SENIOR LADY: CANDY CANE DANISH!

Every Christmas my family wants me to prepare a

 sausage breakfast casserole. I do not serve biscuits

with it since bread is inside of the casserole.

I wanted to surprise my family with an extra side

dish, I was watching cooking videos to get

some ideas. I saw am image of a Candy Cane

Danish, It looked like it would be hard to bake

such a pretty pastry. I was intrigued, so I

watched the video. Only three main ingredients

were required!  The preparations were simple,

but the danish looked elegant after it was baked,

READ RECIPE BEFORE BAKING!!

CANDY CANE DANISH

NEED:

1-2 packs (refrigerated} 8 oz Crescent dinner rolls

8 oz Cream Cheese, room temp

2 Tablespoons sugar [optional]

1 tsp vanilla [optional]

1 cup Strawberry Preserves

Note: 

The size sheet pan used determines

whether you use 1 or 2 packs of rolls.

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Line 9 x 13 sheet pan with parchment paper.

Only had 8x12 sheet pan and foil. I lined

my pan with foil and sprayed it with cooking

spray. Only used one pack of rolls. Separate

dough triangles. Cut each one in half.

Lay triangles in a row on the sheet pan.

Press flat ends of the triangles together.

Only 4 oz of cream cheese used since

used smaller pan. I wanted to flavor the 

cream cheese, so I added sugar & vanilla.

Spread cream cheese on the flat ends of the triangles.

Spoon layer of preserves on top

 of the cream cheese.

Pull the pointed ends of the triangles over

the cheese and preserves. Stuck all of the

 pointed ends under the dough.  Lift up

 one end of the danish and curve it to 

make a candy cane shape.

Bake for 15 minutes or until light brown.

TIPS:

* My triangle dough was different sizes.

My triangles weren't uniform size

after I cut them in half.

* Red Pie filling and any Red flavor 

preserves/ jam can be used.

* Used 8 oz cream cheese & more

preserves since I made 2 Danishes.

HOLIDAY GREETING!

 

I WISH EVERYONE,

 A MERRY CHRISTMAS. 

MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS

BE FILLED WITH LOVE

 & BLESSINGS!

HEAVENLY HOSTS!

 

8   "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." 

9   "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." 

10   "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." 

12   "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." 

"13   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying," 

"14   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." 

Luke 2:8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14

TODAY'S PRAISE SONG:

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH,

ANDREA BOCELLI

https://youtu.be/VlhdKTYwdsY?si=fJ1DmVGD0zET1MA0

AWESOME KING IS COMING1

 

 "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath

 He removed our transgressions from us."

 Psalms 103:12 KJV

"Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; 

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, 

and shall call His name Immanuel." 

Isaiah 7:14 KJV

6   "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 

7   "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

Isaiah 9:6, 7 KJV

4   "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our 

sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten 

of God, and afflicted." 

5   "But He was wounded for our transgressions,  He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." 

Isaiah 53:4, 5 KJV

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." 

Zechariah 9:9 KJV

TODAY'S PRAISE SONG:

THE KING IS COMING CHRISTMAS MEDLEY:

INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE

https://youtu.be/dMRiHwy48eo?si=8mPFnBz7gFqiCb2J

SENIOR LADY: SIMPLE CHRISTMAS NAIL ART!

 I love doing my own nail art. Years ago, I followed the 

trend of getting "My Nails Done."  Experiencing popped

 off artificial nails and the cost of weekly fill-ins were 

too much drama for me. I discovered that "doing my nails" 

was therapeutic. My weekly quiet time involved doing

nail art after my kids were in bed for the night.

I collected several colors of nail hardener polish and

kept them in a large basket. I eventually accumulated

thirty -five [35] bottles of polish. My collection 

included several colors of glitter nail polish.

I wasn't good at drawing nail designs.  "My

go to tricks" were polka dot designs, three

color nails and nail glitter embelishments.

