Christmas: Planning, anticipation

A big part of enjoying Christmas is the planning, the anticipation and the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.

I hope you find joy and peace with your dear ones seasoned with His love. Merry Christmas!

Apple Cider Spiced Glazed Ham

Serving size: 10

1/2 fully cooked bone-in ham (6 to 7 pounds)

2 cups apple cider

1 cup honey

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes 1/2-inch deep. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the cider, honey, vinegar and mustard; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the butter, chili powder and cinnamon. Set aside 1 cup for serving.

Cook the remaining sauce until thickened; spoon over ham. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 140 degrees. Warm reserved sauce; serve with ham. Yield: 10 servings (1 cup sauce).

Creamy Vegetables

Serving size: 4

16 ounces frozen vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook vegetables until almost done; drain and place in casserole dish. Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour until smooth; add milk, cream cheese, salt and pepper, stirring until thick. Pour sauce over vegetables and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The Best Lime Salad

Serving size: 10

1 large package Lime jello

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

20 ounce can crushed pineapple or tidbits, drain and reserve liquid

1 cup pecans, crushed

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Drain pineapple, reserving the juice. Dissolve Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Beat cream cheese and 1 cup of pineapple juice into jello. Put in refrigerator until partially congealed. Fold pineapple, whipped whipping cream and pecans into congealed mixture. Cool several hours before serving.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Home is where you hang your memories.

GARY'S TIP: Clean, empty cans are great for cutting biscuits and pastries. They're easy to hold, and come in lots of sizes from small to large.