When it Comes to Christmas...Don't Try to Change Things.

Here we are a week before Christmas Eve. Joe is watching the cardinals eat at the feeder. He says, "Come watch the birds eat...leave the computer." I leave the computer and watch them feast on the food that we put there last night. The blue jays are the boss...everyone scatters, when they come. Do you put special food out on Christmas for them? One year I put a big red bow on the feeder and had to take it down...no one came. I tried to change things...even in the bird world you can't change anything. The sky is dreary this morning, it is cold, and the menu has to be made. We basically have the same menu every year. If we leave anything out...we have to answer to it.We are going to my kids for Christmas Eve. I am taking a veggie pizza. You know...the one made with cresent rolls for a crust and topped with cream cheese and veggies. Here is the recipe for something I may try this year along with the veggie one.

SHRIMP PIZZA

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

8 oz. jar shrimp sauce

4 scallions, finely chopped

1/2 c. olives, finely chopped

1 can sm. shrimp (I plan to use frozen cooked shrimp)

1/2 green pepper, finely chopped

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded
Spread cream cheese on large round platter. Spread on chili sauce. Sprinkle on scallions, olives, shrimp, pepper, mozzarella cheese and Cheddar cheese. Refrigerate. Serve at room temperature with crackers or chips.

Then on Christmas Day some of Joe's family will be here. Joe brought home a ham...so that will be the meat, along with twice baked potato casserole, (of course) green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, squash, relishes, fruit salad, and rolls. Dessert will be pumpkin pie and Christmas cookies. Really a traditional Christmas dinner. Here's my recipe for the potatoes.

TWICE - BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

5 lb. white potatoes, peeled and cooked

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. onion salt

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 c. butter

1 c. light cream

In a mixing bowl, whip potatoes, cream cheese, seasonings, butter and cream until smooth. Spoon into a greased 2 quart casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Mixture may be refrigerated and baked the next day if desired. If baked the next day...bring it out of the frig and let it come to room temp. before baking. You can sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese if you like before baking. Yield: 8 servings. These are decadent potatoes...so rich and creamy. My mouth melts just talking about them. That cream, butter, cream cheese combo reminds me of my girl Paula Deen.

Christmas celebrations with our families involve food, presents, good times and love. We are family...as the song goes. We do this same thing every year. Traditions are kept. We get scolded, when we try to change things. Unlike TV...we enjoy the reruns.

Balisha