From mid November to January 1st, there are many occasions to celebrate a host of holidays. It's a time to get together with family and friends and reflect on memories of the past, rekindle and mend relationships and simply enjoy the company of one another. As the old year draws to an end and a new one is about to begin, we begin to reminisce, we become aware of how quickly time goes by and how important it is to make the most of each day and focus on the things that are the most valuable. So, we plan parties and get~togethers and luncheons and dinners and before you know it we've filled our plates so full that we're exhausted and too tired to enjoy the simple pleasures that we were trying so hard to embrace, we're stuffed with preparation and hustle bustle and have no room left for dessert or the sweetest part of our celebrations. We think our homes need to be decorated to the hilt and look like the cover of The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book and everything we serve must be made from scratch and served on Lenox, Royal Daulton or Vietri. Just to set the record straight, I'm not saying your home "Can't" look like the cover of The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book or that everything can't be made from scratch and served on fine china. I love The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Books and glean a lot of inspiration from them, I have a set of Royal Daulton and much I make for gatherings is from scratch. Let me also say, I have been guilty of thinking everything has to follow those guidelines or it just isn't good enough. All of those perceptions are a fallacy, the most important thing is the fellowship enjoyed, them time you spend together, not the decoration, the food we eat or what we eat it on. If you are gathering together for the right reason, none of those things should matter, if they do, you've missed the reason for gathering together. So, I'm encouraging you invite someone over even if it's for a bag of lays and a carton of French Onion Dip and celebrate the season together. I know you and your guests will be glad you did, but in case you have the time and want to make some homemade goodies instead we'll be posting some simple and delicious recipes we hope you'll try and enjoy.
Bon Appétit
Garlic Feta Cheese Spread
4 oz Crumbled Feta Cheese
4 oz Cream Cheese (1/2 of an 8oz block) softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 clove of garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme crushed
Fresh thyme or basil ~ optional
Assorted vegetables and crackers
In a food processor bowl or mixing bowl, combine feta, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and dried herbs. Cover and process or beat with an electric mixer on medium speed till combined. Cover and chill until time to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme or basil. Serve with assorted vegetables and crackers. Yields 1 1/2 cups
