pioneer woman | 8050 Place

While it is extremely difficult for me to narrow down to saying one thing is my absolute favorite in the whole wide world, there is a

long list of things I really like. Here is just one of the items on my list. I like to call these my Brown Paper Packages!

I have to admit, I’m really distracted by all the peppermint goodies and cranberry ginger ale at my disposal this time of year. But I’m trying really hard to focus on the holiday that comes before that. Thanksgiving. I love the whole weekend of Thanksgiving; family meals, parade, my birthday, Christmas bazaar . . . The biggest dilemma I face when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving is what to prepare as my contribution to the family meals. So in my planning and researching I’ve been drawn to recipes that have the two words “caramel apple” in them.

Does that evoke the same kind of mouth watering thoughts to you as it does to me? You know the three pack of caramel apples covered in peanuts in the grocery store? Delicious. And what about caramel apple suckers . . . YUM! There is nothing like that bitter, sweet taste on a crisp fall day. And what makes it even better? A cup of piping hot cider! Here are the three recipes I have narrowed it down too. They have all had a trial run and we give them two thumbs up! Enjoy! (Click on the picture for the recipe.)

Caramel Apple Pie courtesy of Pioneer Woman

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Caramel Apple Crisp Bars courtesy of Kraft foods

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Caramel Apple Salad courtesy of Chef in Training

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Click here to learn more about Brown Paper Packages.

While it is extremely difficult for me to narrow down to saying one thing is my absolute favorite in the whole wide world, there is a long list of things I really like. Here is just one of the items on my list. I like to call these my Brown Paper Packages!

Do you know Pioneer Woman? I mean don’t really know her, but have you heard of her? Well, she has this way of labeling her favorite recipes by inserting the word “perfect” before the name of them. For example, Perfect Pie Crust, Perfect French Fries, Perfect Iced Coffee, etc. And let me say her “perfect” recipes that I’ve tried are pretty darn good, especially the iced coffee. Anyway, I’m kind of borrowing her idea and naming the recipe I’m sharing with you, Perfect Tuna Salad. That’s not what you were expecting, is it? Tuna salad is just tuna salad. But oh no, I’ve found the Perfect Tuna Salad. I make it at least every two weeks and we eat on it for lunch or snacks or maybe even dinner (if I didn’t have time to cook).

P.S. Please excuse my pitiful food photography . . . and my messy kitchen.

The recipe is below. I’m not very particular about measuring things exactly (unless I’m baking) so you may want to alter the amounts depending on your preferences. It makes a pretty large batch if you want to half it.

So, there’s not much more to say. We love it! It’s hearty, pretty healthy, and super easy to mix up. Enjoy!

1 small red onion, chopped
4 stalks of celery, chopped
4-5 carrots, chopped
5-6 baby dill pickles, chopped
2 cans of white albacore tuna in water (I haven’t tried it but you could probably sub in chicken.)
1 bag of real bacon bits
1 cup of mayo
1 packet of ranch powder mix
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups (at least) of cooked egg noodles (THE SECRET INGREDIENT)

Cook egg noodles and let them come to room temperature. While they are cooking and cooling, cut the first four ingredients up and put in a mixing bowl with the tuna. Mix mayo and ranch powder together and add to the mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. After egg noodles are cooled mix them in as well. Serve with chips, crackers, or our favorite on a bed of romaine lettuce. Let me know what you think!