Recipes

[mustang66lady]

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@tiny 2 wrote:

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@mustang66lady wrote:

@tiny 2

I think we all just don't know what to say now, and you probably don't either.  Please remember we are keeping you close to our hearts and in our prayers and you have the biggest hug holding you than you can imagine.   My heart is heavy for you and all that you are carrying.   We are here when you are ready-until then, take the time you need and know you are loved.  

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@mustang66lady @momtochloe @RespectLife @ChiliPepper @VaBelle35 @novamc1, @Honeybit , Thank you all so much. Your words do help. I am in such a terrible state. One truth I have learned is that no matter how much you try to prepare yourself, it is not possible. It is just a silly notion to think that you can. My sadness is so immense that I cannot begin to tell you.

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@tiny 2

Of course you are overwhelmed.  You loved your DH very, very much and it is a terrible loss.  And you are correct, no one can really be prepared to lose anyone they love so deep.  We all knew this would hit hard.  We are here if you want to talk or if you need to escape for a bit.  Whatever you need, let us know.   Meanwhile, we are with you, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart.   

[mustang66lady]

@ChiliPepper 

Have you made that cheeseball recipe you posted?  If it gets firm enough, you could easily shape it in a pumpkin shape-the directions on the cheeseball I posted shows the mixture wrapped in plastic and in a ball then she puts rubber bands around it to form the "dents" like a pumpkin has and chills it until firm.  If your recipe gets firm after chilling, you could use the same technique.  

[mustang66lady]

@ChiliPepper 

You and Chili Jr. may enjoy making this, too.  This woman makes beautiful charcuterie boards (shes even putting together a video on how to build them).   You could put your pumpkin cheeseball on the board instead of the pumpkin dip that she used.   Take a look!

https://hoosierhomemade.com/pumpkin-dip/

[RespectLife]

HEE!  @ChiliPepper 

It does look like a blob!

It needs a stem of something!

[ChiliPepper]

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@mustang66lady wrote:

@ChiliPepper 

Have you made that cheeseball recipe you posted?  If it gets firm enough, you could easily shape it in a pumpkin shape-the directions on the cheeseball I posted shows the mixture wrapped in plastic and in a ball then she puts rubber bands around it to form the "dents" like a pumpkin has and chills it until firm.  If your recipe gets firm after chilling, you could use the same technique.  

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@mustang66lady 

No, I don't think I ever made that recipe (it was too much for us). I made a "sweet" pumpkin pie dip (in a bowl) & then a savory regular cheese ball/pumpkin - not nearly as cool looking as yours though.

I think I'm gonna try yours! Thanks for posting it.

[ChiliPepper]

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@RespectLife wrote:

HEE!  @ChiliPepper 

It does look like a blob!

It needs a stem of something!

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@RespectLife 

For sure LOL!!!

[momtochloe]

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@ChiliPepper wrote:

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@RespectLife wrote:

HEE!  @ChiliPepper 

It does look like a blob!

It needs a stem of something!

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@RespectLife 

For sure LOL!!!

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@ChiliPepper 

@RespectLife 

Hee, ok I missed the "blob" description but yes it does need some kind of greenery up on top . . . 

[Writer with Flair]

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@ChiliPepper wrote:

Ok, so Thanksgiving is next week right?

Anyone GOT any great ideas, recipes, thoughts?

Anyone NEED any great ideas, recipes, thoughts?

We are having a Thanksgiving lunch at work Friday. I signed up for an appetizer - mostly because every other category had been signed up for.

My first thoughts were a veggie tray or spinach artichoke dip but I'm definitely open to suggestions!

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Chili,

     I love Trader Joes crackers, cheeses, nuts, and etc.  They always have interesting things that nobody else has.  In a pinch, you could always do an assortment of interesting tidbits on a large tray.  Unwrap those Bad Boys and slap 'em on that tray and voila'--you have some appetizers.  (See photos of TJ's and other items below.)

     If you could find some of those little champagne grapes, kumquats, or some flavored stiltons (Aldi's has had them recently), that would be nice to add to the tray.  If you are busy, that way you would not have to cook anything.

     Additionally, a Whipped Feta Dip is easy, fast, and good.

Ingredients

• 4 oz. cream cheese (whipped)
• 8 oz. feta cheese (room temperature)
• 1 TBSP. olive oil
• Start with 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice*
• Start with 2 tsp. of spice or spice mixture of your choice (rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme, nutmeg, etc.)*
• Honey for drizzling
• Parsley, toasted nuts, candied nuts, pomegranate seeds, or grated lemon to sprinkle on top
• Pitas triangles (toasted and/or soft) and/or interesting crackers (see some of the ones from TJ's below)
  

Directions

1. Process or blend feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice and put mixture into a mixing bowl.
2. Manually stir in spice or spice mixture.
3. Do a taste test and adjust lemon juice and spice or spice mixture to your own preference.
4. Place mixture into a serving bowl.
5. Drizzle honey on top.
6. Sprinkle parsley, toasted nuts, candied nuts, pomegranate seeds, or grated lemon on top of the dip.
7. Serve with pitas and/or crackers.
8. Have squeeze bottle of honey next to the plate in case people want more honey.

Champagne grapes are quite small.  Each grape is about the size of a pea.

Kumquats look like small, oval-shaped oranges.  The skin is sweet and the flesh is tart.

[Writer with Flair]

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@RespectLife wrote:

New for Thanksgiving is an attempt at my Gram's stuffing.  Couldn't find anything remotely close online....so sis and I were racking our brains cuz we were little!

It is a bread 'loaf' stuffing sorta meatloaf style.

I remember her drying bread.  I THINK she squeezed them then with milk? Then eggs, and lots of parm cheese.  Guessing on the spices...italian herbs maybe?

Stuffed in the cavaty and then when done, you slice it like a meatloaf.  Makes fab sandwiches.

NOT a crouton stuffing at all.  Solid like a meatloaf is the only way I can describe it.

@momtochloe  suggested grating onions which would be good.  I don't remember ANY onion bits cuz as a fussy child, I wouldn't have eaten it!

@VaBelle35 

Does any of this ring your Italian bell?

I asked other 'old Italians' still living and they think I am making the whole thing up!  LOL

Sis confirmed.....so we shall see!

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Moma Mia, Respect!  That stuffing loaf sounds delicious.  

[Writer with Flair]

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@tiny 2 wrote:

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@mustang66lady wrote:

@tiny 2

I think we all just don't know what to say now, and you probably don't either.  Please remember we are keeping you close to our hearts and in our prayers and you have the biggest hug holding you than you can imagine.   My heart is heavy for you and all that you are carrying.   We are here when you are ready-until then, take the time you need and know you are loved.  

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@mustang66lady @momtochloe @RespectLife @ChiliPepper @VaBelle35 @novamc1, @Honeybit , Thank you all so much. Your words do help. I am in such a terrible state. One truth I have learned is that no matter how much you try to prepare yourself, it is not possible. It is just a silly notion to think that you can. My sadness is so immense that I cannot begin to tell you.

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Dear tiny 2,

     Many prayers have gone up for you, dear lady.  My heart breaks for you. 

     There is a support group for widows called Widow's Might:  https://awidowsmight.org/womens-christian-devotional/sheryl-pepple.html   I have known the president for a long time.  She is a wonderful, geuine person who has been through a lot and knows how loss feels first hand.

     I pray that God will continue to send just the right people to minister to you and to sustain you during this difficult time.