Baked Crab Dip

  Here's a super simple party dip that is perfect for all of your party hosting. It's easy enough to quickly throw together, and it's perfect for your next game day or movie night when you want something other than the same old wings. I like to serve it with butter crackers, but it's also fabulous when served with a hearty chip or even spread on slices of toasted baguette. It's also easy to make it in advance, and then pop it in the oven when it's time for guests. 

 Keep this one in your in your back pocket anytime you need a quick dip.

It's always a big hit! Love. 

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp Old Bay® seasoning
1 tsp paprika (not smoked)
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese, plus more 
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup sliced green onions, plus more for garnish
1 lb lump crab or imitation crab meat

 

 

Simply stir together all ingredients except the crab. Be sure everything is well combined. 

Now, VERY GENTLY fold in your lumps of crab meat so as not to break them up. You want them to stay intact as much as possible. If you're using imitation crab meat, just chop it up slightly or shred it before mixing in. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. Pour into a casserole dish, then top with a little more shredded cheese. Place in a 350ºF oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Garnish with a few more chopped green onions. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, toasted baguettes, or bagel chips. 

 

 

Tips:

First, and foremost... SHRED YOUR OWN CHEESE. Like, from a block. Do not get the bag of pre shredded!!! It has a coating on it to keep it from clumping, and it just doesn't melt the same. Just buy a block of cheese and spend an extra two minutes shredding it by hand, or use one of those handy dandy rotary graters. It makes a world of difference! Have I ever lied to you before?

The other big tip is to make sure to include the lemon juice. Usually, I'm a little hesitant to add too much lemon in my cooking because thats all I can taste. In this case, however, it noticeably brightens up the flavor, so much so that I think it's one of the key flavor notes. Don't skip it!

Also be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. It just makes the mixing that much easier. 

And finally, feel free to use lump crab meat, but if that's too big of a splurge, imitation crab is great too. I usually don't mention specific brand names, but this time, I think it's warranted. I've tried several kinds of imitation crab meat and I think Gadre Surimi Style Snow Legs are the best. I just think they have the best crab flavor! Just sayin'!

Joey's Cheddar Corn Dip

 

 This is a quick throw-together dip I made with a few ingredients I happened to have on hand. 

I was invited to my brother's house, just for a little hang, and of course, I couldn't just show up without making something, right? To quote my Dad, "Always ring the doorbell with your elbow." (meaning, don't show up empty handed!)

 Anyway, I didn't even have a recipe, I just threw a few things together and it turned out great! I literally had to stop and write down what I did so I could recreate it. This is a good one to have when you need a party dip at short notice. You get a little sweetness from the corn, and little sharpness from the cheese, a little savory note from the scallions. It hits all the notes! Perfect for a holiday party or a movie night or whatever big sports you happen to be watching. 

 I hope you'll give it a try! 

 

 

 

 

1 8oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
8oz extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1 tbs chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Sprinkle of paprika


Using a mixer, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until well blended. 
Stir in remaining ingredients by hand. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
Serve with Scoops tortilla chips or Fritos. 



Tips:
Definitely use a mixer to combine the base ingredients. (I like to use a whisk attachment.) If you MUST stir by hand, let the cream cheese soften for a while before mixing. 
Feel free to include any other add-ins, such as chopped jalapeño, minced red bell pepper, crumbled bacon, or shredded pepper jack cheese.
Speaking of cheese, whatever you do, do NOT use the pre-shredded cheese in the bag. It’s SO much better to buy the block and just shred it yourself. C'mon. It only takes an extra 5 minutes!

BTW, you can also serve this hot! Just pour everything into a small baking dish, and then bake at 350º until melted and bubbly! Yum. 

Southern Cheese Slaw

 Have you ever heard of cheese slaw? It's basically like a cousin to Pimento Cheese, and it's the perfect appetizer for your next get together. Is it cole slaw? Nope! It's just a shredded cheese dip that looks like cole slaw, hence the name. This recipe is from Southern Living, it's great on any kind of cracker, but it's also FABULOUS as a sandwich spread. Try it on its own as the filling for a grilled cheese or you could even top a big juicy grilled burger with it. YUM. If you're looking for something different, give this one a try. 

SO good!

 

1 lb Swiss cheese, shredded
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely minced
3/4 cup banana peppers, finely mined
2 medium scallions, finely minced

Simply stir all together. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve. 
Serve on crackers, bagel chips, sandwiches or crudité.

 

 

Tips:

Ok, here's the most important tip... are you ready? SHRED THE CHEESE YOURSELF. Seriously, do not purchase the bag of shredded cheese because it just doesn't work. That cheese has a coating on it so it won't clump, and that's not what we want here. Just take 2 minutes and shred it yourself with a box grater, or food processor, or one of those trendy handy dandy rotary graters. It's definitely worth the extra effort!

Creamy Tuscan Parmesan Beans

 

 

 Usually when the summer heat hits, I look for recipes that are quick and easy and don't heat up the whole kitchen. I also look for recipes that aren't too heavy, but still have great flavor. 

That's basically how I found this recipe. It's an ever so slightly tweaked version of a recipe I saw on a site called The Mediterranean Dish. 

 The original recipe started all the way back at soaking the dry beans, but for me, that takes FAR too long.  Besides, I have jars and jars of my own home canned beans that are already ready already, so thats the route I went. The whole dish came together in less than 15 minutes and it was absolutely delish! 

Side note, it's also a great recipe if you're choosing to limit your carb intake. Win-win!

Let me know if you give it a try! 

 

 

2 tbs olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, minced
2 cans cannellini or any other favorite beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup combination of chopped fresh herbs: parsley, oregano, basil, rosemary, and/or thyme
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Splash of fresh lemon juice, about 1/2 of a lemon

In a large shallow pan, add oil over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the garlic. Let it get a little brown, being careful not to burn.
Add the beans, water, and tomatoes. Stir and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, and continue to simmer and stir until slightly thickened.
Serve on toasted crostini as an easy appetizer or with some crusty bread as a side dish with your main entree.


Tips:
Usually, at this time, I would mention what ingredient or part is key to the recipe's success. But in this case, each ingredient brings its own fun to the party. The only thing I'll mention is to be careful when adding the herbs. I find fresh oregano to be quite strong. It's the same with fresh rosemary. Be sure your herbs are balanced!
Also, the cheese is quite salty, so there's no need to add more.
Just sayin'!

Joey's Cheesy Corn and Sausage Dip

 

   This is one of those recipes I just threw together with what I had on hand, and I must say, I nailed on the very first go, thank you very much!

 My sister was having a casual hang at her house, and as usual, I offered to bring something. Very often, I'll volunteer as dessert tribute, but this time I opted to bring an appetizer. I figured I have plenty of things I can throw together for a warm baked dip, why not? I wasn't following any recipes, but just used a few tried and true ingredients and figured it would all come together. How hard can it be, right?

 At first, I had thought of doing it in the crock pot, but then realized the timing wouldn't have worked for me, so I just baked it in the oven. I was so pleased with how it turned out, I think I might need to make this again the next time my friends and I get together! And if you happen to have a favorite big sporting event coming up, yes you should DEFINITELY make this for your guests. I PROMISE it'll be a hit!

1 lb  bulk breakfast sausage (I used Jimmy Dean)
1 8oz bar cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small (4oz) can diced green chilis
2 cups corn (any kind will work- fresh, frozen, or canned)
4 scallions, chopped
Splash of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

Heat oven to 350ºF.
Place bulk sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it browns.
Meanwhile, combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. I just used my mixer with the paddle attachment. Add browned sausage to your cheese mixture, and stir well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep in mind that the sausage will flavor the dip, so be careful not to add too much salt.
Pour mixture into a small casserole dish. Top with a little extra Mozzarella and/or Cheddar cheese. Bake in oven for about 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with butter crackers or tortilla chips.


Tips:

If you're using canned corn, be sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture,

Not a fan of corn? Try adding some chopped broccoli instead. You could even do spinach, if you'd like. Just thaw frozen chopped spinach and squeeze it as dry as you can before adding it to the mixture.
For an extra added touch, top everything with some crumbled bacon after you bake it.
Feel free to turn up the heat, if you so dare. Add some sriracha, Tabasco, or use a spicy sausage. You could also add some minced jalapenos. 

What the Fig Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

 Here's an easy little 'picky uppy" finger food that you should add to your repertoire. It's an easy do-ahead for a party, and they're always a big hit!

 It's just my own little variation of a Pillsbury recipe. I added a little fig jam to balance with the salty ham, and the result was magic! I made them for Carly and Christopher's housewarming party and everyone loved them! They would also be perfect for a Brunch, or even just a quiet movie night.

You really can't go wrong with Pillsbury, can you?? Give 'em a try!

 

 

 

1 can crescent rolls or full crescent dough sheets 

4 thin slices Swiss cheese or American cheese

4 slices deli sliced ham

2-3 tbs fig jam

 

 

Heat oven to 375°F. 

Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray, or line with cooking parchment paper. Unroll dough sheet onto large cutting board; press into 12x8-inch rectangle. If using crescent rolls, unroll and press into 12x8-inch rectangle, pressing seams together. Using an offset spatula, spread with a VERY thin layer of fig jam over the dough, leaving 1/2-inch border on each of the short ends. Top the jam with cheese and ham slices. Starting on short edge of rectangle, roll up tightly and pinch seam together. With serrated knife, cut into 8 slices, about 1 inch wide. Arrange on cookie sheet. Bake 17 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

 

 

 

Tips:

Be sure to choose a salty deli ham. If you use a honey ham or something on the sweeter side, it might wind up being too sweet with the jam. 

Don't like figs? Use a different kind of jam, or just omit it! The original Pillsbury recipe said to drizzle the baked pinwheels with honey, but the jam was what I had on hand! Not a fan of salty and sweet? Go completely savory! Try some sliced roast beef and pepper jack cheese. Or maybe ham, cheddar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes! You do you!

The parchment paper is key! Don't forget it! Otherwise, your pinwheels will stick from all the jammy goodness.  

This only makes 8 pinwheels. Baking for a crowd? Do several batches!

Bacon Wrapped Dates

  OK, Friends, here it is. Here's the easy simple delicious party appetizer you've been looking for. It's so simple, you don't even need a recipe, and it's so delicious, your guests will devour them in no time. I recently read a blog that said "they won't win any beauty contests, but they'll disappear from your buffet" and it's SO true. They're not the most colorful of foods, but they're packed with fabulous flavor! It's that addictive combination of salty and sweet that I just can't resist, and let's be honest, everything tastes better with bacon, right? So here we are.
 My niece, Natalie, made these little gems for my family Christmas party and they were a big hit! And seriously, when I tell you you don't need a recipe, you really don't need a recipe! It's just bacon and dates! But if you like, I'll still write it as if there were more to it than that. Make them for your next big party, and I promise you'll be a hit too! Thanx Natalie!




Sliced bacon, any thickness
Pitted dates


Heat oven to 400ºF.
Place a sheet of parchment or foil on a baking sheet.
Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap each half-slice around the whole date. Place seam side down on your baking sheet. Continue until all of your dates are wrapped. Bake until bacon is crispy, 25-30 minutes. Remove to a plate, and serve.

OR

If you don't want to bake them, you can saute them in pan over medium low heat, turning them so that they cook through, about 20 minutes total.




Tips:
If you'd like to get a little fancier, stuff the pitted dates with any kind of cheese before wrapping them. Cream cheese, goat cheese, or even any kind of smoked cheese would be fabulous. I've also seen people just placing a whole almond inside each date. You could even do both! Stuff it with cheese, place an almond inside, wrap the whole thing in bacon and then bake. Be as creative as you like!
Oh, and if you want to secure them with a toothpick before baking, it's probably a good idea to soak your wooden toothpicks in some water before putting them in the oven. Just sayin!

Joey's Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

 This is one of my favorite things, like ever in life, so it kind of amazes me that I somehow never posted a recipe for it. UNTIL NOW!! You can call it garlic butter shrimp, you can call it shrimp scampi, I call it both! It's basically shrimp in a fabulous butter and garlic sauce, usually (but not necessarily) with white wine and it sounds A LOT more swanky and fancy than it actually is. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and it's sure to impress. An added bonus is that it just happens to be like WAY low in carbs, in case you happen to be making low carb choices.
 There are many versions of it out there, and this one is my slightly tweaked version of a recipe I found on a blog called Damn Delicious. As always, I love to take other peoples' recipes and turn them into my own. I encourage you to do the same! Then again, if you happen to love my version just as it is, I won't mind it at all if you make it as written! Hope you like it!




8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
Kosher salt
Crushed red peppers flakes
5 cloves garlic,sliced
1/2 cup shrimp stock*
1/2 cup white wine
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Chopped fresh parsley leaves or green onions


*To make shrimp stock:
Add shrimp shells and tails to a small pot, add water until just covered. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Pour through a sieve to remove shells. That's all there is to it!


Melt a couple tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp to pan, all in one layer. (work in batches, if you need to). Season shrimp with a pinch of salt and a few shakes of crushed red pepper. Cook shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they just barely turn pink. Don't overcook! Remove shrimp from pan and set aside. Add garlic to skillet. Saute for just a minute, then add shrimp stock, wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until the sauce reduces by about half. Add remaining butter a little at a time, stirring until it's melted and the sauce is rich and glossy. Add the shrimp back to the pan. Stir to coat with sauce. Top with chopped parsley or green onion.  Serve with warm crusty bread or pour it over your choice of long pasta.



