Enjoying seasonal food
It was two years ago that Emmie Oddie retired and Barb, Betty Ann, Jodie and I started writing this column. We continue to enjoy receiving your letters, searching for the answers to your questions, and the challenge of putting words to paper.
Lifelong learning is always at work in these efforts. We have met and talked to many of you, a privilege not possible without this column. We also enjoy our four-people “staff” meetings, where we share information, do a bit of business, chatter a lot over a cup of tea and then rush back home to family responsibilities.
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We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
Use old Christmas cards
What do you do with your Christmas cards? Do you open them joyfully, display them prominently, then when Christmas is over read them once more and put them in the recycle bin?
Place cards for the Christmas dinner table can be made with Christmas card cutouts. Make them in a series, such as all Christmas trees, candles, Santas or angels.
Cut out the figures with a small and sharp pair of scissors, such as embroidery scissors. The trick is to silhouette them completely, taking out every bit of background. Leave approximately 3Ú4 inch (two cm) extension at the bottom for turning under and gluing to the base.
For the base, use colored construction paper or plain white bond, about 2 x 5 inches (5 x 12 cm), depending on the size of the cutouts. Glue the turned-under strip at the bottom of the cutout, to the base. The figure could stand off-centre, leaving space on the side for the guest’s name or place the cutout centered at the back of the base and write the name in front of the cutout.
Christmas card cutouts could also be used to make your own 3-D tabletop nativity scene. Because it is easy to do, children might like to cut out figures and create their own scenes, or to make place cards for the Christmas dinner table.
Source: The Ideals Family Christmas Book, Ideals Publishing Co.
Turnips for dinner
At our fowl supper in the fall, we often run out of turnips. With roast turkey it seems to be a favorite. To dress it up for Christmas you might like to try this casserole.
Scalloped turnip and apple
Peel, dice and cook in water one large turnip.
When cooked, drain and mash adding one tablespoon (15 mL) butter or margarine.
Peel, core and slice sufficient apples, about two, to give 11Ú2 cups (375 mL) of apple slices.
Toss apples with 1Ú4 cup (50 mL) lightly packed brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
Arrange alternate layers of mashed turnip and sliced apples in a greased two quart (two L) casserole, beginning and ending with a turnip layer.
Mix together until crumbly 1Ú3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour, 1Ú3 cup (75 mL) lightly packed brown sugar, two tablespoons (30 mL) butter or margarine. Sprinkle over top of casserole.
Bake in 350 F (180 C) oven for one hour. Serve hot. Makes six to eight servings.
Source: The Laura Secord Canadian Cook Book, prepared by the Canadian Home Economics Association, published by McClelland and Stewart Ltd.
Appetizers
The dictionary defines appetizers as something that stimulates the desire for food. Appetizers also stimulate conversation and “mixing.” The following are our favorite appetizers for you to enjoy when getting together with family or co-workers.
In these recipes you can substitute light, fat-reduced cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, dessert topping, milk and cheddar cheese for the regular products.
Cheese-stuffed mushrooms (Alma’s)
12 large mushrooms 12
4 ounces cream 125 g
cheese, softened
4 teaspoons 20 mL
sour cream
2 teaspoons dried 10 mL
chives or onions
1Ú2 teaspoon 2 mL
seasoned salt
6 bacon slices, 6
partly cooked, halved
Twist stems from mushrooms. Reserve for another use.
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, chives and salt together. Spoon into mushrooms.
Cover mushrooms with bacon. Tuck ends underneath. Arrange in baking pan. Bake in 350 F (180 C) oven for 20 minutes, or broil until sizzling hot.
I usually chop the bacon in a food processor and sprinkle on top of the mushrooms, rather than wrapping slices around each mushroom.
Source: Company’s Coming, Holiday Entertaining by Jean Pare, Company’s Coming Publishing Ltd.
Best cheese ball (Barb’s)
This recipe can be made into one large or two regular-sized balls, small individual balls or into log shapes.
2 packages (8 ounce) 500 g
cream cheese
2 cups 500 mL
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons 10 mL
Worchestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion 5 mL
flakes or finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon lemon 5 mL
juice
1Ú8 teaspoon 0.5 mL
cayenne pepper
1Ú8 teaspoon salt 0.5 mL
chopped parsley or nuts
Mix all ingredients except parsley and nuts. Shape into one or more balls or into logs. Roll in nuts or parsley. Put cocktail knives and crackers nearby so guests can dig right in.
Leftovers may be reshaped, rewrapped and stored in the fridge for a few days. Freeze if not going to be used within a week.
Makes 31Ú4 cups (875 mL).
Variation: Add one tablespoon (15 mL) chopped green pepper and one tablespoon (15 mL) chopped pimento.
Source: Company’s Coming, Holiday Entertaining, Company’s Coming Publishing Ltd.
Layered dip (Betty-Ann’s)
Blend together first three ingredients:
8 ounces 250 g
cream cheese
1Ú2 cup 125 mL
mayonnaise
1Ú4 cup sour cream 60 mL
Spread evenly on a platter.
Layer the remaining ingredients:
1 can (4 oz.) 113 g baby shrimp
1Ú2 cup seafood 125 mL
cocktail
1Ú2 green pepper, 1Ú2 diced
1 tomato, diced 1
1 cup shredded 250 mL
cheese
Serve with crackers. Makes three cups (750 mL).
Fruit dip (Jodie’s)
Jodie likes this dip because it is tasty, quick and easy to make and can be made a day ahead.
1 vanilla instant 1
pudding, four-serving size
2 cups milk 500 mL
1 tub (1 L size) 1
dessert topping
2-3 tablespoons 30-45 mL
Amaretto or orange juice
Mix the pudding with the milk as directed on the package. Beat into the dessert topping. Add the Amaretto or orange juice. Let stand a few hours or overnight.
Serve as a dip for grapes, melon slices, strawberries, bananas or whatever fruits are in season.
The gift of giving
In our homes at Christmas time
A family should share
A world of love and merriment
Where singing fills the air
Where everyone can take a place
Beneath the Christmas tree
To find the presents love has brought
To them exclusively.
For boxes tied with satin string
And ribbons red and gold
Renew the giving spirit
Wise Men brought in days of old.
And as each gift is opened
And it brightens every heart
Let grateful ones remember
How the custom had its start.
– Vivian Marie Chatman
