Grandma's Turkey Dressing

"This is my favorite holiday recipe!  My family and I wait all year for my Grandma to make it for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.  The combination of bread, rice and sausage makes this stuffing recipe different than any other one I've ever tasted.  It wouldn't be the holidays without it!"

2-(16 ounce) packages of Jimmy Dean Sausage (1 regular and 1 sage)

1 onion, chopped

2-3 ribs celery, chopped

1 loaf of French bread, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces, dried* 

2 eggs, beaten

1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

1/2 cup water

1 bag of prepared Uncle Ben's Boil-In-Bag Rice (From 4-bag package, prepared according to package directions)

 

Brown sausage with onion and celery, until sausage is cooked thoroughly and vegetables are softened.  Add dried bread, eggs, chicken broth, water and cooked rice.  Spoon into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*TIP:  My Grandma tears the bread into pieces and then places it in a large bowl and allows it to sit out on the counter until it is dry.  You can also dry the bread by tearing it into pieces and placing it on a sheet tray and baking it at 300 degrees for about 8 minutes.  

Smokehouse Cheese Ball

"This Smokehouse Cheese Ball is another one of my hubby's yummy recipes.  We enjoyed it as an appetizer before Thanksgiving dinner this year.  It has the most delicious, smoky flavor and is a perfect topper for your favorite crackers.  This recipe is an easy appetizer or snack for any party or get-together that you might be having this holiday season." 

2-(8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped scallions or green onions
1/4 cup Hormel Real Bacon Bits (from 3 ounce container-found by salad dressings)
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (Found on the condiment aisle near the ketchup)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3-4 ounces of Smokehouse Almonds, finely chopped

Using a mixer, blend together cream cheese and cheddar cheese until combined.  Mix in green onions, bacon bits, Worcestershire, liquid smoke and seasonings.  Stir until completely combined.  Form mixture into a ball and roll in chopped almonds.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.  Serve with crackers.

Beef 'n Bean Burritos

"My sister shared this easy recipe with me.  It combines simple ingredients into a delicious Southwest inspired dinner that's perfect for any night of the week."

1 pound ground beef
1 can refried beans
1 (16 ounce) jar picante sauce
1 package flour tortillas
1 (8 ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese
1 tomato, chopped
1 small can of sliced black olives, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Brown ground beef; Drain and return to pan.  Stir in refried beans and 1/2 of the jar of picante sauce; Heat through.  To assemble each burrito, spread tortilla with beef and bean mixture, sprinkle with cheese and roll up.  Place burritos in a casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  Pour remaining picante sauce over burritos and top with remaining shredded cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Top with chopped tomatoes and sliced olives.