to impress the socks off of everyone at your table? Make this White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust. Trust me, you'll be set for instant popularity.
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan-Gingersnap Crust
A note about water baths: While cheesecake enthusiasts will tell you it's essential to always use one, from my experience, some cheesecakes do okay without them and others really need them to turn out well. I think it depends on the recipe. This one needs a water bath.
Crust:
1 3/4 C gingersnap crumbs (about 30 small cookies)
6T real butter, melted
3 T brown sugar
3/4 C ground pecans
Filling:
3 8oz blocks cream cheese
3/4 C canned pumpkin puree
6 oz melted white chocolate (that's about 1 C white chocolate chips)
1 C sugar
3 eggs
2 t vanilla
1/4 t nutmeg
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/8 t cloves
Topping:
- 1 C whipping cream, beat with 1/2 tsp vanilla and 4 Tbs powdered sugar until medium peaks form.
- 1/3 C roughly chopped pecans, either toasted or caramelized
- 2 Tablespoons jarred caramel sauce
Preheat oven to 350. Using 2 large pieces of heavy duty foil, securely wrap the bottom and outside of your cheesecake pan. This will prevent leaks when using the water bath.
For Crust:
Use a food processor to crush gingersnaps. Then do pecans. Combine gingersnaps, pecans, brown sugar, and butter and stir well to combine. Press into a 9" spring form pan. Evenly spread across the bottom of pan and up the sides about 1 inch.
To melt chocolate, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Set aside. With an electric mixer beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. Add pumpkin, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. With the mixer running, slowly add in white chocolate in a steady stream (or steady blobs). Pour mixture on top of the crust.
For water bath: Place cheesecake pan inside of a larger pan. I use a roasting pan. Place your cheesecake pan into larger pan. The larger pan should be at least 2-3 inches in depth. Place in pre-heated oven. With a kettle or pitcher filled with hot water, pour water into the larger pan about halfway up, or approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
Bake for 60-75 minutes or until set. The center should be just a tad bit jiggly still. It will finish cooking while cooling.
When it's done, remove from oven and place on a rack until completely cool. Place in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This is a very soft cheesecake so sufficient chilling is a must! When ready to serve spread sweetened whipped cream on top, drizzle caramel sauce over it, and sprinkle with pecans.
MORE DESSERT RECIPES.....
A while back I did a recipe (it was during my pumpkin recipe phase) that are Pumpkin Mini Cream Pies. Even if you don't eat them for Thanksgiving, these are so fun to have around the house to munch on all throughout Thanksgiving weekend. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
For those who wish to learn to make your homemade pumpkin puree (instead of buying it in the can), CLICK HERE for a tutorial.
Or, you could make those cute Turkey Cupcakes I posted about not long ago. Those are a fun, tasty "craft" food that your kids/grandkids would love to make! CLICK HERE for the recipe.
These babies are SURE to be a big crowd-pleaser, and they are so easy to make! They look "professional," but with not a lot of hassle. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
Can't go wrong with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Are you just about all "pumpkin-ed out" yet? CLICK HERE for this recipe.
Ok, I will lay off the pumpkin and go with the Apple Struesel Bars. Very decadent and tasty. You can find the recipe HERE.
If you are hosting, sometimes people aren't quite ready for pie (never happens at our house), or you may just want to send something home fun with those who came. There is this idea to do the Pie in a Jar. That way when they want pie, they just take it out of the freezer, pop it in the oven and you've got an instant-pie! CLICK HERE for this option. You can even download and print these adorable TURKEY TAGS for them!
#7 LEFTOVERS
If you have any leftover potatoes, make this Baked Potato Soup the following day. It's to die for!
The morning following Thanksgiving, surprise your family with THESE Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Peanut Butter Syrup (the syrup completely makes them!). My life would not be nearly as complete without having tried these! Your family will love you for it! CLICK HERE for the recipe.