Tips:
If you're using salted butter, don't add salt until the very end. Then taste it and adjust the seasoning.
I only did a few shakes of crushed red pepper, but if you like a spicier hit, go right ahead and add as much as you like!
I like big honkin' pieces of garlic, so I like to just slice it instead of mince it. This also makes it easier to push the garlic aside of you just want to flavor the sauce but don't want to bite into it. But really, they turn so mild and sweet, I never push them aside!
For a little extra texture and a slightly thicker sauce, you can dredge the shrimp in a little bit of flour before you saute them in the pan. Just make sure you pat away as much of the flour as you can. You just want a tiny coating of flour. Then saute as directed.
If you don't have wine and you don't feel like making the shrimp stock, just use an equal amount of chicken broth. It will still be fabulous!

Joey's Sriracha Egg Salad

  This is a great way to use up all of your colored Easter eggs. I mean, I know making egg salad on the day after Easter isn't exactly a revelation, but adding Sriracha to it certainly is! If you've never tried it, you certainly must! Yes, it adds heat, but it also adds a fabulous savory flavor and it works perfectly! It's great in sandwiches (even better on toast!) or in wraps with freshly sliced tomatoes and crisp fresh lettuce. You can also use it for hors d'oeuvres, on crackers or crostini with a little slice of ham or crumbled bacon, or your choice of meat/veggies. Oh! It would be great with thin slices of plum tomato, zucchini, cucumber, garnish with a little chopped chives. Anything you like! I always like to make a double batch because it always seems to disappear too quickly. Just sayin'!
Hope you like it!




6 hard boiled eggs, peeled
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-2 tbs Sriracha
2 tbs chopped sweet pickles (can also use Kosher dills)
salt and pepper to taste
paprika for garnish, if desired


 Using an egg slicer, slice your eggs in 2 directions. In other words, first you slice it north to south, then (holding the slices together) you place the egg back on the slicer and slice it east to west. You could also just throw your peeled eggs into a food processor and pulse it a few times. Bottom line, you just want the eggs to be finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. That's all there is to it! Serve immediately or chill.




Tips:
 If you're not sure how hot you like it, just add one tbs of Sriracha and then give it a taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! So just add a little at a time to see how you like it!
I always prefer egg salad to be well chilled when I serve it, so I like to make it in advance and then let it get nice and cold in the fridge.
As always, if you like a lot of something, add a lot! Want more Sriracha? Go for it!
Optional add-ins: chopped celery, minced onion, garlic powder. Add as much as you like!
You can use regular sweet pickle relish instead of the chopped sweet pickles, but they do taste slightly different. I prefer the sweet pickles! It's just enough to balance the heat with the sweet!

Joey's Better Than Buffalo Chicken Dip

  Every so often, I'll look through my recipe archives for a specific classic go-to recipe, only to discover that it's not there because, oops, I never posted it. What the hay!! How does this keep happening?? Well, after 11 years and nearly a THOUSAND recipes, (yes really!) I guess it's hard to mentally keep track of every recipe I've ever posted!
 So, after going to my sister Patty's house for dinner and having some of my niece Tory's fabulous Buffalo Chicken Dip, I thought this would be PERFECT for the group hang that I was planning. But, you guessed it, I looked in the archive and it was nowhere to be found. OK! I guess it's time fix that!
 So, thanx, Tory, for texting me the recipe, but as usual, I tweaked it ever so slightly. I used more chicken than she said to use, because well, more is more! And Full Disclosure: I'm not really a fan of the usual hot sauce typically used on Buffalo Chicken Wings. Frankly, it's been years (probably decades) since I've eaten wings, and chances are I asked for the hot sauce to be served on the side. What can I say? It's just not my favorite thing. So when I started making this dip, I decided to swap out the hot sauce for Sriracha, which I think has a MUCH better flavor. My friends LOVED it! But we decided that it kind of no longer tastes like Buffalo Chicken. This one is BETTER! Hence the name.
 So there you have it. It has great flavor and just enough heat that doesn't smack you in the face. Actually, it's really more of a slow burn that sort of sneaks up on you, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Now that this is officially posted, I think I might keep it in the rotation for a while!
My friends loved it, and I bet yours will too!


4 cans chunk chicken, drained
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1/4 cup Ranch dressing
1/4 cup Bleu Cheese Dressing
1/4  cup Sriracha
chopped scallions for garnish, if you'd like

Mix everything together, pour it into a small baking dish, then either heat it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven until it's all melty. Serve with Wheat Thins, Scoops chips, or celery sticks.



Tips:
 I think by now you know what I'm gonna say. If you like a lot of something, add a lot! Do you LOVE Sriracha? Add a lot! Do you LOVE Ranch dressing? Add a lot! And if you love the usual hot sauce instead of sriracha, go for it! You do you!
I used canned chunk chicken, but if you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, just finely shred it and use it up!