I purchased several packets of nail stickers

online too. Some people seemed to like

my simple nail designs. I always received

compliments. I also discovered there was 

online videos available for ladies interested

 in nail art design.

I love getting my nails ready for Christmas. 

There are so many pretty and simple nails

designs I can do. I try to do a new design, 

each week, leading up to Christmas Day.

This is my Christmas nail design for this week:

Tools:

Color Craze, #400 red

 Nail Lacquer, #199 Hot Stuff glitter

White lace nail stickers

Week # 1: Nail Design:

RED NAILS WITH LACE FLOWERS 

WITH HOT STUFF NAIL GLITTER OVER LAY!

I'm planning next week's Christmas design already.

It should entail a more elaborate design.

SENIOR LADY: CHRISTMAS SCARF HACKS!

I  am not ashamed to admit that I own around fifty silky  scarves.

There are about fifteen cotton bandanas among the collection too. 

I fell in love with scarf collecting when I was in college. A friend 

showed me a few fashion  tricks a frugul college lady should use. 

Scarves could enhance my outfits. I had them in multiple colors,

designs, and prints.  I used them as headbands, belts, and neckties.

I stopped buying scarves when I realized that Thrift stores have

gently used ones. I've even found several new  scarves with the

tags still on them.

I visit Dollar stores every week. They have very long scarves

with seasonal prints and designs on them. I have seen

Easter, July Fourth, and Christmas prints on the scarves

at the stores I visit. I buy two scarf designs for each season.

I wear headwraps when I want to take a break from

wearing wigs or natural hairstyles. These scarves

are long enough to make various head wrap styles.

Hear are the styles I'm wearing this Christmas season:

CHRISTMAS SCARF HACKS:

SCARVES:

HEADWRAP STYLES:

Black print Christmas scarf. Headwrap with rosette tied on top.

Red hoop earrings and red choker accessories.

Christmas scarf with poinsettia design. Headwear with twisted knot on the side.

Shades of Green Christmas scarf. Head wrap with fluffy bow on the side.

Enhanced by green hoop earrings and mixed green button choker.

TIPS:

**    I learned how to do simple headwraps from African friends. 

There are several online videos with detailed 

instructions on tying fancy headwraps.

**   I created the Christmas button choker after watching online

Vintage Button  Necklace tutorial. I bought 18 inch Figaro style

 choker chain (bronze color) with extender from the craft store. 

The Dollar Store had package of mixed size green & red buttons.

 I used medium sized silver jump rings to attach the buttons onto 

 the chain. Bronze jump rings were out of stock.

SENIOR LADY: AFTER THANKSGIVING TURKEY HACKS!

I followed our family's tradition this Thanksgiving. 

A turkey was roasted golden brown and served

with dressing smothered in gravy.  Well, we

ate roast turkey for two days. Enough already!

I gave the rest of the leftover turkey, new life!

DELICIOUS TURKEY SALAD

2 CUPS COOKED SHREDDED TURKEY

HALF SMALL ONION FINELY CHOPPED

HALF RIB CELERY, FINELY DICED

4 TABLESPOONS, PICKEL RELISH

2 TABLESPOONS WHITE SUGAR

2 TABLESPOONS WHITE WINE VINEGAR

1 TEASPOOON YELLOW MUSTARD

1/2 TEASPOON CELERY SALT

1/4 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER

1 CUP MAYONAISE

In large bowl mix all of the listed ingredients. Stir

and mix well. Keep in fridge until ready to serve.

Serve with wheat crackers or saltine crackers.

 TIPS:

**   REGULAR CIDER OR WHITE VINEGAR CAN BE USED.

ADDING EQUAL AMOUNT VINEGAR & SUGAR ADDS

ZING TO YOUR TURKEY, CHICKEN, HAM, AND TUNA SALADS. 

**   CAN USE PLAIN SALT.

**   USE CELERY SEED OR DRIED CELERY LEAVES IF

FRESH CELERY NOT AVAILABLE.

