Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Mostly Baking, A Little Quilting


It's been busy around here as we have been getting ready for Christmas! Big Ginger Cookies, Potato Chip Crunchies, and Decorated Sugar Cookies are in the works!  Just like in years past, we made these delicious jar cookies for friends, neighbors and teachers.  Read all about this easy gift idea here.  They are fun and easy to make.  My boys usually do most of the work, if you can call it work.  The finished jars look a lot like sand art, minus the sand of course! 



Hash Brown Potato Casserole is another holiday tradition at our house.  Not for our family Christmas dinner or anything, but for the Christmas breakfast the kids had in their elementary school classrooms.  I mix it up the night before, then the next morning I pop it in the oven for 45 minutes or so while everyone gets ready for the day.  The disposable pan of casserole goes in a few paper grocery bags.....they are excellent for keeping food warm by the way.......and off to the school breakfast we go, warm Hash Brown Casserole in hand!  This would be a great make ahead Christmas morning dish too!      

To make Hash Brown Casserole just mix-

1-32 oz package of hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 c. sour cream
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 c.butter
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 small onion, diced

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 pan. Put your mixture in the greased pan. 

Top with 2 c. crushed cornflakes mixed with 1/4 c. melted butter and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.  Enjoy!





The borders on my Blessings From The Hollow Quilt are coming along nicely even thought they have been slightly neglected due to the busy Christmas baking season! What's coming from your kitchen during the holidays?   




My blog friend Linda from The Quilted Pineapple had a giveaway to celebrate her blogiversary recently and I was so excited to be the winner!  She was kind enough to send two Charm Packs of Grace fabric and the Schnibbles pattern Jacks my way.  Thank you so much Linda!!  If you haven't already seen Linda's amazing quilting be sure to go over to her blog, click on the Quilting Eye Candy tab and check it out!  Beautiful work!   




12 comments:

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Your cookie gift jars looks so cute Michele! Love the quilt even if it doesn't get finished. I think I'll make those potatoes too. Merry Christmas.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

We did cookie mix jars when my kids were young(ish) and gave to teachers, neighbors, friends - nice gift. Your quilt is gorgeous and congratulations on your sweet win.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Very colorful jars of cookie mix. Food gifts are such fun to make and receive. Your quilt is so pretty. My food gifts this year were homemade vanilla and lavender sugar.

Lois Evensen said...

I just love your Christmas cookies in a jar. What a pretty and perfect present!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

One of these holidays I would like to give cookies in a jar. We also do the hash brown casserole but on Easter. Or whenever we make ham during the year. Goes well with ham as a side dish. ;)

Merry Christmas!

Linda said...

You are so welcome!!! :-) your quilt is looking BEAUTIFUL! I wish you and your family a ver Merry Christmas, Michele.

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

What fun gifts you and the boys made - they look so pretty in the jars! And, you casserole looks so tasty! Love your quilt Michelle -it's so beautiful. And what a fun win, too! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas

Houseelf said...

Congrats on your win. Your jars look fabulous. I've got a stew simmering for this evening. I made a French Onion soup and cheese on toast dippers for it for lunch. Son sadly was too tired to eat.

The borders looks fab with the blocks on your quilt. I'm still wrapping here, but after I'll drink hot choc with marshmallows to celebrate finishing the preparations.

Merry Christmas.

Dandelion Quilts said...

What a great win. I love that quilt you are working on.

MulticoloredPieces said...

Hi, Michelle. The jars are cute gift ideas and the border on your Blessings quilt is going to be just perfect! Happy holiday stitching!
best, nadia

Candace said...

I had the family for Christmas breakfast and I had that casserole too. Your quilt is beautiful.

wedding planning said...

Nice jar for cooked food like cookies.