Jan. 2, 2009
Well it was a rough morning getting up today and heading back to work. After a long New Year’s Day, I struggled to get moving. I hate to have to head off to work when my hubby has the day off – it just seems so unfair! But he has a busy day planned. He is heading off to Best Buy to pick up a new 42” TV which was a surprise present for our new room from my parents. He is also installing a new faucet in the kitchen along with an under-the-sink water filter. He is going to finish cleaning up after our party…most everything was washed and put away last night before we went to bed except two crusty crockpots which were soaking and some glassware that needs to be put away.
The large crusty crockpot held a family favorite – not one I’ve made before but one of my hubby’s Aunt’s recipes – Cottage Potatoes. Actually for years she has brought it to family gatherings and I have never tasted them…they always get eaten within 15 minutes by everyone else. My niece often makes them as well and I tasted one small bite at our family’s annual Memorial Day picnic last year. So I decided to make them for New Year’s and doubled the recipe since they always go so fast. Believe it or not there was one small bowl left at the end of the day – probably because our youngest son wasn’t there to eat his portion. The recipe is an interesting mix but surprisingly good – although very fattening.
Aunt Barbara’s Cottage Potatoes
6-8 boiled potatoes (cubed)
1 med. onion (diced)
1/2 lb. velvetta cheese (cubed)
3 slices bread (cubed)
1/2 cup melted butter
Parsley
salt and pepper
Toss all ingredients into a greased baking dish.
Top tossed potatoes with 1 Cup milk and sprinkle corn flakes over all.
Cover and bake at 350 for 30-45 mins.
Uncover and bake 5mins or more to brown.
We usually make this ahead of time and then put in a crockpot for family. If the potatoes get a little dry you can always add more milk to the mixture. They are so yummy!
The other crusty crockpot was my Little Dipper. I had never used this before but saw a recipe for a Pizza Fondue/Dip that sounded interesting and was so easy. I used 1 cup of chunky tomato sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese (I used a mix of mozzarella, parmesan and sharp cheddar) and about 15 slices of pepperoni – diced. You just put this in a small crockpot and let everything melt together and then serve with whatever you want to dip…the recipe said crackers, breadsticks or tortilla chips. I sliced up a crusty baguette and people loved it...I actually made 3 or 4 batches of it through out the day – heating it up in the microwave because it was faster – and then adding it to the crockpot. By halftime of the game we were out of baguette slices and I cut up some of the crusty rolls and people used those. It was a hit and so super easy and adaptable to your tastes – whatever kind of sauce or cheeses you like or had on hand.
We have lots of fun family gatherings as my hubby’s family is large – 4 boys and 10 grandkids –also known as the “cousins” – 9 boys and 1 beautiful young lady – although the boys are quite a nice looking bunch as well. They range in ages from 30 down to 19 – the youngest being our youngest son. They are a great group of kids and all get along very well and are very close – which is so nice. Now there is a mix of wives and girlfriends - and one boyfriend - and they get along as well. They are a protective group and look out for one another even though they are spread out across the country – from PA to OH to CA.
Love being a part of this family!
