Pineapple Casserole with Triple Cheddar Cheese

If you want a little different side for Turkey Day this year that still seems "Thanksgivinish", this is such a super easy and super good dish!  More like a dessert, Southerners generally serve pineapple casserole as a side dish, much like a sweet potato casserole is served.  It also makes an awesome take-along dish!

I've tried other pineapple casseroles, but they were swimming in butter and the cheese didn't melt.  My recipe calls for half the butter typically used in a pineapple casserole.  I used finely shredded triple Cheddar cheese for a better melt and flavor variation than the plain shredded Cheddar that is generally used in this casserole.

I also experimented with using fresh pineapple; however, the canned pineapple just works better in this recipe.

This pineapple casserole is great warm or cold.  I've had it for breakfast...speaking of which, it would be fabulous for brunch!  And you know me...I also like it with whipped cream!

                                             Would You Like A Little...

                                          Whipped Cream with That?

Finger-Lickin' Good Oven-Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks!

Brought in by the recent rain, the cooler temperatures created a craving for a good oven barbecue.  I just drooled when I saw Bea's beautifully glazed drumsticks on her blog Küchenzaubereien, and I knew this enticing dish would satisfy my barbecue craving!

A real crowd-pleaser, you'll love how easy this delectable oven barbecue is.  These mouth-watering drumsticks make a terrific family dinner, take-along dish or snack...just be prepared that your diners will be grabbing them up before you can serve them!

                                                 Easy, Peasy....

 

                                               And Sticky Good!

Homemade Apple Butter In The Slow Cooker

The brisk, cool Fall days just seem to beckon apple butter for our more hearty breakfasts.  I love my apple butter, and I'm also very particular about it!  So, when I saw this easy slow cooker version from Jackie at the blog Syrup and Biscuits, I thought why not make my own!

Jackie suggested selecting your favorite apples and using more than one variety for the best flavor.  I used all Fuji and was very pleased with the results!  Most anyone who likes apple butter will love this amazing homemade recipe...store bought just does not compare to it!

She advised that the yield was 3 to 4 half pints, but I actually got 5 half pints! I guess there could be a number of variables on the yield...perhaps the variety of apples you use, how thin you peel or how thorough you core your apples, or how long you cook them?

I'll be sure to double the recipe the next time in my larger slow cooker, so I'll have plenty for friends, family and me!

                                                Autumn and Apples...

                                                And Apple Butter!

Carrot "Souffle" Casserole ~ Adapted From The Famed Piccadilly Southern Cafeteria!

This "souffle" has been floating around my recipes-to-be-made file for a while.  Shame on me, because all this time we've been missing out of this fantastic dish!  It's an excellent imitation of a very popular side dish from the famed Piccadilly Southern cafeteria.  I think it's actually a little lighter than the restaurant's version; and, naturally, I've done my "spin" on it.

Delightfully sweet, it's similar to a sweet potato "souffle"...making it a wonderful addition to your holiday meals.  We all love our leftovers on Thanksgiving, and this is a good one for sneaking a little cold from the fridge.  (Don't tell anyone, but I love it, warm or cold, with a nice dollop of whipped cream...you know me and my cream toppings!)

                               Have Your Dessert Before Your Entree?...

                                               Why Not with It!                                    

Asian Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips

Looking for inspiration, I recently stopped by Publix's sample booth, where I was fortunate enough to catch a bite of this crunchy and refreshing side salad.  I was excited to make and share this with you, as it's an absolutely delicious accompaniment for most any meat or seafood entree.  As usual, I changed it up a little, making it even more simple for you to prepare.

You'll also enjoy this incredibly easy and healthy salad as a wonderful take-along dish.  Pack it up for your next tailgate:  simply prep the night before, toss in the lettuce and top with the crispy wonton strips right before you serve...then enjoy the party!

                                                 Crunch Away!

Chunky, Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies Loaded with Trail Mix

Don't you love it when you find a great way to use up a leftover or extra item from your pantry!   I did just that with the leftover trail mix from the brunch I hosted recently.  I thought it would be a good idea to replace the chocolate, cherries and almonds in my Chewy, Crunchy Oatmeal Cookie with the trail mix...was I ever right! 

These trail mix cookies are absolutely delicious...crunchy and loaded with a variety of wonderful ingredients, no two cookies are alike.  On the healthy side, they make a fantastic satisfying breakfast-on-the-run, or just a wonderful snack with your coffee...the kids will love them with milk!

                                                  Attenion All Dunkers...

                                                       Dunk Away!