Happy (Almost) 2021

 How was your Christmas? I hope it was a day surrounded by those you love most in the world, with magic, joy and peace. (Even if some had to join virtually!)

We had a wonderful holiday, with celebrations over a couple days. According to the mound of presents under our tree Christmas morning, our boys were VERY good this year. (But Mommy could have told Santa that!) 

Now that my most favorite time of year is behind us, I tend to get a little depressed. I won't even lie. December 26th is my least favorite day of the year. But I do have something to look forward to! Our annual New Year's Eve Buffet! 

If you've been following me for a good amount of time, you know our tradition. Every NYE, I make a huge appetizer buffet filled with yummy things. We stay in, my parents come over, we eat, we watch movies, we play games, we eat, we stay up for the ball drop, we eat....you get the picture. 

So while many will be doing an "at home New Year's Eve" for the first time this year, we are experts and it's one of our most fun traditions!

If you're planning some tasty food to welcome 2021, this slow cooker beer braised sausage could definitely be added to the menu! This is a versatile recipe that you can serve as an appetizer (just cut it into smaller pieces) or for a simple weeknight supper. It's delicious right out of the Crock Pot, but we also love putting it on some hoagie buns for a sandwich dripping in yum factor. 

I know many like to serve pork for good luck in the New Year, so this could be a fun twist on that tradition too! 

Without a doubt, 2020 will go down in history as one of the worst years ever, at least in most of our lifetimes. But I think there is a lot to be thankful for as we look back too. Sure, it might not always be the easiest to see, or focus on, but even in the darkest days this year, our family has been so incredibly lucky. So I am trying to focus on that as we say goodbye to another year, but am also ready to welcome 2021 with open arms. I wish you a happy, healthy and delicious New Year...only good things ahead!

 Slow Cooker Beer Braised Sausage

3 (9 oz.) packages smoked sausage

1 large white onion, thinly sliced

1/2 c. brown sugar

2/3 c. light beer

1/4 c. spicy brown mustard

1/4 c. apple cider vinegar

1 TBS water

2 tsp. cornstarch

Slice sausage into 1-2 inch pieces. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Lay sliced onions in bottom. Lay sausage on top of onions. In a medium bowl, whisk brown sugar, beer, mustard and vinegar. Pour over sausage. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, mix water and cornstarch. Add to slow cooker. Stir and cook on HIGH about 10 minutes until thickened. Serve as is or on hoagie buns with sauce drizzled over top.

 Shared at Weekend Potluck

Summer Time Cookout Season

I know, I know, many of us across the country are still social distancing, and not planning any get togethers for a while. However, I am the type that can plan a cookout when it is just the 4 of us; and we have been seeing grandparents again, after 8 weeks. Many don't feel comfortable visiting relatives yet, and I respect that. I think we all have to do what we are most comfortable with at this point. Things are starting to open back up, and with as much caution as possible, we can start to live a little again.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about our first backyard barbecue of the summer! Even if it's just your family, with no extra guests, you can still make it as delicious as always and ring in the season on a yummy note!

I love a great dip! I will eat it with veggies, crackers, chips..heck, just pass a spoon! Seriously, I am a dip connoisseur from way back, and at any party, you will find me filling my plate multiple times. Add in the fact that I am a dill fanatic, and this is a dream come true!

I've been making this for years, most of the time on a whim because I always have the ingredients on hand! You can easily double or even triple it for a big crowd, but I enjoy the fact I can make a small batch when I'm craving it!

The weather might not feel like summer is on it's way, but I have faith. I am counting the minutes until these chilly temps are gone, the warm sun shines and the thermometer hits 80.

Summer cookout season is one of my favorite things in the world. Grilling, eating on the deck and enjoying great company, big or small is truly one of life's simple pleasures.

Dill Veggie Dip

1 c. sour cream

1 c. mayo

2 TBS dill weed

2 TBS dried minced onion

1 TBS dried parsley, extra for garnish

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Chill several hours before serving. Serve with fresh veggies, chips, crackers, etc.  

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Hello Fall

If you aren't paying attention, we have arrived at the first day of fall. Sure, some of us have had our autumn decor out since the calendar still said August (*cough cough*...I might resemble that remark) but it's official. Now our husbands can't make fun of our pumpkins and scarecrows anymore.

Autumn brings so many reasons to "party". Between bonfires, those last few warm evening cookouts, Halloween parties, Game Day...the list goes on and on! And if you don't have a reason to party, make one! There are days when we are outside raking or doing jobs around the house, and I have a big pot of chili or soup cooking, plus some snacks for motivation too! So you can't make it to the stadium to tailgate for your favorite team. Have a football day at home in your living room!

