It's The Most Wonderful Time of Year

Another Turkey Day is in the books. I hope yours was tasty and filled with love and blessings. 

But now, without further adieu...it is time for my most favorite time of year. I absolutely love Christmas. The entire season. Everything about it. Always have. But now with my boys, it is even more magical. Plus, I've passed that love onto both of them, so it's a terrific thing to see my excitement in them too. And you know with a 15 month old in the house, ours will be even more special this year.

I realize for many it is a very stressful time of year, and I respect that. But for me, I try really hard to prepare so I can truly enjoy every minute. All of my presents are bought and wrapped. I'm currently working on Christmas Cards and they will be ready to go before long. I have menus written out so I know exactly what I need to make and when. I know, I know. How they heck do I stay that organized? I don't know. It's just in my blood I guess. My mom has been done shopping since September! 

One way I can pass a little of that organization onto all of you is to have some holiday inspired recipes ready to go for you to turn to when you're ready to start planning your menu. 

Who doesn't love a great "fluff" salad? They are always a huge hit, and there seem to be a million varieties out there. So why should this one make an appearance during your Christmas celebration? Two reasons really. 1. The color & flavor. Red and cherry just say holidays. 2. It has to be made the night before! So it can be chilling in the fridge, waiting on you! Make ahead dishes are always a welcomed friend during busy holiday meals. 

Even if you aren't a total Christmas fanatic like me, I do hope you can find some magic and joy in the hustle and bustle of the season. Don't blink..it will be over before we know it!

Cherry Fluff

2 boxes cream cheese, softened

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained, cut in half, juice reserved

2 heaping cups mini marshmallows

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

In a large bowl beat cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add cherry juice. Beat a few more times to mix. Add pineapple and cherries. Mix well with a spatula. Fold in marshmallows and Cool Whip. Cover. Chill overnight.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Holiday House Guests...Not For Just a Day

Are you hosting a holiday this year? Rather it be Thanksgiving or Christmas, are you going to have house guests for a little while? If so, I'm going to be your new BFF. 

I will be honest, we have never had overnight house guests. Now, before you think I'm super weird, you have to understand a couple things. First off, we have a 3 bedroom house. You can do the math. And even before Max came, his room was an office/junk room. Secondly, we live 20 minutes from both of our parents. So when family comes into town, they always stay with them. See, it isn't as strange as you thought. 

But some of my best memories as a kid were big holiday at m grandparent's house with everyone home. Adults in the beds, kids on the floor. An entire house full...for a few days! Oh, the fun we had! God bless Grammy for feeding all of us for that long!

Anytime I think about holiday house guests the image of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation enters my mind. If you've seen the movie, you know where I'm going with this. Both sets of parents, cousins, aunts, uncles...and then of course Cousin Eddie shows up. The house is over flowing, everyone is stressed out, and then Eddie makes the comment they will be staying right on through to the New Year. 

My point is that if you've got people staying, the big holiday meals isn't the only time you have to feed them. No, you have to plan for 3 meals a day, for as long as they are there! You need some great, easy recipes up your sleeve! 

These would be perfect for a simple breakfast, or dessert. Seriously, you can serve them for either and they will disappear. I made them for a post dinner treat, and then the leftovers were heated up for breakfast the next day. 

If you love the original version, this mini, simple, quick version will knock your socks off! 

Holiday house guests are coming. Quicker than some of you might be ready for. But take a deep breath and relax. That's what the holidays are all about. Being surrounded by the people you love most in the world, making memories to last a lifetime. 

Mini Monkey Bread

2 (7.5 oz) cans refrigerated cans biscuits

1/2 c. butter, melted

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 c. white sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 12 count muffin tin. Separate biscuits. Cut each into 6 pieces. (You need 120 pieces total) In a large plastic bag, combine white sugar and cinnamon. In a medium bowl whisk together brown sugar and butter. Spoon 1 TBS butter mixture into each well of muffin tin. Place biscuit pieces in bag and shake well to coat. (This might take a few batches to avoid sticking) Place 10 biscuit pieces in each well. Press gently to adhere. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and set. Cool for 1 minute. Either turn upside down, or carefully slide out with a spatula. 

Recipe Inspired by Pillsbury