traditions

Christmas is a time of traditions both old and new. Being far away from family means Christmas is spent with just our family and a small gathering of friends. We have started a new tradition of having soup and various snacks on Christmas Eve. Our old traditions include Monkey Bread on Christmas morning, snacking on leftover's throughout the day, then going out to eat in the evening. For me it's all about keeping it simple!








Chili

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 46oz can tomatoe juice
1 29oz can tomatoe sauce
1 15oz kidney beans drained
1 15oz pinto beans drained
1 1/2c chopped onion
1/4c chopped green bell pepper
1/8tsp cayenne
1/2tsp white sugar
1/2tsp oregano
1/2tsp pepper
1tsp salt
1 1/2tsp cumin
1/4c chili powder

1. In a skillet brown the beef, and add onion. Saute till onion is tender.
2. In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
*In a slow cooker use low setting for 8-10 hours.








Corn Fritters

3 C oil for frying
1 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C milk
1 Tblsp shortening melted
1 12oz can whole kernel corn, drained

1. Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C)
2. In a medium bow, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat together egg, milk, and shortening; stir into flour mixture. Mix in the corn kernels.
3. Drop fritter batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil, and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.








Monkey Bread

24 oz Frozen dinner rolls
1 C Brown sugar
1 pkg Instant butter scotch pudding
1/4 C White sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 C Walnuts (optional)
1/2 C Butter

Grease and flour bundt pan. Mix brown sugar and pudding together. Mix white sugar and cinnamon. Place dinner rolls frozen into pan, layer at a time. Sprinkle brown sugar mix over first layer, then cinnamon mix, spread 1/2 nuts and butter melted over first layer. Repeat with next. Set over night (I place mine in the oven) Do not cover. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!--LeShan