Cowboy Caviar

For New Years my families have different traditions on what to eat to have good luck in the New Year.
My husband's family eats oyster stew.
And my side of the family eats Hoppin Johns (a Southern black eyed pea dish).
Gotta say I really don't care for either, sorry Grandma!
So what I came up with is a Cowboy Caviar with black eyed peas.

Here is what you will need:

2 15oz Cans of drained black eyed peas
1/2 Cup of sliced green onions
1/2 Of an onion diced, you can use any color purple, white or yellow
2 Red and green bell peppers diced
4 Cloves of chopped garlic
1/2 Small can of diced jalapenos
A dash of salt
1/4 Teaspoons of black pepper
4 Tablespoons of cooking oil
3 Tablespoons of cider vinegar
Tortilla chips
*You can always add more, onions, garlic, peppers or jalapenos to adjust it to your liking

Mix all and chill for at least an hour
Serve with chips
Enjoy & Have a Happy New Year!

Honey Drizzled Cheddar Cheese

This sounds so good. 
The combination of the fresh & simple ingredients nummm...

Here is what you need:
2 Packages of Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cracker Barrel Aged Preserve
1/4 cup of honey
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
1/2 cup of dates
1 apple, sliced

How to make it:
Place the cheese on a cheese board or plate if you do not have one.
Drizzle with honey
Top with nuts and dates
Serve with Apples
Crackers also

http://www.kraftrecipes.com

Spicy Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Sorry I have been absent, busy with the holidays. 
Christmas with the family was fantastic we had appetizers coming out of our ears!
Here is a great one.

This is what you need:
3/4 mayonnaise
1 softened block of cream cheese
1/4 cup of chopped sun dried tomatoes
2 Tablespoons of Franks Redhot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
1 cup of chopped fresh/cooked shrimp
1/3 basil leaves
2 Tablespoons of chopped red onion

What to do:
Mix all ingredients in a food processor until smooth
Place into a serving bowl, chill at least one hour.
Serve with veggies, crackers, pita chips whatever you're in the mood for.

Enjoy!

Olive and Garlic Soft Cheese Spread

Believe it or not just a couple of years ago I received my first food processor (thank you Sammy, my lovely daughter), I love it but I have only used it for a few dishes.
So I'm always looking for something new to make with it.
And here is one.

This is what you will need:

• 1 cup large olives with pimiento
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• 1 sliced whole-grain baguette
• Parmesan pita crisps, store-bought
• 1 celery heart, cut into sticks

Preheat oven 425 degrees F.

Place olives in food processor and grate in garlic, add cream cheese and ricotta cheese. Pulse the cheese and olives into a fairly smooth spread. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with hazelnuts. Toast the bread on a baking sheet 5 to 10 minutes to lightly crisp. Surround the spread with bread, pita crisps and celery.

Enjoy!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/ 

Blue Cheese and Honey Bruschetta

Super easy & fast!
All you need is:
1 loaf of baguette
1 container of crumbled blue cheese
Honey to drizzle

How to make this:
Heat your broiler
Slice you baguette into serving sizes, place them on a baking sheet
Broil them until they are golden brown, 1 1/2 minutes each side
Divide the blue cheese among the toasted bread slices and drizzle honey on them.
And serve!

See easy!

Appetizer Cheese Tree

I just saw this and had to share, its so cool!
Now if I made it, it would not be in that wonderful cone/tree shape , but I'd get it as close as possible!

This is what you need:
3 packs of softened cream cheese
4 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons of pesto
1 tablespoon of grated onion
1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard (dry)
1/2 cup of chopped parsley or cilantro
1/4 cup of pine nuts
2 tablespoons of chopped red bell pepper
Crackers

How to make it:
Mix the cream cheese & shredded cheese.
Divide in half.
Mix pesto into one half, onion , mustard and pepper sauce into the other half.
Cover each half & refrigerate about 4 hours
Place cheese mixtures on cookie sheet.
Shape each half into cone shape to look like a Christmas tree
Roll trees into parsley, pressing while doing that
Press pine nuts onto trees in a string form for the garland.
Press bell pepper pieces onto trees for ornaments
Top each tree with a star shape cut from a lemon peel of desired
Serve with crackers.
How cool is that!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Gouda Cheese Log

I have TONS of appetizer recipes, there are so many out there on Pintrest, people blogs, emails I get everyday.
You would think I could just pick out a few appetizers for Christmas to make, that would be easy to do right?!
No, I'm having the hardest time deciding what to make!  Time is running out!
This one is in the running for being one I want to make.