#1 Potatoes
First things first....and the item that goes THE FASTEST at our home, is the yummy, creamy homemade mashed potatoes. CLICK HERE for the recipe. #2 Rolls
For rolls, I wanted to do something elegant that we could do with Rhodes Rolls (frozen rolls). Doing this to them instantly takes them up a notch. They are so good (especially dipped in gravy) and not much of a hassle. I thought I would post something a little more nice. Something that you can make for a nice occasion that look GORGEOUS, and taste amazing. I personally don't usually do Rhode's Rolls, but put the herbs on my favorite roll recipe. You can do the same. This is a simple way to make those every day rolls look oh-so-fab on the fancy table.HERB-TOPPED DINNER ROLLS
Your favorite dinner roll recipe
1 egg
1 T water or milk
one bunch flat-leaf parsley (or any other flat leaf herb like sage, dill, cilantro, but I think parsley is best.)
You want your rolls to be at the stage where they're ready to bake. So if you're making dough, prepare it through the second rise. If you're using frozen dough, just follow the package directions, etc. When your rolls are shaped, risen, and ready to bake, then go ahead with the herby fun.
It's so simple and literally took less than 5 minutes. Just a hint, if you're using more than one leaf, as in they're not connected by a stem or anything, place them really close together on the roll since they'll spread out a little while baking. Then just bake as directed. How cute are these?
#3 Stuffing
I have never been a huge fan of stuffing. So when I found this recipe, I was really excited because I love it. I was intrigued because it had some of my favorite flavors, but ones I wouldn't expect to see in a stuffing recipe: Parmesan cheese and marinated artichoke hearts. The parmesan is subtle and the artichokes add flavor without taking over the whole thing. It all blended together in one delicious dish. ARTICHOKE PARMESAN SOURDOUGH STUFFING
Serves 12, makes approx. 10 cups
1 pound mushrooms, cleaned, ends trimmed and sliced or chopped
1 tablespoon butter
2 onions (3/4 lb total), chopped
1 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2-2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 loaf (1 lb) sourdough bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 jars (6 oz each) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 C freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves or 3/4 tsp dried
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten.
*If desired, first toast chopped bread in a 400 degree oven until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes.
In a 12-in. frying pan over high heat, cook mushrooms, butter, onions, celery, and garlic, stirring often, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Pour into a large bowl. Add a bit of broth to pan (a few tablespoons) and stir to scrape up browned bits. Add to bowl.
Pour 2 cups broth into bowl and add bread, artichoke hearts, parmesan, poultry seasoning, and rosemary; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. (If you need to add a little more broth at this point, go for it. I added a bit more because I wanted my stuffing really moist.) Add beaten egg and mix into stuffing.
Preheat oven to 325° to 350° (meaning the temperature is flexible if it's going in the oven at the same time as other things. If it's going in alone, bake at 350). Spoon stuffing into a shallow 3-qt. (9- by 13-in.) casserole pan. For moist stuffing, cover with foil; for crusty stuffing, do not cover. Bake until hot (at least 150° in center) or lightly browned, about 50 minutes.Make ahead: Up to 1 day ahead, make stuffing, put in casserole, cover, and chill. Allow about 1 hour to bake.
#4 Cranberry Sauce
It seems like cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes are kind of the ugly stepsisters of the Thanksgiving table--they're presence seems to be guilt-induced, there's plenty left over, and those leftovers often find themselves cold and lonely in the refrigerator as the rolls, mashed potatoes, and turkey get eaten in the days after Thanksgiving. Well, no more. Skip the can and go for homemade!Cranberry Sauce
1 bag cranberries
1 c. white sugar
1 c. orange juice
1 c. water
1 stick cinnamon (optional)
1 very small pinch ground cloves (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash cranberries and place in 9x13 baking dish. Add water, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange juice and sprinkle with sugar.Bake 1 hour. Remove from oven, remove cinnamon stick, and allow to cool. If you like it with a little texture, mash berries; if you prefer it smooth, process in blender or food processor until desired consistency is reached. Serve with turkey, Swedish meatballs, on pulled turkey, pork, or chicken sandwiches, or on top of ice cream or cobbler.#5 Turkey Tips
I have only made a few turkeys in my life. Usually it is Mom or my in-laws who make it, and us who is invited to come! So, I compiled a list of "turkey tips" on things several professional cooks/moms have said are tried and true.
1. Thaw your frozen turkey out in the refrigerator. This helps to prevent food borne illnesses. A 20 lb. turkey can take up to 3 days to thaw completely.
2. Make sure you have the right size roasting pan to cook your turkey in.
3. When choosing a roasting pan, purchase one that comes with a rack. This aids in the cooking process by allowing heat to travel all around the entire turkey. It also helps you lift the turkey out of the roaster when it is finished cooking.
