Thanksgiving 2013

As I mentioned in this post, I wasn't going to be hosting again this year - but instead would be spending the day with some of my family a few hours South of Los Angeles. Even though I wasn't making the whole dinner, I offered to make a thing or two and was assigned an appetizer and a dessert.

And because I'm me, I made one additional little goodie too! 

I knew almost immediately what appetizer I wanted to make, but deciding on a dessert took a little more thought. My amazing brother is the one that gave me the great idea, but I put my own twist on it! 

So what all did I make?!?!

Curious aren't ya?

Okay...I'll tell you!!

I made...

Bacon Wrapped Bleu Cheese Stuffed Dates!

YUMMMM! These are SO good and I can never get enough. These little suckers even converted a couple people who weren't fans of bleu cheese or dates!!! They are so easy to make, super tasty and I'd absolutely consider them a success at Thanksgiving this year.

And my brother - he suggested a Pumpkin Cheesecake, which sounded great!

But I like mini/individual treats, so I made...

MINI Pumpkin Cheesecakes!
They had an amazing gingersnap crust and weren't too pumpkin-y. Just right in my opinion.

Now what about that other little treat?

Oh right...

These cute little things...

Peanut Butter Ritz Sandwich and Hersey Kiss Acorns!
A friend showed me a link with them around Halloween and I couldn't resist!! I made a batch for work earlier in the week and they were devoured. I knew then that I had to make some more to take for Thanksgiving!

After I finished getting everything prepped or made, I decided I should take a lil gift for the person hosting this year's Thanksgiving. I kept if festive and made the gift instead of purchased it!

Wondering again what I made???

I made...

Flower Bouquets in Mini Pumpkins!
(Look for a post about these real soon!!!)

How cute are these???

I was originally only going to make one for the host, but I had enough flowers so I made one for my grandma and a close friend too! I think they turned out great and I can totally see myself making these again!