Gorgonzola Pear Cheeseball / Dip

I was asked to make a cheeseball for an activity. I have many recipes that I like but I wanted something different. I had been to a cooking class where they had a Gorgonzola Pear Salad that we fell in love with. I had recently made it and had some left over ingredients so I go on line and found a recipe, made a few minor changes and this is now our new favorite cheeseball / dip.

1 firm pear, peeled, seeded and cubed
splash of olive oil
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3/4 c Gorgonzola cheese crumbles (you may also use blue cheese)
1 Tbsp grated onion
1/2 c craisins or dried cherries, chopped
toasted pecans or hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400 put pears in shallow baking dish. drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 10 - 15 minutes. Drain off juices and mash.
2. Cream together cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese. Add pears, onion and craisins. Mix until well blended.
3. Top with nuts.

You can make it without roasting the pear and omit the nuts if necessary.

Coconut Syrup

We had the opportunity to spend a night at a dear friends cabin. For breakfast we had a super delicious breakfast of bacon, hash browns, and french toast served with fresh fruit, whipped cream and this coconut syrup. Did I mention it was delicious? Thanks VL.

1 cube butter
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk or 1/2 & 1/2 or straight cream (she used cream, of course)

Bring to a boil for one minute then add:

1/2 tsp coconut extract
1/2 tsp soda

Stir and remove from heat. Enjoy!

Use a deep pan because it will boil up when the soda is added.

Rosie's Popcorn

When the Beazer/Hendrix/Walker family got together Rosie made this delicious caramel/candied Popcorn. I really must share the recipe.

1 & 1/4 cup corn syrup
3 cups brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 stick butter
Mix syrup and sugar and bring to a boil. Add sweetened condensed milk and return to boil. Add butter and stir until softball candy stage. Make sure to stir constantly, to prevent burning.
Coat and mix the caramel over all the popcorn.

this will cover 3 batches of air popped popcorn.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

This is a great way to use up left over Pumpkin. We also serve it with apples and other fruit.

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Gingersnap cookies
Directions: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger until blended. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 4 cups.

Butter Syrup

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 can evaporated milk
Heat, stiring frequently, until butter and sugar are melted. (will separate easily so stir often when serving.

Sister Broulim's Honey Butter

1 cube butter (not margarine)
1 small jar marshmellow cream
2 to 3 tbsp honey ( to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla

Whip all together and enjoy