**   CHOPPED BOILED EGGS CAN BE ADDED

**   ADJUST SEASONINGS TO YOUR FAMILY'S

TASTE IF DESIRED.

QUICK & TASTY TURKEY POT PIE

2 CUPS COOKED SHREDDED TURKEY

15 0Z CAN MIXED VEGETABLES, DRAINED

1 SMALL ONION, FINELY CHOPPED

1- 10 OZ CAN CREAM CHICKEN SOUP

2 UNBAKED FROZEN PIE CRUST, THAWED

DIRECTIONS:

GREASE 9X9 SQUARE BAKING DISH. 

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350.

TURN PIE CRUSTS UPSIDE DOWN ON CLEAN

COUNTER. PIE CRUST WILL FALL OUT OF

FOIL TIN ONTO COUNTER. PRESS DOUGH

DOWN FLAT. CUT CRUST INTO 1 INCH STRIPS.

IN BOWL MIX, TURKEY, MIXED VEGGIES,

SOUP, AND ONION. PLACE FILLING

INTO DISH. SPREAD OUT EVENLY.

LAY STRIPS OF PIE CRUST ON TOP

OF FILLING IN CRISSCROSS DESIGN

BAKE 30 MINUTES OR UNTIL FILLING BUBBLY

AND  CRUST IS GOLDEN BROWN.

TIPS:

**   1 TEASPOON ONION POWDER OR DRIED CHIVES

SUB FOR FRESH ONION.

**   15 OZ CAN GREEN PEAS CAN BE SUB FOR MIXED

VEGGIES.

**   REFRIGERATED PIE CRUST CAN SUB FOR 

FROZEN CRUST.

**   CREAM CELERY OR CREAM MUSHROOM SOUPS

CAN BE USED

SENIOR LADY: CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP PAPER HACK!

 

It seems that using gift bags during the Christmas season,

 has been the latest trend now.  I still buy pretty gift wrapping 

paper, even though I don't use it often. I made ten personalized

tote shopping bags as gifts for my female friends this year.

Each bag has gem designs on the pockets. None of the gift 

bags I saw in the stores were an appropriate fit, for these

 extra large tote bags. I was trying to think of an economical 

way to wrap them.   I suddenly gazed my rolls of stacked

 Christmas gift wrapping paper. I felt inspired to use the 

basket full of gift wrapping paper scraps.  A true Crafter 

rarely throws away scrap paper. Ideas for how to use it

comes to mind, sooner or later. I decided to use the 

scrap Christmas wrapping paper for gift tags. 

 I had a package of blank metal rim tags, left

 over from another project. I could use the 

Christmas paper scraps to embellish these

 tags. These tags will have the same design 

as the Christmas paper I used to wrap the 

ten tote bags with. 

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP PAPER HACK:

SUPPLIES:

SCRAP CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP PAPER

10 PLAIN NAME TAGS

TACKY GLUE

SCISSORS

PENCIL

SHEET OF WHITE PAPER

TRANSPARENT TAPE

DIRECTIONS:

Use paper and pencil to make a template. Draw

 the shape of the metal rim tag. Cut out the drawing. 

 You can choose to have the template drawing cover 

the entire face of the tag. Another option is cover

the inside metal rim of the tag. [See image below]

Use the template drawing to make 10 cut outs from

 the Christmas wrapping paper scraps, to cover

 the tags. Spread tacky glue on the front 

of the tag. Place a gift wrap cover on top 

of the glue. Make sure it lies flat and smooth.

Repeat the process until all the tags have

 covers on the front. [See above image]

Cut pieces of tape to attach the tags to the

 front of the gifts. I taped my gift tags so

that the Christmas designs were visible. 

I used the back of the gift tags to write 

 my friends' names. [see image below]

TIPS;

**   TEMPLATE CAN BE MADE FREE HAND WITHOUT THE 

PAPER AND PENCIL.

