Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Mustard Vinaigrette

When planning my menu for Christmas dinner, nothing I thought about or ran across for a green side dish sounded good to me. Most seemed rather mundane, certainly not something I wanted to serve to my guests. I was discussing my problem at a Christmas luncheon that was hosted by the owners of The Auburn Villager, the newspaper where I write a weekly column. 

Southern Pecan Tassies

Tassies of all types are synonymous with holidays in the south. I typically have from one to four different types for all my parties, teas, etc. What I like about tassies is that they can be prepared and frozen for up to two months ahead of time.  I know that these are not stellar for nutrition, but are super starts for a terrific sweet finger food.

Crust:

1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup Jackie's Quick Bread Flour Blend(Click for link to recipe)

1. Place 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese in a small mixing bowl and beat until thoroughly using an electric mixer. Stir in flour mixture. Cover and chill approximately 1 hour or until dough is each to handle.

2. Roll dough into approximately 1-inch balls; place one in each well of two 12-cup mini-muffin tins.

Filling:

2/3 can corn syrup

2 Tablespoons butter (no substitutes), melted

1 pinch salt

2 medium eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In large mixing bowl, mix corn syrup, butter, salt, eggs, sugar, vanilla and pecans. Spoon into dough lined muffin tins. Place in preheated oven; bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and completely set in the center.

3. Allow to cool slightly before running a thin spatula around the rim of each tassie. Remove from muffin tin cups and place on cooling rack until completely cool. Place in airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve, up to three days.

Servings: 48

Oven Temperature: 300°F

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Inactive Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Dietary Analysis:

·                     Items highlighted in yellow should be taken into careful consideration when looking at total food intake for the day.

·                     Items highlighted in green are indicate a low value when considering total food intake for the day.

Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

Amount Per Serving

Calories 78.78

Calories From Fat (65%) 51.23

% Daily Value

Total Fat 5.89g 9%

Saturated Fat 2.65g 13%

Cholesterol 18.49mg 6%

Sodium 27.97mg 1%

Potassium 19.85mg <1 o:p="o:p">

Total Carbohydrates 6.37g 2%

Fiber 0.25g 1%

Sugar 3.63g

Protein 0.77g 2%

Fiber 0.25g 1%

Copper 0.03mg 2%

Energy 329.62

Glucose 0.01g

Iron 0.11mg <1 o:p="o:p">

Lactose 0.16g

Lysine 0.05g

Magnesium 3.52mg <1 o:p="o:p">

Manganese 0.1mg 5%

Net Carbohydrates 6.12g

Phosphorus 15.76mg 2%

Riboflavin 0.02mg 1%

Selenium 0.84mcg 1%

Thiamin 0.02mg 1%

Vitamin A 149.96IU 3%

Vitamin B12 0.03mcg <1 o:p="o:p">

Vitamin B6 0.01mg <1 o:p="o:p">

Vitamin C 0.02mg <1 o:p="o:p">

Vitamin D 4.49IU 1%

Vitamin E 0.13mg 1%

Vitamin K 0.43mcg <1 o:p="o:p">

Zinc 0.17mg 1%

Author: Dr. Jacquelyn P. Horne

Copyright: 2011

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Intimate Christmas Get Together

Sometimes small groups assembling for a few goodies and libations over light, lively banter is just plain fun. In addition to our annual Christmas Gathering, we invited just a handful or friends over for an evening of light conversation over a few nibbles. This is my menu!

Christmas Settings for 12 in 2012

What a fab Christmas dinner for 2012! All terrific meals begin with great table scapes. With two dining tables located only a few feet apart separated by an opening created by an eight-foot wide, 10-feet tall pocket doors, designing two complimentary table settings is easy and allows for ease of conversation.

Panna Cotta with Candied Orange Slides

I had Panna Cotta for the first time about a week ago. WOW!! Love at first bite. I added Candied Orange Slices (recipe follows). With just the tiniest bit of research I had several recipes to choose among. The one I chose is so easy and simple, we just may have this light, easy and delicious dessert more often than just during the holiday season.

4 Simple Last Minute Christmas Decorations

I have four simple, inexpensive ideas for last minute Christmas decorating with very little time or energy expended. Your home will look fabulous with complements guaranteed.

