Merry Christmas Eve!
Today, we are doing precisely what I have done every single Christmas Eve of my life. Around lunch time, we will go to my Grandma & Pappy's house and spend the day with my mom's side of the family. I used to see this side of the family a lot, but sadly, Christmas Eve is one of the only days of the year we all get together anymore! I am very excited to see my whacky family!
Later on in the evening, we will head over to Paul's Uncle's house, where we will visit with his side of the family. We have a special Christmas gift we recorded and are giving out, so I am a little nervous about that!
Before we leave today, I have to make TWO pineapple casseroles to take along to these family gatherings. I freaking love pineapple casserole, and everyone who has dared to try mine has loved it as well! Here's what you do:
Pineapple Casserole Recipe:
1. In a huge bowl, mix together the following ingredients:
3-4 large cans of pineapple chunks (drained)
1 c. sugar
8 tbsp. flour
As much shredded cheddar cheese as you want (go crazy!!!)
2. Dump all of that into a cake pan. Sprinkle as many
Ritz crackers over top as you want. (go crazy!!!)
3. Slice off pats of butter and place them out evenly on top of the crackers.
Try to cover a lot of the casserole, you may or may not use an entire stick of butter.
1 c. sugar
8 tbsp. flour
As much shredded cheddar cheese as you want (go crazy!!!)
2. Dump all of that into a cake pan. Sprinkle as many
Ritz crackers over top as you want. (go crazy!!!)
3. Slice off pats of butter and place them out evenly on top of the crackers.
Try to cover a lot of the casserole, you may or may not use an entire stick of butter.
4. Cook at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. VOILA!
Jelly guards the pineapple for me!
Not pictured: Massive amounts of cheese.!
Last year, I wrote a little Christmas Eve poem that I thought I would share with you again!!!
(I didn't have the time to write a new poem!)
'Twas the Night Before Christmas...
Twas the night before Christmas, and all was not quiet
All the creatures were stirring- the cats were on a diet!
The stockings were hung in the kitchen with care,
Chrissy and Jelly were prowling.... they are quite the pair!
My husband was nestled all snug in the basement,
Playing guitar and burning some candles so fragrant.
And me in my reindeer PJs so cozy
Relaxed on the couch, cheeks bright and rosy.
When out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But two kitty cats acting so cavalier
Chrissy had opened the cupboard door,
He cried and meowed- begging for more.
And Jelly just stared with bright precious eyes,
That said, "Please give me food!" and I had to sympathize...
"Now Chrissy! Now Jelly! You're going to be fine!
It's only ten o'clock and you just ate at nine!"
"Don't let them dupe you!" Paul called from below.
"There's no way they're hungry. They're putting on a show."
And so I bent down and gave them a kiss,
Their antics are always so hard to resist.
After all, my dear readers, it was Christmas Eve,
They deserve something special, I do believe.
Quietly, cautiously, ever so discrete,
I sneaked to the cupboard and got out the treats.
The cats excitedly puffed out their tails
And within seconds gobbled their treats- diets derailed.
But holidays are a time to relax and recharge,
to not worry about calories, protein and carbs.
Tomorrow the kitties will get back on track,
Their hard work not ruined by one midnight snack.
Chrissy and Jelly were now so content,
They purred with delight and off to bed they went.
But I heard them exclaim, as they sneaked out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
What are your Christmas Eve Traditions?
LOVE the poem! Also, I didn't know pineapple and cheese go well together! What kind of cheese do you use?
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, my mom would drag us to church then we would come home and eat shrimp fettuccine. Most recently, we've been going to my husband's parent's house or if we're at my parent's house, we stay home while they go to church. This year is a new adventure, my saxophone quartet is playing at a local church's service tonight, which I'm really looking forward to (the saxophone playing, not going to church, lol)!
Cheddar cheese! Pineapple + cheese + ritz + butter = YUM. Very weird combo, I know!
DeleteHave fun playing your saxophone tonight!!! :)
Your kitties are so sweet and they all have a personality all their own. Our two also love treat time and the little one hears the bag rattle and basically flies from one room to the next to get there first.
ReplyDeleteAw your kitties sound cute! Merry Christmas, Larry!
DeleteMerry Christmas Eve!!! I hope you have a great day with your fam!
ReplyDeleteAdam and I are running around trying to get everything prepared for Duke's arrival next week!!!! :D
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
DeletePineapple casserole sounds weird...but in a good way!! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI know, but believe me it is good!!
DeletePineapple is one of only two foods I refuse to eat. The smell of it makes me gag. But add cheese to anything and it magically tastes better. I am sure your casserole is delicious to people who like pineapple!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the other food you refuse to eat?
DeleteI read your poem to my cat-loving beau and he was smiling the whole way through it. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteNow, the pineapple casserole...that's one of my faves! I use cheese crackers instead of Ritz and I recently tried graham crackers and that was yummy, too.
Now you've put me in the mood for it...perhaps it will be on the New Year menu???
This post really showcases how much time I have on my hands sometimes. A multi stanza poem about my cats, little "Merry Christmas" pictures of them... lol.
DeleteI know, such off flavors that one has to try to "get".
ReplyDelete