Yum, Yum, Give Me Some

Apparently yum yum bars are something different to just about everybody. I've found recipes that include cherries, marshmallows and chocolate shavings, but the yum yum bars I grew up with were a sweet, chewy, cream-cheesy bar, which I could eat a whole pan of. The recipe is super easy and just plain, well...yummy.

Yum Yum Bars

Crust:
1 yellow cake
1 egg
1 stick of butter, softened
1 cup of finely chopped pecans

Filling:
2 eggs
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box of powdered sugar, 16 oz.

Preheat oven to 350. Press the crust down firmly in a 9x13 inch pan. Top with filling. Bake 35 minutes.

Put the Lights on the Tree

While one day I hope to have a home filled with Christmas trees to suit my every decorating whim (like this one for instance), for now I am limited to just one tree, so I opt for the nostalgic look -- lots of Hallmark ornaments and colored lights on a tree with some character. There's something about a tree like this that reminds me of being a kid, so I think I'll keep the tradition around a while. How do you decorate?

Holiday Style: Gift Bow Ring

I came across this adorable gift bow ring by Maison Martin Margiela today, but it seems that it's no longer available anywhere. Still, I couldn't resist sharing this whimsical little find. I am absolutely in love with it. Just think of all the charm this one piece of jewelry would add to your holiday party dress! The price was pretty steep at $245, so maybe a cheaper imitation will come along with matching earrings to boot. "Dear Santa...

Southern Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole

So this is a little late, but I'd like to think I'm just early for next Thanksgiving. By far, the Thanksgiving side I look forward to most is my sweet potatoes. This dish goes by many names, sweet potato casserole, souffle and bake, but no matter what you call it, it's always tasty. I top mine with the brown sugar-pecan mixture as well as miniature marshmallows. I know it's tacky, but I just can't resist. Though some might find it too sweet to sit alongside your turkey and dressing, it's my favorite dish on the plate ... and come on, it's a vegetable.

Sweet Potato Bake

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

3 cups cooked, peeled and mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix all ingredients for bake except the cream. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Add cream; mix well. Pour into greased casserole dish. For the topping, mix together brown sugar, pecans, flour and butter with fork; sprinkle over top of casserole along with mini marshmallows. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.