Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving will be here in two days--and with the holiday comes a slew of festive food. Here are two recipes that have Thanksgiving written all over them.

Autumn Tossed Salad--I just love this salad!

Dressing:
½ c lemon juice
½ c sugar
2 tsp. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
2/3 c vegetable oil
1 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Salad:
1 bundle Romaine lettuce, torn
1 c (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 c unsalted cashews
1 medium apple, chopped
1 medium pear, chopped (I might add an additional pear or apple depending on how it looks)
¼ c dried cranberries

Dressing Directions:
In a blender, combine the lemon juice, sugar, onion, mustard, and salt. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds. Transfer to a small pitcher or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until chilled.

Salad Directions:
In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, cashews, apple, pear, and cranberries. Right before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.


Pumpkin pie is a holiday staple for most, but if you're like me, there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing." The next recipe is a variant of the traditional pumpkin pie--and guaranteed to be hit wherever you go. The recipe comes from my friend's mom.

Pumpkin Cake-Pie

Crust:
1 box yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup)
½ stick melted margarine (or butter)
1 egg
Mix together and press into a large 13 x 9 pan.

Filling:
1 large can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 cup evaporated milk ¾ cup sugar

Prepare your favorite pumpkin pie filling and pour over cake mixture.

Top Crust:
1 cup cake mix (from above)
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ stick melted margarine (or butter)
¼ - ½ tsp. cinnamon

Mix together and crumble over filling.

Bake: 350* for 50 min. Let cool completely.

Topping:
9 0z. cool whip
3 Tbsp. honey
½ tsp. cinnamon

Mix together and spread over cool cake.

*Very easy, tasty but very impressive!

And if you're feeling stressed by all the preparations, check out this cute e-card for a good laugh (make sure you stay 'till the end and watch the bloopers).