'TIS THE SEASON

It's here!!! Christmastime. It is our favorite holiday, and we've even got the cold weather here to make it even more festive. I've learned that if I just wear my silk long underwear, I'm not miserable. That extra layer makes all the difference. We've started the long process of getting the millions of decorations out, and little Emma is like a kid in a candy store. I can't keep her out of stuff, but I'm just so glad she is enjoying it. She single handedly unwrapped 3 "moss" Christmas gifts that I had made for decorations. Moss was all over the house, and we'll be cleaning it up all season. That's ok, though. She seems to be seeing it with different eyes this year, and I love seeing the "wonder" in her face. We've been watching Christmas movies galore.....Elf is so hilarious, had Breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning, the Franklin Christmas parade that afternoon (Emma was in it) had a cookie exchange yesterday afternoon, and went to Steve's choir concert last night. Tonight Andrew has his 1st Christmas Band Concert. So.........'tis the season. Enjoy this hearty pasta dish!!! Thanks Debbie Johnson.


DOUBLE CHEESE HAMBURGER CASSEROLE

LAYER 1:

1 POUND GROUND BEEF
1 CLOVE GARLIC, CHOPPED
1 TSP SUGAR
1/4 TSP PEPPER
1/2 TSP SEASONED SALT
1 TBLS SOY SAUCE
1 (15 1/2 OZ) CAN TOMATO SAUCE

LAYER 2:

4 OZ MEDIUM EGG NOODLES, COOKED AND DRAINED

LAYER 3:

1 (3-OZ) PKG CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED IN MICROWAVE
1 CUP SOUR CREAM
1/4 CUP CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS

BROWN MEAT, AND SIMMER REMAINING INGREDIENTS IN LAYER 1 FOR 20 MINUTES. PLACE IN 9 X 13 CASSEROLE DISH. PLACE LAYER 2 ON TOP. SPREAD LAYER 3 ON NOODLES AND SPRINKLE GRATED CHEESE OVER ALL. BAKE AT 350 FOR 30 MINUTESJ