My point is a delicious party mix can be appreciated for so many reasons this time of year. This would be great for an after school snack, kids' Halloween party or classroom party (if home made is allowed).

We love Chex Mix, or more specifically Adam's late grandma's Chex Mix recipe. I make it a lot. It's the perfect salty snack. But this time I wanted something a little sweet, and of course autumn inspired.

Oh. My. Gosh. As Alex said, "This stuff is dangerous!" Talk about addicting! We couldn't stay out of it! Sweet, salty...mmmmm. We have a couple days trips planned for this fall, and I think I will make sure we have a bag of this for the car too!

Fall might not be my favorite season, but I do enjoy it and all the fun activities it brings. Add in some yummy snacks and it's a party any day of the week!

Harvest Party Mix

1 (12 oz.) box rice cereal, like Chex
4 c. pretzel twists
1 (7 oz.) bag original Bugles
2 ( 4 oz.) boxes Reece's pieces
2 ( 9 oz.) bags autumn candy mix
3/4 c. margarine, melted
3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
2 TBS vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 275. In a medium bowl whisk together margarine, brown sugar and vanilla until combined. In a very large bowl combine cereal, pretzels and Bugles. Pour sauce over mix. Stir gently, but well. Spread evenly on a baking sheet* and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 until crisp and brown. Remove and allow to cool. Add candy and stir well. Store in airtight container.  
*NOTE* You will either need to do this in batches, or use 2 cookie sheets at a time. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday 

Inspired by One Little Project

Lunch or Game Day

I won't lie. This recipe was supposed to up on the blog weeks ago as an idea for a hot summer night when the thermometer still read 90 at 6pm and you needed something light and refreshing. Well...obviously that didn't happen. Oops.

So when I found the post sitting there in the draft folder, staring back at me, mocking me, knowing my OCD would kick into overdrive and I would be kicking myself for the mistake, I had to adapt.

Honestly, we eat this stuff year round. A couple years ago, I made it for our annual New Year's Eve buffet! Therefore, it wasn't that hard for me to find a way to share it with all of you now that fall is in the air.

This would be fantastic for Game Day! We are a football loving family and there are times we will be watching the game at home, just the 4 of us, and I still put out a party spread. It's fun to eat all day and cheer on our favorite teams. And it would be just as tasty in the parking lot while yo tailgate with your friends! It would easily travel in a cooler.

But if football isn't your thing, make a big batch on the weekend and have something yummy for lunch all week long.

Or if neither of those "trip your trigger" (As grandma used to say!) it would be terrific for any fall party as well! Get the friends around the bonfire and give them something to snack on while the hot dogs roast or the chili stays warm in the Crock Pot.

Delicious food can be enjoyed any time of year, any season you want! Don't box yourself if and think if you like it in July you can't enjoy it in September too!

Seafood Salad

1 lb. imitation crab, chopped
1 c. frozen cooked extra small shrimp, thawed
2 celery ribs, diced
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. Chesapeake seasoning
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1 TBS lemon juice
Salt and Pepper

Combine shrimp and crab in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour over seafood. Stir gently to combine. Chill until ready to serve, at least an hour. Serve with crackers.

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Fall Football and Bonfires

Well, there is no denying it. Summer is O.V.E.R.

Okay, so I might be a little melodramatic. I can't help it. As soon as Labor Day comes and goes I feel like it's all downhill from here...at least in the weather department. Sure, we still have some warm, sunny days ahead of us, but soon the leaves will be turning...the chill will return...the rain will come...and then after autumn is over...I can't even bring myself to say it.

I do enjoy fall. I love the pretty colors, the delicious food and all the fun things that return. Fall festivals, pumpkin patches, late night bonfires, and of course football! We are a pigskin loving family, and proud of it! Heck, even the baby is obsessed!

Even if you aren't a huge football fan, most everyone can get behind the food that comes with the game. From tailgating in the parking lot, to gathering around the tv at home, the big game usually comes with something yummy to eat!

Or maybe you like to throw a lot of fall parties. Sitting outside on a warm day, then around the fire once the sun goes down. Those usually come with some delicious treats too.

Either way, I have got something your family, friends, guests, whoever, will love. A little Mexican bite that is perfect in every way.

Oh and if you make a double batch, add some chips and salsa and maybe rice on the side, you could even serve these as a quick, easy weeknight meal!

