I'm not a good cook.

I'm really not. I have good intentions, just not that intuitiveness that is key to consistently good meals. However, I DO have a few tried and true recipes that ALWAYS get me into trouble at parties: they give the impression that I'm a good cook. I just know a good recipe when I see one. So, I wanted to share two that we use at this time of year.

*Beware, if you make one of these, people will think you're a good cook, too!

*Ginger-Cranberry Chutney

1 package (12 oz.) cranberries
1 large tart apple, peeled, cored & diced
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened apple juice concentrate
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbls. grated orange peel
1 ts. ground allspice
1-1/2 ts. ground ginger
1/4 ts. ground cloves
1/4 ts. cayenne pepper
3 packages (8 oz.) cream cheese
Crackers

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, apple, sugar, apple juice, raisins, lemon juice, orange peel & spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 25 minutes or until thickened. Cool. Serve 1 cup of chutney over each package of cream cheese. Spread on crackers.

*Sweet Potato Bake

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yields: 7 servings

Ingredients:
(Main):
3 ½ cups mashed sweet potatoes
¼ cup milk
¼ cup orange juice
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, softened
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
(Topping):
¼ cup butter, softened
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup chopped pecans

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 2-quart casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, blend together the sweet potatoes, milk, orange juice, eggs, vanilla, sugar, salt, butter, nutmeg and cinnamon.Pour into prepared casserole dish.
3. Mix together the ¼ cup butter, brown sugar, flour and pecans; sprinkle over sweet potatoe mixture.
4.Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.

From Allrecipes.com