Joey's Baked Crab and Corn Dip

  Usually, in January, I try to post recipes that are great for a party. Although I'm not a fan of football, I can appreciate a good party with lots of great food, so I figured I'd come up with a dip for you and your friends to enjoy while watching the game.
 My starting point was the idea of doing a creamy baked corn dip, but I didn't want it to be the same old Southwest sort of thing that has cheddar cheese and jalapenos in it. Then My Kristin suggested adding crab. Oh YUM!  Actually, I've been in kind of a seafood mood lately anyway, so this was perfect! I just grabbed a few other ingredients that I happened to have on hand, and here we are!
 It's actually kind of light, and not so rich as some dips that are laden with sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheese. And it has a slight sweet/savory sort of hit that is a really nice change from all the hot sauce and wings.
 So the next time you have the gang over to watch the big game, or even if you're not, you should definitely add this one to your party repertoire. It's a winner!



1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese
3 scallions, chopped
2 heaping tbs mayonnaise
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
12 oz (or more) imitation crab (or the real deal)
1 can whole corn, drained
sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired
sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for garnish, if desired


Using an electric mixer, blend the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in crab and corn. Place in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using. Bake at 350ºF for about 20-30 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with Scoops tortilla chips or your choice of chips or crackers.


Tips:
If you're using real lump crab meat, you really don't want to break up those gorgeous delicious lumps, so just gently fold them in. However, if you're using the imitation crab, you can just throw everything in the bowl and mix it up. They usually come in large chunks, so it's actually better to break them down a bit.
If you like a lot of something, add a lot! Want more crab? Want to add baby shrimp? Go for it!
For the photo, I didn't add the sprinkling of Parmesan cheese over the top, but I think it's a good addition because that salty note goes well to balance the sweetness of the corn and crab.
Also thanx to My Jeanie for the new casserole dishes!

Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs

 When you're planning a party, one of the most important things to consider is your time management. With cooking and cleaning, shopping for food and liquor, and setting everything up so that it's just so, it can be a little overwhelming. So when you're choosing your menu, a slow cooker is definitely your best friend! You just turn it on earlier in the day, and by the time your guests arrive, everything is already ready already. This was exactly what I had in mind when I was searching for party food recipes. I wanted something that you could do ahead and save you time, and of course it also needed to be easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!
 This recipe is so easy, any non-cooker can do it. If you are the type of person who never cooks anything because "it never turns out", then THIS is the recipe for you. I found it on a blog called damndelicious.net. It's fool proof! You literally just dump everything into the slow cooker and turn it on. It's just that simple. You can also mix up the sauce ingredients ahead of time so that it's one less thing you have to worry about. Your guests will surely devour them, so you should probably make a double batch.
Just sayin!



1 cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (32-ounce) package frozen, fully cooked, meatballs, homemade or store-bought
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives


 In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire and cinnamon; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place meatballs into a 3-qt slow cooker. Stir in cranberry mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until bubbly and the meatballs are heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.




Tips:
Instead of mixing everything in a bowl, I just mixed it right in the slow cooker, then added the meatballs. One less dish to wash!
To be quite honest, I didn't really measure anything. I used the whole can of jellied cranberry sauce instead of just one cup, and I eyeballed the rest of the ingredients. I went a little heavy with the mustard, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Why? Because I like 'em! Oh, and don't forget to add the cinnamon! I think that's one of the key ingredients here. It brings quite a bit to the party!

Pickled Eggs and Beets

 Ok this is one of those recipes I've always heard of, but never really considered trying. But lately it seems that I keep hearing about pickled eggs. I saw them on The Kitchen, and even heard someone mention them in a tv show I was watching. When I was growing up, my Mom always made pickled beets (which I've always LOVED), but she never did them with eggs. Then my brother, Chris, mentioned them so I figured Ok, ok, apparently the Universe is telling me I should make them, so let's give 'em a go.
 OMG they're so good!! Yes yes, I know pickled eggs are considered "pub food" because apparently they go really well with beer, but I like them just as is. Also, they turn such a pretty color that they they're the perfect thing as a party appetizer. And they get darker and darker the longer you let them pickle. I'm not gonna lie, I'm kind of a little bit obsessed with them now. Who knew they'd be so tasty???? Making pickled eggs is definitely an old-timey sort of thing to make, but I definitely think it needs to make a comeback. Who's with me??



