BEEF STROGANOFF

If you are looking for a deliciously easy meal on a cold winter day, this classic beef stroganoff recipe is for you.  Hearty and rich, flavored with sour cream and cream cheese, the sauted mushrooms and tender beef cubes melt in your mouth.  This is my favorite kind of  "no fuss" meal. I can simmer it in the crock pot all afternoon while I go about my Christmas preparations. The best part is I usually make a double batch and freeze the leftovers to pull out at a later date for impromptu football games, unexpected guests and mostly other busy days! 

                                                            INGREDIENTS

                                                3 pounds Pot Roast cut meat

         2 cans (10.75 ounce) Golden Mushroom Soup (DO NOT USE CREAM OF MUSHROOM!)

                                           2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

                                              4 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)

                                                          1/2 cup Water

                                                     1 Beef Bouillon Cube

                                       1 medium Red Onion (finely chopped)

                                     3 cups Portobello Mushrooms (chopped)

                                                   3 ounce Cream Cheese

                                                     1/3 cup Sour Cream

                                      1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or to taste)

                                               1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)

                                           1/2 teaspoon Pepper (or to taste)

                                                          Egg Noodles

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1:  Cook beef at 350 degrees until brown on the outside but pink in the middle (approximately 45 minutes).  This allows some fat to cook off the meat making the meat leaner but still juicy.

Step 2:  In crock pot, add soup, worcestershire sauce, chopped garlic, water, bouillon cube, red onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Stir together and then add beef (cubed) ensuring it is covered by liquid.  Cook on high for 6 hours.  Add more water if necessary over time. 

Step 3:  A half hour before serving, saute mushrooms and add to crock pot.

   

Step 4:  About 15 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles in separate pan in boiling water on stove.

Step 5:  While egg noodles are still cooking and ten minutes before serving, add cream cheese and sour cream to crock pot mixture, mixing thoroughly.

Step 6:  Serve beef stroganoff over strained egg noodles.  If you prefer rice to egg noodles, it is just as yummy over rice.
                                                                        
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                                                             ~ Debbie ~                                                                  

POINSETTIA CREAM CHEESE APPETIZER

If it does your heart good to watch people lick a platter clean then this appetizer is for you!  My friend, Ann, came knocking at my door recently with a bottle of "Slatherin' Sauce" along with an appetizer recipe that she had taste tested as a promotion at The Fresh Market grocer.  Sweet and mildly spicy, it's incredibly simple to make consisting of cream cheese, bacon and a bottle of "Slatherin' Sauce" (see Slather Brand Foods link below where to buy it).  Ann said that as soon as she tasted how delicious it was she thought of "Christmas by Debbie".  Before I posted it I decided to make it and take it to a party.  She was right!  It got devoured! 

When I emailed her the rave reviews it got along with a picture of it shaped into a Poinsettia, she replied, " I would never think of making flower petals out of a brick of cream cheese!"  Maybe not, but thank you, Ann, for thinking of me!!!

                                                            INGREDIENTS

                     1 - 8 oz. Cream Cheese  (I used 5 - 8 oz. for pictured "poinsettia")
                             2 slices Bacon  (Need 10 slices for pictured "poinsettia")
             1 bottle Original Slatherin' Sauce  (2-3 bottles needed for pictured "poinsettia")
                        
                                                    Optional Embellishments

                                                                 Parsley
                                                            Yellow Pepper

Click below to find where you can buy "Original Slatherin' Sauce.
Original Slatherin' Sauce

NOTE:  The pictured "poinsettia" served about 30 people at the party I mentioned.  There were a wide variety of other appetizers offered as well.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE  POINSETTIA SHAPED APPETIZER:

STEP 1:  Make a paper template shaped to resemble a poinsettia leaf making sure it is small enough to fit on the brick of cream cheese but large enough to cover as much of it as possible.

 

STEP 2:  Place the template on top of the unwrapped brick of cream cheese and using a sharp knife cut the leaf pattern out of the cream cheese.  Do the same for all 5 bricks of cream cheese. 

STEP 3:  Place the 5 bricks of cream cheese on an oven friendly serving plate evenly apart so that it resembles a poinsettia.  Place crumbled cooked bacon on top of cream cheese leaves.

STEP 4:  Pour "Original Slatherin' Sauce" over all 5 cream cheese leaves.

STEP 5:  Heat for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.  Then remove from oven.

STEP 6:  Add diced yellow pepper in the center of the poinsettia where the 5 leaf tips are touching one another.  Place parsley in between cream cheese leaves as pictured.

STEP 7:  Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguettes.

NOTE:  If you are serving far fewer people than 30, you may want to forego the poinsettia shape and serve 1 brick of cream cheese for every 6 people as long as you offer a variety of other appetizers as well!!!

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                                                             ~ Debbie ~

GLASS PAINTING - CREATIVE GIFT GIVING

                                     
Glass painting is a perfect way to personalize a gift.   Besides being a thoughtful gift to give, it is fun and inexpensive to make.  It could be something as simple as the receiver's name,  favorite sport, hobby or interest.    And it's not just a project for adults, older kids will have fun creating these gifts as well for family, friends and teachers.  So fire up that imagination and go wild!  

