SWEET YELLOW CORNBREAD

As Thanksgiving approaches, we get excited for our favorite traditions.  The aromas of turkey, dressing, green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes, and our favorite brown gravy to top it all off with. 

I have used Pioneer brown gravy mix throughout my whole life.  I am so pleased to have a paid partnership with Pioneer to promote the beloved gravy mix.  (ad) Since 1851, Pioneer has honored their tradition of quality into our homes.   #cookingwithpioneer

Their mixes are rich in flavor, and you can trust that Pioneer mixes contain no artificial flavoring. 

The Easy Gravy Step:

Good news, the gravy is going to be one of the easiest parts of your Thanksgiving cooking! With Pioneer Gravy, all you need are three simple ingredients and you have quality, delicious gravy to accompany your Thanksgiving meal.

There is no reason to slay over a stove making a roué from scratch.  You can trust in the quality of Pioneer brown gravy mix.  It is delicious and easy to make from the directions provided.  However, you can make it your own by adding in some of your favorite flavors as well.

I use the Pioneer gravy mix for my Sunday Supper roast often.  It is one of our favorite dishes throughout the year.  If your family loves a mushroom sauce, you can simply add fresh mushrooms, butter, garlic powder or pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or a couple of tablespoons of red wine to the package of Pioneer brown gravy mix.  

I often use the Pioneer brown gravy mix by adding garlic pepper, and a two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to pour over my pot roast.   It is delicious and rich in flavor, and a crowd pleaser! 

Secrets for Making the Perfect Gravy, Every Time.

• Bring to a boil. For a nice, thick gravy, make certain your water is at a full, rolling boil when preparing our gravy mixes to ensure that the starches are activated.
• Mix first before adding: When adding gravy mix to boiling water – consider first mixing it with a minimal amount of water to ensure a smooth transfer.  Adding the dry mix directly to boiling water can create lumps.

Quick Gravy Cheat Sheet

• Peppered gravies should have a noticeable pepper flavor but are not considered “hot” in flavor.
• Country-style gravies should have noticeable meat notes, specifically pork, bacon, and/or chicken.
• White gravies make excellent soups – including chowders and bisques - as well as wonderful sauces including garlic sauces, mushroom sauces, lemon sauces and cheese sauces. Think of your white gravy as the base for a multitude of meal sauce solutions served with protein or pasta.
• Savory gravies (brown, chicken, turkey and pork) also make excellent sauces. Add reduced wine, garlic and herbs for a spectacular complement to your meal- fun sauces include bordelaise, rosemary peppercorn, country sage, chipotle chicken and many more.

 
Now what to do with those leftovers?  Whether it is the big Thanksgiving feast, or a Sunday Supper meal, you can make a delicious open-faced sandwich by using your leftover turkey, roast or other meats, and the delicious Pioneer gravy mix.

 Leftover Turkey or Roast Open-Faced Sandwich

The classic turkey sandwich is everyone’s immediate go-to meal after Thanksgiving. However, after our third turkey sandwich of the week, we want to be able to spice things up. Treat your sandwich as if you are in a 5-star restaurant and add the works! You can create a beautiful open face sandwich using the leftover turkey, roast, potatoes, or stuffing.  Don’t forget the main ingredient to hold it all together – gravy! This will make you forget you are eating leftovers for the fifth day in a row.

For a special treat, be sure and try out The Pioneer Sweet Yellow Corn Muffin mix.   You can tell by my blog name, that I love me some sweet yellow cornbread. The Pioneer sweet yellow corn muffin mix does not disappoint!  Simple to use and easy to please.  Just add 1 egg, ½ cup milk to the mix and in 15-20 minutes, you have some delicious muffins.  We eat these at my house for a snack!

I hope you find the recipes that I am sharing helpful to plan your upcoming holiday meal.  They are good to use for all the upcoming holidays or your favorite Sunday supper meal.

Happy Thanksgiving!
 
 
Pat’s Favorite Pioneer Brown Gravy
 
Ingredients:
1 pkg. of Pioneer Gravy Mix 1.61 oz (46g)
1 1/2 ½ cups water
1 Teaspoon Garlic Pepper
2 Teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce
 
Instructions:

In a saucepan add 1 ½ cups water, 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Pepper, 2 Teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce
Follow the guidelines below when adding in the Pioneer gravy mix from our gravy tips:

• Bring to a boil. For a nice, thick gravy, make certain your water is at a full, rolling boil when preparing our gravy mixes to ensure that the starches are activated.
• Mix first before adding: When adding gravy mix to boiling water – consider first mixing it with a minimal amount of water to ensure a smooth transfer.  Adding the dry mix directly to boiling water can create lumps.

