Merry Christmas! Usually, the days go by so quickly we can hardly find time to do what all that we intended. I’m so looking forward to having all the family together that it seems like time has stopped still. They won’t be here until Christmas Day and we hope the weather will cooperate. They said don’t worry about what to eat as we know there is plenty in the freezer and pantry to prepare. Of course, I went to the store to get the perishables such as extra milk, bread, butter, some fruit, and a few Christmas goodies. With the predicted snow and wind following during the week, we may need some extra food around. I think (as of Friday morning) they plan to leave for their next Christmas gatherings on the 27th. It won’t be the first time plans have been changed for Christmas. Remember a few years ago when the snow and wind came on Christmas Eve and the electricity was off. We played a few games by lamplight and went to bed early to keep warm. Growing up we didn’t have a lot of heat upstairs where we slept and it was nice when we had company as then we could leave the stairway door open so we could play up there. There are many stories to tell of how we survived blizzards and what the outcomes were. With 10 extra people in the house, I’m certain we will find plenty to eat and things to do. As I looked in one of the closets yesterday I found several games the kids had when they were younger which might be kind of fun to resurrect. Whatever comes we will make do and will enjoy being together.
In just a few days the New Year begins and although we can’t predict the future for certain, I will look forward to the arrival of three new great grandbabies, Devin’s college graduation, Hanna’s high school graduation, and I’m sure many more events will fill the days.
I trust you will have a have a very Merry Christmas to remember the reason for the season. The babe that was born in a stable became the Saviour of us all. As we repeat the story from year to year it never gets old and renews our minds for the true meaning. God bless us all and share His Love with one another.
Cheesy Potato Soup
1 pound frozen Tater Tots
3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 pounds)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Preheat oven to 425º. Spread the Tater Tots on a baking sheet and bake, tossing halfway through, until crisp, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with l cup cheese and continue baking until melted, about 5 minutes.
Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with 1/4 salt and a few grinds of pepper, cook stirring occasionally, until softened, Add the garlic and cook until just softened, about 1 minute. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Puree the soup with up to 1/4 cup water. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream and the remaining 2 cups cheese until melted. Ladle into bowls, Top with the Tator Tots, bacon, chives, and remaining sour cream.
Taco Bake
1 package (14 ounces) Kraft® Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1 pound ground beef
1 package Taco Seasoning mix
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
l cup Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa
Preheat oven to 400º. Prepare Dinner as directed on package. While Macaroni is cooking, brown meat; drain. Add taco seasoning mix and water to meat. simmer 5 minutes.
Stir sour cream in prepared Dinner. Spoon half of the Mixture into 8-inch square pan; top with layers of the meat mixture, 1 cup of the cheese and remaining Dinner mixture. Cover. Bake 15 minutes. Top with salsa and remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Makes 6 servings, l cup each.
Pull Apart Buttery Buns
1 package frozen bread dough, thawed
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Cut bread dough in walnut size balls. Combine remaining ingredients and drop dough balls into mixture. Put in a greased 8-inch cake pan. Let rise and bake at 350º for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
