Favorite Fluffy Stuffing

I'm convinced that some of the greatest recipes were developed by my grandparent's generation. using fresh foods, not a lot of preservatives and care and time in cooking, these recipes will live on for generations to come. One of my favorites is my Grandmother on my mom's side, her fluffy stuffing. It sounds strange to use Rice Krispies in a stuffing mix, but it really keeps the stuffing fluffy.

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup butter or margarine
8 cups soft bread cubes
4 cups Rice Krispies
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
salt to taste

Directions: Add Rice Krispies, salt and seasoning to bread cubes (I use white bread about 3-4 days old). Toss to mix. Cook onion and celery in melted butter until golden. Add to bread crumbs and toss.

Cook for about an hour in a crockpot on high. If dry add a little water or chicken broth.

Our new Dinnerware

When we were at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World, we came across the perfect addition to our kitchen, plates and silverware (note the tips of the utensils) . It compliments our current Disney dinnerware we received as a Christmas present a few years ago. Our first use of the dinnerware was yesterday for our Thanksgiving meal.

Review - Starcross

Yesterday I finished reading Starcross by Philip Reeve. The idea of the book is that a young boy, his sister and mother spend a holiday at an up-and-coming resort where they become involved with a species that intends to take over the world.

Okay, i thought the story was fun but was a very hard one to make it through. The author uses so many adjectives it makes reading hard. The illustrations throughout the book are very clever, and even referred to in the narrative. The author's use of footnotes through the book make it fun and adds another dimension to the story.

This is definitely a series and it probably helps to read the first book, Larklight, as there are numerous references to that volume how the family saved the world. I'd recommend it for better readers with an interest in fantasy and science fiction. No bad language or anything offensive. But I think there are better books out there that are easier to read and would be more interesting.

Now it's on to N.E.R.D.S. : National Espionage, Rescue and Defense Society by Michael Buckley.

Christmas Around the Corner

Last night we enjoyed the Christmas concert of Mannheim Steamroller. Before the concert we enjoyed a dinner at Cowboy Grub. Very tender roast beef.

Bravo Broadway

Last night we enjoyed Bravo Broadway, one of the pops concert series. Selections included tunes from several Broadway productions, including:

• My Fair Lady
• Applause
• Easter Parade
• Bye Bye Birdie
• The Music Man
• Damn Yankees
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
• West Side Story
• Kismet
• Flower Drum Song
• Music Man
• Chicago
• The Little Mermaid
• Les Miserables
• Mamma Mia
• Wicked
• Cats
• The Phantom of the Opera
• Hair

The symphony performed the music while Stephanie J. Block (Wicked), Debbie Gravitte (Jerome Robbins' Broadway), and Gary Mauer (The Phantom of the Opera) sang the different selections.

Before the performace we enjoyed a few hours at the Family History Library and an enjoyable dinner at Cafe Molise.
DeeAnn enjoyed the marinated Beef ribeye and grilled mushrooms while I enjoyed the Gnocchi. It was a very enjoyable meal and a restaurant to which we'll look forward to returning.

We thought we might have to turn around since we experienced our first major snowstorm of the year, but once we hit the Salt Lake valley, the storm lessened. By the time we got out of the library, the snow had stopped. Even though it was cold, there was not a lot of snow on the sidewalks or streets.

So now we are looking forward to Mannheim Steamroller concert later this week.

Disney World Part 2

At some point in our lives, we'd like to stay in all the resorts of Walt Disney World, including the Boardwalk, pictured here. It is on the boat route and within walking distance of Epcot. Looks nice.


One of the new attractions at Hollywood Studios is the American Idol Experience, where preselected park guests perform. The winner of each mini performance then goes to the evening final where the winner of that receives an invitation to the real American Idol.


Of course, no visit to Walt Disney World would be complete without the Animal kingdom and the Safari ride. It's great to see the animals close up and in a natural environment.


Doie, Milan and Jimmy met us at the hotel and it was nice to spend time with them.


It was fun to see some of the Halloween decorations around the park. Disney goes all out in decorating. And it seems to go up overnight.