The Baxter family likes to make lots of mashed potatoes. Even if they don’t eat them all on Thanksgiving Day, they will definitely eat them as part of the leftovers throughout the weekend. Since the Baxters have so many family members, they sometimes go through 15 pounds of potatoes. Landon always takes on this job. It’s gotten so that the Baxters look forward to the way Landon makes them. His special touch is one more reason they love Thanksgiving. Landon figures 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person. To make mashed potatoes the way the Baxter family does, follow these instructions:
Peel potatoes, chop into 1/2-cup-size chunks, place in pot of cold water. Make sure potato pieces are covered by at least an inch of water.
Boil until potatoes are soft enough for a fork to easily pass through. Stop before potatoes start to fall apart.
Drain water. Then mash the cooked potatoes in their pan. Mash until all chunks are broken up. This will prevent lumps.
Add 1 cup of milk for every 5 pounds of potatoes. Ashley sometimes uses half-and-half to make the potatoes more creamy.
Add 1 stick of butter for every 5 pounds of potatoes.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt for every 5 pounds of potatoes.
Use beaters to lightly blend the ingredients.
Add additional milk/cream, butter or salt to taste.
Elizabeth’s Sliced Sweet Potatoes
This is one of the Baxter family’s favorite dishes, and it’s been around since the Baxter kids were little. Elizabeth made up the recipe herself when Luke was just a baby, and it was an instant hit that Thanksgiving. There was a time when Elizabeth added brown sugar to this recipe. But it’s optional here. The Baxters have found that this dish is very sweet on its own, without any added sugar at all. Here is the recipe they follow:
Peel sweet potatoes (buy 1 sweet potato for every 2 guests).
Thinly slice the sweet potatoes (approximately 1/4-inch thick) and place slices in a large container.
Melt 1 stick of butter for every 6-8 sweet potatoes. Pour the melted butter over the slices.
Use large spoons to toss the butter evenly over the slices. Elizabeth found this to be the easiest way to coat the slices.
Add 1 teaspoon salt for every 8 sweet potatoes. Sprinkle over the buttered slices and use spoons to spread evenly.
Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional—the Baxters don’t do this every year).
Place buttered, salted slices into a baking dish or Crock-Pot. Cover with tinfoil.
Bake for 4 hours at 350 degrees. Remove tinfoil for the last 45 minutes.
Baxter Christmas Salad
Over the years, the Baxter family has loved this seasonal Jell-O salad. The little Baxter kids call it “the red stuff,” but the right name is the Baxter Christmas Salad. Here’s how to make this family favorite:
Finely grind 1 bag of thin salted pretzel sticks. The Baxters use a food processor to accomplish this. Try to leave some 1/4-inch pieces in the mix.
Place ground pretzels in a large bowl. Add 1 stick melted butter and 1/4 cup honey. Stir. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape. If not, add another 1/2 stick butter.
Press into the bottom of a greased 13-by-9-inch glass casserole dish. It should be 1/2-inch deep, give or take.
Bake for 20 minutes at 325 degrees.
Take crust from the oven and let it cool.
In a separate bowl beat 1 pint of heavy cream till it makes light peaks. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons stevia confectioners’ sugar.
In another bowl mash 2 (8-ounce) bricks of cream cheese. Blend the whipped cream in and beat only until smooth. Add 1/4 cup Swerve confectioners’ sugar. Blend only until mixed.
Using a spatula, smooth the whipped cream/cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust. This layer should be about an inch thick.
In yet another bowl, empty 1 packet regular or sugar-free strawberry Jell-O. Add 2 cups boiling water and stir until dissolved. Then add 1 cup cold water. Then add 1 bag sliced frozen strawberries.
Immediately spoon the Jell-O mixture over the whipped cream/cream cheese layer. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator to solidify. Serve cold from fridge.
Cole’s Corn Bread and Herb Stuffing
The Baxters used to make this stuffing with homemade bread crumbs. But now they’ve found an easier way. They buy bags of dry seasoned corn bread crumbs and bags of dry herb-seasoned bread crumbs. Instead of making one kind or the other, the Baxter family uses half of each type so that the stuffing is a mix of the two kinds. This is because when Cole was four years old, he mixed the two types on his plate and told everyone it was better that way. The next year, Ashley mixed the two on purpose—and the family loved it. Then they like to add butter, broth, sautéed onions and sautéed celery. It’s Cole’s favorite!
Organic Gravy
The Baxters enjoy using an organic mix for their gravy base. Usually these mixes require 1 packet to each cup of water. This can be prepared ahead of time. Then make the gravy extra tasty by adding juice and fat from the cooked turkey. Just enough for flavor.
