It's that wonderful time of the year, when our hearts open wider than normal.  This year, as my heart opened for this Christmas issue of the Gazette, my favor-ite recipes poured out for you, one after the other.
My recipes are quick and easy.  Allan's are long and tedious.  Take your pick.  It's Christmas time and chestnuts are roasting over the open fire, so let's put on our aprons and turn our houses into homes.

Mom's Best Pumpkin Dessert
This is the best pumpkin dessert because it doesn't include the calories that you find in piecrust!  It doesn't have a crust!

2 cups sugar
4 eggs, well beaten
2 cups pumpkin
1 cup salad oil
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon

Mix together sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and oil.  Add dry ingredients and pour batter into greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 325 for 20 to 30 minutes, until edges are away from the pan.  Cool and top with this
Frosting:
3 oz. softened cream cheese
¾ stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cream or milk
1 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar as needed

Cheese Ring
This recipe came from an old neighbor of ours, Jane Bowser, and it became popular during the presidency of Jimmy Carter.  It was originally called the Plains Spread.  Remember he was from Plains, Georgia, and he grew pecans ... or was it just plain peanuts?  In any case, this is like an adult version of a cheese and jelly sandwich, but sharper and much more exciting.

1 lb. grated sharp cheddar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup mayonnaise
1 small grated/chopped onion
Black pepper
Tabasco

Mix together all of the above ingredients and hand mold into shape on a serving plate.  Chill for a while.  Fill the center of the ring with your favorite jam.  Serve with crackers.  I like white club.

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