Pass the Pumpkin Please! Still time for Great Desserts November 23, 2010

 Maureen says –

What’s Thanksgiving without pumpkin, and lots of it!  There’s still time to open a can or two of that great fall vegetable and create some holiday magic!  Depending on the time you have left in your schedule before the big happy day, you may be able to whip up one or both of these tried and true EASY (I promise!  I only make EASY!) yet scrumptious desserts!

(Easy) PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE (of course, keeping in mind that easier would be to run up to Trader Joe’s at Piper Glen and buy one out of their freezer!)                                                                                                                                            

You’ll need:

10″ springform pan (I line it with parchment paper)

Crushed crunch gingersnap cookies, approx. 25

1/4 C butter or margarine, melted

(stir into crushed cookies and line bottom of springform pan – stick in freezer until ready for filling)

4 – 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened 

1-1/2 C sugar

2 t vanilla extract

(mix these ingredients together until smooth)

4 eggs (add to above, ONE AT A TIME, mixing well between each)

2/3 C half & half (mix into above until combined)

1 can pure pumpkin

2 t pumpkin pie spice

(mix in last two ingredients and beat well, until combined; pour into prepared crust and bake in oven for one hour at 350 degrees – let sit in hot oven for 1o – 15 more minutes – center should not be fully set when done; cool on baking rack, then chillax in the fridge overnight – remove springform pan and place on serving plate – I’m sure you’re going to want to put this one on a pretty cake pedestal plate!).  Top with some delish whipped cream (just use the can!!) and voila!

Ok, if that sounds like WAY too much trouble, but you’d still like a little pumpkin sumpkin to serve your guests – try this one and they will THINK it took hours!

Rose Marie’s (Incredibly Easy!) PUMPKIN PIE CAKE

Start off by greasing a 13×9″ cake pan

To that, add 1 large (or 2 small = 15 oz) can of pumpkin pie filling

Over that, sprinkle one regular-size box of yellow cake mix

On top of that, layer 1/2 – 3/4 C chopped nuts (your choice – walnuts or pecans!)

Melt 2 sticks butter (ooh ooh ooh, now you’ll know why it’s such an ooey-gooey crowd pleaser!) and pour , somewhat evenly, over the other ingredients

Bake in 350 degree oven for 55-60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.                                                                                 

 be the hit of the pumpkin patch with these easy-breezy delights!

Catch us tomorrow for our helpful hints on holiday shopping!  Now, back to the Kitchen….

And if you’re in the market for a new house with an awesome Kitchen, check out our listings (and 20,0000 others!) at www.southcharlotteliving.com

Time to Talk Turkey! November 22, 2010

 

 

  

 

      TODAY, Paige Says –

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you need a little help in the “turkey” department, I have a few great south Charlotte suggestions for you …

 

Are you looking to save a little money this Thanksgiving ?  If so, just head over to Trader Joe’s at Piper Station (www.traderjoes.com) and you will be surprised with their yummy and affordable options for a fabulous turkey day …

For under $25.00 (yes, it IS true !) you can feed up to four people .  Try their turkey breast, cranberry relish, or sweet potato pie .  Add a light white wine for under $6.99 a bottle .  Toast to the good times and good deals !

 

Ok, you don’t want to cook but want everyone to think that you did?  No problem … just call or visit The Fresh Market at Carmel Commons (www.thefreshmarket.com or 704.541.1882) for a beautiful and ready-to-serve Thanksgiving spread !  You can order a fully-cooked, ready-to-serve 10-12 lb turkey for $3.49 a pound .  These turkeys are raised in the Pennsylvania Amish country and are fed a vegetarian diet that is free of animal by-products .  They are always fresh, never frozen and area raised naturally without antibiotics .

 

And don’t forget the side dishes … they have many to choose from :  sweet potato souffle, stuffing, cranberry relish, corn souffle – and the list goes on and on !  The dessert choices are amazing … Try the yummy carrot cake or the decadent pecan pie … two of my personal favorites !  Stop by, give them a call, or order online …but hurry !

 

If cooking IS your forte then head on over to your neighborhood Harris Teeter (have you noticed – they’re everywhere ! ) and shop to your heart’s desire (www.harristeeter.com) .  Here you will find EVERYTHING and I do mean everything that you need to make your Thanksgiving dinner a big success.  Their fresh Butterball turkeys are $1.49 a pound and frozen are a budget-friendly $2.69 if you don’t have to cook for an army !  There are fresh, canned, and frozen cranberries … Ingredients to make even the most exotic dishes or your traditional favorites .  Even if you are cooking into the night (hope not !), the Harris Teeter at Stonecrest is open 24 hours !

 

However you spend your Thanksgiving Day, I wish you many blessings with family and friends …