see jane run, go jane go: Christmas Party Time --- Recipe for Grape Salad

Today's post is submitted by Amy DeCesare of Pennsylvania...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...friends, coworkers, and family members are gathering to share food, fellowship and Christmas traditions.

Friends of ours...actually just like family members to us...host an annual Christmas party at their home. Hmmmm...I wondered what special food I could bring this time. I decided to make one of my favorite new recipes I found this summer on the internet. It's perfect for wintertime, too, with colorful grapes in a delicious sweet dressing.

So here's my recipe for Best Ever Grape Salad:

3 lbs. or so seedless grapes, red and/or green

8 oz. sour cream - I use "light"

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup coarsely crushed pecans

First take all the grapes off of the stems, rinse well, and drain on a paper towel.

In a really large bowl, blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in sugar and vanilla, mixing well.

Fold the grapes into the "dressing" until coated.

Transfer to a serving dish or bowl.

Top with brown sugar and pecans. Cover and chill for several hours, or overnight.

Now, you know I couldn't just take this thing to a party without glamming it up a bit. I have the world's cutest Casserole Cover, shown here. First put the cover down, and insert the casserole dish under the handle strap.

Pull the strap up, and place one loop over it.

Do the same on the other side. Now you can put your hand into the carrying strap.

My aunt Ellie taught me to make these casserole covers. I think I'll carry a few in my Etsy shop, eamylove, after Christmas, so check back with me later, or let me know if you're interested. I've done a few more, too...