Gingerbread cookies are baking in the oven, garlands of popcorn & cranberries are hung on the tree and you're putting the finishing touches on those special handmade gifts for loved ones and friends. We always enjoy adding homemade touches to all of our holiday celebrations and these handmade memories were the inspiration for this week's Cookbook of the Week!
Let's take a look at the Table of Contents and
see what this book has in store for you!
Creating Christmas Memories is full of heartfelt stories and remembrances that will surely get you in the mood for this
time of year.
The next several chapters have everything you need for your holiday menus. Cozy Morning Brunch has homestyle recipes perfect for Christmas morning or before a big day of shopping or tree-cutting.
When you get home, you can warm up with a recipe from Simmering Soups & More or Warm & Welcoming Suppers. Both have plenty to offer and will make you extra glad to be home.
Farmhouse Christmas Dinners has traditional recipes for the big feast with family and Old-Fashioned Desserts guarantees a happy ending to every holiday meal.
Cookie Jar Classics will come in handy when you have your baking days or annual cookie swaps...lots of old favorites and some new goodies to try too!
Homemade Sweets to Share is filled with tasty treats to make & give. Any lucky folks with a sweet tooth on your list this year?
Gathering with Friends has your open houses, caroling parties and holiday potlucks covered. Whether you're hosting or a guest, you'll have plenty to share.
The last chapter, Handmade from the Heart, features 18 easy projects with illustrations that you can whip up for friends, neighbors, teachers and anyone who appreciates gifts with a crafty spin.
Homemade Christmas is simply PACKED with holiday inspiration...
we know you'll find yourself referring back to it year after year.
Here's a recipe from the Farmhouse Christmas Dinners chapter...whether you enjoy it on the big day or another day between now and then, we hope you and your family will enjoy it.
Holiday Pork Loin
Thanks to Patricia Ferraiolo of East Haven, Georgia, who shared her recipe with us for Homemade Christmas. She writes, "We tried this scrumptious slow-cooker recipe with cranberries, squash and apples for the first time this past Christmas. It was such a big hit that we are including it again in this year’s menu."
1 c. apple cider or apple juice
2-lb. boneless pork loin
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and sliced
1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
12-oz. pkg. cranberries
2 to 3 T. brown sugar, packed
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. dried sage
Pour apple cider or juice into a skillet over medium-high heat. When liquid is hot, add pork loin and sear on all sides. Sprinkle salt and pepper over pork; remove to a slow cooker. Drizzle skillet drippings over pork. Combine apples, squash and cranberries and sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Stir to combine ingredients and place around pork in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Remove pork loin from slow cooker and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Top with apple mixture and serve. Serves 6 to 8.
Not only will Homemade Christmas provide hundreds of recipes for this (or any!) time of year, you'll also find helpful tips to almost every page as well. The ideas in this cookbook range from kitchen shortcuts to decorating inspiration, but many of them have a definite crafty spin. Here's a sample...
Use your favorite cookie cutters for all kinds of crafting this holiday! Trace around them onto brightly colored paper for placecards and gift tags and add a dash of glitter for sparkle. Simple ornaments are easy to make too! Just trace the cutter onto doubled felt and cut out. Blanket-stitch the edges to join halves together and stuff lightly...so cute!
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