Hi there, !

I hope you had a nice week.  

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit our Christmas tree is still up.  I've never left it up this long, but I just can't bring myself to do it for some reason.  

Maybe this week. I'm dreading our house without the pretty sparkling lights.  Christmas just flew by way too fast this year.   

Next Christmas is going to be different! 

I'm SO EXCITED to announce the next Cooking Mom Vacation!

Join me on a European Christmas Market Tour. 

Has visiting the Christkindl markets in European been on your bucket list?  It's been on mine! 

I've planned THE ULTIMATE vacation visiting 7 of the best and most charming Christmas markets in Europe!  

All of them are so unique! This trip is overflowing with holiday magic! 

Let's soak in the season as we shop for beautiful ornaments and handmade Christmas gifts.  We'll enjoy lots of caroling and live holiday music.  

Bring on the warm mulled wine to keep us toasty while shopping, grilled sausages, giant pretzels, and all sorts of holiday goodies! I've added some special treats to this trip!  

We'll tour one of the world's most beautiful castles, which inspired the Disney castles.  It's even more spectacular after a fresh blanket of snow!  

We'll enjoy some amazing meals and even see the holiday lights from a dinner cruise on the Danube.  It's going to be the trip of a lifetime, and I've worked hard to make it an AMAZING Christmas market tour at a really great price!  

Don't worry, we'll be back in plenty of time to enjoy the holiday season at home.  I planned this trip so that we'll fly out the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.  

We'll spend 8 nights touring charming towns and Christmas markets in Germany and Prague.  

Read this post: Join The Cooking Mom on a European Christmas Market Tour to  find out what makes this trip extra special and different from the rest!

I can only take a limited number, so CLICK to get pricing and reserve your spot today! 

It's been a bitterly cold week here in Wisconsin, with temperatures at or below zero.  Brrr!!! 

I'm trying to keep warm with lots of soups and comfort food.  I call myself the Queen of Casseroles.  

I love a good hot dish, as my friends in Minnesota call them - especially in winter.  

My Sausage and Gorgonzola Pasta Bake is one of my favorites.  It's so good; it's a company-worthy casserole.  

I LOVE that you put it all together a day or two ahead and then bake it when you're ready.  

Don't worry if you don't like Gorgonzola cheese.  The sauce is super mild, almost like an alfredo sauce.  You can also use grated Parmesan instead. It's AMAZING!

I serve it with a big salad and garlic bread, and you've got one dynamite dinner! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

When it's chilly outside, why not make some! My easy and Quick Ranch Chili is one of my kids' favorites.  

A packet of dry Ranch dressing mix gives it so much flavor.  

The Super Bowl is coming up soon! It's time to start planning your game day spread.  Why not double this recipe and set up a chili bar with loads of toppings.  What fun!

Every good game day party needs to have a big messy sandwich involved.  

My Slow Cooker Hot Italian Beef Sandwiches are ALWAYS a winner! 

Get out the napkins! This is my kind of sammie! 

If you are looking for more recipes, I got you! From dips to appetizers, slow cooker recipes, and casseroles, I've put them all together in one spot on my new website. Check out my GAME DAY RECIPES page!

Don't forget dessert! 

How cute will this Cookies and Cream Dessert Cheeseball look on your game day buffet? 

Serve it with pretzels, cookies, and fresh fruit for dipping. YUMMY!

If you make this recipe (or any others from my blog), take a picture before your crowd dives in and tag me on Instagram @thecookingmom.  I love to see what you're making! 

Live on TV

Tune next week to watch Amy LIVE on TV on WGN in Chicago. She'll make more of her favorite game day recipes for the Super Bowl!

Let's Travel Together!

Have you heard I'm hosting group vacations? 

The Cooking Mom Vacations are filled with delicious food, sightseeing, and tons of fun! 

I have some VERY SPECIAL vacations planned for 2023, with more to come! My trip to Italy in September 2023 is now SOLD OUT.  Sign up and get on the list for the Italy trip in 2024!  I'm planning my 2024 trips now.  

Contact me and let me know where you want to go! 

View our upcoming trip details:

• JUST ANNOUNCED! Join The Cooking on a European Christmas Market Tour! Read more and Reserve your spot now! November 2023
• Hurry to book! Time is running out! Join The Cooking Mom on a Danube River Cruise to Germany, Austria, Budapest and more! The ULTIMATE WAY to see Europe! July 2023
• Time to plan next year's winter getaway! Join The Cooking Mom in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! January 2024

Click The Cooking Mom Vacations to learn about what makes my trips special from the rest. You can also get itinerary details and can book your spot today!

Have a great weekend! Cook up some memories! 

All my love,

Amy

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