The Preparations have begun

In order to enjoy Thanksgiving as much as possible, I have started making the dishes that can be made ahead. I have the stuffing/dressing made. A couple of appetizers and the jell-o. For appetizers this year I am doing a spinach and artichoke dip, a cheeseball, baked potato rounds (my niece loves those!), lil' smokies, a veggie platter, chips and dip and a bean dip. It will be way more than enough, but they are great for Friday's leftovers. I love to munch on the cheeseball while playing card games or Sequence with the family. Tonight after dinner, I will make the pies.

Ranch Cheese Ball

1 package softened cream cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package ranch dressing mix
sliced almonds

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, cheese and ranch dressing mix. Roll in almonds to coat. Chill and enjoy with crackers.
I got this recipe from a wonderful lady at a recipe exchange from church. It is very yummy!!!!


Bean Dip

1 pound lean ground beef
1 large can refried beans, or 2 small ones
1 package taco mix
1 tub sour cream
1 bottle green taco sauce
cheese for the top

Brown ground beef, drain. Add taco mix and beans, spread in 9x13. In bowl combine sour cream with taco sauce, pour over bean mixture. Top with cheese and heat until bubbly and hot through.

My sister gave me this recipe within the first year of marriage. I cannot tell you how many times I have made this. Chances are you have eaten it at my house or at some social gathering. We LOVE this recipe. I have made it whenever a munchie has been needed to be brought (BUNCO night), for birthday parties (Kevin's surprise fiesta), and sometimes we have it for dinner. Noah prefers it to plain taco meat anyway. There are truly never any leftovers.

Baked Potato Rounds (for Olivia--I will pop a few of these just for you)

2 Large baking potatoes
salt and pepper
shredded cheddar cheese
bacon, cooked and crumbled
sour cream

Slice potatoe rounds into uniform round slices. Spray both sides with PAM, salt and pepper (if you like salt and pepper-I usually go light for the kids). Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake until cheese is melted. Top with a small dollop of sour cream. It's like eating a baked potato!!

We sometimes have this for lunch. The kids love these.