**   PLAIN METAL RIM TAGS ARE AVAILABLE AT

DOLLAR STORES, WALMART, AND OFFICE SUPPLY STORES.

**    GIFT TAGS CAN ALSO BE MADE BY CUTTING THE

 SCRAP. PAPER INTO CIRCLES OR RECTANGLES,  

ATTACH THIN 1/8 INCH RIBBON ON THE FRONT OF THE TAG 

SO IT CAN BE HUNG ON THE GIFT.  WRITE THE

 NAMES ON THE BACK OF THE TAG.  

HOLIDAY GREETING!

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE1

PSALMS 100: 4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

SENIOR LADY HOLIDAY MEALS UPDATES! PART 2

     

My Thanksgiving meals always include cornbread dressing. 

I follow my mom's recipe for making cornbread dressing. 

She never stuffed her dressing inside the turkey cavity. 

She only used Pepperidge Farm Stuffing in the yellow bag.

I also add butter, day old bread, dried rubbed sage, sauteed onion and celery, and turkey broth to my dressing like she did.

 

This year I'm serving herb dressing along with the corn 

bread stuffing. I was watching a cooking show and the 

cook made herb stuffing with apples and walnuts! Wow, 

what a unique recipe! I tweaked the recipe when I tried

it. I also added ingredients I felt my family would like

in the herb dressing. I made herb dressing with celery, 

onions, diced apples, chopped walnuts, cooked pork 

sausage, mushrooms, cream of celery soup, and broth.

I love gravy with most of my meat dishes. I must serve

 gravy with my Thanksgiving turkey and dressing too. 

 Mom made her gravy from a roux of browned butter

 and flour. She added the roux to the turkey broth and

 simmered the gravy until it thickened.  I am too tired 

after cooking the Thanksgiving meals. This method is too much work.  My gravy making method is quicker. I strain

 the turkey broth and add it to a pot. I make a slurry with 

flour, espresso powder, and some turkey broth. The slurry

 is added to the pot of broth. The gravy is simmered 

until it boils and thickens. 

Herb Dressing and Gravy

NOTES;

*  MY FAMILY USES THE WORDS STUFFING

AND DRESSING INTERCHANGEBLY!

* AVOID GREASY GRAVY: NO BUTTER

NECESSARY IF YOU HAVE RICH CHICKEN

OR TURKEY BROTH.

*  ADD CUP OR MORE OF CUBED  DAY-OLD

 BREAD (BISCUITS, BUNS, SANDWICH BREAD) 

TO IMPROVE TEXTURE OF THE DRESSING.

*  NEVER USE PLAIN WATER IN THE

STUFFING/DRESSING.  USE CHICKEN

OR TURKEY BROTH FOR SAVORY TASTE.

*  EGG AND/ OR CREAM OF CHICKEN,

MUSHROOM OR CELERY SOUPS

ADD MOISTURE TO STUFFING/DRESSING.

* FRESH SAGE LEAVES CAN BE FRIED

IN BUTTER.  REMOVE LEAVES BEFORE 

SERVING. ADD FLAVORED BUTTER

TO YOUR DRESSING & GRAVY. THE

SAGE LEAVES CAN BE USED AS 

GARNISH.

SENIOR LADY: HOLIDAY MEALS UPDATED!

  I still prepare large Thanksgiving meals. My sons are unmarried and have no children.

They look forward to this feast because they don't do a lot of scratch cooking at home.

I include a breakfast casserole for Thanksgiving too. They take this home with them.  

 There is joy in getting up and their breakfast is already fixed.  All they have 

to do is heat the casserole up in the microwave. My sons' Thanksgiving meals

includes:  Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, Mac and Cheese, Collard 

Greens, Cornbread Dressing, Roast Turkey with Gravy, and BBQ Ribs. 

Pecan Pie is always the dessert.  I was able to teach one of my sons how

 to cook. He comes over to my house and helps me cook the Thanksgiving

 meals every year.  I prepare the side dishes and the desserts.  

