Thanksgiving Decor Galore

Just some scenes from Minnich Manor's Autumnal Paradise... mainly dollar store and sale item finds! 

A little Veterans Day snack

I am lucky to have my very own veteran to keep me safe and sound.  The Dave does not like to mention that he spent 3.5 years serving his country and was pretty darn close to making it his career- now had he done that, we would never have met and he would be retired on a beach right now (ok, for those of you know Dave know he is too white for the beach, but if I could retire at 40, I would be on the beach!)

So lucky for me (and a bunch of kids at various high schools across NC) he did not make the US Army his career.  I told him we could snag him some free meals around town today, but alas, I preferred that I cook.  We had smothered BBQ pork chops with mashed taters as an early dinner, but the I got hungry- shocker I know!  What to do, what to do?

Then the commercial for the Memphis thickburger from Hardee's came on--- mmmm Memphis... BBQ.... fried chicken from Gus'.... NOOOOOOO!   As it happens, I can't just run to Mempho to get some ribs...

I decided on something 'healthy'--a  nice  dill cream cheese spread on crackers.  I like this dip/spread because you can have it as a dip or a spread.

Cream Cheese Spread with Dill

1 pkg cream cheese softened- fat free of course
1-2 tablespoons dill weed
1 tablespoon caraway seed
1-2 tablespoons minced onion (or dried) 
garlic salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.  This will only get better.

Serve with ritz crackers or pretzels work too...

And yes, the Veteran did enjoy the snack!   and I think while he enjoys a round or two of golf tomorrow, I will enjoy a Memphis thickburger and dream of walking down Beale....

Doritos are sinful...

I was so delighted NOT to have to cook a single thing yesterday as it was my 43rd birthday- Dave handled breakfast (French toast, eggs, and bacon), Jan's in Fallston took care of our lunch time snack, and Barley's did dinner for two as ONLY Barley's can! But alas, that was yesterday and now it's back to my normal role of  'cookslave' to the Dave--- and that means, making dinner.  However, I do LOVE to cook so I woke up this morning with one question on my mind- what do I do for dinner?

I searched the Pinterest boards and came across the one recipe that would make the Dave think he'd died and gone to heaven- Doritos Chicken Casserole.  And then I said NOOOOOO!  I cannot do this... I cannot make a casserole with Doritos!  I went to the pantry and decided to do something similiar but without the Doritos.  (BTW, Doritos are currently on sale buy one/ get one at Food Lion- Dave did not purchase yesterday, but reminded me of this fact IF I had to go to the store.)

And then I made my mistake.  I mentioned to Dave what we were going to have and while he didn't turn up his nose, he did not seem excited. I think he really wanted those B1G1free Doritos somehow someway.... And then I said "I found a Doritos casserole on Pinterest" and boy, did those eyes light up!  So there is was and here it is...

Doritos Chicken Casserole

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green peppers
1 cup shredded cheese (or more if you are a cheese hound)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes - I would use hotter next time... just to give it some more kick!
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or more- to taste)
Bag of Doritos- I used good ole Nacho cheese.

1.  Mix all the ingredients- except the Doritos- together.
2.  Spray cooking spray on bottom of casserole.  Layer Doritos on the bottom, then top with chicken mixture, repeat and end with chicken mixture- it makes two layers. Top with cheese
3.  Bake for 30 minutes at 350.

OMGOODNESS.. this was Good!! I was amazed at how well the chips held up in the casserole.  I did add a bit of crushed chips on the top after plating it.... it looks like a bunch of 'goo' but oh my.... it's  awesome! 

Safe to say this is definitely Dave tested and Dave approved!  It's kind of nice being the Dave's wife.... :)