Early Afternoon~

Well, after the swiss and bacon settle in all the tummies, around 11:30 I start to set up the "goody table". Which is a term, I stoled from my southern mother-in-law who has a table like that set up all Christmas week. All the grandchildren circle around it daily to see what new yummy things are put on it!

I have cut-up cheese, meats and assortment of crackers. I make several appetizers plus cut-up fruit. This is about the time the parades on t.v. are ending....the men are gathering around the couch to get the best seat for the football games to begin. With a assortment of drinks plus thick egg nog brought down from a farm in Michigan....the "snacking" begins...

Here are a few of my appetizer recipes I use....{This is one thing I change up each year}-

Swiss Cheese Dip

{even if you don't like swiss cheese...you will like this}

In a microwave-safe dish (spray with Pam) or pie plate, mix 1 softened 8oz. cream cheese, 1 tsp. of onion powder, 1/3 cup of mayo, 3/4 cup of shredded swiss cheese.Mix all together and spread on dish.

Crumble up bacon on top (about 6 slices). Microwave the dish on high for about 4 minutes (until bubbly)...enjoy with buttered crackers on the side.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

1 pkg lil smokies

1 pkg bacon sliced in half

Brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap lil smokies in 1/2 slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick. Arrange smokies to cover the bottom of 9 by 13 pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over smokies and bake for 45 minutes.

"Kick Butt" Taco Dip

1 8ox brick cream cheese, softened

1 cup 8 oz sour cream

1 packet of taco seasoning

diced tomatoes, sliced olives, cheese, slice green onion (whatever your heart desires)

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning together. Spread in a thin layer on a pizza pan or other serving platter. My layer is about 1/2 inch thick! Then top with all the toppings. Serve with tortilla chips.

Thanksgiving Dinner is served at 5:00

football is off(this is ok with the "men" b/c they smell dinner cooking)

...the classical music is on...

come back tomorrow and I will share some of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes-