(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Well, how was your Christmas? Did you enjoy your family along with the big Christmas meal? Did you go to visit relatives and friends, or did you have everyone at your house? Did everyone love your gifts, and did you receive some nice gifts?

If you are like me, I’m not concerned about what I received, but I am really concerned if others would like what I bought for them. Honestly, that is a great tradition and good for business, but I think we’re overdoing it. I have to say I remember and loved when our kids and grandchildren were young but as they get older, it’s hard to shop for teenagers anymore. Especially when grandpa (my husband) always thinks that he should order from Amazon and thinks that he knows for sure that the grandchildren will love everything he buys. Well, it doesn’t work like that, and we should know that teenagers don’t like the same things as old people. But he does it anyway, and then he wonders why they don’t wear them!

Styles change over 50 to 60 years. Now, teenagers wear jeans with holes and they wear pajamas to go out. Really? I guess it is what it is. We might as well face it, and we haven’t seen anything yet.

Well, now it’s time to relax for a few days ’til it’s time to get ready for the new year. Seems to me 2025 flew by, but I can’t figure why? Maybe because we’re getting older? Or maybe because we’re busy? (I’m talking about myself.) But how can we change old habits?

Before I forget, I want to thank you for the telephone calls, text messages and letters that I receive from so many of you readers and also when I see you at the mall or other stores and you stop to talk to me. I appreciate all your kind words and nice comments I hear from you. It makes me want to continue to write my articles.

I wish you a wonderful , healthy and prosperous New Year!

CHEERS!

Till next week.

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Hot Pecan Dip

1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese softened

2 tablespoons of milk

1 (2 1/2 oz. jar) chipped beef, diced

2 teaspoons chopped onion or onion flakes

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup chopped pecans, brown in butter

Cream, cream cheese with milk, add beef, onion, garlic, pepper, green pepper and sour cream. Put in a small baking dish, top with nuts, bake at 350 for 20 minutes, serve with baking size Frito’s or Dorito’s

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Mock Guacamole Dip

One package of frozen chopped spinach

2 cloves garlic

1 hard-cooked egg

2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise

hot sauce (Optional)

Cook spinach according to directions. Drain well and squeeze dry.

Blend in blender with garlic, egg and mayonnaise. The hot sauce makes it especially good.

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Chalupa Snack Dip/Tex-Mex Dip

2 large cans, bean dip

3 ripe avocados

Juice of half lemon

8 oz. sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 pkg taco seasoning

10 oz. Greater Monterey or cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped green onion

1 large, tomato, chopped

Small can, chopped black olives

Large bag, Tostito’s or Dorito;s

In a 13-by-9-inch pan, spread:

First layer – bean dip

Second layer – Mashed avocado with lemon juice

Third layer – Mix sour cream, mayonnaise and seasoning

Sprinkle cheese, onion, tomato.

Finish with black olives

Enjoy! Perfect for your New Year’s party and weekend.