P.S. If you top it off with a homemade goody wrapped in festive cellophane,  even better! 

                                                         MATERIALS NEEDED

                                                  
                                                                     Plate
                                         Glass Paint (Michael's has a nice selection)
                                                                Paintbrush
                                                                    Paper
                                                                    Pencil
                                                             *Grease Pencil


*NOTE:  I had to buy my grease pencil through Amazon.  I could not find it locally.  I checked Michael's and Staples and neither carry grease pencils anymore.  I've included the Amazon link below if you would like to check it out... 

Dixon Phano China Marker Pencils, Black, 2 Pencils per Pack (30771)

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Unless you prefer to draw your design free hand on the back of plate, you can create a template with pencil and paper.  Cut paper to the size and shape of the plate you will be painting on.  Then draw your design on the paper.  I've included 2 designs (Holly & Santa) to give you a couple of different ideas.

                                                

STEP 2:  Place completed drawing underneath plate so that it clearly shows through when looking at front of plate. 

STEP 3:  Using grease pencil, trace template design onto front of plate. 

                                    I added additional holly leaves to corners of plate.

STEP 4:  When finished tracing, turn plate onto back side and paint design.

PLEASE NOTE:   Glass paint is not meant for surfaces that touch food or drink which is why the design is painted on the under side of the plate.  

STEP 5:  Once paint is dry, wash grease pencil marking off of front of plate.

                                                                  Enjoy
                                                              ~ Debbie ~

Want more creative ideas?  Please click below...

Pineapples & Palm Trees                                                                

CHRISTMAS MARTINIS

So I’m a beer drinker by nature, but when it comes to festive drinks for the holiday season, nothing looks more Christmasy than sugar-rimmed  martini glasses.    While a variety of recipes can be used to create that red and green color, two simple crowd favorites that I love is a tasty twist on the classic French Martini and the ever popular Appletini.  Both of these recipes call for vodka which, as an aside, I learned is not a true martini.  Martini purists believe gin makes a martini whereas vodka makes a cocktail.

But,  if you've ever watched a James Bond movie, Double-0-7 himself, has always preferred his martinis to be made with vodka along with his trademark "shaken not stirred".  That said, it appears that James has joined Team Debbie in his movie Skyfall....he ditches his martinis and switches to beer!

Now that you have an anecdote to go along with these recipes, let me just say that they are an incredibly easy way to look like you spent hours on every detail without breaking the bank.  They only require a few ingredients each so you can have your "martini taste" on a "beer budget"!


                                                             INGREDIENTS

                                                  Red Raspberry French Martini

                                                            1 oz.Chambord
                                                          1 oz. Vanilla Vodka
                                                    2 oz. Cran-Raspberry Juice

                                                        1 oz. Pineapple Juice
                                                       Raspberries/Toothpicks

                                                            Green Appletini

                                                    2 oz. Sour Apple Schnapps
                                                               2 oz. Vodka
                                                           2 oz. Apple Juice
                                                      Sour Apple Candy Cane
                          Optional:  For Christmasy green color add  2 drops Green Food Color

                                                      SUGARED GLASS RIM

                                                    3 tablespoons Corn Syrup
                                                       Green Sugar Sprinkles
                                          Wilton's White Sparkling Sugar Sprinkles

                               INSTRUCTIONS FOR RIMMING GLASS WITH SUGAR

STEP 1: Pour 3 tablespoons corn syrup onto dessert size plate.

STEP 2: Place rim of glass upside down into corn syrup.  (I bought these martini glasses at TJMaxx.)

STEP 3:  Sprinkle white sugar onto a 2nd dessert plate that is separate from the corn syrup dessert plate.  I use Wilton's White Sparkling Sugar Sprinkles because it is larger,  more coarse and looks fancier than regular sugar.  Some grocery stores may carry it.  I bought my bottle at Michael's in the Wilton's aisle. Then sprinkle green sugar sprinkles on top of white sugar sprinkles and mix together. I use the green sugar sprinkles from the grocery store baking aisle that you would use to decorate tops of sugar cookies. 

STEP 4:  Then place syrupy rim of glass upside down into sugar mixture.

                           INSTRUCTIONS FOR RED RASPBERRY FRENCH MARTINI

STEP 1:  Using a martini shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz. Chambord, 1 oz. Vanilla Vodka, 2 oz. Cran-Raspberry Juice & 1 oz. Pineapple Juice.  Shake vigorously.

STEP 2:  Using the strainer at the top of martini shaker, pour into sugar rimmed glass and garnish with raspberry filled toothpick.

If you would like to purchase fancy toothpicks from Amazon,  please click below...

Frilled Toothpicks Party Accessory
  
                                   INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUGARED RASPBERRIES

STEP 1:  Pour 3 tablespoons corn syrup onto dessert plate and place raspberry in syrup and roll and coat thoroughly.

