Turkey day recipes

Here we are...only a few more hours left of work then its time to celebrate!

Here are some recipes I wanted to share because they taste great (or look absolutely fabulous - if I haven't made them yet!)

Candied Walnuts - this is simple!  You can toast the nuts in the oven for a few minutes if you would like.  Once thats done, basically you just melt some sugar over low heat in a saucepan on the stove and then stir in the nuts once the sugar turns a darker shade...starts to carmelize...yummy!

Apple & Walnut Stuffing - courtesy of Southern Food.com
       Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped, about 1/2 cup
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 8 slices wheat bread, torn into small pieces
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or another nut)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves, crumbled
• salt & pepper 
• Spicy Sausage (maybe 1/2 lb)
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Measurements don't really matter when it comes to this type of thing.  Sauté chopped onion and celery in the butter.  Cook the sausage.  In a large bowl combine the onion mixture with the bread, apple and pecans. Beat together the chicken stock, egg, sage, salt and pepper; add to the bread mixture, mixing in gently. Place the mixture in a greased 2-quart casserole; cover with lid or foil and bake at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover the last 5 minutes of baking time.

 

The Carrots are one of my favorite side dishes to serve the hubs.  Basically you just boil until tender then saute with butter, honey, salt, and crushed red pepper to taste.  Yummy!

 

The applesauce is also very simple.  I made it Tuesday night.  The only tip I have is to not over-estimate the number of apples you have.  I did four and it seemed like a lot at the time, but they cook down and really I think it may just be enough for 9 people to have a "taste"!  Thats ok though.  I think we'll survive on the rest of dinner :)  So you peel, core, and chop the apples.  Place them in a casserole baking dish and add brown sugar, a little splash of lemon juice and salt, and a little apple cider if you have or else water would to just fine.  No need to measure, just taste!

 

So Pumpkin Sweet Potato casserole...this is the same as any other sweet potato casserole you would make, except for you use half SP's and half Pumpkin.  I am going to use both pureed from the can which will be very easy.  I'm thinking either some marshmallows, coconut (mom's idea), or some type of crumble to top it...why not all three!  We shall see...

 

Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Cheesecake...can't wait to see how this turns out!

 

Thats all I've got for now.  Stay turned to see how it all turns out!  And don't forget to give your thanks to Jesus and those who truly mean the most to you!  What a great feeling the holidays bring :)