FRUIT COCKTAIL PIE & AND SOME OTHER STUFF

Before we get started, many apologies because I need to play catch up on blog visits, and I miss my friends.  Once again, I've taken on too many dang projects and am behind.  And yes, I'm guilty of watching way too many holiday movies. (lol) I can't believe December is here already! The plan is to get myself together this week.  

Most of us have probably had some form of fruit cocktail in a can, but I sure never knew it could be used in a pie!  That's what I found in the cookbook, Sweetness by Christy Jordan. (I love the recipes in this book)  *Waving at Katherine P from  iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot.com/ * This is a vintage recipe that's very simple to make with minimal ingredients, but there are also other versions on the Internet.

FRUIT COCKTAIL PIE
INGREDIENTS
1 Can (15 Ounces) Fruit Cocktail w/juice
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Self Rising Flour
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Large Egg
1-inch Deep Dish Pie Crust

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, then stir together the fruit cocktail, brown sugar, flour and egg in a medium sized bowl until well mixed.  Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

Bake until the top is browned, and the pie is set, 30-45 minutes.  Allow to cool before serving.  When covered and refrigerated, this yummy and creative pie can keep for up to 5 days.

TALK SHOW HOST
I was quite fascinated to know that in all the years David Letterman did the Tonight Show, he NEVER wore the same necktie twice.  That's 33 years of brand new ties, along with the record for being the longest night time host, beating out the great Johnny Carson.

CRANBERRY NEWS
Now that I've found all these fantastic recipes, I no longer eat cranberry sauce from a can. Something about it just doesn't taste the same as real cranberries. 

According to research done by Ocean Spray, an amazing 76% of people prefer store bought cranberry sauce, which includes the type served from a can.  Southerners are 50% more likely to want canned cranberry sauce, Northeasterners prefer relish made with uncooked berries, Westerners prefer cooked sauce, and those in the Southwestern hemisphere like to add something spicy.  

TITO'S CRANBERRY MULE
1.5 Oz. Tito's Handmade Vodka (or another vodka of your choice)
2 Oz. Ginger Beer
1 Oz. Cranberry Juice

Fill a copper mug with ice, then add the vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and stir to combine.  Apparently using this type of cup maintains the cool temperature. Garnish with lime wedges and cranberries.  If you want more sweetness, sugar the cranberries first before using as a topping.

WRITERS TAKE OVER CHRISTMAS!
This year the focus is all about authors and journalists on 6 Christmas (if you celebrate) movies this year.  Watch on cable or stream these goodies:

The Mistletoe Inn - this movie was so hilarious!
A Joyous Christmas
The Christmas Train - get out the tissues
Snowed Inn Christmas
A Christmas Cruise
Christmas Getaway





STUMPED FOR IDEAS?

If you or someone you know is a fan of the Game of Thrones, this gift will bring lots of joy. 

There's actually a world globe puzzle and other 4d versions available from www.4dcityscape.com, Walmart or Amazon.  This looks pretty neat!

Get the Stranger Things Ouija Board (I didn't even know the Ouija

board was still around!) for just $20 from www.Target.com.  By the way, they've renewed this program on Netflix for Season 3.

ENTERTAINING MYSELF
I just love the spirit of Christmas because people seem kinder and full of joy, so whenever possible, I wear a Christmas hat that's usually a conversation starter.  There are a few comments when I wear the Veteran's hat, but the all time fave is the Naughty hat.  Some of the things people say are super crazy and never cease to make me giggle. 

This is the latest work on my Planner for this month, which has been fun.

WHO IN THE HECK IS THIS PERSON?
I'm a fan of movies and watch them whenever I can, but occasionally, I hang around to watch the credits at the end.  I don't know about you, but I've always wondered what in the world a Key Grip is. 

Apparently this employee is super important and in charge of equipment like dollies, tripods and cranes which support the cameras. This person also makes a ton of money.  His/her salary starts at $25-$35 per hour for television programs, or movies that are considered low budget, and a college degree is not needed.  But some training is.  If he or she is fortunate enough to work on a movie that's big budget, those earnings increase to almost $120,000 annually!