Saturday, December 20, 2008

Yum, Yum, Give Me Some


Apparently yum yum bars are something different to just about everybody. I've found recipes that include cherries, marshmallows and chocolate shavings, but the yum yum bars I grew up with were a sweet, chewy, cream-cheesy bar, which I could eat a whole pan of. The recipe is super easy and just plain, well...yummy.

Yum Yum Bars

Crust:
1 yellow cake
1 egg
1 stick of butter, softened
1 cup of finely chopped pecans

Filling:
2 eggs
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box of powdered sugar, 16 oz.

Preheat oven to 350. Press the crust down firmly in a 9x13 inch pan. Top with filling. Bake 35 minutes.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Put the Lights on the Tree


While one day I hope to have a home filled with Christmas trees to suit my every decorating whim (like this one for instance), for now I am limited to just one tree, so I opt for the nostalgic look -- lots of Hallmark ornaments and colored lights on a tree with some character. There's something about a tree like this that reminds me of being a kid, so I think I'll keep the tradition around a while. How do you decorate?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Holiday Style: Gift Bow Ring


I came across this adorable gift bow ring by Maison Martin Margiela today, but it seems that it's no longer available anywhere. Still, I couldn't resist sharing this whimsical little find. I am absolutely in love with it. Just think of all the charm this one piece of jewelry would add to your holiday party dress! The price was pretty steep at $245, so maybe a cheaper imitation will come along with matching earrings to boot. "Dear Santa...

Monday, December 1, 2008

Southern Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole


So this is a little late, but I'd like to think I'm just early for next Thanksgiving. By far, the Thanksgiving side I look forward to most is my sweet potatoes. This dish goes by many names, sweet potato casserole, souffle and bake, but no matter what you call it, it's always tasty. I top mine with the brown sugar-pecan mixture as well as miniature marshmallows. I know it's tacky, but I just can't resist. Though some might find it too sweet to sit alongside your turkey and dressing, it's my favorite dish on the plate ... and come on, it's a vegetable.

Sweet Potato Bake
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

3 cups cooked, peeled and mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix all ingredients for bake except the cream. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Add cream; mix well. Pour into greased casserole dish. For the topping, mix together brown sugar, pecans, flour and butter with fork; sprinkle over top of casserole along with mini marshmallows. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

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