“Christmas Time is Coming, Christmas Time is Coming”, gosh I love that song and wonderful time of the year!  Here are a couple of make ahead recipes that are sure to please your guests and great to have on hand for unexpected guests alike!  From our home to yours, Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!

Angel Lush Cake

1 (20 Ounce) Can Crushed Pineapple, Undrained
1 (4 Ounce) Package Vanilla Instant Pudding and Pie Filling Mix
1 Cup Thawed Cool Whip Topping
1 Prepared Angel Food Cake
Berries For Garnish

Mix pudding and pineapple in bowl.  Gently stir in whipped topping.  Cut cake horizontally into thirds.  Spread one-third pudding mixture over bottom layer of cake.  Top with second layer.  Repeat layering, ending with pudding.  Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.  Garnish with your favorite seasonal berries.

Fire Crackers

2 Sleeves Saltine Crackers
2/3 Cup Canola Oil
1 Envelope of Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
1 Teaspoon Tony’s Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 Tablespoon Crushed Red Peppers (use less if you don’t like them hot)
1 Gallon Zip-Lock Bag

Place crackers in Zip-lock bag.  Mix remaining ingredients in a small mixing bowl or measuring cup.  Pour over crackers in the bag and seal.  Turn over gently to coat crackers.  Let sit 15 minutes and turn over to coat crackers again.  Repeat every 15 minutes for a total of one hour.  Remove crackers and place in an airtight plastic container.  Very good during “Happy Hour”.

Many blessings this Christmas Holiday Season!  Avoyelles Parish cookbooks, compiled by several organizations are available in our gift shop located at the ACT Office, 8592 Hwy 1, Suite 3 in Mansura.  These selected recipes are from Bordelonville Volunteer Fire Department Cookbook, available for $10.00.  We ship books for cost of book plus $5.00 for postage and handling.  Call (800) 833-4195 or e-mail [email protected] for details.