BLT Dip

This dip is amazing and addicting. The only thing I added was some pepper a little tomato paste to add flavor.

From Allrecipes

INGREDIENTS

1 pound bacon
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 tomato - peeled, seeded and diced

DIRECTIONS

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels. (I simply baked mine in the oven on 400)>

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Crumble bacon into the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Mix in tomatoes just before serving. 

Recipe Rewind: Ultimate Meatballs

Pasta Salad Shells

How fun are these little guys?! I was looking for a twist on pasta salad and I ran across the idea of a salad stuffed into a large pasta shell. Instead of using traditional salad components, I used items I like to put into pasta salad. There is no real recipe to this, it is more a concept..but here is what I used:

Inspired by Betty Crocker

INGREDIENTS

large cooked pasta shells
chopped fresh spinach
mini pepperoni
chopped cucumbers
chopped tomatoes
sliced black and green olives
chopped broccoli
shredded Italian blend cheese
Italian salad dressing

DIRECTIONS

Mix together all your ingredients and stuff into pasta shells...that is it!

Some tips: Make sure your filling ingredients are chopped into small pieces. The pasta shells can be cooked ahead and refrigerated. Cook as directed on package; drain, rinse under cold water and drain again. Toss with a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Refrigerate in a tightly covered container or resealable plastic food-storage bag up to 2 to 3 days.

Recipe Rewind: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Cheesy Chili Chip Dip - with a Buffalo Chicken Twist

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It is a good thing I had another recipe swap because they make me update my blog. This time around the criteria was something for tailgating or an appetizer for watching the game. The original recipe of Cheesy Chili Chip Dip came from Kerry. I made a few changes to accommodate what I had and to give it a Buffalo Chicken spin. I will list my version and then Kerry's under it. It turned out great and is perfect for a crowd.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground chicken
1 can rotel
1 can tomato sauce
1 packet chili seasoning (I used low sodium)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup hot wing sauce
8 ounces velveeta, cubed
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

Cook ground chicken in a pan with high sides. Once cooked stir in rotel, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, black beans and wing sauce. After ever thing is well combined and warmed though stir in cheeses. Cover, keep on low and stir occasionally.

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Kerry's original version:

1lb of ground turkey (cooked)
2 cans of diced tomatoes in garlic and onion
1 can of green chilis
1 packet of chili seasoning
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn

Don’t drain any of the cans before you throw it in

¼ cup hot sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 shakes of hot pepper flakes
½ cup ketchup
½ cup tomato sauce
8oz velveta cheese
4oz swiss cheese
4oz white American cheese

Throw everything in the crock pot for 8 hours on low….or whatever works.

Recipe Rewind: Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookie Cake

Buffalo Chicken Bites

I am a sucker for anything "buffalo chicken". When I first saw this recipe I was dying to try it, but since I do not fry things at home, it never happened. So imagine my excitement when I saw a baked version. These were incredible and I didn't even miss the fact that they were not fried. Confession: There is a part of me that wants to make a big patty out of this mixture and eat it like a sandwich.

Adapted from Pennies on a Platter

INGREDIENTS

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 to 1/2 cup hot sauce (or more to your taste)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups sharp or medium shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs, lightly beaten
3 – 4 cups panko breadcrumbs

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cream cheese and hot sauce until combined. Stir in the cheddar cheese.

Using a small cookie or ice cream scoop, spoon out the chicken mixture and roll into about 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on a plate or separate baking sheet (not lined) until ready to dip.

In three separate bowls, set out the flour, eggs and panko. Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg and ending with the panko. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

**If freezing for later, place the dipped and uncooked chicken balls onto the parchment lined baking sheet and flash freeze for 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a freezer bag and store in the freezer until ready. To bake, place the frozen chicken balls back on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350˚F for 25 to 30 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Recipe Rewind: White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Dip and Chili Lime Rice

Oven-Fried Pickles

I am a huge fan of fried pickles. When see them on a menu out some place I must have them. I've never tried to make them myself because I try to avoid frying things at home. (I have to draw the line somewhere, ha!) Imagine my excitement when I saw a baked version. Although you can't beat a true fried pickle, these were a great substitute.