1. Use natural greenery and items you may have growing outside. Above is an arrangement of holly, nandina berries and magnolia. I often add long sprigs of rosemary (I have rosemary bush that is larger than six feet in diameter) to add fragrance to the room.

The picture to right is another example of a gorgeous idea that just screams Christmas. Here, I put a group of pine cones in cut glass bowl. This arrangement took less than three minutes.

 2. Pictured left is a Poinsettia in an aluminum champagne cooler. Time investment was less than two minutes.

 3. This beautiful, but simple and elegant decoration adds pop to a stairway landing. I took a Christmas cone and added a string of lights inside, finishing it off with a large silk candle ring. 

Here is how I did this: Tie a piece of thread doubled to the end of the string of lights. Thread an upholstery needle to get the threads through the walls of the cone. Tie a knot in the two loose ends on the outside of the cone on the back side. Clip the ends of the thread. Thin monofilament fishing line would work equally well.





5. By simply placing a taper candle in a very simple candle still, topped off with hurricane globe and artificial candle ring turns plant stand into a show piece. I placed this one in a dark corner of my living room to add a little glow for my evening guests.

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MY Tips for Keeping Fruits and Vegetables Fresh

I never buy groceries that someone doesn’t stop me to ask a question, usually about the produce they are purchasing. If I have so many constituents locally with questions, I thought some of you might also.

I have read many sources with various philosophies for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh. Many gave conflicting advice. Some talked about the microclimates within your refrigerator; others went into lengthy discussions of ethylene, a natural gas produced by all fruits and vegetables. I agreed with some of the advice and suggestions; others I did not.

Citrus Ambrosia with Rosemary Syrup

Citrus Ambrosia with Rosemary Syrup (recipe follows) is oh so refreshing, providing a nice counterpoint to the heavier dishes we all love around the Christmas season. Feel free to add any fruit that suits your fancy. You cannot get this one wrong.

Chelsea's Autumn Apple Cider and Champagne Sangria

I cannot take the credit for developing this yummy cocktail, Chelsea's Autumn Apple Cider and Champagne Sangria (recipe follows). My good friend, aka our “adopted” daughter, was kind enough to share it with me. Although a cold cocktail, the flavors are very warming and so fitting for holiday happening during this time of the year. This just may be quickly becoming my favorite cocktail. If a guest prefers a nonalcoholic version, simply use sparkling grape juice instead of champagne.

Sharing Christmas Joy

Following is an except from my weekly newspaper column. My encounter with a young couple struggling to make ends meet reminded me just how much we have to be thankful! 

When I returned from my little shopping excursion and looked my beautiful, well appointed home, tears flowed. We could be that couple. Yes, we have our own set of issues, but compared to so many, we have so much. 

And, you know what? Coming home to a loving husband and adoring puppies is just the most terrific feeling in the world! 

Creole Veggie Dip

Entertaining is just about the most fun thing I can think of during the holiday season, but hosting groups of people in your homes can be stressful and time consuming. I have a couple of fab dips that take a lot of the stress out of preparing for a party, especially if you purchase in this case veggies already cut into bite sized pieces. This jewel can be on the table from start to finish in 15 minutes or less. 

Homemade Walnut and Fruit Granola

Look at gorgeous colors in this fruit, basis of this delight!

 Homemade Walnut and Fruit Granola (recipe follows) is a homemade delight that keeps well at room temperature. And, for all of those who are gluten, this one makes a great traveling companion. Plus, it is good for you.

Holiday Party Mix

Thus is an adaptation of old favorite, Holiday Party Mix (recipe follows), which is really just a dressed up version of the traditional party mix I served at parties years back. I had to remove a couple of ingredients from the original because of the gluten. But, you know what? My version is even tastier than the original, and I know that you will just fall in love with this holiday treat that will keep for up to a week at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. 

Christmas Party Tidbits

Many of you may be wondering where I have been the last few days. To make a long story short, I have been in the throws of cleaning, decorating and cooking for our annual Christmas party. Each year we host a party for former colleagues, customers and friends alike. I think it probably goes without saying, but I have been just a little bit busy. 

Today, my house looks a little like a bomb exploded in my butler's pantry and in my kitchen with still tons of things to be put into their proper places. But, the good news is that everything is clean and ready for storage. Without explanation, I am sharing with you a few snapshots of our serving table and some of the nibbles. The menu along with most of the recipes will be posted in the days to come.