He cooks all of the meats.  The ribs are cooked on the grill.

A surprise awaits my sons this year.  The breakfast casserole has veggies added.

I included diced green bell peppers and diced onions in the egg mixture. The meats 

in the casserole are crumbled cooked bacon and cooked pork sausage. I'm using a combo of Swiss and sharp cheddar cheeses.  These new additions should enhance the flavor

of this classic breakfast  casserole.

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

BASIC BREAKFAST CASSEROLE RECIPE FROM FOOD.COM

This year I plan to update the green bean casserole. I wanted to use Italian style

green beans; however, my grocery store didn't have any.  I settled for the

traditional cut green beans. I updated the casserole by adding thinly sliced

onions and   diced mushrooms.  

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

BASIC GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE RECIPE FROM: FRENCH'S CRISPY

 FRIED ONIONS [ORIGINAL FLAVOR]  CANISTER

SENIOR LADY SNACK TIMES! PART #2

My son baked a 3 pound beef brisket. He slow cooked it for 6 hours on 275 temperature.

He added mushrooms, onions, and shredded carrots to the sauce during last few

minutes of cooking. His beef brisket was so good!  Of course, there was a lot

of brisket left over ( even after eating it three days)!  

I reserved  some of the cooked beef  brisket, so I could make 

beef Quesadillas. Here is my recipe:

 

SENIOR LADY BAKED SPICY BEEF QUESADILLAS

3 1\2 cups cooked chopped beef brisket

1- 1 oz packet chili or taco seasoning

2 oz diced mild green chilies

8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese

4 large burrito style flour tortilla shells

4 Tablespoons Oil

2 Tablespoon soft butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Chop  left over beef brisket  by hand or in food processor. Add beef  to bowl 

and stir in seasoning mix, chilies, and cheese.  Divide meat mixture into 4 equal 

parts and set aside.  

Soften tortilla shells 7-10 seconds  in microwave.  Keep them warm, wrapped in a 

 towel. Warm shells become pliable and are easier to handle.

 Lay a tortilla shell on flat surface. Fill one side of shell with meat

mixture. Spread it out with spoon but avoid going to edge.

Fold other side of shell over meat mixture. Repeat

process until four Quesadillas are prepared.

Line 2  sheet pans with foil. Mix oil and butter in small bowl. Spread

half of oil mixture evenly on top of the lined  pans. Lay 2 Quesadillas

in each  pan.  Spread rest of oil mixutre on tops of the 4 

Quesadillas.   Bake 8-10 minutes or until both sides brown 

and crisp.  Cut into wedges before serving.

SIDE SERVING SUGGESTION:

TIPS:

*   Substitute left over chopped cooked  beef stew, roast beef, or roast chicken

*   Use any flavor of Mexican seasoning packet 

*   Extra spicy: add diced hot green chilies or chopped jalapeno peppers

*   Substitute Monterey Jack or Colby Jack Cheeses

*   Quesadillas can be cut into wedges before or after baking.

*   These Quesadillas can be fried in 10-12 inch skillet, if desired.

*   8 Small flour or corn tortilla shells can be substituted, no folding necessary. 

    Assemble Sandwich style.  Cut Quesadillas in half before serving.

 

SENIOR LADY: JUMBO SWEET POTATO MUFFINS WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS!!

I  have changed my breakfast regimen recently. I decided to have meatless breakfast during

the week.  I keep bananas, zucchini, pineapple, pumpkin, and  carrots on hand. These 

items make delicious breads and muffins. The bistro where I used to get muffins only 

sold jumbo muffins. They always  tasted great and kept me feeling full until 

lunchtime.  After I retired, I always ate my breakfast at home. I even bought a jumbo

 muffin pan.  Therefore I don't miss the bistro muffins anymore.

My mom bought a bushel of sweet potatoes from a local farmer. She shared half

of them with me. I keep trying to come up with meals using sweet potatoes.

