Christmas Cheer

I know it has been forever since I posted anything! However, I am back now with a few ideas on decorating for the holidays.

Since moving into our bigger apartment, I realized that I have hardly any Christmas decorations at all. I felt like I was missing some of the "filler" type decorations. You know, the ones that take up space, but aren't your big items like your tree or nativity.

Well, I have been struggling to buy any because one, it's hard to find cute little things that don't feel like junk, and two, I have just been so busy and I would rather spend the money right now on Christmas gifts for others.

Well, I was at Michael's the other night and got in the creative mood to make my own!

Below are two of the items I created for under $10:

The first piece is one of my favorites because I love the smell of cinnamon. I bought these cinnamon sticks at Michael's for $2.49 for a pack of six, and at the time I had no idea what I was going to do with them. I only bought them because I liked how they smelled. So, I brought them home and put them in my grandmother's milk jar that she gave me before she passed away. Don't underestimate what you have lying around at home. Get creative and find ways to re-use things.

After that, I decided it needed a few extra touches, so I found a cute green ribbon I had lying around (you can buy ribbon at Michael's for a $1), and added the red berries I also bought from Michael's for $2.49 to add a touch of red to the piece.
In total, this piece cost me: $4.98

The second item I made was an accent piece for my dining room sidetable. I had this glass vase already, but I think you can get them for around $5 from Michael's. I love having unique glass vases on hand because I always seem to find uses for them some way or another.
I used the same berries from the above mentioned box that I bought for $2.49, and I decided that I wanted some other fillers to fill my vase, but you can use whatever you want (all berries, pinecones, christmas ornament balls, etc.). I bought one stick of pinecones (with three attached) for $.29 - usually you can find these in the aisle with the "make your own wreaths." I just snipped each pine cone off the stick and stuck it in my vase. I also did this same thing for the greenery. I just found a stick of evergreen for $2.09 and cut pieces of it off. Then, I combined them all together and filled it up. It was so easy! Literally, it took only 5 minutes to do!
In total, this piece cost me: $2.38
(I already accounted for the berries in the above estimate).


Well, I hope you can have fun and get creative this season while decorating! I sure enjoyed finding cheap ways to fill my new place up with Christmas cheer.

Parmesan Knots

Yields: 10 - 20 (depending on if you cut them in half or leave whole)

Ingredients:
1 tube (12 oz.) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/4 cup canola oil
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

Preparation:
You can either leave each biscuit whole or cut into halves. Then roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot. Tuck the ends under. Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; add the warm knots and gently toss to coat.

You can also use the toppings for breadsticks or any other type of bread you prepare. It is a great Italin flavor that compliments any meal.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:
8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
8 thinly sliced deli ham
8 slices Swiss cheese
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups crushed corn flakes or any other breaded substitute (I prefer Ritz Crackers)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preparation:
Top each piece of chicken with a slice of ham and cheese. Roll up and tuck in ends; secure with toothpicks.
In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine cornflakes and seasonings. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then roll in crumbs.
Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes (or until the chicken juices run clear). Discard your toothpicks before serving or you will have a nice surprise when taking your first bite!

I loved this recipe. A great idea that I have not tried yet, but you could cut the proportions down and make miniature Cordon Bleu that would serve as a wonderful hot Hor D'oeuvre.

Peaches 'n' Cream Cups

Yields 2 Servings

Ingredients:
1 gingersnap cookie, crumbled
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 carton (6 oz) peach yogurt
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup sliced peaches, drained and chopped

In a small bowl, combine the gingersnap cookie crumbs and ginger; set aside. In a small mixing bowl, beat the yogurt, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the peaches.
Spoon the mixture into two 6 oz. custard cups; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. After 1 hour take out and sprinkle with the gingersnap cookie crumbs.

Beef Taco Skillet

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Tomato Soup

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup water

6 flour tortillas (6") cut into 1" pieces

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

*Next time I am going to add a taco seasoning pack to the ingredients because I think it needed a little bit more spicy flavor.

Preparation:

1. Cook beef in 10" skillet until well browned, stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat.

2. Stir in soup, salsa, water and tortillas. Heat to a boil.

3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes. Stir.

4. Top with cheese.
Serves 4

This is a very easy meal that comes from my Campbell's Soup recipe book. It tastes just like an enchilada or soft taco but is served in a casserole like fashion.

Stuffed Shells

I know it has been such a long time since I have posted anything. May just went by so fast. I have been out of town so much that I have not had any time to cook or do any creative projects. To get back into the swing of things, I thought I would post any easy recipe.

Ingredients:

Jumbo Shells

Spaghetti Sauce

Frozen Meatballs

Mozzarella Cheese

Preparation:

Cook shells as directed on box. In the meantime, spread 1/4 to 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce to the bottom of your casserole dish (depending on the size of dish you use - a 9x13 needs a 1/2 cup). When shells are finished cooking, drain and rinse under cold water. Take the frozen meatballs and place one in each shell. Place in dish, and then top with spaghetti sauce and cheese. Cover and cook for 35 minutes. Uncover and then cook for an additional 5-10 minutes in order to melt the cheese. Then you are ready to eat!

Parmesan and walnut salad baskets

Serves: how every many you would like
Ingredients:
Bowls:
3 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. finely chopped walnuts

Salad:
Mixed salad greens
Green grapes, halved
Chopped walnuts
Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 3 Tbsp cheese and 1 tsp walnuts over the bottom of skillet (in a circular pattern). Cook for 1-2 minutes or until edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 seconds.

Using a spatula, carefully remove cheese mixture and immediately drape over an inverted glass cup with a 2 inch diameter bottom; cool completely. Repeat as necessary.

For salad, in a large bowl, combine the salad, grapes, and walnuts. Add dressing and toss to coat. Place salad mixture into bowls and serve immediately.