Just Like Rice Krispie Squares

Last night was Book Club and being December, the club does a Pot Luck dinner. I offered to bring dessert and this year made a new-to-me recipe.

Doesn't that look wonderful? But, so easy it reminds me of those television ads where, before presenting a platter of Rice Krispie Squares, the cook splashes flour on her face to give the appearance of having worked all day in the kitchen.

Last summer at the family reunion, my now-American cousin brought this same dessert.
Both the appearance and taste immediately said 'keeper' to me. I am happy to share the recipe with you for all your Christmas entertaining.

SUGAR COOKIE FRUIT PIZZA

*One Tube - Sugar Cookie dough (In the refrigerator section at the grocery store where they keep Pillsbury Crescent Dinner rolls etc.) I've learned that this product is only available in Canada at Christmas time. All year long in the USA so if you are really desperate for a quick and easy dessert, at any other time of year, you might have to do some cross-border shopping.

*One Tub - Strawberry Cream Cheese

*Various fresh fruit

Roll cookie dough to fit a large circular cookie sheet. Bake as directed on the package.
Let cool. Once cool, spread with cream cheese, then decorate with fruit.

Oh - and don't forget to splash a little flour on your face. Appearances must be kept up.

Oh, The weather Outside Is Frightful ---

But by my stove, it's so delightful. And my house smells s-o-o-o-o good.

For the last 30 years or so, I have made mincemeat for Christmas. It is delicious, decadent. delectable! I always say I could 'eat myself sick' with too much taste testing, while cooking it.

It takes lots of these

and a bit of this.

The Listeria-free kind, I hope. The 50 minutes of boiling should destroy any nasties that might be living there.

It is easy to make and very impressive to guests. If you happen to make a pretty mean pastry to go with it, guests are doubly impressed.

Here is the recipe.
MINCEMEAT
5 Cups Apples -cored and chopped but NOT peeled
Juice and zest of one lemon
2 C White Sugar
1 1/3 Cups Suet
1/2 C Peel
1 C Dried Currants
1 C Seeded ( Lexia) Raisins
1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Cloves
1- 15 oz can Pitted Sour Cherries

Place all ingredients, except cherries, in large pot.

Boil gently for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add Cherries and boil another 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Let Cool. Store in refrigerator for up to two months. For longer storage, seal in Mason Jars.

Makes two pies, or 24 regular sized tarts or about 48 dainty little tarts.

Number One Son, Charlie, can't find Lexia Raisins in Hearst, so uses any raisins he has on hand. He says his Mincemeat is great too.

Enjoy.