2 15oz cans whole (can also use sliced) beets, including liquid
12 hard-boiled large eggs, peeled 
1 cup sugar
1 cup cider vinegar


Drain beets, reserving the liquid. Place beets and eggs in a 2-qt. glass jar. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, vinegar, and reserved beet liquid to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool slightly. Pour over beets and eggs; cool completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 5 or 6 hours before serving. To Hard Boil the eggs:Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and remove from heat. Let the eggs sit in the water for 15 minutes. Remove egg from saucepan and place in a large bowl of ice water.  Or you can just purchase eggs that are already hard boiled!

Tips: 

Some recipes call for the addition of water. I don't like to dilute the vinegar. I'd rather have a stronger pickling solution, but you do you! I like to let them pickle for at least 24 hours, but you can get away with just 5 or 6. They will last at least a week, probably up to 2 weeks in the fridge. (Honestly, they will will probably be gone long before then anyway!)For a little extra flavor, add a little thinly shaved slices of onion to the jar. You could also add a little pinch of cinnamon, ground cloves, or pickling spice.For a festive and pretty appetizer use your pickled eggs to make deviled eggs and top each one with some chopped chives. Yum!

Spinach Dip Bites

 Here's an easy appy that I found on a blog called Lil Luna. I was having a few friends over, and I was looking for ideas. At first, I thought of doing the usual spinach dip, but of course I wanted to find some sort of twist. Maybe a picky-uppy kind of something?? Then I saw this and thought BINGO! This is exactly what I had in mind! It was the perfect recipe to assemble in advance and then bake just before my friends arrived. Easy!
 ok, now, I know the recipe calls for shredded mozzarella cheese for the top, but I happened to have shredded cheddar on hand, so I went with it. Use whatever kind you like! Oh, btw, they won't last long. Spinach dip is always a hit at parties, and this is no different!! I promise you,  if you make this, you'll be a hit too!

2 cups frozen spinach, chopped and thawed
1 6 ounce jar Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbs grated parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 tsp garlic salt
pepper to taste
1 can seamless crescent dough


Preheat oven to 375.
In a bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic and Parmesan cheese. Blend in cream cheese and half of your mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Using a rolling pin, lay out dough on a cutting board and lightly stretch to a 8 x 12 rectangle. Cut dough into 2 inch squares, so you have 24 squared total.
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and place a square in each slot, gently pushing down to create an indent. (you don't need to mold to the cup.)
Scoop one teaspoon of your spinach mixture on top of each crescent square and gently push in, (bites will mold to your tin while baking). Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese over the tops of each cup. Bake for 15 - 17 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before moving from tray.

Tip:
If you have any extra filling leftover (or even if you just don't feel like doing the cups) just pop the filling into a small baking dish with a little cheese sprinkled over the top and bake as directed. Serve with scoop chips. Boom.

Pizza Bombs

Ok, so, if you're one of my regular readers, you know I always see recipes on TV or social media and then I tuck them away until I get around to posting them. This is one of those posts! I saw this, (on FB, I think) and then I made them for a little get together. Great! Awesome! Delicious! Love 'em! Took the picture to save it until posting, perfect. But here's the thing... I have no idea what recipe I used! I specifically remember that the recipe called for brushing the tops with pizza sauce before baking (as you can see in the photo), but I can't seem to find that video anywhere. Ah well. What can ya do???
 So here's the deal. I'm gonna use the picture from when I made them, but I'm gonna share a different version, fair enough? This recipe is from a Tasty video, and it's pretty much the same thing I did, only they're brushed with seasoned garlic butter instead of pizza sauce. Works for me!! Either way, they're amazing and fabulous and they're perfect for Super Bowl parties or tailgating or just anytime you have a few friends over. And btw, you might consider making a double batch.
They seem to disappear quickly!


1 can (16.3 oz) biscuit dough
pizza sauce
pepperoni
mozzarella, cut into cubes
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping
extra pizza sauce for dipping


Cut each biscuit in half. Press each half into a circle with your thumb. Place a small dollop of pizza  sauce, 1 pepperoni, and 1 cube of mozzarella on each biscuit round. Bring the edges up and over, pressing them together and being sure to leave no gaps for the filling to leak out. Lay the pizza bombs on a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper.
 Combine melted butter, garlic, salt and pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the butter mixture onto each pizza bomb and top with Parmesan. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes (until biscuits have nicely browned). Once pizza bombs are cool enough to handle, serve immediately.

Tips:
There are as many variations as there are pizza toppings. Not a fan of pepperoni? Choose a different topping! Just cook whatever toppings you choose before you put them into the center of the biscuit dough. My favorites are mushrooms, bacon, peppers, and onions. Saute them in a skillet, drain them of any excess fat, then proceed as directed. The thing to remember is not to overfill them. Just be sure you're able to close the dough around everything, and they'll turn out fine!
Btw, if you want to brush them just as I did with pizza sauce instead of garlic butter, go for it!
Oh, and one other thing.. to turn regular marinara sauce into pizza sauce, just add oregano!!