I wondered if people baked sweet potato breads and muffins. The only

sweet potato dishes I have made were candied yams, sweet potato pie,

and sweet potato souffle. I checked online and saw several sweet potato 

breads and muffins.  I put chocolate chips in my pumpkin beards and

muffins. I wondered how sweet potatoes would taste with chocolate

chips added. Sweet potatoes taste like pumpkin to me. I make

pumpkin sweet potato pies for Thanksgiving. I am a chocoholic and

 I am always trying to add chocolate to everything.  I experimented 

with adding mini chocolate chips to my sweet potatoes muffins.

 I also used my "go to" Vanilla Cake Mix instead of making my

muffins from scratch.

QUICK JUMBO SWEET POTATO MUFFINS

1 15 oz box Vanilla Cake Mix

1 1\2 Cups cooked Sweet Potatoes ( 2 small or  1 large)

2 Large Eggs

1\3 Cup Canola Oil

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1\2 teaspoon cinnamon

1\2 teaspoon ground ginger

1\4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 Cup Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate  Chips, Divided

NOTE:MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS NOT SHOWN BUT USED!!

I boiled my sweet potatoes until they were fork tender ( About 30 minutes). I peeled them

and let them cool.  Preheat oven to 350. Line a Jumbo muffin pan with 6 Jumbo Paper

Cup Cake Liners. 

Place peeled sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Mash them with Potato Masher or

Mixing Fork. Add egg, oil, vanilla and spices. Blend until smooth. Add dry cake

mix and mix well by hand with Mixing Fork. Stir in  1\2 cup of the chocolate

chips. Fill the 6 Jumbo Muffin Tin cups until all the is  batter used up. 

Sprinkle & distribute. the rest of the chocolate chips on top of each muffin.

Press the chocolate chips down into the muffins. This prevents 

chocolate chips from getting over cooked.  Bake muffins 15 minutes

or until center of muffins are firm to touch.

TIPS:

**  USE REGULAR SIZED MUFFIN TIN IF JUMBO TIN \ PAN NOT AVAILABLE. 

**  USE COOKING SPRAY TO GREASE TINS,  IF PAPER CUP LINERS NOT AVAILABLE.

**  JUMBO MUFFIN TIN\ PAN AND JUMBO PAPER CUP CAKE LINERS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE.

**   16 OZ CANNED YAMS CAN BE USED; BRUCE'S YAMS OK. JUST DRAIN LIQUID BEFORE USING.

**   ADJUST SPICES TO YOUR TASTE, IF DESIRED.

** WHITE OR VANILLA CAKE MIX DOESN'T HAVE ARTIFICIAL AFTER TASTE.

**  USE WHATEVER COOKING OIL YOU HAVE ON HAND EXCEPT EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.

**   REGULAR  SIZED CHOCOLATE CHIPS OK. MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS DON'T SINK TO THE BOTTOM.

SENIOR LADY: LOVES PIZZA MAKING!

pixabay.com

It's funny how I developed a taste for foods I didn't care for years go. I suddenly love pizza and

often eat it for breakfast. I know this  is  not the healthiest food for a Senior Lady to eat.

Therefore,  I do it in moderation!  I always add veggies  and herbs on my pizza.

I tell myself that the veggies boosts the nutritional value a little bit. I only eat  take out pizza from

a pizzeria if one of my sons come by.   A twelve  inch pizza is too much for one person. 

I could freeze left over pizza but it's not as good as fresh baked!!

I'm retired and live  on a budget. I usually have pizzeria pizza average, once

 every three months.   I have figured out ways to make tasty.pizza at home. 

I'll admit, I don't have the patience to make pizza dough from scratch.  

 I keep pasta sauce,  Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses,   pepperoni, Italian sausage

 ( pork and turkey), ground beef,  boneless chicken, onions, and bell peppers on hand.  

 These items are  my  " Go To" pizza fixins!   My son told me that the deli section at

  most grocery stores  have pizza dough.  He brings me pizza dough often and it freezes well.

