Layered Pumpkin Pie Toffee Cheesecake

I know the holidays aren't usually a time for trying new recipes, but I have to admit it was one of the best decisions I have made.  I love cheesecake and I eat pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and Christmas just because its always available.  Put them together though and magical things happen, and the toffee just makes it extra yummy.  I got the recipe from one of my favorite food blogs found here but these are my photos.

If you are looking for a great recipe for Christmas try this or anytime before then too!!  As you can see its about 50/50 pumpkin pie and cheesecake, and don't forget the whipped cream and toffee bits for the top. 

Our Thanksgiving was so wonderful this year.  Our week was filled with fun, family, football and of course a lot of yummy FOOD!  We made it really easy by baking all day on Wednesday so we could enjoy a nice easy day on Thursday.  We made three pies, rolls and candy turkeys for our table decor the day before.

My life was also easier because my husband volunteered to deep fry our turkey again this year.  I love it because it is one less thing I have to cook, but it also leaves my oven free to cook and heat up the side dishes. 

I know the skin looks dark, but I promise the turkey isn't burnt.  The skin protects the meat on the turkey so well and keeps it nice and moist inside. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Feel free to share anything exciting from your holiday!!

Snickers Salad

This is one of my favorite recipes that I got from one of my cooking classes in college.  I haven't ever had anything like it.  It's not a jello salad and its not a typical fruit salad. Its just different and I love it!!

It's great in the fall when apples are in season and great for the Christmas because you use red and green apples. 

2 granny smith apples

2 red apples (I used Fuji because I already had them)

1/2 cup whipping cream (whipped stiff with powdered sugar)

4 tsp powdered sugar

1 6oz container strawberry yogurt

2 king size snickers bars

First, whip cream with powdered sugar until it has stiff peaks.  Then gently fold in yogurt.  You want this ready so you can add your apples when they are cut up.  You don't want your apples getting brown while you are whipping your cream. 

Cut your apples and snickers into bite size pieces.  Then gently fold them into the whipped cream and yogurt mixture.  Serve immediately.  You can chill it before serving but not for more than a couple of hours.  You want your whipped cream to stay fluffy. 

Enjoy!!  If you make this let me know what you think!!

Wassail

I had never tasted wassail until I married my husband.  Until a couple of years ago it was just something you sing about in Christmas carols.  He on the other hand grew up drinking it every holiday season.  And for our family now it is always the first thing we do to kick off the holidays, make wassail and listen to holiday music.  My husband loves to make this so he gets all the credit for this recipe, and thanks for the pictures!!

Beware this makes A LOT so pull out your biggest stock pot for this.

1 gallon apple cider

1 lg can pineapple juice

2 -12 oz cans frozen orange juice

2 -12 oz cans frozen lemonade

2 quarts water

2 cups sugar (add more for sweetness)

3 cinnamon sticks

1 Tbs whole cloves

Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the flavors come together.  Do not leave on high heat and walk away because it will boil over easily and then you have a huge sticky mess all over your stove. 

The water, sugar, cinnamon sticks and cloves can all be adapted to your liking.  The recipe I shared is the measurements that we used in this batch.  If you like it sweeter add more sugar.  If you get it too sweet add more water.  If you like it spicier add more cinnamon sticks and cloves. 

*Put the cloves in something like cheese cloth that you can fish out later.  You can poke them into an orange rind also and pull out later. 

This is great for large gatherings, or to sip on all through the holiday season or you can freeze it in jugs and reheat it as needed. 

Cordon Bleu Burgers

I get excited for the big Thanksgiving meal the whole month of November, especially the turkey.  Then I thought of these burgers that I make year round.  Yes, they are that good!!  Most recipes call for ground chicken, but I can more easily find ground turkey in the store. 

I love these because they satisfy my need for a burger, but I don't feel horrible and have a stomach ache after I eat these like a greasy beef burger. 

1 lb. ground turkey (or chicken)

4 whole wheat buns

4 slices of ham

4 slices swiss cheese

lettuce

tomato slices

1/2 cup mayonaise

1 Tbs dijon mustard

Salt

Pepper

Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and form into patties.  Salt and pepper the patties and then cook in a large skillet.  After I turn them over I put the swiss cheese on to melt.  They will feel firm to the touch when they are cooked through. 

Mix the mayo and mustard and slather on both sides of the bun.  Then build your burgers.  I start with the bottom bun, ham , then burgers with melted cheese, lettuce and tomato and top bun.