Easy Hummus

Ok, here's a quick and easy recipe that definitely falls under the heading of "It's better when YOU make it." Oh sure it's super easy to just pick up a tub of hummus at your grocery store, but it's just so much better when you make it at home using fresh ingredients. Plus, you can adjust it to suit your own tastes. Maybe you like a little more garlic, or a little less lemon juice. You do you! For me, there is as big of a difference as when using fresh vegetables as opposed to using canned vegetables. There's really just no comparison. And it's easy! I found this recipe on a blog called Inspired Taste. It's REALLY yummy and super simple. You just keep throwing things into the food processor and it only take a few minutes. Boom. So if you are a fan of hummus but have never made it fresh, I urge you to give it a try. You may never go back to buying it!


1 (15oz) can chickpeas
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup well-stirred tahini (sesame paste)
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons water
Dash ground paprika, for serving


 In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process for 30 seconds more. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process another 30 seconds or until well blended. Open, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl, then add remaining chickpeas and process until thick and quite smooth; 1 to 2 minutes. With the food processor turned on, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water until you reach the perfect consistency. Taste for salt and adjust as needed. Drizzle hummus with a little olive oil and dash of paprika. Serve with pita chips or veggies.


Tips:
If you don't have tahini or don't like it, you can simply leave it out or use all natural unsweetened peanut butter.
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of hummus. Having a party? Double it!
Store homemade hummus in an airtight container and refrigerate up to one week.

Broccomole

As you may have guessed, Broccomole is the broccoli version of Guacamole. I first heard of it as I was browsing a cookbook that was given to me as a Christmas gift. It was the very first recipe I read and I immediately knew I wanted to try it.
 As is often the case, the holidays can be brutal to one's diet, and this seemed like the perfect appetizer to make for those of us who are trying to get back on track by restricting carbs from our diets. And since I hear there's some sort of big game happening somewhere soon, I figured this would be the perfect time to share the recipe. I served mine with homemade low carb tortilla chips, but feel free to serve it with any kind of chips or any other assorted veggies.
I bet your guests will devour it!


1 large head broccoli
1/4 cup sour cream
1-2 tbs finely chopped onion
1 tbs mayonnaise
2 tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
tortilla chips


Cut off the florets of the broccoli and place them in the basket of a steamer. Cut off and discard the ends of the broccoli stems and use a vegetable peeler to remove the fibrous tough exterior of the stems. Cut them into smaller pieces and add the to the steamer. Steam the broccoli over simmering water until it is quite tender. Remove from steamer and let cool or chill.
Add all ingredients except the chips to a food processor and pulse until well pureed. Adjust seasoning if needed.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Tips:
The key to this recipe is making sure you cook the hell out of the broccoli so that it becomes nice and soft. Otherwise, it won't puree properly. Yes, you could boil it, but then it will become too watery.
Do you like it spicy? Add some chopped jalapeños, chopped chilis, or crushed red pepper flakes.
To make your own tortilla chips, cut flour tortillas (regular or low carb) into wedges. Place in a single layer on a baking tray, then brush with olive or vegetable oil. Sprinkle with salt and/or any other seasonings you like. Bake in a 400ºF for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly brown.

Spinach, Artichoke, and Tomato Bites

 Here's the perfect little appy to serve at your next holiday party. They look really impressive (all festive in red and green) but they're easy enough for a culinary beginner.
 I was having a few friends over for a little holiday get together, and I wanted to serve something quick and easy. So I googled a few things (literally while I was standing in the middle of the grocery store) and I happened upon this Pillsbury recipe. (Actually, they called it Spinach Artichoke and Feta Bites, but since I wasn't using feta, I decided to change the title just a little. I'm sure the folks at Pillsbury won't mind!). They were done in no time, and were a HUGE hit among my friends. I'm sure your friends will love 'em too! Better make a double batch!


1 box (10oz) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
1 can (8oz) crescent dough sheet
1 jar (6oz) marinated artichokes, drained, chopped, patted dry
2 tbs drained chopped oil packed sun-dried tomatoes
grated Parmesan cheese


 Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 24 mini muffin cups with cooking spray. Unroll dough on work surface. Press into 12x8-inch rectangle. Using pizza cutter, cut dough into 6 rows by 4 rows, to make 24 squares of dough. Gently press squares into mini muffin cups and three-fourths of the way up sides. Add 3/4 teaspoon artichokes, 1 heaping teaspoon spinach, a couple of pieces of tomato and a sprinkle of grated cheese to each cup. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until dough is deep golden brown. Let stand 1 minute in muffin cups. Remove from muffin cups with fork. Serve warm.