Baby Buttered Peas
There are two types of frozen green peas—one large, and one very small. The smaller peas are generally more tender and sweeter. These are the frozen green peas the Baxters look for each Thanksgiving. Simply cover the frozen peas in a pan of water. Add 1/2 stick of butter and 1 teaspoon of salt per bag. Bring to a boil. Serve hot, using a spoon with holes.
Kari’s Cheesy Biscuits
There was a time when the Baxter family would eat Hawaiian rolls with their Thanksgiving dinner. But several years ago Kari created a recipe that would give them a much healthier dinner roll. She tweaked a few recipes to come up with this:
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup almond flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup mixed grated Colby Jack cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup melted butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all dry ingredients together.
Add half the cheese.
Mix in eggs, sour cream and melted butter.
Add half the remaining cheese.
Drop by spoonfuls onto a parchment-covered baking sheet.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over biscuits.
Bake 20 minutes, until cheese begins to brown and biscuits are firm.
John’s Baked Apple Crumble and Organic Sweet Cream
The Baxters love keeping dessert simple. Fruit is very sweet, and when cooked it’s even sweeter. Add a few ingredients and real, organic homemade whipped cream and you have a dessert better than anything store-bought. Once when John was going through a box of his parents’ things, he came across this recipe. He modified it and now John’s Baked Apple Crumble is not only simple to make but the family’s favorite dessert. Simply follow these directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Core and peel 14 medium apples.
Slice the apples and place in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of cinnamon over the apples.
Pour 1/4 cup of melted butter over the apples.
Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Swerve confectioners’ sugar.
In a separate bowl mix 1 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup Swerve and 1 stick melted butter. Mix well, then sprinkle over the apple mixture.
Stir well and bake for 2 hours at 350 degrees.
Serve hot, topped with the fresh whipped cream. Enjoy.
ONE CHANCE FOUNDATION
The Kingsbury Family is passionate about seeing orphans all over the world brought home to their forever families. As a result, they created the One Chance Foundation!
This foundation was inspired by the memory of Karen’s
father, Ted C. Kingsbury. Ted always said, “Life is not a dress rehearsal. We have one chance to love, one chance to truly live!” Karen often tells her reader friends that they have “one chance to write the story of their lives!”
Now with Karen’s One Chance Foundation, readers can join her in the belief that all of us have one chance to make a difference in the lives of orphans.
In the Bible, James 1:27 says that true Christians ought to care for orphans. The One Chance Foundation was created with that truth in mind.
If you are interested in giving to Karen’s One Chance Foundation and having your dedication printed in one of Karen’s upcoming novels, visit www.KarenKingsbury.com and click on the Foundation tab.
The following dedications were made by some of Karen’s readers, who forever are making a difference in the lives of orphans around the world.
With Love & Appreciation to Karen & David Bressel—The One Chance Foundation
Betty O’Neil—you have shown much courage & strength in your struggle with cancer for so many years. Your friendship has given me inspiration, joy, & love. God has blessed me by including you in my life! —Brenda Lacey
To Mom; Thank you for choosing to be my mom. Love, Your Angel, Jen
Rachel, Court & Alex—I am so blessed to be your Mom!—Mera
To Mom, Lili Kukkola for her Finnish SISU & trusting in God. Love, Jan
I thank God for the blessing of my husband, Dave Miller. Love, Jan
To Kathy Conquest, my heart-to-heart prayer warrior!—Jan
To Nancy Bayne, ever ready for a bon-bon chat!—Jan
With Love & Appreciation to Jan Kukkola—The One Chance Foundation
Sean, Patrick & Michael—We’ll love you forever! Mom & Dad
I love you Kira, Austin, Peyton, and Johnny—Mom
With love, Mary Sgro
To orphans everywhere, with love, Jan
Forever and always loved. For Harper
To God who provides and created me to be the person I am!—Jamie Smith
Susan Kane, you’re the BEST in all you do! Thank you!—Love, Team KK
With love, Deborah Rogers
Sweet Madelyne, Your love & joy light up my life! Love, Mommy
Dedicated to my loving wife & nights falling asleep listening to stories by Karen on her Kindle.—Love, Jay Hall
My dear friend, Karen Baker. Thanks for introducing me to Karen Kingsbury Books. Much love, Doris
JoAnn, you are very special to me! Love, Jessica
To the love of my life, John. Through thick & thin, 33 years & counting. Love you so much—Kathy
In memory of Caryl Shearer—who shared her love and her books!—Kim
In loving memory of Amy Carnagey—Love, Luke
With love & appreciation to the Carnagey Family! —The One Chance Foundation
With love, Abby Oberlin
Kylie + Caroline: Chase God, dream big, and love hard.—Mama
To My Mom, Sherry. Please feel better soon! Love U! ~Andrea
Blessings to Dan & Emily on their wedding day.—Love, Becky Carroll
Mom, when I pick up a book, I think of you. Love, Melinda
Blessings to my dear grandmother, Josephine! —In Faith & Love, Cheryl
“Matthew” One woman’s sacrifice became a gift from God to our family!—Debbie
We love and miss you Mom/Grandma—Love, Sandy, Sarah & Mariah
Merry Christmas Zach, Katie & Luke Hamilton. Love, Mom/Mimi
Love our great kids, Steve, Mike & Patty, & 7 gr-kids! Mom E
To God—for blessings of life, love, & laughter! K&S Holman
For our courageous Aubrey G, from your cruise buddies
Happy 77th Donna, our favorite KK fan! Love, the Carter Kids
Shirley Collins, I admire your dedication to the Lord!—Becky Day
Amber Nicole Holberg, Keep reading Karen Kingsbury novels!—Nana B
To the Waitresses, Chefs & Owner at The Court Cafe & Pub, Louisa, VA—Becky Day
With love, Robyn Stiles
Diana Dittus—you have a true heart of gold. Love, Your Family
Mom, who blesses us all with her love & kindness. Love, Tika
In honor of our mother, Violet Studer. Love from the kids!
