Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

Happy Friday! I’m super excited about this weekend! I’m only doing a few holiday cookbook signings this season, and they are this weekend in the Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin area. If you are in the area please come out and say hi. I’d love to meet you. Click Events for more information.

If you can’t make it out to see me, the best way to get my cookbooks is on Amazon! If you like my recipes, I think you'll love my cookbooks. Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 completely different recipes! Click Amy's Cookbooks Make Great Holiday Gifts to order.

This morning I’m in Milwaukee cooking up some of my favorite recipes for the season on TV.

It’s party time! I love having friends over during the holidays, but I want to enjoy them too. It’s no fun to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time! Lots of fun, simple appetizers are a great way to go.

This year really WOW everybody with a homemade cheese ball! Read how to make my holiday Seafood Cheese Ball. It’s just something that seems fancy, looks beautiful, and you can make it ahead. I just have to serve seafood during the holidays and this is a great way to do it on a budget.

My Simply Great Stuffed Mushrooms are always a hit. Best stuffed mushrooms ever! Nobody needs to know how easy they were to make. Just 5 ingredients!

My Cranberry Meatballs are another one of my favorites. People go nuts over these! Super simple and perfect for the big game on Sunday too. Just throw it all in the slow cooker. It’s one of those dump and go recipes. Very festive!

I always keep a few wheels of brie cheese in my fridge during the holidays. That way when last minute guests stop by, no big deal. I've got it covered. I can whip up my Apple Walnut Brie in less than ten minutes. Looks so fancy on a pretty plate surrounded by slices of French bread or crackers. Make this over the holidays and I’m telling you, you will look like a total rock star!

I think it’s always a good idea to have a mixture of both hot and cold appetizers at your holiday get together. My Party Pinwheels are another one of my go-to's. I can have them all made ahead of time and because they are wraps they don’t get soggy. LOVE That!

Veggies and dip are also a must. This year don't buy the dip. Make it! My Dill Dip is delicious. It’s a recipe they used to serve in the luxury boxes at Lambeau Field during Packers games. Here again it’s a make-ahead. You can whip it up and have it in your refrigerator 3 or 4 days before the party. I always double the recipe. It’s that good!

My Beer Boiled Shrimp with my Seriously Good Cocktail Sauce is always a special treat during the holidays. Boiling your own shrimp always make such a difference. Making your own cocktail sauce too! Everybody loves it so make plenty because it will be gone before you know it. Click Appetizers, Sandwiches and Slow Cooker for more of my favorite recipes.

For dessert, it’s fudge making time. I love giving gifts from my kitchen! My Five Pounds of Fantastic Fudge makes a big batch, perfect to put in pretty tins or wrap up on a holiday plate.

Speaking of homemade gifts. Click here to read my blog Gift Mixes in a Jar. It’s filled with all sorts of delicious money saving ideas and recipes that you can give as gifts.

Gotta run. My TV spot on Fox 6 Wakeup in Milwaukee is coming up soon. You can always see what I’m up to on Facebook and Instagram. Follow me!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

Gift Mixes in a Jar