Beech Tree News Network

Irina Shayk said, “Nothing is better than going home to family and eating good food and relaxing.” Isn’t that one part of our vision for the holidays? Foods for holiday gatherings are on my mind. Some of the recipes I found as I thought about family and friends are below.

Frito Corn Salad

Ingredients:

1 green pepper, diced

½ c. red/purple onion, finely diced

1 c. mayonnaise

2 (15 oz.) cans whole kernel corn, well drained or substitute 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen corn kernels, thawed

Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

1 T. dry taco seasoning (optional)

2 c. grated cheddar cheese (optional)

1 (10.25 oz.) bag original Fritos (may use Chili Cheese or BBQ Fritos) or Fritos scoops

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine diced bell pepper, onions, and mayonnaise. Stir well. Add corn and stir until combined well. Season with taco seasoning, salt and pepper (optional). If desired, just before serving, stir in cheddar cheese and crushed Fritos. Fritos may also be served on the side.

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Shannon’s Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

½ lb. shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature

2 T. softened butter

2 dashes onion powder

2 dashes garlic powder

½ c. chopped nuts

Directions:

Blend all ingredients (except nuts) together well and shape into a ball. Roll the ball in nuts and serve.

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Marshmallow Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 c. powdered sugar

7 oz. marshmallow crème

8 oz. whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Directions:

Mix together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add in marshmallow crème, beating until smooth. Add in whipped topping, beating until smooth. Serve with fresh fruits.

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Caramel Turtle Brownies

Brownie Ingredients:

1 fudge or chewy brownie mix

Vegetable oil

Eggs

Water

Topping Ingredients:

20 vanilla caramels, unwrapped

3 T. milk

¾ c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of 9x13 pan. In a large bowl, combine all brownie ingredients, following the directions on the box. Spread batter in greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees according to directions on the box (about 24-26 minutes). Do not overbake. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt caramels with milk, stirring until smooth. Keep warm. Sprinkle warm brownies with chocolate chips and nuts. Drizzle with hot caramel mixture. Cool one hour or until completely cooled. Cut into bars.

Note: If desired, the melted caramel may be doubled, by melting 40 caramels with 6 T. of milk.

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Ritz Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

Ritz crackers

Peanut butter

White almond bark

Directions:

Spread peanut butter on cracker and top with another cracker. Make about two rolls of peanut butter and crackers. Melt almond bark in microwave according to package instructions. Using tongs, dip cracker sandwiches into melted almond bark. Place cookies on wax paper to dry.

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For me, holiday gatherings mean family and friends. As someone said, “Good people, good foods, good times.” Let’s enjoy the coming days.