Tip:
If you'd like to use feta cheese as the original recipe does, just divide about 1/4 cup of crumbled feta evenly between all the cups and then proceed as directed. I used Parmesan cheese just because I like it better and I happened to have it on hand. Use whichever kind you like! 

 

Holiday Roll Ups

 Here's a simple and festive party appetizer for you. They're called Holiday Roll Ups and I saw them on Ree Drummond's show, Pioneer Woman. They're so easy, you don't even need to cook! You just mix up the filling ingredients, schmear 'em on some flour tortillas, and roll 'em up! Simple, right? The red and green bell peppers make them so festive and they're absolutely delicious. They're also a great time saver because you roll them ahead of time and then let them chill in the fridge to set up for a while. Before your guests arrive, slice them into rounds, and serve. Perfect party food!
 Oh, and here's a little party hint: Instead of placing all of your hors d'oevres on one big table, place them on smaller snack tables in several locations. Your guests will spread out and mingle a little more, instead of all hovering over the kitchen table. Clever, huh? Plan ahead, do things in advance, and your party will be a hit!
 In my opinion, the best holiday parties are simple and casual. Surround yourself with family and friends. Decorate with a few personal touches. Have some holiday music playing in the background. And, of course, serve some delicious picky-uppy foods that are easy to taste with just one hand (since you'll be holding a drink in the other). These roll ups fit right into that category. SO Good!!  Definitely give 'em a try!

2 packages cream cheese, softened
1 package ranch dressing mix
Freshly ground black pepper
5 flour tortillas
1/2 cup finely diced green bell peppers
1/2 cup finely diced red bell peppers
2 green onions, sliced

Mix the cream cheese, ranch dressing mix and the black pepper together thoroughly. Spread the mixture on the tortillas, and then sprinkle over the diced bell peppers and green onions. Roll up tightly, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until party time (for at least 1 hour). Slice into small wheels and serve.

Tips:

To cut carbs, I used low carb tortillas, but feel free to use any you like. Regular flour tortillas, or even red or green ones, for an added festive touch. All good!

To make it even easier, I added all the filling ingredients together in the bowl of a stand mixer, (including the chopped peppers and green onions), mixed everything together and then proceeded as directed. Easy!

For larger roll ups, use burrito size tortillas. For smaller bite sized roll ups, use taco size tortillas. Great then!

Classic Egg Rolls

 No matter what I order from a Chinese menu, whether it's Beef and Broccoli, or Sesame Chicken, or any number of other classic Chinese American entrees, there is always ONE thing that I will order. EGG ROLLS! It's true! I literally order egg rolls 10 times out of ten. Not even kidding. Tbh, it's how I decide whether or not a Chinese food restaurant is good enough. Well, dumplings too, but that's another story for another time.
 A few months ago, I invited the gang over to make home made Chinese take out. We made our own Beef and Broccoli, and of course we had to make our own egg rolls too. They were DELICIOUS!  I LOVE when we have days like that, with everyone getting involved with the cooking. Lots of laughs, great food, and good friends, usually ending with the dishes piled to the ceiling by the time we're done. LOL Well, like my friend Kelsie said to me recently "Happy kitchens rarely see a clean day!" Hmm.... I wonder if she read that in a fortune cookie somewhere...
 Anyway, if you've never made you're own egg rolls, invite a few friends over, get everyone involved and have an egg roll making party. I bet you there won't be any left when you're done!

1 pound ground pork

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 quart peanut oil for frying

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons water

1 bag cole slaw mix

8 (7 inch square) egg roll wrappers

 Season pork with ginger and garlic powder and mix thoroughly. Heat mixture in a medium skillet, stirring, until pork is cooked through and is no longer pink. Set aside. 
In another large skillet heat oil to about 375F or medium high heat. While oil is heating, combine flour and water in a bowl until they form a paste. In a separate bowl combine the cabbage, carrots and reserved pork mixture. Mix all together. 
Lay out one egg roll wrapper with a corner pointed toward you. Place about a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the cabbage, carrot, and pork mixture on egg roll wrapper and fold corner up over the mixture. Fold left and right corners toward the center and continue to roll. Brush a bit of the flour paste on the final corner to help seal the egg roll. 
Place egg rolls into heated oil and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels or rack. Serve with plum or duck sauce, and top with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions, if desired.

Tips:
You can usually find ready-made egg roll wrappers in the produce section of your grocery store.
I like to serve the egg rolls with duck sauce. I tried a recipe for home made duck sauce, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for. One of these days I'll get around to finding the right recipe. And when I do, I'll be sure to pass it on!