From Prevention RD

INGREDIENTS

20 ounce jar dill burger slice pickles (I used a small jar of dill chips)
2 eggs
1/3 cup flour
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

Turn oven broiler on to 450 F.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and flour together. Add worcestershire, hot sauce, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and pepper to egg mixture. Mix well.

Place panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Dunk each pickle slice into the egg mixture, than dredge it in the panko bread crumbs.

Place coated pickles on a baking sheet that’s been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Place pan in middle rack of oven. Broil about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch closely to be sure they don’t burn

Recipe Rewind: Chicken and Orzo and Overnight French Toast

Italian Layer Dip

Layer dips are pretty popular, but it seems like most of them are Mexican themed. I was happy when I saw a Mediterranean one, and that got me to thinking that an Italian one would be a nice change. I had a few ideas in my head, but they seemed more pizza-like than what I wanted. Then pesto came to mind and I came up with this. There are no real measurements besides an 8 ounce block of cream cheese. You can really do whatever suits your tastes. Just be sure not to use too much pesto so it isn't overwhelming.

INGREDIENTS

1 - 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
chopped pepperoni
basil pesto
sun-dried tomato pesto
grated Parmesan cheese
sliced black olives
crackers

DIRECTIONS

Mix together cream cheese and pepperoni and spread into a pie plate. Layer on basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, Parmesan cheese and black olives. Serve with crackers.

Recipe Rewind: Chicken Gyros and Tzatziki

Mediterranean Layer Dip

Time for another recipe swap! It is a good thing I keep doing these because they make me update my blog regularly. This weeks swap theme was something you would take to a Memorial Day cookout. I submitted S'more Brownies and in return got this fabulous dip from Baby Food Scoops. When I saw this recipe was immediately excited because I love these flavors (minus the onions of course). I have always been a fan of hummus, but this recipe makes hummus even more amazing. It adds texture and freshness that is sometimes missing. The best part of this dip is it healthy and guilt free.

INGREDIENTS

Note: Required quantities dependent upon desired amount of finished product.

hummus (I used roasted garlic)
cucumber, peeled and chopped
tomato, seeded and chopped
Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
feta cheese, crumbled
pitas, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Spread hummus onto serving platter. Scatter cucumber, tomato, olives and feta over hummus.

Serve with pita bread sliced into finger-sized pieces.

Recipe Rewind: Italian Drip Beef and Creamy Black Bean Burritos

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

This was a last minute meal that I just had to make for Cinco de Mayo. I must say I am SO glad I did, they were better than I had hoped for. Since I didn't start making them until 8:00 at night I took the help of a rotisserie chicken from the store to move things along. These are great for dinner or as finger food for a get together.

Adapted from: Our Best Bites

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup salsa
the juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, or garlic powder
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup grated Monterey jack cheese

small tortillas (I used flour)
kosher salt
cooking spray

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir. Add salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine. Add chicken, beans and cheese and combine well.

You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.

Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or come unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.

Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.

Then roll it up as tight as you can.

Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.

I ended up with 19 taquitos.

Recipe Rewind: 7 Layer Dip and Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups

Ultimate Meatballs

People are always on the lookout for a new meatball recipe for parties. Give this one a try next time you have a gathering...your slow cooker will be empty before the party is over!

Adapted from OceanSpray

INGREDIENTS

1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs
1 lime

DIRECTIONS

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Just before serving squeeze the lime over the meatballs and mix in the lime juice.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

Recipe Rewind: Chicken, Lemon and Dill with Orzo and Dijon Ranch Roasted Potatoes

White Pizza Dip

This is one of my new favorite dips! The other one I made in the past was really good...but I think this one may top that. I may or may not have eaten a spoonful of it without any bread.

