Reflections on the Season
Flemming Article
As I go about my weekly shopping trips, I have made a few observations about the Christmas season. The first thing I noticed was that some manufacturers of Christmas goods and the retail stores are trying to say Merry Christmas in every way in the world without actually using the word that contains the word Christ. Heaven forbid that we insult anyone. Do people remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place? I am on the warpath and am not purchasing anything that does not contain the word Christmas. In the grand scheme of things, I know that nobody will notice, but I am on a roll.
When I was young there were two Christmas colors – red and green (with a little silver and gold thrown in). The latest color combination is lime green and bright red. I must admit that I like it, even though it isn’t very traditional. I actually purchased wrapping paper in shades of hot pink, purple and turquoise – who would ever have thought of that combination for the holidays. I had my granddaughter in mind when I did that – I know she will love it!
I like to shop early and get all my important purchases completed. I shop locally to make all the purchases I can. The main reason is because I want to support our local businesses. Another reason is that people haven’t gotten grouchy quite yet. The closer you get to Christmas Day, the more irritable people become. I enjoy shopping closer to the 25th when there is no pressure and you can just enjoy the season, along with the hustle and bustle. I am not a last- minute person. The thought of not having my shopping done until a few days before Christmas would make me crazy!
I told my granddaughter I needed a Christmas list from her. I expected a handwritten list, but I got a list on my phone with pictures, sizes and a link to the website! My how Christmas wish lists have changed!!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We will be hosting 30 hungry Flemmings. The next few weeks I plan on using recipes to help us during the holidays as we probably do more cooking than any other time of the year.
Thanks for reading.
CRANBERRY RELISH
16 oz. fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
2 cups sugar
½ cup cranberry juice
½ cup orange juice
1 Tbsp. orange zest
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir well. Cook over medium heat until the berries pop open, about 10 minutes. Skim the foam off the surface with a spoon and discard. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate covered.
CHRISTMAS VEGETABLE DIP
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
4 tsp. Ranch salad dressing mix
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 green onion chopped
Assorted Fresh Vegetable
Beat cream cheese and milk with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add cheese and dressing mix; beating until well blended. Stir in bell pepper and green onions. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serve with an assortment of your favorite fresh vegetables.
CARAMEL PECAN DELIGHT
1 (16 oz.) pkg. pecan shortbread cookies, crushed
½ cup butter, melted
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (12 oz.) jar caramel ice cream topping, divided
1 ½ cups cold milk
1 (5.1 oz.) instant vanilla pudding mix
¾ cup chopped pecans
In a large bowl, combine cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into a 13 x 9- inch baking dish; bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and ½ cup caramel topping until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk milk and dry pudding mix for 2 minutes; fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread over cooled crust. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and chopped pecans. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving. Cut into squares and serve.
