Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inch)
2 eggs
1 can (15 oz.) solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Topping:

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup

whipped topping, optional

Directions

Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry; trim and flute edges. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin, syrup, sugar cream, cinnamon and nutmeg until smooth; pour into pastry. Combine the eggs, pecans, sugar and syrup; spoon over top.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake 40-45 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown and top of pie is set. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight or until set. Serve with whipped topping, if desired.

Yields 8 servings

**This recipe comes from the Nov/Dec 2009 Simple & Delicious magazine.**

Italian Sausage Strata

Ingredients

1 lb. bulk Italian sausage
1 loaf (1 lb.) sourdough bread, cubed
1 jar (4 1/2 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
10 eggs
3 cups half-and-half cream
1 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Italian cheese blend

Directions

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Place bread cubes in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Layer with mushrooms, onions and sausage. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, mustard and salt. Pour over top; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. (Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.) Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Yields 12 servings

**This recipe comes from the Nov/Dec 2009 Simple & Delicious magazine.**

Peaches & Cream French Toast

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 Tbsp. corn syrup
1 can (29 oz.) sliced peaches, drained
1 loaf (1 lb.) day-old French bread, cubed
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed
12 eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved; pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.

Arrange peaches in dish. Place half of the bread cubes over peaches. Layer with cream cheese and remaining bread. Place the eggs, cream and vanilla in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Yields 12 servings

Pineapple Cranberry Ham

Ingredients

4 boneless fully cooked ham steaks (6 oz. each)
1 1/2 tsp. canola oil
1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/2 cup undrained crushed pineapple
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Directions

Cut each ham steak in half. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ham in oil in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side or until heated through. Set aside and keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, mash the cranberry sauce; stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve with ham.

Yields 4 servings

**This recipe came from the Nov/Dec 2009 Simple & Delicious magazine.**

Chili

Ingredients

hamburger, browned
onion, chopped and cooked with the hamburger
1 jar Pace chunky salsa
1 can tomato juice
2 cans kidney beans (dark, light, or 1 of each)


Directions

Combine the ingredients and let simmer. Top with cheese, sour cream, and/or green onions, if desired.

Notes: This recipe is super simple and super tasty!