From Lipton

INGREDIENTS

1 envelope Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Savory Herb with Garlic Soup Mix
16 ounces sour cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped pepperoni (I used turkey pepperoni)
1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°. In shallow 1-quart casserole, combine Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Savory Herb with Garlic Soup Mix, sour cream, ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.

Bake uncovered 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve with bread.

Recipe Rewind: Mexican Sour Cream Rice and Asian Inspired Roasted Broccoli

Hot Corn Dip

You would think a dip with the name "corn" in it would possibly be healthy...but not this one. This is a nice dip to try if you are looking for something different.

From Taste of Home

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies, drained
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives (I omitted)
Tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the corn, chilies, red pepper, Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeno. Stir in mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Transfer to an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with olives. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: about 3 cups.

Recipe Rewind: Broccoli Salad and Oreo Fudge Bars

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip

This dip appears to be just a regular ranch dip. But when people start digging in they will notice a great surprise...cheese and bacon! I served mine with veggies to make it seem healthy. This would also be wonderful on a baked potato!

Adapted from Allrecipes

INGREDIENTS

1 16 ounce container sour cream
1 1 ounce package dry Ranch-style dressing mix
5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the sour cream and ranch-style dressing mix. Mix in the bacon pieces and cheddar cheese. Chill in the refrigerator 20 minutes or longer before serving.

One year ago: Blueberry Crumb Cake

Pizza Roll-Ups

I have always liked tortilla roll-ups for gatherings. They are perfect to just pick up and go. I really didn't measure the sauce, spinach and cheese. But if I had to guess it was about 1.5-2 tablespoons of sauce, 1/4 cup loosely packed spinach and 2-3 tablespoons shredded cheese.

INGREDIENTS

8-8 inch flour tortillas
48 sandwich deli slices pepperoni
pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese, shredded
fresh spinach leaves, torn
extra pizza sauce for serving

DIRECTIONS

Lay out tortilla and arrange 6 slices of pepperoni. Spread pizza over pepperoni, top with spinach and cheese. Roll tortilla up tightly and roll up in plastic wrap. Repeat until done.

Place wrapped tortillas on refrigerator for at least two hours. Before serving, unwrap and slice. Serve with with extra pizza sauce.

One year ago: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Key Lime Cheesecake Ball

I made a lemon version of this and it was great. My Mom loves key lime so I thought I would give that a try. This was so good people thought I bought it pre-made.

INGREDIENTS

10 ounces cream cheese
zest of 4 key limes
6 teaspoons fresh key lime juice
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
dash of vanilla extract
3 graham crackers, crushed
graham crackers/fruit for serving

DIRECTIONS

Stir cream cheese and sugar together in a medium bowl until well blended. Add key lime zest, juice and vanilla extract and combine until smooth.

Form the key lime and cheese mixture into a round ball on plastic wrap and wrap up. This cheese mixture is soft, so making a perfect ball shape may not be possible until the mixture in completely chilled. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

Place crushed graham crackers on a plate. Form cheese ball again. Roll cheese ball in graham crackers until well coated. Refrigerate until ready to use.

One year ago: Artichoke Tapenade and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Cucumber Bites

I love this idea for a fun vegetable appetizer. They were a huge hit and people thought they were so cute.

From Kraft Foods

INGREDIENTS
1 carrot, shredded (about 1/2 cup), divided
1/2 cup Chive & Onion cream cheese
2 cucumbers, cut lengthwise in half, seeded

DIRECTIONS

Reserve 2 tablespoons carrots. Mix remaining carrots with cream cheese; spoon into cucumber shells. Top with reserved carrots.

Cut each cucumber half into 5 pieces to serve.

One year ago: Pasta with Italian Style Pumpkin Sauce

Spicy Bean Salsa

This was a hit! It was nice alternative to set out at a party instead if normal salsa. My version was not really spicy since I used canned chilies instead of jalapenos to make it more crowd-friendly. So don’t let the title scare you off.