Here are recipes for my quick, easy, and tasty pizzas:

Senior Lady's Supreme Pizza Pie

12 inch pizza dough ( from Grocery Store  Deli) ( thawed)

15-16 oz jar, Pasta sauce

Toppings

1\2 cup  cooked ground beef or ground sausage, drained well

1\2  cup sliced pepperoni

1\4 cup finely chopped bell pepper

1\4 cup finely chopped onion

1\4 cup mushroom pieces ( drained, canned) ( optional)

1\4 cup sliced black olives ( drained, pitted, canned) ( optional)

1 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese

1\2 cup Shredded Mild Cheddar cheese

Herbs

1\2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or

1\4 teaspoon dried oregano

1\4 teaspoon  dried  basil

Preheat oven oven 375 degrees.   Grease pizza pan. I use clean hands

 to press out the pizza dough to fit my pizza pan. I put olive oil on my

fingertips to aid in spreading the dough. I used large spoon to

spread on the pasta sauce on the dough.  One cup of sauce may

cover entire crust ( Adjust to your taste).  Next,  I sprinkle on

 the toppings. Handfuls of shredded Mozzarella & Cheddar 

cheeses are placed  over my veggies and meat toppings. 

The herbs are sprinkled on last. 

I place pizza on lower rack of oven for 10 minutes to ensure 

golden brown pizza crust. After 10 minutes, pizza is 

placed on the top rack. Bake 15 minutes or until cheeses

are melted and slightly browned.

QUICK BAGEL PIZZA

6 count bag pre-sliced  plain Bagels

15-16 oz jar, Pasta Sauce

6-7 oz pack Sliced Pepperoni

8 oz bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Lightly grease sheet pan, Separate the  bagels and lay them on the pan.

Spoon pasta sauce on each slice of bagel. Place 3 to 4 slices of 

pepperoni on top of the sauce. Place wad of cheese on top of the pepperoni.

( Image shows pepperoni on top of cheese; I prefer cheese on top)

Bake 350 degrees 15 minutes or til cheese melted and slightly browned.

Note: Sliced  French & Italian deli  loaf  can  be substituted for bagels)

Topping Options:  ( Amounts used: To your family's taste!)

*  Veggie Bagel Pizza: Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, & mushrooms

*  Cheesey  Bagel  Pizza::  Shredded Italian blend , Mild Cheddar, & Mozzarella Cheeses

 *  BBQ Chicken Bagel  Pizza: Chopped Cooked Chicken, Cooked chopped bacon, Finely chopped onion 

( substitute Pasta sauce  with Barbecue sauce )

*  Three Meat Bagel Pizza: Chopped Pepperoni, Cooked drained Ground Beef, Cooked drained Ground Sausage

( Chopped Ham, Crumbled Bacon, or Cooked Ground Turkey other Meat Options)

bettycrocker.com

I also purchase packs of  6 ounce pizza crust mix from the grocery store. I just add very warm

tap water to the mix, knead mix,  a few times and the dough is made. This type of crust is 

okay when I am out of the deli crust.  This  crust doesn't have a strong yeast flavor. 

amazon.com

Grocery stores and some of the Dollar Stores have packages of pre- baked  pizza  crust.

This crust is also available in online.  This is the best quick and tasty pizza crust. I avoid 

over-cooking the crust and follow the cooking instructions.  This crust works well on the 

grill too. I place the pasta sauce, pre-cooked toppings, and cheese on the crust. I carefully

 place the prepared pizza on the hot grill  with the lid down. I make sure the pizza is on the 

side of the grill with the indirect heat. This keeps the  crust from over cooking before the

 cheese melts and before  the toppings are heated thoroughly. This is a real treat for kids

 at summer cook-outs.

UPSCALE PULLED BARBECUE!

