More recipes!!!

Sorry for another extended hiatus, I have been busy starting my own legal consulting business. Check out www.rpslegalsolutions.com for more info on what I do during business hours. I am sure I will be blogging about the whole experience in the near future.

But, for today, it's all about recipes. My cousin Dina is getting married in January (whoo hoo) and a few of her closest friends and family hosted a shower for her this past weekend. Because I am a control freak and would like to spend all my time in the kitchen if possible, I made all the snacks. I promised to share the recipes with all the girls, and figured the other half-a-dozen people that read my blog wouldn't mind them, either ;). I would refer you to my earlier recipes for chicken meatballs, tomato sauce and chicken curry for those of you looking to make the warm dishes I served on Saturday.

Jalapeno Popper Dip (esp. for Jinal):

I got this one off of Allrecipes.com and I have to credit the original creator---this dip was a huge hit and was so easy to make. I served it with tortilla chips, but bagel chips would be even better. I also think using the spread for tea sandwiches with some cucumber and tomato would be just lovely.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese (I use reduced fat)
1 cup mayo (I also used reduced fat)
4 oz. chopped chilies (Old El Paso has 4 oz cans that you can find with the other Mexican food)
6-8 pickled jalapenos

Instructions:

Blend all the ingredients until they are smooth. Spread the dip into a 9x13 pan and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. If you want to use the mix for sandwiches or bagels, skip the baking and spread on toasted bread.

Salsa (for Jigna and Komal):

My aunt is an awesome cook and for years, her semi-homemade salsa has been a family favorite. As a housewarming present, she bought me a Cuisinart and I am now finally capable of making an almost-as-good equivalent. This keeps really well and its a tasty addition to just about any TexMex menu or party.

Ingredients:

1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes (unsalted)
2 cloves garlic
2 oz pickled jalapenos (vary depending on desired heat)
1/2 a large sweet onion or one med sweet onion
juice of one lime
cilantro (I just eyeball it, but approx 4 tbs, roughly chopped)

rough ground black pepper and sea salt for seasoning

Directions:

Place all ingredients into food processor and chop until desired consistency is reached. Season according to taste and refrigerate.


Pizza Dip:

This is also an Allrecipe gem---its so good and tastes even better the next day. I think its a great addition to a Super Bowl party or just for Sunday snacking.

Ingredients:

16 oz cream cheese, I use reduced fat
dry basil, parsley, oregano and crushed red pepper
1 to 1 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or homemade tomato sauce, see earlier recipe)
1 cup Parmesan cheese
diced red bell peppers, onions, olives, and any of your favorite pizza toppings

Directions:

Blend cream cheese and dried herbs. Place on the bottom of a oven-safe tray, then add pizza sauce and toppings. Finish off with the Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve with pita chips, baguette or crackers.

Beer-Cheese Dip (for Komal to try, post December 30):

My cousin is 8 1/2 months pregnant and was told, under no uncertain circumstances, that she was to avoid this dip. The beer in it is negligible, but I don't ever want it to be said that I served a pregnant lady beer ;) This tastes great with steak fries, regular potato chips or served on top of potato skins.

Ingredients:

9 0z lager--the full bodied and richer, the better
14 oz sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate until its time to serve.

I hope you enjoy these quick snack suggestions. I have more recipes, anecdotes and ideas to come, until then, happy snacking!!