Matt Murphy’s Stocking Stuffers

Matt Murphy’s Stocking Stuffers

Matt Murphy wants to make sure those stockings are FULL this holiday season. He’s teamed up with the Country Connection Western Store to make sure they are!

Win Matt Murphy’s 7:10 a.m. Carpool Games and you get to reach into Matt’s Stocking and see what you win!

Along with the prize in the stocking, every Carpool Games winner will receive a $50 gift card to the Country Connection Western Store!

Stocking stuffer prizes include:

Honey Butter Cornbread

Honey Butter Cornbread

This recipe is a quick and easy comfort food that’s great for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 box Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional additions:
    – 1–2 tablespoons extra honey for added sweetness
    – 1/4 cup sour cream for extra moisture
    – Pinch of cinnamon for warmth

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep
Heat your oven to 400°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. Stir in the Jiffy cornbread mix, then add the melted butter and honey until just combined.

3. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Then, bake 15–20 minutes, or until:
• the top is lightly golden,
• the edges pull slightly from the pan, and
• a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Make the honey butter topping
While the cornbread bakes, mix 2 tbsp of softened butter with 1 tbsp honey and stir until creamy and fully combined.

5. Serve it hot
After taking the cornbread out of the oven, spread with the honey butter and enjoy!

Furry Friday: Meet Kaldur!

Furry Friday: Meet Kaldur!

Kaldur is a 1½-year-old with a strong, athletic build and a calm, steady demeanor. During playgroup, he showed that he enjoys active play, happily romping one-on-one with a female dog. 
 
He’s not overly excitable, but draws people in with his quiet confidence and thoughtful nature. A small scar above his eye hints at some past experience but doesn’t slow him down. Petting Kaldur is like touching velvet and, once you’re in, he’ll lean into your affection with quiet appreciation. 
 
On walks, Kaldur may pull a little and show mild reactivity to other dogs, but he responds well to redirection—especially when treats are involved (treats RULE!). He takes treats gently and is motivated by positive reinforcement, making training a good way to bond with him.
 
Kaldur appreciates patience and gentle handling. He may take some time to warm up, but is loyal and affectionate once comfortable. He’s happiest in a calm, consistent home where he can feel safe and relaxed. 
 
If you’re interested in learning more about him, please reach out to our volunteer matchmakers at [email protected] with the subject line “Kaldur 262716”. 
 
Kaldur is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm prevention, is microchipped, and will be neutered prior to going home. If you have cats, we recommend slow introductions over time. If you have children in your home, we recommend supervision between animals and children at all times. 

About Kaldur: 

Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier 

Sex: Male 

Age: 1 year, 9 Months 

Weight: 51.5 pounds 

Spayed/Neutered: No 

Location: Shelter 

Date In Shelter: 8/10/2025

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November 21st 2025

November 21st 2025

Thought of the Day

Photo by Getty Image

It is never too late to mend so correct yourself as soon as you discover the mistake.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites

This recipe makes for a festive and delicious appetizer for your upcoming holiday gatherings. It’s a little something different that’s the perfect pre-dinner bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1 wheel Brie, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Prep the base
Cut puff pastry into small squares and place into mini muffin tins.

3. Assemble the bites
Add a piece of Brie to each pastry and top with cranberry sauce, then place another pastry square on top.

4. Bake
Drizzle with honey and bake the bites for 12–15 minutes until golden.

5. Serve and enjoy
Let the bites cool about 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy this delicious holiday app!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe is a Thanksgiving favorite! It’s sweet, simple, and a delicious addition to your table.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 cups Mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prep the sweet potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Also, preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Boil the sweet potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water until the potatoes are covered by about 1 inch of water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season them while cooking and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and simmer 15–18 minutes, or until fork-tender.

3. Mash and combine ingredients
Return the potatoes to the warm pot and add the butter first so it melts in. Then, add brown sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt and mash until creamy.

4. Assemble the casserole
Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into a lightly greased 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. Spread the marshmallows evenly on top.

5. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until everything is warmed through. (Optional) switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to toast the tops of the marshmallows.

6. Serve warm
Let the casserole set for about 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

November 19th 2025

November 19th 2025

Thought of the Day

Photo by Getty Image

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and this pumpkin pie recipe is the perfect addition to your table. It’s smooth, spiced, and everything nice!

Ingredients

  • For the filling:
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • (Or you can replace all spices with 1–1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice)
  • For the crust:
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until very smooth.

3. Assemble the pie
Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and pour in the pumpkin filling. Lightly tap the dish on the counter to release air bubbles.

4. Bake
Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce heat to 350°F and continue baking for 40–50 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

5. Cool and serve
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Then, slice and serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of cinnamon and enjoy this delicious holiday favorite!

November 18th 2025

November 18th 2025

Thought of the Day

Photo by Getty Image

Mondays are the start of the work week, which offer new beginnings 52 times a year!

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