Pumpkin Pie Crunch November 29, 2007

This is so scumptious!  I really don’t care for pumpkin pie, to the horror of my mother(!), but I could eat this entire dish if I could keep it a secret from my kids and husband. 

It is also very simple to make.

Ingredients:

16 oz pureed pumpkin

4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 tsp salt

3 eggs

2/3 cup (or 1 12 oz can) evaporated milk

1 cup walnuts, pecans, or other chopped nuts (optional)

1 pkg cake mix (I have used yellow and spice mixes)

1 cup butter, melted

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Combine the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, salt eggs and milk.  Stir very well.  Pour into a lightly sprayed 9×13 inch pan. 

Sprinkle the top of the pumpkin mixture evenly with the dry cake mix and nuts.  Drizzle with the melted butter. 

Place in preheated 350 degree oven  for 50-55 minute or until golden. Cool completely and serve with whipped topping! 

(I doubt you’ll have leftovers, but in case you do, be sure to put them in the fridge.)

The best way to make a tasty juicy turkey November 29, 2007

I know it is just past Thanksgiving, but we had such a successful tasty juicy turkey this year, we are doing it all over again for Christmas dinner.  I recieved such compliments as, “This is the best turkey I have ever had!” and ”I have never eaten white meat this moist!”  There were also lots of satisfied “yums” and other noises from the less articulate younger bunch.

My secret . . . bake the turkey upside down in the turkey baking bags!  It may not the most healthy way to bake the turkey, but the turkey sure comes out moist and oh so yummy!  I also threw in chopped potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions into the bag which cut down baking time for me in the kitchen.

This turkey baking tip works fabulously with the least expensive turkeys.  I bought mine at 39 cents per pound (as long as I bought $20 total from the store).  Wash the turkey in the sink and rinse very well.  Stuff it with dressing.  Turn it so the turkey breasts are on the bottom and place the turkey into the flour coated bag.  Baste with olive or canola oil and toss in your veggies.  Tie the bag shut and poke 6 little holes in the top of the bag.  Bake for the suggested time.  Finally, be prepared for the flood of compliments to follow!