I know many of you are excited to see the hot days end and autumn return. But I will be over in the corner crying, clutching  my pool toys, sunscreen and shorts.

Green Chile Pinwheels

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies

1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

1 (2.2 oz) can chopped black olives

5 8-inch flour tortillas

In a medium bowl combine cream cheese, chilies, olives, and shredded cheese. Stir well to combine. Spread evenly over tortillas. Roll Up. With seam down, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Chill at least 2 hours. Remove wrap. Trim off jagged edges. Cut into individual pieces. Serve with your favorite salsa for dipping.

Holiday Ham

Okay, so the turkey is so last week. It is time to move on. Now it's time to talk ham.
Well, that might not be totally true, because I know many, many people who will enjoy another bird come Christmas. But in my head, as soon as Thanksgiving is over, it's time to think about that big, beautiful, tasty, holiday ham.

In fact, as you can see from this recipe I actually started thinking about it pre-Turkey Day. I have to. I'm a food blogger, and while holiday recipes are terrific, it means we foodies are developing, testing and re-testing weeks before the big day.

I made this for a simple weeknight meal (Yay for Crock Pot!) but I think it would be terrific for those upcoming holiday parties and family gatherings. Plus, if you make a big ham one day, and need another meal the next, you could usually substitute the deli ham with some leftovers, and make it even more delicious.

I served this family style, with the buns on the side. The ham has a pretty tasty sauce that comes with it, and if it sits on the rolls or buns too long, they will get soggy. So if you're thinking of putting this out for a Christmas party, I suggest doing the same thing; and that way, you can keep the meat on warm in the slow cooker all night long.

I can't believe Christmas is less than a month away. We are super excited at our house of course, with this being Max's first. These boys are by far the two most precious gifts of my life and I'm going to enjoy every single minute of this holiday season.

If you're looking for something new to do with your holiday ham, I think this is just what you've been wanting. A good ham sandwich is a classic, and these have a little something extra to make your guests say YUM!

Slow Cooker Ham Sandwiches

1 1/2 lbs. deli ham, sliced thin

1/2 c. sweet relish

2/3 c. packed brown sugar

2 c. apple juice

2 tsp. yellow mustard

1 tsp. paprika

Buns

Extra mustard/relish for serving

Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer ham in bottom. In a medium bowl whisk together apple juice, relish, brown sugar, mustard and paprika. Pour over ham. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Serve on buns with extra mustard and relish if desired. 

Halloween Party

In just under two weeks our streets are going to fill with ghosts, goblins, witches, zombies, super heroes, ballerinas, princesses and more! Yep, all the little ones will begin their annual neighborhood, door-to-door candy marathon.

In our house, the Halloween celebrations start well before the 31st, and basically mean Mommy coming up with yummy treats for the boy to enjoy all month long. But I know for many of you, a big Halloween bash is on the menu, and you need ideas that are both easy and yummy.

That's where I come in. This was actually my last post for The Children's Museum of Indianapolis this month. I can't believe my 6 months with them has come and gone, but I enjoyed every minute. What a thrill for me to work with a place that not only does my child adore, but I have very fond memories of growing up as well.

I wanted to give them a recipe that kids can enjoy as an after school snack, or like I said, at a big Halloween party. Something so simple it can come together in almost no time, and enjoyed all night long, or in our case, be munched on for days!

Even if you don't have huge Halloween plans, you can still make it a fun day for the little ones. And more importantly, a really delicious one!

Halloween Snack Mix

2 ½  heaping cups. Apple Cinnamon Cheerios

2 cups pretzels
1 (7.5 oz) jar salted roasted peanuts
1 (8 oz.) bag candy pumpkins
1 (8 oz.) bag candy corn
2 (3.4 oz) boxes M&M’s

Mix all in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Originally Posted on The Children's Museum
Shared at Weekend Potluck

Bonfires, Football and More

There are so many reasons people are getting together this time of year. Folks are gathering for bonfires, tailgating, hayrides and good ol' fashion fall fun! And when it is time to start your next autumn party, you've got to be ahead of the game with great recipes ready to go.

When it comes to parties, any get together, or heck, even a weeknight meal, what is more fun, more tasty than sliders? I'll give you a minute to think....Nothing, right??!! They are easy to eat, no matter where you are, and can usually be whipped up in almost no time. Plus, if you're having an day event, it's easy to make them ahead, and then reheat them as you go!