Adapted from All Recipes

INGREDIENTS

1 15 ounce can black-eyed peas, drained
1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
½ cup chopped roasted red pepper
1 4 ounce can green chilies, drained
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup zesty Italian dressing
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
couple dashes of hot sauce
Tortilla chips for serving

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients, except chips, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors blend.

One year ago: Lemon Spaghetti

Italian Spinach Spread

People always seem to love spinach dip at parties. This was a nice changed from the mayonnaise version that you may be use too.

Adapted from Kraft Foods

INGREDIENTS

1 ¼ cup sour cream
1 envelope zesty Italian dressing mix (Good Season’s brand is good)
1 10 ounce package chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup chopped roasted red pepper
crackers for serving (I used reduced-fat Triscuits)

DIRECTIONS

Combine sour cream and dressing. Mix in spinach, cheese and red pepper. Cover and refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

One year ago: Chicken and Rice Layer Fiesta Bake

Savory Shortbread

Um...I know these look like chicken nuggets, but they are not, lol! I thought this would be something nice and different to put out for a party. Although, I will admit that recipes with “chilled butter” scare me a little. I always think I am going to screw something up…but I didn’t! These are good, but a little on the bland side. I suggest serving them with some type of dip or spread to kick them up a notch.

From Martha Stewart

INGREDIENTS

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

To the bowl of a food processor, add flour and cayenne pepper; pulse to combine. Add butter, and pulse until the mixture resembles course meal, 8 to 10 seconds.

Add cheese to the food processor; pulse until combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
Using a fork, stir in milk and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Have ready several pieces of parchment paper.

Form mixture into two 1-inch-diameter logs, and wrap in parchment. Transfer the logs to the refrigerator, and chill until very firm, at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove logs from refrigerator, and cut each one into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place the rounds on prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.

Bake the shortbread until golden, about 12 minutes, rotating baking sheets between shelves halfway through baking.

Transfer shortbread to wire racks to cool. Bake remaining dough. Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.

One year ago: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Hot Virginia Ham Dip

This is a dip my mom has at a Christmas party every year and always raves about. She wasn’t able to get the exact recipe, but we came up with our own version. Now, Virginia ham is not Virginia baked ham. It is that fabulous salty country ham your find on southern style ham biscuits. Make sure you get the right ham if you make this…and you will want to because it is so good and different. And don’t even think about adding salt to this, the ham takes care of that.

INGREDIENTS

10 ounces Virginia/country ham from the deli, chopped and fat removed
14 ounces cream cheese, softened
1.5 cups sour cream
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 ounces pecans, toasted and chopped
Ritz crackers for serving

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degress.

Blend together cream cheese and sour cream. Mix in remaining ingredients, except pecans.Put mixture into a 2 quart baking dish, top with pecans and bake for about 25 minutes, until heated through.

One year ago: Thai Peanut Chicken Burgers

Baked Southwest Eggrolls

I love the deep fried version of these, but I avoid deep frying things at home. When I saw this recipe the requires you to bake them I knew I had to give them a try. This was my first time ever using egg roll wrappers. I was worried I would screw something up...but it was actually fun working with them! There are already ideas in my head for future uses with them.

Adapted from Annie's Eats, orginially from Ezra Pound Cake

INGREDIENTS

2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers
2 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 package egg roll wrappers (I made 23 total)

salsa/guacamole/ranch dressing for serving

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine everything but the egg roll wrappers and dips for serving. Place 1/4 cup mixture in the center of one egg roll wrapper. Fold bottom corner over filling. Fold sides toward center over filling. Moisten remaining corner with water and roll up tightly to seal. Repeat with remaininf mixture and wrappers.

Place seam-side down on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spray tops of egg rolls with cooking spray. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes until lightly brown. Turn them halfway through baking.

Serve with salsa/guacamole/ranch dressing.

One year ago: Spinach Dip