I just read this one in an email I received from Betty Crocker.

This is what you will need:
1 Tub of soft cream cheese
2 Cups of shredded Gouda cheese
1/4 Cup of chopped chives
1/4 cup of sliced drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1/4 Teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 Cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
Chopped nuts of your choice to roll them in
And crackers

How to make it:
First mix your cheese together
Then stir in the chives, tomatoes and garlic powder.
Shape mixture into two small logs.
Roll into parsley and then the nuts (leave the nuts out if you don't like them)
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours.
Serve with the crackers.

Ok I decided I will be making this one for Christmas!
I'd make it for lunch if I could!

Enjoy!

Reuben Spread

If you like Reuben sandwiches you will love this dip!
I love a warm dip in the cold months, this one fits the bill.

Here is what you will need:
1/2 of a brick of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of thousand island dressing
1 cup of chopped corned beef, sandwich meat
3/4 cup of sauerkraut, well drained
1 pack (8oz.) sliced Swiss cheese, chopped
Crackers, Triscuits are the best with this

How to make it:
Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees
Mix all of your ingredients and spread into a shallow baking dish or a pie plate.
Bake for 20 minutes
Serve warm with the crackers

Enjoy!

Grilled Pepper Poppers

I know its winter but you can do these inside too.  Or depending on where you live maybe you can get to your grill without  having so shovel out your snowmobile!

This is what you will need for this spicy bite:
1/2 cup of soft goat cheese
1/2 cup of softened cream cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of finely chopped tomato's
1 Tablespoons of thinly sliced green onions
2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh sage
1/2 Teaspoon of salt
16 Jalapeno pepper, halved length wise and seeded (be careful when you cut these you may get burned if your a sensitive baby like me )
2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, chives pick one :) What the heck use them all!
Cooking spray

How to make them:
Warm up your grill or whatever you choose to cook then on (oven, cook top, griddle, don't use a microwave that would be nasty)
Combine all ingredients stirring well.
Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the mixture into each pepper half.
Place the peppers cheese side up (duh...) on the grill rack that is sprayed with cooking spray.
Grill about 5-8 minutes, or until the bottoms are charred, and cheese mix is a bit brown.
Place on a serving platter & grub down!

Potato Latkes

Potato Latkes are an appetizer right??
There are tons of different recipes for these out there!
This one is simple, I like simple :)

Here is what you will need:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes
• 1 small yellow onion
• 3 tablespoons matzo meal
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, for garnish 

How to make them:
Peel the potatoes and shred them in a food processor fitted with the shredding blade; transfer the potatoes to a large bowl as the food processor fills up.
 Repeat with the onion.
Transfer the onion to the bowl with the potatoes and stir in the matzo meal, egg, baking powder and salt.
Fill a large skillet with 1/2 inch oil.
Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot but not smoking.
 To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if the potato sizzles steadily, the oil is ready.
Working in batches, scoop the potato mixture by 1/4-cupfuls and add them carefully to the skillet, flattening each latke slightly with a spatula.
Fry, turning the latkes once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels.
Remove any loose bits of potato mixture between batches with a slotted spoon.
Serve the latkes immediately, or keep them warm in a 200 degree F oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with sour cream.

I like to season my sour cream with a few dashes of paprika and throw in a few slices of chopped green onion.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

Happy Holiday! 

Cheese Straws

Very simple and you need that around the holidays!  


