Christmas Traditions Around the World

     Before we left for Texas for the holidays my MOPs group had one last meeting before the end of the year.  It was our annual Christmas meeting.  Lots of yummy food, an ornament exchange, and this year we did something new.  We had a table decorating contest.  I came up with this idea about displaying different countries and how they celebrated Christmas.  Each lady picked a country, brought decorations, and made a sweet treat to share with everyone.  

We wanted to also display the real reason for the season.  

So we highlighted the Nativity in the middle.

Here are the countries we all picked...

Costa Rica

Germany

Ireland

France

Here are some of the other tables....

Nativity Table

Ugly Sweater Table

Happy Birthday Table

Winter Wonderland Table

     After all the judging was done, guess which table won??  OURS!!  Whoo-hoo!  It was a great last meeting of the year, looking forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year!

Sweet Potato Hash with Apples & Pancetta

     A few weeks ago I made this dish for my MOPs group and it was a huge hit.  It was so simple and tasty so good.  I will definitely have to make it again!

Recipe from Gutsy by Nature

What you need:

6oz pancetta (diced)

1 small onion (finely chopped)

1 large apple (cored, cut into 1 inch cubes)

1 tsp cinnamon

1-2 TBsp coconut oil or unsalted butter

1 large sweet potato (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)

1 Tbsp fresh sage (minced)

How to make it:

In a medium cast iron skillet over medium to medium-low heat, cook pancetta 3-5 minutes or until crispy and fat has rendered.

Remove pancetta with slotted spoon, leave fat in the pan.

Add the onion, apples, and cinnamon, cook until soft, about 7 minutes.

If pan is dry add 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter and allow to melt.

Add sweet potatoes to pan and allow to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.

Stir, allow to cook for another 2 minutes undisturbed.

Continue cooking sweet potatoes, stirring as needed to insure all sides get browned and none burn, until soft (about 5-6 minutes more, about 10 minutes total).

Add reserved pancetta, onion, and apples back to the pan.

Add sage and stir to combine and warm throughout.

Serve warm and ENJOY!!