Cheese Ball

So this one was brought to work by Chad, our tech. We always give him a hard time because he signs up for plates or silverware when we have a pot luck at work. So he told us he would impress us with an appetizer.... and he did! It was great! Everyone really enjoyed it so I made it for a Christmas party I had at my house. There wasn't much left but I brought the rest to work and it was gone by the end of the day. So I don't think you can go wrong here people. It's easy to make and good to eat. I added a ranch packet to my cream cheese just to add a little extra flavor and it was good. Not too big of a difference so if you have one and want to add it go ahead but if not, no worries. It will be just as good! Serve with wheat thins.


8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ranch packet if you like
8 oz mild shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1 bunch of green onion, chopped
red pepper flakes (be generous)
chopped pecans


Mix cream cheese and ranch; add remaining ingredients and mix well. Place on wax paper and mold into a ball; chill over night. If your having a party (and if you have the time), you can make small individual balls for easy serving. Serve with wheat thins.

Oreo Fluff

This is a must try!!! I got this recipe from a friend of mine, Erin. She brought it to a Christmas party and it was a HIT! I could get sick off of this.... but I love oreos!!! I made it for Christmas dinner and even ones who don't like sweets had to try it. No one complained either! Stay tuned because I have a lot to blog but trying to find the time... Everyone kept asking about this one so I had to get it out... ENJOY!!!


2 c milk
1 c powdered sugar
1 pkg French vanilla pudding
1 16 oz cool whip
1 stick butter, softened
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 pkg Oreos

-mix pudding and milk; add cool whip
-in separate bowl cream butter and cream cheese; add powdered sugar
-mix both together in one bowl
-crush Oreos (I put them in a lg. Zip lock to crush)
-layer in trifle bowl or you could put in 13x9 but it will have less layers

Slow Cooked Brisket

This is another recipe from my friend Laura Bowman. She is all about easy and good so I make her share her recipes with me! We had this one night at her house and it was outstanding! It has so much flavor and it's so tender. Another one of those throw in the crock pot and come home to a cooked meal. The best. So I made this last week because I knew I was having a busy week. We ate on this for a few days and it got better each time. The best part was when I got home that evening and as I was unlocking my front door, I could smell it from outside. Amazing! Serve with green beans or salad with a warm bread... You will need the bread to soak up the juice!

1 brisket (I got a long one and cut it in half)

Minced garlic

1 large bottle of Italian dressing

2 pkgs of French onion soup

2 Potatoes, cubed (I used new potatoes)

1 bag of baby carrots

*if you want mushrooms or celery you could add that too 

Salt and pepper

A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce  

2 cans of beef broth

-Put big sheet of foil in bottom of crockpot- enough to be able to close it with everything in it.

-Cut slits in brisket and put garlic in slits- not sure how much just however much garlic you think you might like

-Salt and pepper the brisket real well on both sides- that pepper is what made it so spicy last time, you don’t have to do too much if you don’t want

-place brisket in crockpot

-add potatoes and carrots (whatever veggies you want)

-add Italian dressing, French onion mix, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth so it covers everything.

-close foil and cook on low all day

Corn Dip

The season has arrived!! Music, parties, food, drinks, and holiday cheer.... Nothing else like it! This is my favorite time of year because it's not only my birthday but also a time for friends and family to come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord. I have a total of 9 Christmas parties this year. Three of these will be hosted at my house. So I have to come up with different foods to have at each so I can blog it for you!! Monday, I had my coworkers over for deer chili and everyone brought a topping, dip, or dessert. It was a great turn out!! My coworker, Brittany, brought corn dip. There are tons of different kinds of corn dip and this one was very good!! I thought it was great the next day too. If you have a corn dip that you like, please post the difference under comments. I would love to hear how others make it! I have more parties coming up so I will have more recipes to share! Merry Christmas!


2 cans of Mexicorn, drained
1 c fat free sour cream
1 c fat free mayo
3 green onions, chopped
2 (4 oz) cans of chopped green chilies
3 spoonfuls of jalapeno peppers (I use the jar of chopped peppers)
1 c shredded cheddar cheese




Mix, chill, and serve with Frito's.

Dad's Sausage, Bean's and Rice

My dad made this recipe ALL the time while I was growing up. My mom and dad both worked A LOT so anything that was quick and easy.... worked. It really reminds me of my family and when I make it for others, they LOVE it. Lee always request this dish when it's later in the evening and nothing is thawed. A link of sausage takes 5-10 minutes to thaw so it's very functional. My dad always browned the sausage until it's almost burnt. I like that but others may not. Hope you all enjoy!!


1 link of Hillshire Farms smoked sausage, sliced (I don't like the Down Home sausage with this because it doesn't brown well )
2 cans of Ranch Style beans, undrained
1 bag of instant rice
Seasonings: salt, pepper, Tony's
A big pinch of brown sugar


In a big skillet, brown sliced sausage to your liking. Drain fat. Add cans of beans and seasonings. Let simmer while rice cooks. Serve over rice. This recipe feeds 2-3 people.


** I like to add diced jalapenos with juice or sometimes I'll add the Ranch Style beans with jalapenos or with sweet onions.