Southern-Style Holiday Spread Shortcuts

(NAPSI)-Hosting family and friends during the holiday season can mean hours--even days--of menu planning, grocery shopping and cooking. From serving dishes to clean plates, the big meal takes only a fraction of the time to eat as it did to prepare.

For tasty fixings prepared in less than half the time, substitute ready-made foods into recipes. Add these delicious and quick recipes to this year's holiday menu to save time in the kitchen and spend more time enjoying family and friends:

Southern-Style Sweet Potato Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 50 minutes

1 15-ounce can Glory Foods® Sweet Potato Casserole

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup sweetened, condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 pie shell, raw, frozen

(9" deep dish)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine butter, eggs, condensed milk and vanilla extract in mixing bowl. Blend in cornstarch and then sweet potato casserole, stirring until smooth. Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and continue baking for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted to the center of the pie comes out clean. Cool before serving.

Southern-Style Hummus

Prep Time: 10 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons garlic, minced

2 15-ounce cans Glory Foods® Sensibly Seasoned Black Beans

3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

3 tablespoons lemon juice

⅛ teaspoon onion powder

⅛ teaspoon white pepper, ground

¼ teaspoon cumin, ground

Sauté the garlic and olive oil in a small nonstick pan for 3 to 5 minutes to soften and brown slightly. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, process until smooth and pour hummus in serving dish. Serve immediately with crackers, bread or vegetables or refrigerate for later use.

For more Southern-style holiday recipes and shortcuts, visit www.GloryFoods.com.

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Tomato Pie is in High Season

CC Note:There's something about summer and home grown tomatoes that gets the lips smacking. There's something even better about combining summer home grown tomatoes and Vidalia onions in one dish.

Try this recipe out tonight. There won't be any leftovers!

There are several versions of tomato pies available. Since I'm from the low country, I happen to really like this one. Try it and see.....

Low Country Tomato Pie

6 slices bacon, cooked and diced
6-10 tomatoes, either sliced or diced
1 Vidalia onion, sliced
Salt & pepper to taste

Layer in a pre-cooked deep dish pie crust which has been cooled.

Combine 1 cup mayo (I use light) and 1 cup grated cheese (parmesan or sharp, according to taste preference). Spread over tomato/onion layers.

Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

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Onion Pie

I enjoyed reading about Pascal's Bistro. I haven't been there in quite some time and had let it slip from my mind. I'm definitely going to have to visit soon as I love the pasta buffet! I was reminded of another restaurant I love while reading the Fayette Front Page. There is an ad for the Village Cafe. I ran over and picked up a couple of gift certificates for Christmas presents. Everyone loved them! I wish I'd had the foresight to save one for myself.

The following recipe was given to me by a gentleman I used to work with. He said it is, and I quote, "best when served with cold beer." I believe I would prefer a nice salad and possibly some homemade tomato or vegetable soup. To each their own!

Art's Onion Pie

1 frozen pie shell
2 lbs. onions, sliced
3 eggs, beaten
1 stick butter
1 cup sour cream
Tabasco sauce to taste
salt and pepper to taste
grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Saute the onion in butter. Combine eggs and sour cream. Add to onion (if you opt to cut back on the butter, this is the perfect time to do so!). Season with Tabasco, salt and pepper to taste. Pour in pie shell. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat and bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Add grated cheese to top for the last 5 - 10 minutes to melt.

You may want to add some other items including cooked spinach or broccoli, sauteed mushrooms, cheddar cheese, celery, grated carrots, sausage, hamburger or other meats. The variations are many.

You may want to try cooking at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes rather than trying to change the temperature mid-stream. The important thing is to ensure that your eggs are cooked thoroughly.

- Cindy B.