A real cassoulet involves chicken, white wine and baking. I like this skillet version made with smoked polish sausage. It's quick, easy and great on a cold winter night. You can use different types of beans or even add chicken. Top your dish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese and prepare to enjoy!
A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLASTwas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap—
When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter,
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Donder and Blitzen—
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So, up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys—and St. Nicholas too.
And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His droll little month was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf;
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Author - Clement Moore
I love this slaw. It's easy to make, tastes great and only gets better the next day!
Grill Charms is a registered trademark and used with permission. For product and trademark information, please visit their website at http://www.grillcharms.com .
This easy breakfast casserole has become a Christmas Day tradition for me. I adapted this recipe from the traditional hash brown casserole. You can easily make it ahead of time. Just layer all the ingredients together, cover and keep in your freezer until ready to use. If you have never tried Jimmy Dean's Breakfast Skillets, they are wonderful. They contain ham, bacon or sausage with potatoes, red & green peppers and onions. They are located in freezer section of your grocery store and make a perfect recipe starter. 
Chocolate Raisin Almond Drops
Ingredients:
1 pkg chocolate almond bark (1 lb 8 oz)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup raisins
1 cup coconut
1 cup almond slivers
Melt almond bark according to package directions. Mix in chocolate chips and stir until melted. Stir in raisins, coconut, and almonds. Mix well and drop by teaspoonful onto wax paper. Let cool to harden. Makes approximately 4 dozen.
I love homemade egg rolls, but they take a lot of time. And, let's face it, deep-fried egg rolls are not so healthy. This simple dish takes all of the good things from the inside of an egg roll. You can add some fresh broccoli or your favorite fresh vegetable to make this recipe your own. It's also very good served over brown rice. I like to add some hot-mustard sauce or soy sauce on the side when serving.
Sometimes you know there are a few days of frantic errands or work headed your way. Some days it hits you like a ton of bricks and you can't even think of what to cook for supper. This is a simple starter dish that will stand by itself. Ample leftovers tonight will save you time tomorrow. When you have more energy, you can dress it up or use the leftovers for a brand new dish. I like to top this with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. You can take a dipper full and wrap it in a whole wheat flour tortilla, top it with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream for a quick burrito. It also makes an excellent base for chili or soup. Go ahead and play with the spices!
Don't wait for Thanksgiving! 
Healthy Pinto Beans & Franks is a perfect time saving meal that you can have ready in under 10 minutes. Feel free to change or add an ingredient. You can even change it to kidney beans, black beans or any combination you desire. Use your favorite cheese. I used Oscar Mayer Light Beef Franks because I like the taste and texture. If you want to be super healthy or are watching your sodium, rinse the beans before preparing.
Baked Acorn Squash
1 Acorn Squash
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup
Dash of Salt, Pepper, and Pumpkin Pie Spice
If you're in a hurry, you can cook this in the microwave and finish it in the oven. Just wash and dry the squash. Prick the outside of the squash several times with a fork. Microwave 5 to 7 minutes. Using potholders, take the squash out of the microwave and cut lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and add the above ingredients. Finish by cooking the squash in the oven under the broiler until the tops are browned.
4 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen) 1 cup flour (self-rising) - do not sift
1 Cup Sugar & 1/4 Cup Sugar (reserved for topping)
1 Cup Milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees & grease 14 X 9 inch baking dish. You can use a 12 X 8 dish or smaller, but you will need to increase your baking time. You could also divide this into two smaller dishes.
If using fresh berries, wash them and drain. If using frozen, rinse them in cold water and drain. Stir together flour and 1 cup of sugar in large bowl. Melt butter. Add milk to flour/sugar and stir until blended. Stir in melted butter. Pour batter into baking dish. Add blackberries on top of batter distributing them evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of sugar over berries. Don't worry that the berries sink to the bottom! Bake at 350° for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown.
