Screw Black Friday, Let’s Go Back To the Kitchen

If you are dragging yourself out of bed early this morning, I hope it’s to make a pot of coffee, turn on your oven, and park yourself at the kitchen table. The last Black Friday I ventured to a store was the year a lady stole my cart full of ghetto blasters from the electronics aisle. So let’s just order the stuff we need online and get back in the kitchen where all the fun happens.

If you have overnight guests, these first two recipes will make your house smell like your favorite aunt’s B&B. Don’t make them unless you want your guests to return. And return. And maybe never leave.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Coffee Cake

Ham and Cheese Stuff’n Puff

If you have leftover turkey, use it in place of the chicken to make Lime Street Chicken Tacos.

Or use the turkey to make Crunchy Deli Wraps. It’s a convenient way to use up the random vegetables in the refrigerator drawer that you will otherwise throw out at Christmas time.

You don’t even need a bowl to make Cherry Crunchobblerumble. Just leave a stack of spoons next to it when you take it out of the oven.

If you want something salty, sweet, and addictive to munch on all day, Tiger Butter Made with Boston Baked Beans Candy is what you need.

When you’re ready to drink beer and watch T.V., grab an overflowing bowl of Chex Mix.

Going somewhere for another Thanksgiving celebration? Bring your host a batch of Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Brownies.

Back home with another beer in hand? You should be eating Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip without blue cheese.

Plan ahead for Taco Cheesecake. It’s worth it. You will crave this savory appetizer.

If you haven’t had your Thanksgiving meal yet, or maybe you are hosting Christmas, my Sausage Stuffing (dressing) is the dish I’m not allowed to burn.

And, if you are brave enough to pull into a store parking lot this weekend, push your way to the Christmas candy aisle and pick up a couple of bags of mint M&M’s to make Mint Pretzel Kisses.

Here’s the best for last, a classic Midwest potluck pan of Marshmallow Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars.

May your holiday weekend be filled with loving family and friends, lots of laughter, and plenty of good food.

Sweet wishes,