When I first saw these, my eyes immediately went to the sesame seeds. I'm a sucker for a good bun with sesame seeds on it. But then when I read the other ingredients, I was literally drooling. I knew I wanted to serve them at the next party we had, but to be honest, I don't entertain a lot, so I figured, hey, they would make a great simple supper too!

No matter what you've got planned this fall, easy, tasty food needs to be a part of it. These little sliders are like a party in a bun!

Party Burgers

1 lb. ground beef

12 dinner rolls

1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. ground mustard

1/2 tsp. paprika

3 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and Pepper to taste

12 slices medium cheddar cheese

Sauce: 

1 stick butter

2 TBS brown sugar

1 TBS Worcestershire sauce

1 TBS mustard

1 TBS sesame seeds  

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large skillet, brown beef with garlic. Drain if necessary. Add cumin, paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Add tomatoes. Stir to combine. In a medium pan, combine sauce ingredients. Heat on low until combined. Lay bottoms of rolls in dish. Using a slotted spoon, add beef mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed. Top with sliced cheese. Add tops of rolls. Pour sauce over. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds, if desired. Bake for 25 minutes. 

Recipe from Kevin and Amanda
Shared at Weekend Potluck

Are You Ready For Some Football??? {A Post For Earth Fare}

It's finally here people! Super Bowl weekend is upon us. Okay, so maybe I'm a little more excited than I should be. But let's face it. Even if you aren't a football fan. Even if you don't know what teams are playing. Even if you don't care about the commercials or the half time show...we can all unite behind one aspect of Sunday's game. One important, universal tradition near and dear to all our hearts...the FOOD!

Sure, I love the game. I love the excitement. I love to watch all 4 quarters of football. But I realize in the world of women, I'm part of the exception group. (And yes, I remind my husband often how lucky he is to have a wife who not only likes the game, but understands it as well!) Many of you ladies out there could care less about those 4 hours Sunday night, but you still put on the happy face, fire up the ovens and make sure all the pigskin fans in your life have a great time.

Here is a dish that is as simple as chopping, stirring and pouring; and in about a half hour, you have something creamy, delicious and perfect for dipping! In fact, this one is so good, you might want to make two batches because it's going to go fast! Especially when you are eating the first before you can set it out for the others!

If you love spinach artichoke dip, this is very similar. And it's not missing the spinach because we don't like the green stuff. We love it! I just felt like something a little different this time. Plus, if you've got kids at your Super Bowl party, the spinach might turn them off a little, but this cheesy goodness won't! But feel free to add some spinach for extra flavor. I'm sure it would be delicious!

Sunday will be one of the biggest foodie days of the year. Be sure to have yummy things for everyone to nibble on, as they root for their favorite team. Or in our case, with our team sitting this one out, yummy things to nibble on while we watch the commercials and scream at the refs! 

Hot Artichoke Dip

1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 c. mayo

1 (14 oz.) can artichokes in water, drained and chopped

1 tsp. Tabasco

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl combine sour cream, mayo, artichokes, hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, cheese and salt. Stir to combine. Spread into a 9 inch pie plate or a quiche plate. Bake for 25 minutes. Increase heat to 375 and bake 5-10 minutes more until browned on top. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, pita chips, etc. (Or seriously....eat it with a spoon!)

Shared on The Country Cook Jan.30, 2015

Artichokes at Very Good Recipes

Soul Food Saturday Special Birthday Edition

On this special edition of Soul Food Saturday we are celebrating Monkey's birthday. I can't believe another year has past, and he's grown so much. Most of you know already that Monkey is a big eater, and LOVES Mexican food. Since this year he turns the big 1-0 we need a bunch of food to celebrate in a BIG WAY!!

Thank you again to Mr. and Mrs. Everyday for letting us celebrate right along with you!!! Grab your party hats, its party time! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!!!  

May God keep you nearest Him always, remind you daily of His truest love, shower you with His ultimate blessings, guide your every step, and give you decades more birthdays to be blessed with. Love you always, Mrs. Soul food

 

This menu stems from one recipe of Crock pot Chile Verde. Yep, one recipe cooked up and divided to create several meals; for the ultimate celebration!

Plus, we’ll have a fun dessert and a sparkling party drink! 

Crock pot Chile Verde Pork 

3 lbs. boneless pork roast

1 29 oz. can green enchilada sauce

4 jalapenos, diced 

1 large onion, diced 

Granulated garlic, to taste

Salt to taste 

Add onion, and peppers to the bottom of the crock pot. Then add pork roasts on top. Season roasts with salt and garlic. Add sauce over top of roasts and veggies. Cover and cook on high power 6-8 hours or until tender. Shred pork and return it to the sauce. Sauce will thicken as it rests.