To Karen, For always listening to Him! Jeremiah 29:11—We love you!
Also by Karen Kingsbury
The Bridge
* * *
The Chance
* * *
Fifteen Minutes
* * *
The Family of Jesus
* * *
Angels Walking
* * *
A Brush of Wings
* * *
The Friends of Jesus
* * *
Chasing Sunsets
* * *
ORDER YOUR COPIES TODAY!
© DEAN DIXON
#1 New York Times bestselling novelist KAREN KINGSBURY is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and several of her books were recently made into Hallmark original movies. Others are under development as TV series and major motion pictures. Karen is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Don, and their five sons, three of whom are adopted from Haiti. Their actress daughter, Kelsey, lives nearby with her husband, Christian recording artist Kyle Kupecky, and their first child, Hudson.
MEET THE AUTHORS, WATCH VIDEOS AND MORE AT
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authors.simonandschuster.com/Karen-Kingsbury
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OTHER LIFE-CHANGING FICTION™
BY KAREN KINGSBURY
Stand-Alone Titles
Fifteen Minutes
The Chance
The Bridge
Oceans Apart
Between Sundays
When Joy Came to Stay
On Every Side
Divine
Like Dandelion Dust
Where Yesterday Lives
Shades of Blue
Unlocked
Coming Home—The Baxter Family
Angels Walking Series
Angels Walking
Chasing Sunsets
Brush of Wings
The Baxters—Redemption Series
Redemption
Remember
Return
Rejoice
Reunion
The Baxters—Firstborn Series
Fame
Forgiven
Found
Family
Forever
The Baxters—Sunrise Series
Sunrise
Summer
Someday
Sunset
The Baxters—Above the Line Series
Above the Line: Take One
Above the Line: Take Two
Above the Line: Take Three
Above the Line: Take Four
The Baxters—Bailey Flanigan Series
Leaving
Learning
Longing
Loving
Baxter Family Collection
A Baxter Family Christmas
9/11 Series
One Tuesday Morning
Beyond Tuesday Morning
Remember Tuesday Morning
Lost Love Series
Even Now
Ever After
Red Glove Series
Gideon’s Gift
Maggie’s Miracle
Sarah’s Song
Hannah’s Hope
e-Short Stories
The Beginning
I Can Only Imagine
Elizabeth Baxter’s 10 Secrets to a Happy Marriage
Once Upon a Campus
Forever Faithful Series
Waiting for Morning
Moment of Weakness
Halfway to Forever
Women of Faith Fiction Ser
ies
A Time to Dance
A Time to Embrace
Cody Gunner Series
A Thousand Tomorrows
Just Beyond the Clouds
This Side of Heaven
Life-Changing Bible Story Collections
Family of Jesus
Friends of Jesus
Children’s Titles
Let Me Hold You Longer
Let’s Go on a Mommy Date
We Believe in Christmas
Let’s Have a Daddy Day
The Princess and the Three Knights
The Brave Young Knight
Far Flutterby
Go Ahead and Dream with Quarterback Alex Smith
Whatever You Grow Up to Be
Always Daddy’s Princess
Forever My Little Girl
Forever My Little Boy
Miracle Collections
A Treasury of Christmas Miracles
A Treasury of Miracles for Women
A Treasury of Miracles for Teens
A Treasury of Miracles for Friends
A Treasury of Adoption Miracles
Miracles–a Devotional
Gift Books
Forever Young: Ten Gifts of Faith for the Graduate
WWW.KARENKINGSBURY.COM
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This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.