STEP 2:  Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Wilton's White Sparkling Sprinkles onto 2nd dessert plate and place syrup coated raspberry in sugar sprinkles and roll and coat thoroughly.

STEP 3:  Place coated raspberry on fancy toothpick.  (You can buy fancy toothpicks at the grocery or wine store.  I buy mine through Amazon because I can buy more for le$$.  But, only when I can get free shipping.)  I use 2 raspberries per toothpick, leaving a space between them so the space balances comfortably on the rim of the glass.

                                         INSTRUCTIONS FOR GREEN APPLETINI

STEP 1:  Using a martini shaker fill with ice, add 2 oz. Sour Apple Schnapps, 2 oz. Vodka &
2 oz. Apple Juice and shake vigorously. 

STEP 2:  Using the strainer at the top of martini shaker, pour into sugar rimmed glass and
garnish with sour apple candy cane balanced on rim of glass.

OPTIONAL:  For Christmasy green color, add 2 drops Green Food Color otherwise it will be lime green in color.

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Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                               ~ Cheers ~
                                                               ~ Debbie ~
                                                              

SNOW CONE MACHINE - GREAT GIFT IDEA STRAIGHT FROM THE NORTH POLE

One of my favorite memories as a kid was the treat of an ice cold snow cone on a hot summer day.  Mixing several flavors together made it even more of an adventurous treat!  As it melted the sticky syrup would start running down my arm and my mother and I would race as to who would catch it first - my tongue or her dish rag.  But, snow cones are not just for summer anymore.  With the advent of the kitchen snow cone machine it can now make memories year round. 

This was one of the most utilized presents I think I ever bought my daughter.  When her friends would come over, they would spend hours having fun in the kitchen concocting different flavor combinations.  The best part is it's not just for kids anymore in our house.  Now that she is grown and has a home of her own, I inherited it and we use it when entertaining to make Margaritas and Daiquiris.  Same concept, just as much fun! 

I found this Snow Cone machine on Amazon.  If you would like to read more about it, please click below...

Hawaiian Snow Cone Machine - Ice Shaver #S700

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                                 ~ Debbie ~

MERRY CHRISTMAS PASTA SHRIMP SALAD

This salad is a fun contemporary complement to a traditional Christmas dinner.   It can be made ahead of time and is as colorful and festive looking as it is great tasting!   It can also be used the day after as a nice change-up to turkey sandwiches.  Just pull out the turkey platter and the pasta shrimp salad from the fridge and "voila" you have lunch!

This is such a yummy salad that I don't need Christmas as an excuse to make it.  It is especially refreshing in the summertime.   When my husband and I sit on the lawn at concerts I make this and it is a dinner unto itself on a warm summer night.                                                                     
                                                             INGREDIENTS

                                                        1 Pound Box Pasta
                                           1 Pound Small Size Shrimp (Cooked)
                                                  1/2 Green Pepper (Chopped)
                                                   1/2 Red Pepper (Chopped)
                                                  1/2 Cup Carrots (Shredded)
                                                    1/2 Cup Onion (Chopped)
                                                             Salt & Pepper
                                                                  Paprika

                                                             Salad Dressing

                                                       1 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
                                                       4 Tablespoons Sugar
                          1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk (Comes in small can in baking section)
                                              4 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

Makes approximately 12 servings as a side dish, 6 servings as a meal.

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Boil 1 pound of  pasta according to instructions on box.  Then drain and cool.

STEP 2:  Chop 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 cup carrots & 1/2 cup onion.

STEP 3:  Make salad dressing mixture.  Mix1 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 4 tablespoons sugar until well blended.  Pour in 1/2 cup evaporated milk and mix well.  Add 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and stir well.  Mixture will become thicker.

STEP 4:  Add salad dressing mixture to cooled pasta and blend thoroughly.   If you like your macaroni salad to be creamier and well coated by the dressing, you may need to use less noodles than recommended..  If you like it to be less creamy and thinly coated,  you may need to use the recommended amount of noodles but less dressing than recommended.

STEP 5:  Add chopped red and green peppers, onion and shredded carrots to pasta and stir well.

STEP 6:  Add 1 pound cooked shrimp. (I buy the 2 pound frozen bag of cooked, deveined, tail-off, peeled,  100-150 count shrimp from Costo) and stir.

STEP 7:  Add salt and pepper to taste.

OPTIONAL:  Garnish with parsley and paprika.

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Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                               ~ Debbie ~

SWEET GIFTS TO GIVE - CANDY SUNDAES

If you are really crunched for time, a delightful gift idea that is easy to make is a sweet "sundae"  of festive candy.  Using a clear glass, fill it full of your favorite holiday candy, top it off with ribbon and a stick of candy and "Voila" you have an eye-popping gift!

The glasses I used were tall beer glasses.  But, ice cream sundae or ice cream soda glasses would be fun also.  The candy can be bought at any local grocer during the holiday season.  But, I have found WalMart  to be one of the more competitive in price.   

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Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                               ~ Debbie ~