What you will need is:

• 2 sheets (1 box) frozen puff pastry, defrosted overnight in the refrigerator
• 1 extra-large egg
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup finely grated gruyere cheese
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

How to make them:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured board until it's 10 by 12 inches. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the surface of the pastry. Sprinkle each sheet evenly with 1/4 cup of the parmesan, 1/2 cup of the gruyere, 1/2 teaspoon of the thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and some pepper. With the rolling pin, lightly press the flavorings into the puff pastry. Cut each sheet crosswise with a floured knife or pizza wheel into 11 or 12 strips. Twist each strip and lay on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned and puffed. Turn each straw and bake for another 2 minutes. Don't overbake or the cheese will burn. Cool and serve at room temperature.

Enjoy!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/ 

Pimiento Cheese Spread

I think Pimiento cheese gets a bad wrap. 
I think you should try it doubters you may like it!
I'm sure all of you are not haters :)

This is what you need:
 8 oz. grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese
4 oz. grated pepper jack cheese
3/4 cups of mayonnaise
1/2 cup of chopped pimentos
1 small grated shallot
And a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Chill then spread on toasted bread square or a cracker
Sprinkle with chives

You'll Love It!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

Chilli-Lime Cashews

Easy Peasy! This one will take you a minute to make.
I love a warm nut.  Oh boy if you knew me well you would be dying right about now :)

All you need for this is:
2 cups of cashews
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and smoked paprika
And one lime
Salt to taste

What you do is:
Cook in a frying pan over medium heat the nuts in the olive oil & seasonings until toasted, that is about 5 minutes.
White stirring squeeze in the juice from one lime and a little zest if you like.
Sprinkle with salt.

You could also add to this is cilantro or chives 1 tablespoon should do.

Didn't I tell you it was easy!?

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food-network-magazine/package/index.html

Impossibly Easy Mini Cheeseburger Pies

How cute are these!
Totally all American Appetizer too.
I think these would be a hit at any party.

This is what you will need:
Burger Mix
1 pound of lean ground beef
1 large onion chopped
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of garlic salt
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Baking Mixture
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of Original Bisquick mix
2 eggs
Toppings maybe mini pickles, diced tomatoes, ketchup and or mustard

How to make them:
Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray.
In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Cool 5 minutes; stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt and cheese.
In medium bowl, stir baking mixture ingredients with whisk or fork until blended. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon baking mixture into each muffin cup. Top with about 1/4 cup burger mixture. Spoon 1 tablespoon baking mixture onto burger mixture in each muffin cup.
Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and muffin tops are golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. With thin knife, loosen sides of muffins from pan; remove from pan and place top side up on cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes longer, and serve with garnishes. 

http://www.bettycrocker.com/ 

Curried Chicken Salad

Curried Chicken Salad, appetizer?!
Yes!  I made Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches for dinner a while back, and may I say they were Awesome!
There was quite a bit of left overs (I told you I always over cook) So the next day for snacks we spread the Curry mix on Ritz crackers.
OHMYGLOB (Adventure Time, I have a 10 year old ok I watch cartoons), they were great!

So this is kinda a 2 for 1, you can make sandwiches or a cracker spread!

This is what you need:
1 rotisserie chicken - picked and pulled
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons curry powder 
6 green onions sliced , white & green
1/2 cup  toasted almond slices

Mix all and chill
Spread on your favorite cracker.
Or have a sandwich, I'm sure you will love this!
Enjoy!

Tomato Bacon Crescent Pizza

You can make SO many things with Pillsbury Crescent Rolls can't you!?
This is very easy & fresh, love it in the summer but anytime will do!

Here is what you need:
1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup of garden vegetable cream cheese
 6-8 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled
1/2 of a chopped tomato
1/4 cup of basil or a green such as chives, parsley etc.
I don't really care of the taste of basil so I find an alternative.

How to make them:
Prepare yourself as you try to open the exploding crescent roll packing :)
Spread them out onto a ungreased cookie sheet
Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes
Spread with the cream cheese, top with bacon then tomato's.
Bake for another 6-8 minutes
Sprinkle with you greens.
Cut into squares & serve.
This is great at parties easy to walk around & eat, finger food :)

http://www.bettycrocker.com/