Everyone Loves a Big Finish

And so... 

I thought I'd share the two biggest posts on my blog.  The biggest success (much to my surprise) and the biggest failure (in the name of humility and a good sense of humor).

By far, the most visited post on my blog this year was my Killer Hashbrown Casserole recipe.  It far surpassed any and all previous posts on this blog!  My wish for the new year is to actually hear from someone who prepared this dish -- and to know if you loved it as much as our family does.

If, for some reason, you missed it, here it is again.

Killer Hashbrown Casserole 

(printable recipe)

2 lbs. frozen "Southern Style" (diced) hashbrowns
2 can cream of celery soup
1 T. dehydrated onion flakes
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz. cubed "original" Velveeta
1 pt. sour cream
1 tsp. salt
1 stick margarine, melted
crushed cornflakes to make 2 cups

Allow hashbrowns to thaw a little -- particularly if you're baking immediately.

Mix all but margarine and cornflakes together well, and place in a 9x13 pan (or larger -- I actually use a rectangular pyrex pan that is a bit larger than 9x13, and it's FULL!)  Melt margarine, and drizzle over potato mixture.  Sprinkle crushed cornflakes on top.  Bake uncovered, 1 hour at 350F.

Most recently, for Easter, I made this casserole the day before (minus the margarine and cornflakes) and refrigerated until I was ready to bake on Easter Sunday.  Then, I added the margarine and cornflakes, and popped it in the oven.  The casserole was bubbling-hot after an hour in the oven, and since you bake UNcovered, the cornflakes are a crunchy topping!  Delish.

This is such a simple dish to have ready ahead of time, making dinner-time oh-so-easy!

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The next post was... not as memorable -- and I'm not sure why.  Perhaps the subject matter wasn't as interesting to others as it was to me: Thanksgiving Traditions.  I thought I'd do a survey about such things, but the only one who came along for the ride was.... wah, wah, wahhhhhhh... my sister, Jill.  As glad as I am that she participated, I think you could call the post a FAIL.  At this point, I do have to admit, the idea sounds pretty boring, but at the time, I truly did think it would be interesting to hear about other traditions.  Hmmmmm. Whatever.  :/

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When it comes to linky parties, I'm no Myquillyn, Jen, or Edie, that's for sure. They all gave me huge amounts of traffic this holiday season as we did HOME TOURS and COOKIE EXCHANGES -- and for that I am grateful.  And, I can't forget about my friend Vee who always sends lovely people my way for her Note Card Parties!

Thanks also to those of you like Vee, Jill, Donna, and Ohio Farm Girl who have added me to your blogroll.  I'm trying to watch my stats and be more aware of those who have done this.

Thanks for following along, dear friends!  -- for your love and support, and kind words. Here's to another year of blogging.  To new adventures, and new friends!

God bless us -- everyone!