T'was the Night Before Christmas- Almost...

Jules Here-

Three days until Christmas, and I am all wrapped, prepped, and ready to go-- wait, strike that-- I haven't even finished all my shopping... BUT, I am not stressed or worried about this holiday yet! I am still enjoying the endless Christmas music, the dazzling lights, and the delicious cookies.  I am eagerly anticipating the Christmas morning excitement with children and the beautiful Mass.  But first, I must get through Christmas eve.  Somehow my plans for a quiet Christmas eve with my neighbors has escalated to 12 adults and 5 children at my house for appetizers and desserts! (Shout out to my friend Chrissy who lovingly invited herself to my house with her fantastic parents-- I love friends who balk the societal expectation of waiting for an invitation....)  The more the merrier and I cannot wait to celebrate amongst friends!

As I plan this tapas-style menu for Tuesday night, I am realizing that pretty much all of the food has an element of cheese in it (which  makes it a challenge for my lactose-sensitive son). But who cares- it's CHRISTMAS!  So here are a few of the recipes for my "party" on the night before Christmas:

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is a party-favorite of a few of my friends, so it is a requirement at most gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup ranch dressing
• 2 boxes (16 oz) cream cheese
• 6-8 oz Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (I use a little less as not to burn people's mouths)
• 1 to 1 1/2 # of chicken breasts
• 2 Cups grated cheddar
• 1 Cup chopped celery
• Tortilla Chips

Directions

1. Boil chicken and break apart.

2. Saute celery in saute pan (I have actually chopped and steamed this in the microwave before with a little water)

3. Add all ingredients and mix well.

4. Add to 9 x 13" pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Pizza Balls

Perfect appetizers for kids to eat: filling & not as messy as regular pizza

Ingredients

• 3 cans Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits  OR crescent rolls
• Chopped pepperoni (I use the turkey pepperoni)
• Shredded or shredded mozzarella
• 1 beaten egg
• Parmesan
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• 1 jar pizza sauce

Instructions

1. Flatten a biscuit/crescent roll out and stack pepperoni and cheese on top.
2. Gather up the edges of the biscuit or crescent roll
3. Line the rolls up (seam side down) in a greased 9×13 in. pan.
4. Brush with beaten egg.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
6. Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes.
7. Serve the rolls with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

One of the dessert items I am making, is Lemon Pie Bars from allrecipes.com. I've made these several times and they are delicious and easy!!

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 1 cup butter, softened 4 eggs

1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.	Mix 2 cups of flour and confectioner's sugar together. Cut in the butter or margarine. Mix well until the dough resembles pie dough consistency. Press the dough into a 9x13 inch baking pan.
3.	Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
4.	Beat together eggs, sugar, 4 tablespoons flour, lemon juice and lemon rind for at least 1 minute. Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
5.	Bake the bars another 20 minutes, or until the lemon topping has set. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar when cooled.

Hopefully I can get all my cooking, cleaning, shopping, and wrapping done before Christmas so I can ENJOY these yummy dishes.  At least my MOM is cooking Christmas dinner for us!!


Easy Rule #27098- Sometimes you just have to realize you'll be tired for awhile. Embrace the fatigue and try not to stress out!

Easy Rule #52222- The internet really is a treasure-trove of recipes with reviews & ratings that makes it so easy to plan a meal or special occasion.