Easter Eggs: Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

3 oz. cream cheese
1 stick butter
28 oz. creamy peanut butter
1 lb. confectioners' sugar
12 oz. chocolate chips, melted

Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and peanut butter, alternating. Shape mixture into egg shapes about 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. Dip in melted chocolate chips and cool on waxed paper.

Optional: decorate the eggs with flowers, etc.

Almond Chocolate Sandies

This is probably my most favorite cookie recipe. I've been wanting to make some but just haven't taken the time. Try them and let me know what you think!

1/2 cup margarine
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup flour
1/3 cup chopped slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered sugar, reserve to roll cookies in

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In mixing bow, beat together brown sugar, sugar and almond extract. Gradually add flour. Stir in almonds and chocolate chips. Roll dough into small balls and bake on ungreased baking sheet for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Roll cookies in powdered sugar while hot.

Sparkling Tea

For our ladies seminar I wanted to serve a drink that wouldn't be too sweet since the menu consisted mostly of either chocolate foods or those dipped in chocolate. Of course we had ice water but I still wanted something a little more. While I know some like tea to calm the sweety taste other's aren't 'tea drinkers'. Well, I came up with a recipe that most wanted to know the 'secret' ingredients. Ok, girls....take note here it is:

1 gallon Sweet Tea
2 liters Ginger Ale

It's a pretty amber color, too! I think next time I will add a little bit of almond extract to the mix. Ok....almond goes a long way so if you opt for it you better start out with only a bit and add slowly until you get to the perfect blend.

Ok, this southern girl even took the easy route and bought Red Diamond Sweetened Iced Tea. Shhh don't tell anyone...that's just too easy!

Delicious Apple Enchiladas

1 21 oz can Apple Pie Filling
12 flour tortillas
Ground cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon fruit evenly onto all tortillas, sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up tortillas and place seam side down on lightly greased 8x8 baking pan. Bring margarine, sugars and water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Pour sauce evenly over tortillas; sprinkle with extra cinnamon on top if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Best when served with ice cream or whipped topping

Ideas Anyone????????

I LOVE gathering ideas for decorating, cooking, and entertaining. Yesterday after a very long day Kent and I returned home around 8:30 or 9:00 pm I suppose. We were really too tired to eat dinner. Now that's tired! We ran thru Arby's Drive Thru for me and Kent decided he would eat yogurt and fresh strawberries once we got home.

As I was at the table eating Kent came in with the mail. I was so excited that he was bearing a good gift. You know sometimes the mail isn't always good gifts. He had folded around the mail my March/April edition of Southern Lady Magazine. This month's edition is subtitled "The Annual Entertianing Issue". I didn't have a chance to read it last night but I did flip thru it's pages. Beautiful! The cover boasts of Spring parties, celebrate Easter, layered desserts, table settings, and centerpieces. Aaaahhhhh just the things I love!

If you need fresh ideas rush to the news stand and purchase your copy today. Make sure you get the correct issue. In fact once your purchase your copy tear out the litle card and subscribe. You will not be sorry. Thank you Sue Davidson for your generosisty in giving me a gift subscription. I LOVE it!!!! Each time I read the pages of Southern Lady I think of you, a person I only know thru blogging.

Just sitting here looking at the cover of the awesome magazine makes me want to drag out my beautiful bunnies, foil covered eggs, and grass from the attic. Is EASTER on it's way??? I think I hear the bunnies hopping. Really, I'm priviledged to enjoy the beautiful wild bunnies in my yard all the time. Also, every day I enjoy the resurrection of Christ in my heart and soul. It must be EASTER....ideas anyone???

Let's decorate! Let's celebrate!

Blueberry Seasoned Pork Roast

Definitely a deep south favorite is pork. One of my Mom's and Mamaw's favorite was the pork roast. Of course Tony Chachere's gives a little different flavor to a more traditional southern flair. The blueberry fruit spread brings it right back into line, however.

1 6 or 7 lb. Boston Butt Pork Roast (trimmed)
1 packet - Lipton onion / mushroom soup (dry)
10 oz. - Blueberry fruit spread or Blueberry Jelly
Tony Chachere's Seasonings
Black Pepper
Kitchen bouquet
Garlic powder

Rub and coat roast with Kitchen Bouquet. This allows seasonings to stick to it. Sprinkle generously with Tony Chachere's Seasonings, garlic powder, and Black Pepper. Sprinkle and pat with Lipton onion / mushroom soup mix. Spread Blueberry jelly or fruit spread over the top of the roast. Wrap very tightly with 3 layers of aluminum foil. Place in preheated oven @ 250 °F and cook slowly for 8 hours (overnight is easiest). Leave wrapped until ready to serve to hold in juices. The recipe makes its own "Au Jus ". Slice and enjoy!

Approximately 8-10 servings

Share ..... Another word for Hospitality

I know during the holidays we have lots of house guests. In fact if your home is like mine by January you grow a little weary of entertaining. No, I didn't just say that! I never truly grow weary of entertaining it's just the work getting ready for parties that wearies me.

Today, I challenge you to share....why not share the best gift. I truly believe the best gifts aren't monetarily based or even tangible. Rather I feel the best gift is to share of one's self. An easy way to accomplish this is through hospitality. How long since you've had someone over to share of yourself?

Of late Kent and I have challenged our church to CARE. Why not think of someone that may need a little CARE shown to them? Think of what the people need most. Are they stressed with life? If so plan a relaxing evening. Are they missing joy? If so maybe find a couple of fun games to laugh and play. Do they just need someone to talk with? If so plan to sit around the living room sipping on coffee or tea and enjoy desserts.

You will be amazed how you will be blessed when you share of your hospitaility with others. It is truly more blessed to give than to receive. When the guests leave I promise you will fee rewarded. Go ahead make the time...do it...share!