My Mom's Cranberry Salad

Not the most original name, but I'm not feeling super-creative today. :) My family always had this in lieu of more "traditional" cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's tangy, but also really sweet. You can cut the sugar back to 1 cup to reduce the sweetness, if you prefer.



My Mom's Cranberry Salad



1 bag frozen cranberries, chopped in blender

1 can crushed pineapple

2 cups sugar

1 container Cool Whip (you could make 2 cups of real whipped cream)

1 package marshmallows

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)



Combine cranberries, pineapple, and sugar in bowl. Let sit one hour. Pour into colander, and let drain over bowl (covered) for two hours (I usually leave it overnight). In a larger bowl, combine Cool Whip and marshmallows. Fold in cranberry mixture and nuts (if using). Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Gingerbread Boys (or Girls)

I made these twice this week. They were a hit at Cub Scouts the other night. I made another batch today to take to the Halloween Party tonight! It's just my regular ol' gingerbread cookies that I usually do for Christmas. Amanda saw a cute idea to make them into skeletons. Amberly is thrilled because this is her favorite cookie and I would only make them at Christmas. Now she gets them twice a year. 1 c. molasses
1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. hot water
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
3 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. cloves
6 c. flour

Glaze:
3 c. powdered sugar
3/4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Simmer molasses and shortening in saucepan for 5 minutes. Cream together sugar and egg. Dissolve baking soda in water and add to sugar mixture. Add vanilla, salt, and spices and mix together. Pour in molasses mixture and mix well. Add flour mixing well. Roll dough into a thick layer on floured surface. Cut in shapes. Scraps can be rolled out again. I keep a damp, warm towel or paper towels on the surface of my dough that is in the bowl so that it doesn't dry out or get too cold. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-7 minutes. After all cookies are baked, dip them completely in glaze and let drain and dry on cookie racks for a few hours. At Christmastime I like to put sprinkles or colored sugar on them after I dip them in the glaze.