4. Be sure to remove the giblets and rinse your turkey with warm water. Then pat dry with paper towels, this will allow the seasonings to stick on your turkey.
5. Generously season the inside and outside of your turkey with kosher salt and pepper. (may use other desired seasonings)
6. To make the meat moist and delicious use 1 cup of softened butter and stuff it in between the meat and the skin of the turkey. Apply as much as you can on the entire turkey.
7. To give your turkey some major flavor stuff the inside with 2 whole carrots (peeled and ends off), 2 ribs of celery and one onion cut in half.
8. Be sure to place your turkey in an oven with the correct temperature. The directions should be located on the bag of the turkey you purchased. Remember low and slow is best.
9. Baste the turkey every 15-30 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and let the turkey rest for 1 hour before serving.
#6 Desserts
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan-Gingersnap Crust
A note about water baths: While cheesecake enthusiasts will tell you it's essential to always use one, from my experience, some cheesecakes do okay without them and others really need them to turn out well. I think it depends on the recipe. This one needs a water bath.
Crust:
1 3/4 C gingersnap crumbs (about 30 small cookies)
6T real butter, melted
3 T brown sugar
3/4 C ground pecans
Filling:
3 8oz blocks cream cheese
3/4 C canned pumpkin puree
6 oz melted white chocolate (that's about 1 C white chocolate chips)
1 C sugar
3 eggs
2 t vanilla
1/4 t nutmeg
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/8 t cloves
Topping:
- 1 C whipping cream, beat with 1/2 tsp vanilla and 4 Tbs powdered sugar until medium peaks form.
- 1/3 C roughly chopped pecans, either toasted or caramelized
- 2 Tablespoons jarred caramel sauce
Preheat oven to 350. Using 2 large pieces of heavy duty foil, securely wrap the bottom and outside of your cheesecake pan. This will prevent leaks when using the water bath.
For Crust:
Use a food processor to crush gingersnaps. Then do pecans. Combine gingersnaps, pecans, brown sugar, and butter and stir well to combine. Press into a 9" spring form pan. Evenly spread across the bottom of pan and up the sides about 1 inch.
To melt chocolate, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Set aside. With an electric mixer beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. Add pumpkin, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. With the mixer running, slowly add in white chocolate in a steady stream (or steady blobs). Pour mixture on top of the crust.
Bake for 60-75 minutes or until set. The center should be just a tad bit jiggly still. It will finish cooking while cooling.
When it's done, remove from oven and place on a rack until completely cool. Place in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This is a very soft cheesecake so sufficient chilling is a must! When ready to serve spread sweetened whipped cream on top, drizzle caramel sauce over it, and sprinkle with pecans. MORE DESSERT RECIPES.....
A while back I did a recipe (it was during my pumpkin recipe phase) that are Pumpkin Mini Cream Pies. Even if you don't eat them for Thanksgiving, these are so fun to have around the house to munch on all throughout Thanksgiving weekend. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
For those who wish to learn to make your homemade pumpkin puree (instead of buying it in the can), CLICK HERE for a tutorial.
Or, you could make those cute Turkey Cupcakes I posted about not long ago. Those are a fun, tasty "craft" food that your kids/grandkids would love to make! CLICK HERE for the recipe.
These babies are SURE to be a big crowd-pleaser, and they are so easy to make! They look "professional," but with not a lot of hassle. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
Can't go wrong with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! Are you just about all "pumpkin-ed out" yet? CLICK HERE for this recipe.
Ok, I will lay off the pumpkin and go with the Apple Struesel Bars. Very decadent and tasty. You can find the recipe HERE.
If you are hosting, sometimes people aren't quite ready for pie (never happens at our house), or you may just want to send something home fun with those who came. There is this idea to do the Pie in a Jar. That way when they want pie, they just take it out of the freezer, pop it in the oven and you've got an instant-pie! CLICK HERE for this option. You can even download and print these adorable TURKEY TAGS for them!
#7 LEFTOVERS
If you have any leftover potatoes, make this Baked Potato Soup the following day. It's to die for!
The morning following Thanksgiving, surprise your family with THESE Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Peanut Butter Syrup (the syrup completely makes them!). My life would not be nearly as complete without having tried these! Your family will love you for it! CLICK HERE for the recipe.
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