Monday, December 5, 2011

A GREAT SHOPPING WEEKEND

One night late - after driving 100 miles in pouring rain, wrecks happening all around me, dodging car parts rolling accross 635 - needless to say I was exhausted when we arrived home, thanks to the good Lord above, safely!  My sister, sweet niece and daughter, and I had a wonderful shopping trip to Dallas - and for the first time in the history of my Christmas shopping - I am almost through!!!  Our experience at the Galleria and Macy's was amazing.  I added up what I had charged on my Macy's card and the total savings was over $500 and I didn't charge near that amount!!  (Strange things happen though -- I was looking online at my Macy's account and they showed I had paid a large amount on my card in November - double what I thought it was.  I checked my bank account and sure enough I had only paid them once - and the credit showed two payments.  I called them and after about 15 or 20 minutes, they said that for them to take one of the credits off, I would have to fax them bank statement showing only one payment had come out.  So I did what they ask, but I told Kathy at work that I had never worked so hard to prove I owed someone money!!!)   We loved staying at the Westin and just going to second floor and walking straight into the mall! 

Travis said I missed one of Mark's best sermons - don't see how - they have all been amazing lately!!

I am looking forward to a very busy weekend - Pilot Club Brunch and Christmas party at my house Saturday morning - and then on to the church - to help my wonderful friends, Gwynn, Michelle, and Billie prepare brunch for our entire church!!  We think we have a wonderful menu planned - and are so thankful our Elders and staff allow us to do this for our brothers and sisters.

Last week I gave you the recipe for the Sweet Pepper Glaze Dip and it was funny - in the paper on Wednesday, Christine had the recipe published in the paper.  She also gave credit to Pam Gabriel and Sweet Gourmet!  Sure glad I did it first!!!
Don't you love going to a tea or ladies party and having cucumber sandwiches.  I am always looking for a great recipe and this one sounds wonderful!  Now I haven't tried it -- but I plan to!!!

HERBED GOAT CHEESE SANDWICHES
(Makes 40 to 45 sandwiches0

For The Spread

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
10-1/2 ox. mild goat cheese, at room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, (2 cloves)
1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves
3 Tablespoons  minced fresh parsley
5 to 6 tablespoons milk, half and half or heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE SANDWICHES
2 loaves 7-grain bread, thinly sliced
1 hothouse cucumber, not peeled

1) For the spread, place the cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic, thyme, parsley, 5 tablespoons milk, salt and pepper in the bowl of an electric mixed fited with the paddle attachment.  Beat on medium speed until well mixed.  Add an additional tablespoon of milk if the spread is too thick. 
2.  To make the sandwiches, spread each slice of bread with tthe goat cheese spread.  Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and arrange on half the bread slices.  Top with the remaining bread.  Press slightly, trim off the crusts and cut the sandwiches into halves, thirds or triangles. 

A JON CAROLE TIP:  This was given to me by my 94 year old Mom - after having made zillions of sandwiches and fought crusts -- she told me to use my electric knife to take off crust - and it is amazing - clean - fast - smooth!!  One of the best tips I've ever had!

The second best was when Travis discovered that instead of struggling with sausage ball dough - getting your hands in it and wearing yourself out - put all of the ingredients in the mixer, mix well - and then roll out the balls.  Takes half the time and everything is mixed so much better!!! 

Have a great tomorrow - or today if you are reading this on Tuesday!
We have an opportunity at church to serve -- there is a young lady that needs meals and we have the change to take "freezer meals" - that we make -- not from Sam's please!, and help her out!!  Have thought of a dozen things to do - just got to nail it down, get it made - and get it to the church on Wednesday night!!!

May God bless each of you!!  Until next week - or wheneve I have something I need to share with you - Good night!!!

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