I cook all year around but there is just something about the holidays that make me want to do more, make something more special! Here are a few of my favorites that my family will be enjoying this year.
Green Bean Bundles:
Ingredients
2 cans of green beans
10 strips bacon cut in half
Garlic salt to taste
4 tbsp. butter, melted
3 tbsp. packed, light brown sugar
Toothpicks
Gather 6-10 green beans in a bundle. Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around bundle. Insert a toothpick to secure bacon and green beans. Put bundles on 9X13 baking dish. Sprinkle bundles with garlic salt. Pour melted butter over bundles. Sprinkle brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bacon is done.
Instead of using a tooth pick you can tie a knot in the bacon to secure the green beans. I think it looks better like this.
Mini Macaroni Pies:
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers)
2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (10 ounces)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (8 ounces uncooked), drained and kept hot
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 8 cups of a 12-cup muffin pan.
In a bowl, combine the crackers, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and the melted butter. Divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups and press firmly in the bottom and up the sides of the cups.
In a large bowl, mix the macaroni with ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sour cream, cold butter pieces, and salt. Stir the milk mixture into the macaroni.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the macaroni mixture into each cracker crust and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and slightly crispy. Allow the pies to cool slightly before unmolding and serving warm.
I will doubling this recipe because we will have more than 8 people celebrating Thanksgiving with us. I think the kids will love these! This is a Paula Deen recipe!
Sausage Balls:
Ingredients
1 lb. hot sausage
2 c. grated Cheddar cheese
2 c. Bisquick (biscuit mix)
Combine all ingredients, I like to use my hands. Shape into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
I would love to hear some of your holiday favorites!
Happy Cooking ya'll!
