It's that time of year when we're invited to Christmas parties and holiday celebrations.

Are you tired of taking the same old thing? Do you want something simple you can whip up in one bowl?

I have three easy recipes that are always a big hit wherever I go.

If you're up for making a pie, try my recipe for Oatmeal Pie. It has the same taste and texture of pecan pie but without all of the fat from the pecans. If you love all the gooey stuff in pecan pies, you'll love this.

I hope you enjoy them!

This is the simplest corn casserole recipe I've ever seen. It has 5 simple ingredients. I love simple recipes.

I have given this recipe to dozens of people over the years and I am automatically expected to bring it to all family gatherings we have. All my friends that I've given it to have also been designated as the person who must bring the corn casserole.

These are the five ingredients:

• 1 box of Jiffy Brand Cornbread Mix,
• 1 can of cream style corn,
• 1 can of whole kernal corn (drained),
• 1 stick of margarine/butter,
• 1 8-oz tub of sour cream

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Take a stick of butter and put in the baking dish you plan to use.

Put the pan into the warmed oven to melt the butter.

Carefully remove the pan and add the remaining 4 ingredients and stir until blended well.

Put it back into the oven and brown. The time varies according to your oven, but it's usually around 45 minutes. Just keep checking on it as you begin to smell it.

The edges should look dry and browned, while the remainder is a dark golden color.

Serve warm.

This recipe doubles easily and I usually make a double batch to take to a family reunion.

This is a recipe handed down to me from a friend I worked with many years ago named Rose. Everyone loved her "Pink Salad".

Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl and keep chilled until ready to serve.

• 12 oz tub of Cool Whip
• 8 oz tub of sour cream
• 1 small box of orange jello (dry)
• 16 oz crushed pineapple (do not drain)
• 1 small can of mandarin oranges (drained)
• 6 oz maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
• small bag of miniture colored marshmallows
• 1 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Mix all of the following ingredients together:

• 2 teaspoons of chopped pimentos
• 2 teaspoons of chopped jalapeno pepper
• 1 bunch of green onions chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon of mustard
• 1 tablespoon of mayonaise
• 1 tablespoon of Worchester sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon of Lowry seasoning
• 1/2 cup black olives chopped

Form into a ball or log and roll into 1 cup of finely chopped pecans. Chill and serve with crackers.