I rarely crave a certain type of food. However, Pulled Pork Barbecue,  Coleslaw, and hushpuppies,

have been on my mind all week. This Southern meal is a favorite for my family. I try not to 

eat it,  but once every six months. I am trying to eat healthier, so I limit my intake of fried foods

 and certain cuts of pork.

There was a restaurant  I loved that served delicious Turkey Barbecue. It was so good and it

tasted as good as Pork Barbecue!  They closed their doors three months go. Bummer!

I used to make Turkey Barbecue using turkey thighs. The neighborhood grocery store

that sold them,  moved to another town a few years ago. A lady I used to work with

sold Turkey Barbecue for her father. She took orders for  pints of the his barbecue

and delivered it for him. It was very good. I tried to get recipe from her. She would 

only tell me a few secrets.  Her father, slow cooked  whole turkeys, deboned them,

 and simmered them in his Secret Sauce.

I was grocery shopping Wednesday when I saw a pork roast and turkey loin marked

down to cheaper prices. I wondered if I could combine these two meats together

 and make great tasting "  Pulled Barbecue".  I recalled that some brands of hot 

dogs, sausage, and meatloaf  mix have pork and turkey mixed together.  This store 

also carries an old fashioned barbecue sauce that tastes like Carolina Vinegar 

Pulled Pork Barbecue Sauce. 

RECIPE:   UPSCALE PULLED BARBECUE:

READ ALL THE  TIPS BEFORE COOKING!!

2lb - 3 lb Swift Sirloin or Shoulder  Pork Roast (  boneless )

Butterball Turkey Breast Loin, 24 oz

3 cups water or more.

 1 teaspoon Smoked sea salt

1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

1\4 cup Allegro Marinade 

1\2 teaspoon Black pepper

1 small bunch scallion tops

1\2 cup Baby Ray Chipotle Sauce

Finishing Sauce

16 oz Bottle George's Original Barbecue Sauce

Note: The Pork Roast and the Turkey Loin had two pieces in each package.

I only removed  one section of meat from each package (Only need four servings).

DOUBLE LIST INGREDIENTS IF WHOLE PACKAGE OF BOTH MEATS  USED!!

Rinse meats well with cold water. Place them in large pot or Dutch oven.

Make sure WATER covers the meats. Add the rest of the ingredients, Except 

George's BBQ sauce. Bring contents in pot to a boil, then lower the temperature

 to medium  (185 - 190 degrees Fahrenheit- depends on your stove!). Cover pot

with a lid and let meats simmer until fork tender ( about 1- 1 1\2 hours).

Remove the meats from the pot after it gets fork tender. Use 

2 forks to pull the  pork and turkey apart.  Reserve 1 1\2'cups

of the cooking liquid from the  pot.  Place the pulled  meats 

cooking liquid, and 1 1\2 cups of George's BBQ sauce in the pot. 

Stir meats  and sauces until they are well combined..  Make sure

 the pulled meat is covered with sauce. Add more George's BBQ 

sauce, if necessary. Let the meat simmer 30 minutes, so flavors 

can meld together. Serve with Coleslaw or your favorite side dish.

TIPS:

**' REGULAR TABLE  SALT & REGULAR PAPRIKA OK. THE SMOKEY 

FLAVOR ENHANCES THE BBQ'S FLAVOR.

** ANY BRAND OF SMOKED FLAVORED  BBQ SAUCE OK.

** FINISHING SAUCE: USE ANY BRAND VINEGAR FLAVORED BBQ SAUCE.

**ANY BRAND TURKEY BREAST LOIN OK.

** ANY BRAND SMALL BONELESS PORK ROAST IS OK

** USE SOY SAUCE IF ALLEGRO MARINADE IS UNAVAILABLE.

**:PORK SHOULDER\ BUTT IS TRADITIONAL MEAT USED  FOR

 PULLED PORK BBQ., USE THIS CUT IF DESIRED.

**IF SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS LISTED NOT AVAILABLE, 

OMIT THEM & ADJUST RECIPE TO YOUR TASTE!