Convenient, Fast, Delicious Dessert!

In case you need something to take to a potluck or just feel like having dessert but didn't make anything ahead, this is perfect! I got the idea from Bob Evan's Lemon Supreme pie.

Take a regular cheesecake mix (generic is fine), and prepare according to package directions. Except instead of a shallow pie plate, you'll want to use a deep dish.

On top of the cheesecake, spread lemon pie filling (canned or box mix made accordingly).

If desired, add a layer of whipped topping.

If you can find little lemon candies to decorate it with, it looks cute. This is really delicious. I made one along with cherry delight and a pasta salad to take to a cookout yesterday, and before we got home Derek asked me to please make another one for today. I just finished it. So, once we've had a big dinner, we're going to veg out on the couch and eat pie/cheesecake and watch a movie. (I suppose if you don't like lemon, you can use another flavor pie filling.)

Apple Butter

I learned to can last year, and to make apple butter. I was going to write out the whole process, but I think sharing the link to the site that helped me the most would be better. That way you can look around in case there is something else you want to know to do. This lady does an excellent job of talking a novice through the processes, and after you figure things out you will know what you can skip (like how to can it and such). I will say that I loooove cinnamon, so I add way more than what the recipe calls for. After the first batch, I got a little more relaxed and would add nutmeg or ginger. Be careful with the cloves...it'll make your butter bitter if you add too much. Nobody wants bitter butter. hehehe My friend made hers with just sugar and red hot candies. I made mine with Splenda due to trying to get off of sugar. Okay, enough of all of that. I'm tired this morning, and tend to get babbly when I'm tired. I hope this helps any of you looking to make apple butter. .If you have any questions I'll try to answer them for you. Oh, I just thought to mention....whatever you use to stir the apple butter once it starts cooking down will get stained, so don't use your favorite pearly white serving spoon or your Great Aunt Ethel's 90 year old wooden spoon. :)

http://www.pickyourown.org/applebutter.htm

Chicken Salad (like Arby's...ssshhhh)

We had a wonderful visit with Jenna and the kids today, and she asked I post this recipe as well as the broccoli salad. It turned out super yummy! I served it on croissants that I'd stuck the ends together so they were a circle and made buns out of. Yum!

Chicken Salad

• Either a rotisserie chicken cooled and meat removed and cut down to desired size, or the packaged Tyson diced chicken, OR the canned diced chicken (by the tuna in the market). Whatever you have time or desire to use.
• Grapes, halved or quartered (we used white and red)
• Celery, finely chopped (as much or little as you want)
• Apple, finely chopped or finely shredded with a grater like I do (as much or little as you want)
• Crushed Pecans
• Mayonnaise (a good thick one like Hellman's) (Again, as much as you want.)

Mix all together, and enjoy! :) I think I'll go make a sandwich out of the leftovers now. :) Thank you, Jenna, for coming today with the kids. I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we enjoyed having you.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

2 heads of broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces (I don't use the stems, but you can.)
1 good size head of cauliflower, cut in bite-size pieces like the broccoli
1 red onion (looks purple), chopped but not super small
Bacon Bits (I use the "real bacon" ones, but you can fry and crumble your own.), 1-2 pouches as desired

Optional:
Raisins
Nuts
Sunflower Seeds
Craisins
Pretty much anything you think would taste good in it! :)

Dressing:

1 c. mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar.)
1/2 c. granulated sugar

Toss veggies and optional ingredients together. Stir in dressing. Serve right away or refrigerate until the next day for even better flavor! :)

Enjoy!