Chile Verde Pork Nachos

4 c. corn tortilla chips

2 c. shredded cheddar- jack cheese

2 c. Chili verde pork, shredded with sauce

Add 1 c. chips to the bottom of the plate, top with ½ c. of Chile Verde, and ½ c. of cheese. Microwave; on high power for 45-60 seconds, or until cheese is melted.  Serve hot and top with sour cream or jalapenos if desired.

 

Chile Verde Pozole in a Hurry

 Remaining pork and sauce left from Crock pot recipe (4 c. pork with 5-6 c. sauce)

1 28oz can Mexican style hominy. 

Lemons cut into wedges

Cabbage, shredded

 

Optional toppings:  shredded cabbage, squeeze of lemon

 

For this recipe we are going back to the crock pot. Take remaining shredded meat along with the sauce. Add it all to a soup pot. Add hominy with its liquid. (If you prefer more broth in your pozole add one cup at a time and adjust seasoning as needed)

Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes just until hominy has softened and heated through. Serve with all your favorite toppings, like cabbage and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!

 

We can’t have a birthday party without a dessert, right? This one is a birthday cake with a twist. We kicked it up with fruit and lots of whipped topping. What would be better than that you think, well how about an individual size? Grab a spoon, because this one is good all the way to the bottom of the glass!

 

Strawberry Cheese Cake Birthday Parfaits

 1 French vanilla cake mix

3 eggs

½ c. vegetable oil

1 tsp cinnamon

 

8oz tub of whipped topping

4 oz cream cheese

2 c. chopped strawberries

 

In a medium bowl add cake mix, eggs, oil and cinnamon. Mix to combine completely. (Approx. 2 min with electric beaters) Spray two 9 inch pie plates with non stick spray and divide batter between both pans and bake as package directs. Bake until done and allow to completely cool before assembling parfaits. (Cut cake into 4 pieces- each parfait will take a quarter of the cake)

In a medium bowl add half of whipped topping container with cream cheese. Mix until completely combined. (We personally liked the sweetness it already had so no additional sugar was needed, if you prefer it sweeter; add 1 tbs. of powdered sugar) Set aside

 

In a glass that holds approx 2 cups. Take a quarter of the cake and break it into pieces. Add cake pieces to bottom of the glass. Then add ¼ c of the cream cheese mixture on top. Add ¼ c. strawberries as the next layer. Repeat with another layer of cake, top with ¼ c. whipped topping and finish with strawberries on top.

 

 

And last but definitely not least, we have come to the yummy party drink. Mrs. Everyday loves to indulge Alex with fun drinks; but keeping the sugar at a moderate level is something important to her as well. So keeping that in mind I decided why not bomb limeade with cherries, and fizz it up with sparking water! Keeping a bit of sweet and a little sour with a whole lot of fun! Cheers to you birthday boy!

 

Cherry Bombed Sparkling Limeade

 1 can limeade concentrate

2 liters Sparkling water

Maraschino cherries 2-3 per glass

 

 In a 2 quart pitcher add limeade concentrate and sparkling water. Mix to combine. Add ice to a pretty glass and top with limeade. Bomb your glass with cherries, and enjoy!

Soul Food Saturday {Independence Day Edition}

With celebrations like Fourth of July; we have barbecue invites, pool parties, and family friendly gatherings full of great food. Why not bust out with a great salsa that works as a dip; and even a topping for burgers and dogs? This tomatillo salsa gives a one, two punch with as much heat as your family loves and freshness that can zest up any party food. Grab a chip and give this one a try, we're celebrating!

Happy Independence Day!

Quick Tomatillo Salsa

1 lb. tomatillos

2-3 jalapeños

Salt to taste

1 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic

1 bunch cilantro, chopped with stems

Water to cover

In a medium pot add tomatillos, and jalapeños. Cover with water. Add salt to season. Bring water to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer until tomatillos and peppers have softened. Allow to cool enough to handle. Reserve cooking liquid to the side. Remove cores of tomatillos and add to blender jar. Remove stems from jalapeños and chop. (Remove seeds now if less heat is desired) Then add peppers to blender jar. Add salt to taste and garlic. Then add 1/4 c. of cooking liquid to jar, and process until smooth. Add chopped cilantro and process until smooth.

Serve with chips, or use in your favorite pork dish. Enjoy!

