...but I won't tell you precisely how. Which rule? "You've had all year to practice, don't debut new recipes at the holidays". The funny part is I've broken this rule a few times in life. My first turkey made was my actual first turkey made. When I make my mother's green bean casserole I use different seasonings & no one has known the wiser. Heck, they didn't know I made it for 3 years straight until my mother told them to give me the good credit instead of her.
But this year, "experimentation" is a must for me. We are downsizing our family celebrations. Yep, we're Zoom calling a prayer & then eating, instead of 20-30 people gathering at one house with their assigned dishes.
It's been the plan since mid-summer. And yes, thank Covid-19. We're cooking for 3 people. That's fine if I wasn't a "lazy" meal preparer these days with restricted oven & stove space and time. (In my memoir, I'll talk about this.) But luckily, the emotions about my laziness has leaked into my thoughts. But after a small trial run of these researched recipes, they should be a hit.
It's not Thanksgiving without Muh Diva's recipe of Green Bean Casserole. But if you're a true reader, you know this is not hers. She doesn't trust everybody to do it wrong, correctly. LoL But it is a tasty recipe that goes low & slow in its heating and a little easy on the waistline.
Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole
- 4 (14.5 Ounce) Cans of Green Beans, Drained
- 2 (10.5 Ounce) Cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/4 Cup Plain Nonfat Yogurt
- 3/4 cup 2% Milk
- 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 6 Ounce Can French Fried Onions
- In your cooker combine the cream of mushroom soup, yogurt, milk, and seasonings, and whisk to combine.
- Stir in the green beans, parmesan, and half of the french fried onions. Place the lid on your cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.
- After two hours stir the casserole well and add the remaining french fried onions to the top. Replace the lid and continue cooking for 30 minutes, up to one more hour.
Sweet Potato Pie is a family favorite, especially during the holidays. And one day going down a Youtube rabbit hole, this gem came on the screen. I knew it would be nice for my "roommates" and me for dessert. Yes, they are fried, but the portion sizes are smaller than that wedge that is usually cut. Helpful & not over-indulging.
Ingredients
- 3 refrigerated pie crusts (from 2 boxes), softened as directed on box
- 2 cups fresh sweet potatoes cooked & mashed (about 3 small sweet potatoes)
- 1/4 cup half n half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- salt pinch
- Add cooked sweet potatoes and half n half to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Place sweet potatoes in a bowl and stir in butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until well combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
- Cover and place in the fridge until ready to use
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough (see note).
- Unroll 1 pie crust; roll into a 12-inch round. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut into 8 rounds, rerolling dough as necessary. Repeat with second and third crusts.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges, crimp with a fork.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet (375 F.) and gently place the pies into the hot oil.
- Fry pie until golden, about 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove pies from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack to drain.
Make the Glaze
- To make the glaze add all glaze ingredients into a bowl and stir until smooth.
- Brush the hot pies with glaze and let it hardened. Flip and glaze the other side and then repeat.
- Once the glaze has hardened. Serve immediately.
Notes: Filling Amount: There will be plenty of filling leftover in case you prefer them stuffed. But be careful not too overstuffed them or they will not seal correctly.
How are you celebrating the holidays this year? Please spend it celebrating & relaxing some way, somehow. Sitting back and taking a moment to breathe and appreciate something seems small but if you do it watch that moment swell to make you happy.
Have a Happy Holiday Season🙂❤🙂
As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!