Serve over potatoes, roast, turkey, dressing or stuffing
 
  
Sweet Yellow Corn Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:
1 6 oz pkg of Pioneer Sweet Yellow Corn Muffin Mix
1 egg (slightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Oil your muffin pan or use pan liners.
Blend corn muffin mix, egg and milk in a medium bowl. Stir only until moistened.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 6 muffins
 
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Apple Bacon Sweet Yellow Cornbread Dressing
Yield:  9” Skillet
Prep Time:  10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:  40 minutes
 
Ingredients: 

1 6 oz. pkg.          Pioneer Sweet Yellow Corn Mix
1 2.75 oz. pkg.     Pioneer Country Gravy, prepared
8 oz.                    Bacon, thick cut, diced  (cook crisp and dice)
2 pc                    Red Apples, core removed (diced into large pieces)
½ cup                    Onion sliced
1 tbsp                Garlic, sliced t1/2hin
1 tbsp                Sage, chopped
1 ½ cup                Chicken Stock



 
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.
2. Dice prepared cornbread, about 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
3. In skillet, brown the bacon. When fully browned remove from pan and drain all but 1 tbsp of fat.
4. In skillet, add onions, garlic, sage, and apples.  Sauté for 2 minutes on medium high heat. Transfer all contents of pan to a large bowl.
5. In empty skillet, add the diced cornbread and top with contents of large bowl.
6. Add chicken stock to prepared Pioneer Country Gravy then pour the contents over the ingredients in the skillet and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Garnish with additional sage sprigs.

 
 Tip: For added crunch dice or slice an additional apple to top right before serving.
 
 
 
 
 

When you think of the holidays, you think of pie!   There is just something about the holidays that makes me think of a good pecan pie!  or maybe it is apple pie? or maybe it is caramel apple pie?  How about a Caramel Apple Pecan Pie?  Now, that sounds terrific!

You don't have to fuss when it comes to make a beautiful festive pie.  It only takes a few ingredients and you can have a delicious bragging rights kind of pie!

All you need is a deep dish pie crust, apple pie filling, caramel sauce, a little brown sugar, pecans, and some bourbon vanilla.  If you don't  have the bourbon vanilla, you can add in some regular vanilla.

I've been using the Bourbon vanilla the most lately.  It really does have a rich flavor.  It pairs great in cookies, pies, or  cakes.

This pie came out great! The photos make you want to jump through the screen and grab it.   For my pecans, I used the honey roasted pecans.  I'll give you a little hint.  They are priced better if you grab them with salad topper section at Wal-Mart!

Here's the scoop on the pie!

Ingredients:

1 Maria Calendar's deep dish pie crust (or whatever deep dish)
1 Comstock Apple Pie Filling
1 1/2 Teaspoons of Bourbon Vanilla
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 cups pecan halves

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 Degrees
In a large mixing bowl add in the one can of apple pie filling, brown sugar & vanilla.
Mix together and put on top of your deep dish pie crust.
Arrange pecan halves on top to cover pie.

Bake at 375 for about 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown.  Let cool for approximately 1 hour before serving.     

It's that easy!
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It's November!   How did this happen?   This year has been long and so different.  However, I swear I feel like we blinked and we are approaching the holidays.

Although the holidays may be a little different this year as it relates  to your typical parties, family gatherings, etc.  But let's face it ....................we all have to eat!   You can still have some great party snacks, desserts, appetizers, etc. for your close circle group.

I made three different different cheese balls for my segment on THV 11 The Vine.   They turned out so delicious.  I differently will be serving these for the office potluck this year.  Easy to make, you can make ahead, and delicious!   

We have a traditional Cheddar Cheese Almond Ball
Holiday Party Ball -  Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Pineapple, Cranberry, Almonds, & Cashews
Pineapple Cream Cheese, Parmesan & Almonds

Watch the live SEGMENT - CLICK HERE


Cheddar Cheese Almond Ball

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup salted toasted almonds , chopped
• 2 (8 oz) package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese 
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
• 1 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 Teaspoon of Lowry's Garlic Pepper

Directions:

Place almonds on a large plate or cutting board, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and roll ball over almonds coating all sides. Wrap in Plastic Wrap & Chill in refrigerator overnight. Serve with crackers, chips, or whatever you like.



Holiday Party Ball

• 3/4 cup salted toasted almonds, dried cranberries from the Salad Topper Section 
• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
• 1/2 can of drained crushed pineapple --- about 4 oz - DRAIN VERY WELL
• 1 Teaspoon of Lowry's Garlic Pepper

Combine ingredients minus the nuts/cranberries in a large bowl.  Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and wrap in Plastic Wrap.  Chill in refrigerator overnight.  Top with Almonds, Cranberries & Cashews if you have them.  Serve with crackers, chips, or whatever you like.


Pineapple Cream Cheese & Parmesan Almond Ball

• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
• 1/2 can of drained crushed pineapple --- about 4 oz - DRAIN VERY WELL
• 1 Teaspoon of Lowry's Garlic Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon of Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)

​Place almonds on a large plate or cutting board, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and roll ball over almonds coating all sides. Wrap in Plastic Wrap & Chill in refrigerator overnight. Serve with crackers, chips, or whatever you like.



These should give you some ideas of how to top your standard cheese balls and make them festive.  I love the Pomegranate flavored cashews.  The cashews along with the almonds & dried cranberries make for a  beautiful festive appetizer.

Let the parties begin!

You can watch the live video for the Segment by clicking here

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