11/22/11

Nearly all merchants start displaying Christmas items and creating a campaign to get your money even before Halloween.  It seems that Thanksgiving in pushed into the background and not even mentioned.  I hope this has not become a pattern in your heart.  No matter how many things did not turn out as you had planned or asked for, you can always find many things which for which you can be very thankful.  Consider your cup half full rather than half empty! A good attitude is essential for a happy, contented way of life and a happy home.  Remember on Thursday to give special thanks for your many blessings, then keep the practice of being thankful each day to make it a primary part of your life.

For once, I had an idea prior to deadline time, but now I do not think I should mix it with serious  thoughts of being grateful for the good things that have come our way. If I write it down, I will use it in the future. Otherwise it will be out of reach by the time I want to use it.  Old age does have its drawbacks, but my cup is half full because there are many blessings to retirement.

I am certain that you have your Thanksgiving meal all planned, but I found a couple of ideas that you might use in case you want to be original with a new way to dress up your vegetable or in case you are just serving snacks later in the day.
              
BACON WRAPPED GREEN BEANS
¾ pound fresh green beans
4 strips of bacon
3 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon soy sauce

Place beans in a saucepan and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes or until crisp
tender. Meanwhile cook bacon over medium heat
 until cooked but not crisp. (about 3 minutes.) Remove
to paper towels. Drain beans. Place about 12 beans on
 each bacon  strip. Wrap bacon around beans and secure
with a toothpick. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Combine the butter, brown sugar, garlic salt and soy sauce.
Brush over the bundles. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 15
 minutes until the bacon is crisp.  This makes only four
 servings, so adjust to your amount of guests or family.
                                  
CARAMEL APPLE DIP
1 package,( 14 oz.) caramels
20 large marshmallows (2 cups miniature)
½ cup butter, melted
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Apple slices
Place caramels in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave,
 uncovered, on high for 1 minute. Add marshmallows;
microwave for 1 minute or until marshmallows are
melted, stirring occasionally. Whisk in melted butter
and cream until combined. Serve with apple slices. This
recipe was tested on a 1100 watt recipe.

Wishing you all a very happy and grateful holiday with plenty of good food, fellowship and all family members present.