Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Larry has mentioned to me several times that his mom always made pineapple upside down cake.  I guess I finally got the hint that he wanted me to make one.  Well, you know me,  got to find an easy way to accomplish this and I did. 

1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
1 large can of pineapple slices
1 jar of cherries
stick of butter
1 cup of brown sugar

Prepare the cake mix according to directions except substitute the cup of water with a cup of the pineapple juice from the can of pineapple slices.  Meanwhile, melt the butter in the pan you plan to bake the cake in.  As always I sprayed it well with Pam first.  Larry tells me his Mom used her iron skillet but I only use my iron skillet for cornbread so I substituted.  Add the brown sugar and stir.  The butter and sugar will come together and start to caramelize slightly.  Arrange the pineapple on the bottom of the pan and then add the cherries in the center of each pineapple slice and the little space in between the slices.  Pour the cake mix into the pan and bake in a 350 degree oven until the cake is set.  The baking time will vary depending on your pan so keep an eye on it.  When it's done sit the pan on a cooling rack and let it cool till you can touch the pan. Place the cake plate on the pan and then flip it over.  It turned out beautiful and was so moist. 

Meat balls

As I have needed a quick recipe for Christmas gatherings, it brought to mind an EASY appetizer.  We used it often when catering.  The first time I made it I made my own meatballs.  The second time I tried frozen ones and could tell no difference.  I always used the ones from Sams.

1 jar of Chili sauce
1 jar of grape jelly
Bag of frozen meatballs

Mix the Chili sauce and grape jelly in sauce pan.  Add the frozen meatballs. When they are warm, they are ready so you can remove these and add more if you need a larger amount or just let them sit in the warm sauce until ready to serve.