Momma Aimone's Messy Life

The holiday season is in full force.  I always like to have homemade baked goods on hand to bring as hostess gifts or to share at holiday parties.  I made this delicious breakfast bread this week to feed our house guests.  It was a huge hit and the house smelled amazing while it was baking.  It makes two regular sized loaves, but you could also make mini loaves to use as gifts.  Stick them in the freezer until you need them.  I promise you, or your friends/family, will not be disappointed. Pumpkin Cranberry Bread   (from Libby's) Ingredients - 3 cups flour - 5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - 2 teaspoons baking soda - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt - 3 cups sugar - 1 can pumpkin (15 ounces) - 4 eggs - 1 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 cup orange juice - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Directions 1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2.  Grease and flour two loaf pans. 3.  In a large bowl combine flour,  pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and...

This is our first Thanksgiving, in our first home, and we are so excited!  But it is also the first Thanksgiving we are hosting for more than two people.  As of today, we'll be hosting at least 8 (possibly 10 ) adults, a 5 year old and two infants.  Whew!  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.  But, with the "freezer friendly" meal plan below, I can prepare most of my dishes ahead of time and actually spend time with our families, watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoy a glass (or two, or three) of wine instead of slaving away in the kitchen.   So, here is what I'm making ahead of time for Thanksgiving Dinner! Spinach and Artichoke Dip (adapted from allrecipes.com) Ingredients -1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces) -1/4 cup mayonnaise -1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese -1/4 cup grated Mozzarella cheese -1/2 teaspoon minced garlic -1/2 teaspoon dried basil -1/4 teaspoon garlic salt -salt and pepper to taste -1 can artichoke heart...

We just got back into town tonight, but luckily I have a pot roast in my deep freezer.  I love pot roast, it is one of my favorite "go to" recipes in the fall/winter months.  This one is similar to the Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker recipe and my other pot roast recipe, but slightly different.  I hope you enjoy! Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast (adapted from allrecipes.com) Ingredients 2.5 lb pot roast 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 packet dry onion soup mix 1 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon minced garlic Directions --In slow cooker, mix cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, red vinegar and garlic. --Place pot roast in slow cooker and coat with soup mixture. --Cook on low for 8-10 hours.