Exciting Day .Not. ~ Sweet Potato or Yam Casserole ~ Maple Syrup

Good clear and cold, 24º ice everywhere morning.

Yesterday's sunset was pretty spectacular with a contrail running right through it....

My Honeywell Weather Station said it's going to snow! Pressure is dropping and it's c-c-c-cold! But... the weather channel says:

Again, another over the top filled to the brim with excitement kinda day.... Went to town and UPS'd a package to Kristen, got stamps at the post office and mailed off Christmas cards. The cold is better with the meds the pharmacist suggested. No more sneezing! Yeah! Slight runny nose. But, that's all. Cool. Had soup for dinner, a fire, and napped in the old chair! I NEED to feel better because I NEED to cook!!!

 

Historically this date....

1957 – The United States successfully launches the first Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

1969 – Project Blue Book: The United States Air Force closes its study of UFOs, stating that sightings are generated as a result of "A mild form of mass hysteria, Individuals who fabricate such reports to perpetrate a hoax or seek publicity, psychopathological persons, and misidentification of various conventional objects."

And births this date include....

1894 – Arthur Fiedler, American conductor (d. 1979)

LOVED loved loved watching him conduct the Boston Pops! When Brian was a little guy, 2 or so, he'd sit on my lap and conduct with Mr. Fiedler! Cute!

1927 – Richard Long, American actor (d. 1974)

Big Valley...

 

1947 – Wes Studi, American actor

 

1953 – Barry Livingston, American actor

 

1962 – Richard Jewell, American security guard and accused bomber (d. 2007)

Just because I am not cooking at the moment doesn't mean I can't share a favorite recipe with you. Try this for Christmas...

Streuseled Sweet Potato (Yam) Casserole ( I use yams!)

5 pounds yams - peeled and cubed

½ cup half-n-half (fat free)

1 t. vanilla extract

1/2 cup maple syrup (I like Mrs. Butterworths)

¾ t. salt

1 large egg slightly beaten

cooking spray

½ cup flour

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 cube chilled butter - cut into small pieces

4 oz pkg pecan bits (I chop up pecans and add about a cup!)

Preheat oven to 375º

Cook potato in heavy bottomed pot covered in water. Bring to boil and simmer about 12 minutes, or until tender. Drain.

Combine the half-n-half, syrup, vanilla, salt, and egg in large bowl. Whisk until mixed. Add potato and beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth.

Spoon mixture into 13x9 pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Combine flour and sugar in food processor, pulse to combine. Add chilled butter and pulse mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in pecan pieces and sprinkle over potato mixture.

Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes or until topping is browned and potatoes thoroughly heated.

 

All I know. Nuff said. Happy Saturday. Ciao.

xo Sue - Mom - Bobo

December 17th

National Maple Syrup Day

 

http://www.branonmaple.com/making-maple-syrup.html