Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying a great holiday week! We started out the week in Chicago but we now we are in Phoenix. My mom has been very sick in the hospital. It is good to see her! She's getting stronger every day and we're hoping she’ll be home after New Years. After losing my Dad this summer, this Christmas has been all about family and the little things. We’ve just been hanging out. I’m keeping meals super easy breezy! My Ham and Cheese Sliders are a family FAVE! They are to die for! You need to make them this weekend! Perfect for New Year’s Eve too!

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, the restaurants are always so busy that night so we like to hang in! I like to do something special. Lots of fun, simple appetizers are a great way to go! My grandmother's dip, Mimi’s Crab Dip is a family tradition on New Year’s Eve!

I think it’s important to do a mix of both hot and cold appetizers this time of year. My new Hot Swiss Almond Dip is a winner! It’s cheesy, easy, and wonderful!

My Maple Bacon Wrapped Scallops are my personal FAVE!

My Simply Great Stuffed Mushrooms are always a hit. And just 4 ingredients! Same goes for my Artichoke Bites!

Today I’m on TV in Arizona making a few of my New Year’s Eve favorites. My Beer Boiled Shrimp with my Seriously Good Cocktail Sauce is always a special treat on New Year's Eve! Like it a little spicy? Try my buttery Cajun Shrimp. Everybody loves it, so make plenty because it will be gone before you know it! Click Appetizers for more more delicious holiday appetizer recipes.

For dinner I’ve got the ultimate recipe for the Perfect Prime Rib Roast. Turns out perfect every time!

My Bacon and Bleu Cheese Stuffed Tenderloin is another family favorite during the holidays. Looks all fancy but it’s actually super simple to make.

I love to serve prime rib with a sauce like my Garlic Bleu Cheese, Whipped Horseradish, or Sour Cream Mustard Sauce!

Gotta have a delicious potato dish on the side like my Parmesan Potato Gratin, Loaded Potato Casserole, French Onion Mashed Potatoes or my Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes. Click Sides for more delicious holiday side dish recipes like my Bacon Brussel Sprouts or Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles and my fresh Green Beans with Red Pepper and Almonds. So good!

I love serving a big beautiful salad before dinner like my Heavenly Grape, Apple Cranberry, Poached Pear with Maple Mustard or Wonderful Wedge Salad. Click Salads for a bunch of seriously good salad recipes.

For dessert, on New Year’s Eve my kiddos beg for my Chocolate Fondue. No problem! I can do that. I pick up fresh fruit, pound cake, marshmallows and other fun dippers and everybody can just dip away! Now, that's a good party!

My Blender Chocolate Mousse is also a real WOW ‘em dessert perfect for New Year’s Eve. Crazy easy too! Click Desserts for more dessert recipes.

Have you got leftover holiday ham? Make my Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, or my Quick Ham and Bean or Slow Cooker Split Pea soups. Click Slow Cooker for more of my favorite slow cooker recipes.

Gift Yourself My Cookbooks!

Did you miss buying one of my cookbooks? Now would be a good time. If you like my recipes, I think you'll love my cookbooks! Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Have You Heard I’m Hosting Culinary Trips?

If you're like me and you're starting to think about 2020, check out a bucket list trip I've got in the works. Have you always wanted to go on a river cruise through Europe? It’s been on my list for years. In September 2020, we’ll spend two days in Munich for Oktoberfest and then take an 8-day river cruise down the Rhine River. Please join me! Click Culinary Vacations to read more and imagine the fun we'll have!

You can also click German Grandeur River Cruise to read more, or call 866-463-6946 to reserve your spot. There are a few spots left - including one for you!

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

I’m wishing you a very Happy New Year! If you are traveling, please travel safely! Cook up some wonderful holiday memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Quick Ham and Bean