Tag Archives: Dip

With Easter right around the corner, I want to share a few fun ideas for your celebration.  I’m strictly sticking with dessert, cocktail, and snack options here.  You don’t need me telling you what to bake for brunch or cook for dinner (or where to go out to eat if you prefer) 😊 My family has the same conversation every year about what we’re going to eat…and we always go with the exact same thing as the previous year.  It’s tradition, we know what to expect, and everyone looks forward to the meal.  I think the same applies to a lot of families out there.  So, that’s why I like to focus on the “sides” if you will.  It’s themed food that’s delicious, easy to make, and adds to the celebration in a way that doesn’t break tradition yet lets us enjoy something new.  So please enjoy the “treats” I’m sharing with you … Continue reading

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Spicy Grilled Queso is the perfect appetizer or side dish for your next party!  It’s SO SIMPLE to make…you cook the meat, add all ingredients to a disposable pan, heat on the grill, and serve.  It could not be simpler to make or more delicious to eat 😊 It has a slightly smokey taste from the BBQ, a hint of heat from the jalapenos (don’t worry, it’s not overpowering), and plenty of melted cheese for dipping. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the grill to 250-300 degrees F. While the grill preheats, prepare the ingredients.  Heat a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the pound of meat and cook until cooked through, crumbling as it cooks.  Then remove from the heat and set aside. I used Beyond Meat for my recipe because that’s what I had on hand.  This recipe would be amazing with ground beef or a pork sausage.  You could also use ground chicken … Continue reading

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Any garlic lovers out there?  When a recipe calls for garlic cloves, I tend to double to triple the number of cloves used because we love the fragrance and flavor in our house 🙂 Recently, I tried roasting an entire head of garlic that was ultimately combined with butter and other seasonings to spread on warm baguette as a side dish for our meal.  It was phenomenal! The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the ends off the garlic heads but keep the head of garlic intact.  Does that make sense?  You don’t want the garlic cloves to fall apart, just expose the tops. Place each head of garlic on a separate piece of aluminum foil.  I like to use 2 or 3 heads of garlic for this recipe.  Sometimes the cloves are quite small, or I need extra for additional … Continue reading

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Are you ready for the Kentucky Derby?  It’s usually held on the first Saturday in May, making it this upcoming Saturday, May 7, 2022.  A lot of people like to gather with friends and family to watch the races and enjoy some good food and drink.  I believe it’s known as “the greatest two minutes of sports” so why not spend all day in the kitchen for 2 minutes of cheering pleasure? 😊  Kidding…it’s a very fun horse race to watch! I will be preparing the following items to enjoy during our viewing pleasure, and you might notice a theme… Kentucky (where the derby is held) and whiskey/bourbon (sponsors of the event and heavily influenced in the south). Kentucky Hot Brown Dip Whiskey Spiced Chicken Wings Kentucky Oaks Cocktail Maple Bourbon Candied Pecans   Kentucky Hot Brown Dip is a rich a creamy dip that encompasses the wonderful ingredients and flavors of a … Continue reading

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St Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday for everyone!  You can usually find some type of celebration around town whether it be a parade, green beer at your favorite bar or specials on Irish food at restaurants.  Even if you aren’t Irish, it’s fun to participate in the festivities. We like to watch the parade and enjoy an adult beverage with the dressed-up crowds (the people watching is phenomenal), then head home for a feast!  Some years we like to enjoy traditional Irish food but other years we like to take a favorite dish and add and Irish twist.  It really depends on what we feel like cooking that day!  This year, we are going to enjoy the following menu with friends and family: Reuben Dip Guinness Cheddar Mac & Cheese Guinness Glazed Chicken Sandwich Irish Mule Guinness Brownies   The Reuben Dip is our appetizer and something to much … Continue reading

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Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 25th this year.  Traditionally, the days leading up to Lent, people would binge on rich/fatty foods in anticipation of fasting or limiting intake of certain foods.  Mardi Gras translates to Fat Tuesday and is celebrate the day before Ash Wednesday, making it quite the celebration! New Orleans is famous for its Mardi Gras parties.  I’ve been to New Orleans and enjoyed some awesome food but have never participated in the Mardi Gras festivities…maybe someday I’ll get back!  I want to celebrate Mardi Gras this year with a delicious feast.  I’m thinking traditional New Orleans foods with a little twist!  I’ll be making Muffuletta Dip and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. I got my inspiration for Muffuletta Dip from a traditional, and signature, New Orleans sandwich that features olive salad, salami, and cheese.  This is essentially a Muffuletta sandwich in dip form.  It’s bold, tangy, and … Continue reading

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With the cold weather approaching, I thought it would be fun to make a Mediterranean based meal, and imagine I’m in warmer weather, perhaps sitting on a beach somewhere 🙂  I made Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce for the main course and served Mediterranean Layered Hummus on the side.  Both are easy to make, flavorful, and healthy! Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are filled with spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce, and are served on warm pita bread.  The tangy homemade sauce is Tzatziki Sauce, which is a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and fresh herbs added.  These gyros are incredibly tasty! Start by preheating the oven.  While the oven preheats, prep the chicken.  Place the chicken in a small baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.  Use your hands to rub the olive oil over both sides of the chicken.  Then sprinkle fresh minced garlic, paprika, … Continue reading

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