Apple Cider Cheese Fondue

This fondue has become one of our Christmas Eve traditions.  It is very quick and easy to prepare and the whole family loves it.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 Tbsp. cornstarch (apparently flour will work too)
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 loaf of French or sourdough bread, cubed (denser bread works better for dipping.  If bread is soft, let it sit out ahead of time to dry out a bit).

Directions:
In a saucepan, bring cider to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Toss the cheeses together with cornstarch and pepper.  Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Transfer to a small ceramic fondue pot or slow cooker.  Serve with bread cubes.

If fondue gets too thick, add a little more hot cider to bring it to the right consistency.

Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com

Paula Deen Picks Longaberger

Paula Deen has selected Longaberger's Collegiate Series Baskets as one of “Paula’s Picks – The things I LOVE, from my home to yours” in her September/October issue of Cooking with Paula Deen.

Get Organized! Solution #17: Gather the Miscellaneous

You know all the little (and not so little) stuff that seems to collect near your arm chair or near the dining room table?  You know how much it bugs you?  Well, Longaberger has an attractive and very functional solution to those problems.  Their Sort and Store Small Rectangle Storage Basket (available in four stain colors) can hold a collection of items that you can hide from view with a beautiful woodcraft lid or leave open for easy access.  Put one on the bottom shelf of an end table or next to your bed or arm chair and you can quickly and easily "tidy up" by putting everything in the basket and topping it off with the lid!  Save yourself from going crazy and invest in some  beautiful organizational baskets--they're cheaper than a shrink!

Join Longaberger for FREE and Earn Extra Cash for the Holidays

Starting September 1st through December 31st, Longaberger is offering you the opportunity to try an online Longaberger business for FREE. Earn some extra holiday spending money with 25% commission on all Wishlist and Monthly Flyer sales. Recruit your friends and earn 5% commission on their sales until Dec. 31 as well (Fundraising, Factory Store, and Supply/Sample Orders excluded).

To join my team, simply go to my website and click on 'Join My Team' or 'Join' on the homepage. You will get your own website and receive weekly email promotions directly from Longaberger which you can then forward on to your friends, family, and colleagues just in time for holiday shopping! You can run your business completely online with no product samples or home shows, or you can order samples or a kit during your first 30 days. Customers can access the Wishlist and Monthly Flyers online and then order directly from your personal website.

Longaberger will also be offering weekly training calls for all new consultants. If you sell at least $500 worth of product by December 31st you will be offered the opportunity to continue as a Longaberger Home Consultant at no extra charge unless you choose to maintain the MyShop Gold membership for $4.99 per month. 

Please call if you have any questions (541-752-8247) or email me at cindypaden@live.com.

Get Organized! Solution #34 Reclaim Counter Space

The Small Baker's Rack is one of my favorite items.  I use one in my kitchen to hold a fruit bowl on the bottom shelf, and tea bags in a one pint crock with a sugar bowl and creamer on the top shelf.  I still have room underneath to tuck away my  two wrought iron trivets as well.  At right, you see it being used to hold dishes for a buffet setting. The bottom shelf also holds the 9x13 baking dish.

You can earn the wrought iron Baker's Rack plus two furniture-quality maple wood shelves for  just $69 plus an additional half-priced item when you host a $350 home show.  Call me to schedule your show today (541-752-8247).

Quick Dinner Solutions: Nachos!

Longaberger's handled platter is the perfect piece for preparing and serving nachos.

Layer tortilla chips on the platter with shredded cheddar cheese and top with canned black beans (drained), shredded cooked chicken or pork, black olives, diced green chilies or jalapeno peppers and more shredded cheese. 

Bake in the oven at 300F until cheese is melted.  Top with Salsa Fresca* and sour cream or guacamole (or both!) and serve on your Longaberger wrought iron trivets. People can eat straight from the platter with just a napkin! 

One dish does it all--simple and beautiful!

The Woven Traditions Handled Platter comes in all the pottery colors including the new chocolate color.  Get yours for $60 plus S/H or for just $30 when you host a $150 show or more.

*Fred Meyer has a nice Salsa Fresca in the Deli section near the prepared fruit and vegetable platters.

Quick Dinner Solutions: Spring Salad With Chicken and Fresh Fruit

This is another family favorite for summer.  Before all the fresh berries are gone, you need to try this refreshing and healthy salad!

Ingredients (Per Serving)
2-3 chicken tenders, cooked & lightly browned
Prepared Spring Salad Mix
4 strawberries, sliced
1/6 apple, thinly sliced
Brianna's Blush Wine Vinaigrette (strawberry on label)

Preparation
Cook and brown chicken tenders in skillet with a small amount of olive oil or butter.

Fill plate with salad greens, top with sliced strawberries and apples followed by chicken tenders.  Drizzle with vinaigrette and enjoy!