Looking for a festive holiday exchange item for entertaining and gift-giving? This year we’re nuts about nuts! They disappear quickly at holiday gatherings, and make a delightful gift (package in decorative tins or embellished cello bags). Savory nuts we’ve squirreled away in the freezer will be turning some ho-hum salads into something special in the weeks ahead. Check out three of our favorite recipes—two savory and one sweet.

On a practical note, now is the time to purchase promotional holiday-priced nuts and freeze them for future baking. Transfer nuts to freezer bags and place in the freezer. They will stay fresh for at least several months and perhaps up to one year.
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It’s a great time to do a holiday appetizer exchange! Consider preparing cream cheese based spreads, dips, and cheese balls. They freeze beautifully and are always a party favorite. We savored this spread over the weekend and our frozen stash will do double-duty as a cost-effective substitute for Boursin®, Rondele®, or Alouette® cheese (check out the Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe in Forums).   Read More >>

Here’s an idea that had not occurred to us! A savvy group of gals in Fremont, Michigan parlayed their cooking club entrées into some serious revenue for a local school. Ruth Wyn shares the story of what can happen when a few terrific entrées meet up with a spirit of generosity toward a great cause.   Read More >>

This curry tastes like it’s straight from your favorite Thai restaurant! Few ingredients and a simplified process make it a snap to prepare.   Read More >>

The current issue of Mary Hunt’s Cheapskate Monthly newsletter features an article about the cost-saving advantage of Cooking Among Friends®. Debt-Proof Living® is dedicated to helping those who are struggling to live within their means find practical and realistic solutions for their financial problems.   Read More >>

Chicken breasts smothered in a silky mushroom cream sauce . . . a crowd-pleasing topper for your favorite pasta or rice.   Read More >>

Oh-so-healthy turkey breast meat smothered in a savory barbecue sauce. Ideal to stuff buns or baked potatoes!   Read More >>