If you’ve been with me since last year, the recipes below will look familiar because they were included in the 2007 Thanksgiving menu post. I figured I would re-post them because they are so darn good. I hope you’ll try them, they really are spectacular.
Appetizer
Pecan Stuffed Dates
(Paula Deen) As any Southern girl knows, a dish with bacon just has to be good. Sweet and salty, yum!
1 (8-ounce) box pitted dates
30 pecan halves
10 to 12 slices bacon
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Stuff each date with a pecan half. Cut each slice of bacon into 3 pieces. Wrap 1 piece around each stuffed date and secure with a toothpick. Bake until bacon is crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and serve.
Beverage
Jello Punch
(my grandmother) This is by far, the best punch I’ve ever had. Fights could start to determine who gets the last glass… really, it’s that good.
2 pkg. Jello (Raspberry or Cherry) (I always like Cherry better)
3 c. sugar
1 large can pineapple juice
2 large cans frozen orange juice
1 small can frozen lemon juice
1/2 oz. almond extract (very important secret ingredient)
Boil sugar in 3 cups water. Mix jello as directed on package. Add water to frozen juice as directed. Mix, add flavoring.
**Nov. 2008 Note*** I altered the recipe by using sugar-free jello and splenda instead of sugar and it turned out great. It doesn’t get rid of all the calories, but it does reduce them greatly.)
Makes about 2 gallons.
You can serve it with ginger ale, but my Dad, the purist, believes that is a sacrilege.
Dessert
Icebox Fruit Cake
(my great-grandmother used to make this) A fruit cake that people actually like, need I say more…
1 box graham crackers (crushed)
1/2 box raisins
2 small bottles of cherries (red and green, chopped – also, reserve the juice)
2 sticks oleo (for us young ‘uns that’s butter)
4 cups pecans (shelled and chopped)
1 large bag of large marshmallows
In a large heavy broiler or skillet, slowly melt the butter and marshmallows. In large mixing bowl, mix the graham crackers, raisins, chopped cherries, pecans and 1/2 bottle of cherry juice.
Add melted butter and marshmallows, mix well with hands and place in loaf pan. Refrigerate overnight.
Happy Turkey Day, Ya’ll!
Thanks, they look yummy!