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It's getting closer to the celebration of Christmas and the days are busy, busy. Every year we spend Christmas Eve at one of our daughter's homes and she always has a fun thing to do that involves pretty much everyone. This year we each received a letter telling us what we are going to do. This year we are wrapping a gift for the food shelf, however, there was a name of one of the family in each envelope. We are to pack food shelf items in a box that pertain to the person whose name we have.

For instance, whoever got my name might pack canned vegetables, as I am a gardener or a purchased jar of triple berry jam, which I make a lot of to give as gifts, etc. The letter said we would get the rest of instructions after dinner. So, what do you think we'll have to do? I'm thinking we will open the boxes and try to guess whose name fits what's in the box. Of course we can't tell anyone whose name we had in the envelope. So, next week I'll tell you how it all came out.

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If you need some ideas as to what to serve for your Christmas celebration dinner, perhaps I can help you. Let's start with a beverage to serve before dinner.

CITRUS PUNCH

2 c. orange juice

1 c. grapefruit juice

2 c. pineapple juice

1 c. lemonade

2 c. ginger ale

Chill all ingredients; mix together in a punch bowl or large bowl, except for the ginger ale. When ready to serve, add ginger ale. Makes two quarts.

NOTE: You can make the punch base without the ginger ale 3-4 days ahead of time and keep it refrigerated.

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And, a salad . . .

RED AND GREEN APPLE SALAD

3 medium unpeeled green apples, coarsely chopped

3 medium unpeeled red apples, coarsely chopped

2 T. lemon juice

1 c. sour cream

1/4 c. mayonnaise

1 c. chopped dates

1 c. chopped walnuts

20 red maraschino cherries (not candied) halved

20 green maraschino cherries (not candied) halved

In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, making sure the lemon juice lightly coats all of the slices, so they don't turn brown. Cover and refrigerate.

Just before serving, combine sour cream and mayo in a small bowl, mixing well. Pour over apples and toss to coat or fold in with a rubber scraper. Stir in dates, nuts and cherries.

NOTE: After cherries are cut in half, put them on a paper towel to get rid of excess juice. Makes 10-12 servings. Recipe is easily cut in half if you are serving six people.

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And, a colorful veggie . . .

CREAMY VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

1 - 24 oz. package frozen California-blend vegetables

1 - 10-3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup

1 - 8 oz. jar processed cheese sauce

1/2 c. finely crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 13 crackers)

2 T. butter, melted

Prepare veggies according to package directions; drain.

In a bowl, combine soup and cheese sauce. Add veggies and stir to coat. Transfer to a greased shallow 2 qt. baking dish.

In a bowl, toss cracker crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Makes six servings.

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And, another kind of cookie to add to your cookie plate . . .

SCANDINAVIAN ALMOND BARS

Dough:

1-3/4 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

2 c. softened butter

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 t. almond extract

4 T. milk

1/2 c. sliced almonds

Glaze:

1 c. sifted powdered sugar

1/4 t. almond extract

3 to 4 t. milk

To make dough:

Stir together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.

In mixing bowl, beat butter until soft. Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Add egg and almond extract. Beat well.

To bake cookies:

Divide dough in fourths. Form each into a 12-inch roll. Put two rolls on each cookie sheet 6-inches between the rolls. Flatten each roll to 3-inches wide, using a glass or small rolling pin.

Repeat with remaining dough rolls. Brush each roll with milk. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. While still warm (very important) cut diagonally. Cool completely.

To glaze:

Stir together powdered sugar, almond extract and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.

I know this sounds a bit complicated. Read the directions again if it sounds too confusing. They are worth the time to make them.

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We wish you the love, peace and happiness that the true meaning of Christmas brings. Alice

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