Window Shopper

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That statement for those diehard fans was a DUH, I know. But I’m a slow learner so it took a few days for me to get that fact in my head. While we love pro football, we are not always available or able to watch the games. In other words, we are NOT diehard fans but we do love to watch the game when time permits. I haven’t been as much of a college football fan but some games are well worth the effort too. Now, whether it’s a tailgate party or sitting at home in front of the television, big screen or small, you have to have the good football food to go with it, right? Time to get to the store and stock up.

I have a few ideas for things to serve at such functions, whether it’s a few family members around the tv or a bigger tailgate party. You definitely want to have something that’s going to warm the stomach and the heart for that game! I suggest chili recipes and dips to go with it. Yes, yes. All lame suggestions since you are there at the tailgate party and I am not. Nope. I just know what I would like to have at such things. Chips, dips, popcorn, pretzels, sandwiches, hot stuff for the cooler days and nights like various chili bowls, various barbecue things like wings and pork tenderloin, brownies, cookies. See? I do know. No, I did not mention every possibility since that would take an entire blog with nothing on it but that!!! But you get the idea. Two places I know have good chili recipes are Tinfoil Chef and Popcorn Cook blogs. They both have put up chili recipes that will get you though a good football party, one is HOT and the other is not. Yep, it rhymes. More later on that football tailgater or big screen moment. Oh one tiny thing here. I am shamelessly promoting both blogs. One belongs to my husband and one to me. *grin*

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That sounded goofy, didn’t it. I tend to overlook the end of October’s obvious day and head straight for Thanksgiving. Our family, as much of it is in the neighborhood, always get together at my Mom’s house and celebrate the day. Three are currently away in other states. One of those will be home for the holiday. That will be the big meal. Christmas is usually more about having a good time and celebrating with the kids while they ooh and ahh about their presents. Regardless of the holiday, there is always dessert. Always. What’s a holiday without dessert?

Even now, I can taste Mom’s pumpkin pie, mincemeat pie and there will usually be cookies galore. Mom acts like the typical Grandma with all the kids, young and older. Inevitably, there will be an exchange of dessert recipes because I don’t have all of hers yet. See, I am more of a cook than a baker so my attempts at baking can be disastrous at times. Except for cookies, usually chocolate chip and oatmeal, I tend to leave the grand baking to Mom. The crusts on her pies are awesome. I don’t think I have ever had that type of flaky crust on any other pie but hers. So, do you see why I am skipping the one for the other? Besides, we do not recognize that day at the end of this month anyway. I am thinking of turkeys, dressing, salads, green bean casserole and so much more….and desserts!!! Can’t forget those.

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Ever have a month or two when nothing is going right and the money just isn’t there for all the groceries you need? Then, just as you think that everything will be all right, some bright soul decides to invite the boss or a couple of friends home for dinner. Or possibly, you have something like we did. Our niece’s boyfriend needed a place to stay until they got married but the marriage wasn’t going to happen for a couple of months. And right around the same time, some bills came in unexpectedly so that our resources had been drained dramatically. But the thing is, you still have to feed that person, regardless of whatever else is happening.

The question then is…how do we stretch the meals to include the extra person but not make it look that way? Have I got a few pointers for you.

1) For stews and soups–just add the big stretchers like diced potatoes, veggies (extra can or two or if fresh, just add what you have on hand), creamed corn is good, dried beans. You can also add things like spaghetti, other pastas.

2) Meatloaf—easy one. Just add more bread crumbs, crackers, rolled oats or rice. We add the rolled oats now. It used to be crushed crackers.

3) Chili–like the stews, you can add things like pasta, spaghetti, a can or two of diced tomatoes, rice.

4) Noodles and Ramen–adding spices, veggies, any leftover chicken, ham, burger, turkey is great.

5) Salads–for the leafies, add diced meat, leftovers, canned tomatoes (drained..reserve the liquid for another meal), hardboiled eggs, diced cooked potatoes.

6) Eggs–they are so versatile that you can add so many different things. Scramble and add veggies, diced chicken, diced spam, diced turkey, diced ham, cheese, green pepper, pepperoni, olives, make an omelet. Be creative.

These things will stretch that meal without anyone being the wiser. And the family will love it!

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Before anyone gets goofy and goes to PH to see about the contest, that is on a blog called Lisa Cooking. As for what’s new at Pizza Hut…a new Tuscani Pasta dish called Premium Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese. For anyone who happens to like mac and cheese plus bacon, this dish is for you. It has a cheddar cheese sauce, more cheese and topped with bacon. Who could resist that? Not I. Oh, you get 5 breadsticks with that. Now for the great news. Lisa Cooking has a contest going on to win a certificate to try that particular dish.

She has three available certificates for this contest. In order to enter the contest, you will need to go to Lisa Cooking and follow the directions she has given. You can enter a number of ways. Each entry gives you a chance at winning a certificate to try the Premium Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Tuscani Pasta at Pizza Hut. I know that you will like it. Why not check the contest out. Remember, go to Lisa Cooking and put in your entries today!

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