Soul Food Saturday

Love parties with little munchies? How about a dip?  One that is great with chips or some cut up veggies are always great to me. This one is a home made version of creamy onion dip. You can use this mix for a dip, or mix the seasoning in a meatloaf, burger or a even meatballs. It stores well, and what better than saying you made it yourself? Someone loving it even more than the store bought? Yep, this one will be a “go to” with the first bite.

 

Made it At Home French Onion Dip 

¼ c. dried onion flakes

 2 tbs.  Low-sodium beef bouillon cubes (pulverized-into granules)

¼ tsp. onion powder

¼ tsp. dried parsley flakes

1/8 tsp. celery seed

1/8 tsp. paprika

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 (16 oz.) container sour cream

½ c.  mayo

 

In a large bowl mix onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. Then add sour cream and mayo. Mix until thoroughly combined. Chill before serving if desired. Serve with your favorite chips, or veggies.

 

Parties Yet To Come

This is about the time of year when I usually have something to share with you that we actually enjoyed a few weeks ago, ringing in the New Year with our annual appetizer buffet, that I save to share a little closer to the middle of January, or even closer to February. Why? Because one of the biggest parties of the year is quickly approaching, and we can always use new ideas.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I am of course, talking about the Super Bowl! I truly believe even if you aren't a football fan, Super Bowl Sunday can be a really fun day shared with family and friends. Normally, we are at my in-laws for a day of football and food; and while we are avid football fans, there are those who really don't care about the game at all, but between the commercials, delicious food, board games, and watching the rest of us scream at the television, they too have a great time.

When I was planning our NYE buffet this year, I wanted something besides the normal cheese ball and crackers. I've done those quite a few times, and I just in the mood for something new. I really liked the idea of this because it had just a little kick to it. The green chilies give it just a touch of heat, and great flavor. Plus, while a cheese ball is pretty much for crackers only, this makes a great spread for cocktail bread too, which I love.

If you are planning your Super Bowl party, I guarantee this would be a hit. And if the whole football scene isn't really for you, then jot it down for any other party you might be having. Or heck, simply make it for a snack. Right now...

Zesty Pimento Cheese Spread From Taste of Home
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
3 TBS salad dressing (Miracle Whip)
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies, drained
1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimentos, undrained
1/8 tsp. garlic powder

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients. Mix very well. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with crackers, chips or cocktail bread.

Shared on The Country Cook Jan. 17, 2014

 

Appetizers at Very Good Recipes

Bonfire Bundles

This time of year I always try to provide you with a great idea for your upcoming Halloween party, or if your family is like ours and the evening is a simple one of neighborhood trick-or-treating, and supper needs to be quick and simple, something that would work for that too. Well, today is the day!

If your house is the place to be Halloween night, with friends and family dropping by, or a huge kids party, these would be a huge hit! I guarantee! Have a big platter of these sitting next to your cauldron of apple cider, and all the little ghoulish guests will flip! Rather it is held indoors, our out next to the biggest bonfire of the season, they are the perfect party food!

Our Halloween does indeed include a party, but I am not the host. We actually go back to my hometown (about 15 minutes from our house) so Alex can trick-or-treat in the neighborhood I grew up in, and then head to the local volunteer Fire Department for the fun filled party, with games, costume contests, door prizes and candy galore! It's a great tradition I'm so excited to be continuing with him. It allows his grandma to always be part of the festivities and it's kinda nice to see something I enjoyed so much as a child still going strong, and a community still enjoying it.

But all of this going on between the hours of 6pm and 8pm means supper needs to be quick, simple, but most of all FUN! I like treating him to something "party inspired" on Halloween, and it's usually something he can eat with his hands. Plus, it needs to be on the light side. Between the excitement of the night, and the sheer rush, supper really isn't high on his priority list.

These take the fun and yumminess of pizza and turns them into something new, adorable, and 100% kid friendly! Three things that all food should be on Halloween!

However you are spending next Thursday night, I hope it's full of smiles, more treats than tricks and some delicious food, not just Snickers and Butterfingers!

Mini Pizza Bundles Inspired by The Gunny Sack

20 refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

20 pieces pepperoni

2-3 String Cheese, cut into 20 small chunks

1 egg, beaten

Parmesan Cheese

Italian Seasoning

Garlic Powder

Pizza Sauce

Preheat oven to 425. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Flatten each biscuit out. Lay a piece

of pepperoni on each, then a piece of string cheese. Gather sides of biscuit up, forming a bundle. Lay, seam side down in baking dish. Brush all with egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan, Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning. Bake 18-20 minutes until browned. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Shared on The Country Cook Oct. 25, 2013