The Best Onion Bacon Cheese Dip / Spread. Based on the famous Neiman Marcus Dip, this is a little creamy, a lot cheesy, a bit crunchy and thoroughly scrumptious. I took it to a New Year's Eve party. It was gone before the rest of the goodies were in place! I have made this with all mayonnaise, but we like it best with half sour cream because that lets the other flavors shine more brightly. Do not substitute other spreads for the mayo. I also use the packaged bacon pieces – real bacon. It saves time and hassle during party prep time. I have also cooked a package of bacon ahead of time to use in recipes like this during holiday time. Cut the cooked bacon into very small pieces if you go this way. Use a four ounce package of slivered almonds and toast lightly in a small ... [Read More]
appetizer
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious, warm, cheesy and filling addition to an appetizer table. You can also serve them as a side dish at a pot luck. Sooo good. Unless you talk to someone like Bytes who can only mumble “fungus”. That’s okay – more for the rest of us. And they disappear quickly so don’t dally in loading your plate. Look for packages of larger baby bellas in your produce section. Larger mushrooms are easier to stuff and handle without breaking. When dicing the stems and cutting the spinach, make the pieces small so they will blend into the mixture evenly. Italian mix cheese is not available at every store; Kraft is the brand I find most often. If you don’t find it at your store, use shredded parmesan and romano. Bake until the cheese is golden ... [Read More]
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
The first time I made Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip, I wasn’t so sure anyone would like it. They didn’t just LIKE it, they thought it was fantastic! Black beans, corn and spicy (sort of!) enchilada sauce and all. The creamy melty cheese didn’t hurt either! It is just as good the second day, too, though I had to hide a sample so I could check that out. :-) Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before running it through the microwave to reheat. Rotisserie chicken works well for this, as does leftover chicken or turkey. Dice the meat on the small side for easier eating and so it won’t break the chips. I used mild enchilada sauce, but if your family likes the spicier versions go right ahead. I did add the cumin for a bit more kick so you might want to adjust that or even use a ... [Read More]
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
I have it on good authority if you serve these during a football game, your team will win. I’m collecting data and that’s absolutely true. . . . so far. Conduct your own test and see. In fact, the guys are so sold on this winning thing that they are willing to watch any game, no matter who is playing, and draw straws to determine “their” team, just to test the theory. Me – I ignore the game and concentrate on my project du jour while munching from the plate of pinwheels at my side – win, win! There are never any leftovers whenever these are served and that’s certainly a winner! Use crescent sheets if your store has them. No perforations to come apart. You can use any deli sliced meat you like instead of ham and your choice of cheese. Just choose finely shredded cheese as it will ... [Read More]
Buttery Parmesan Pull Aparts
Buttery Parmesan Pull Aparts -- one of those appetizers you want to keep eating! It’s just right flavor, the warm, buttery soft texture --- mmmmm! Bake in a round cake pan or quiche pan. Resist the temptation to take it out of the oven when it becomes lightly golden. The center won’t be done. Let it bake until the outermost pieces become dark golden and the center resists a light finger push. Setting for five minutes before serving lets the center finish cooking. I serve right out of the quiche pan I bake it in, but you can turn it out onto a plate if you prefer. Buttery Parmesan Pull Aparts Print Cook time 30 mins Total time 30 mins A classic appetizer, a delicious option for a salad go-with, or great with a quick supper! Author: A Pinch of Joy by ... [Read More]
Thin Crust Fresh Veggie Pizza
Appetizers like this Fresh Veggie Pizza are often associated with football. In our neighborhood, you can always tell when the state college team is playing. If it’s a home game, the neighborhood is forlorn because everybody is downtown in the stands. If it’s televised, the suburban quiet is punctuated by roars from living rooms and garages painted in team colors. Today fans are celebrating a national championship. (Guess what colors those garage walls are painted! Buckeye, of course!) Whenever football is played, tables are laden with food. All kinds of food. To sustain the spectators who are putting so much of themselves into coaching, replaying and predicting the game. To soothe the wounds when the coach (one who actually gets paid), the player on the field, or the insert ... [Read More]
