Jalapeno Popper Brie Bread Bowl is a fun take on jalapeno poppers and is perfect for a game night snack or small dinner appetizer. Jalapeno Popper Brie Bread Bowl Preheat the oven to 350°F. 4 ounces diced pancetta 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 5-6 jalapeno peppers, roasted then minced 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced One […]
Baked Meatballs are delightful on spaghetti, in red wine mushroom gravy, or on a meatball sub sandwich. Baked Meatballs This recipe makes about 35 balls. If you prefer your balls in pairs, you can make 36. Preheat oven to 350°F. 3/4 cup milk 2 teaspoons vinegar 5 eggs 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 cup […]
Fig Vinaigrette Dressing A fun change-up from a typical salad dressing and make a tasty dip for a charcuterie board. Fig Vinaigrette Dressing 1 cup grapeseed oil 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 4 dried figs (or 2 stemmed fresh figs) 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 1/3 cup honey Dash of sea salt Dash of coarse ground pepper Place all […]
Charcuterie Salad is a fun take on a popular classic, the grazing board. Make one for yourself on a cozy night at home or share it with someone you love. Charcuterie Salad This recipe makes one large salad or two medium salads. 2 ounces cubed pancetta 2 cups spring mix lettuce 1 recipe Fig Vinaigrette […]
Barbecue Chicken Wings are the perfect tailgate party treat or game night snack. These yummy wings will please all your friends & family! Barbecue Chicken Wings Preheat oven to 375°F. 1 recipe Spice rub (recipe below) 2 pounds chicken wings 4 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce Prepare the Spice Rub […]
Chicken Sliders Chicken Sliders Serves about 4-8 people. 4 cups peanut oil or vegetable, for frying 6 pieces of chicken thighs 1 cup dill pickle juice 1 cup buttermilk (plus more if needed to cover chicken) 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper 2 […]
Granola Bars are a great snack and fun to make at home. They’re perfect for game night. Granola Bars Makes about 16 bars. Preheat oven to 300°F. 2 cups oatmeal 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup dried cranberries or dried chopped […]
These Mini Baked Potato Appetizers might as well be called happytizers… … cuz they’re gonna make your gang oh-so-happy. Mini Baked Potato Appetizers Preheat oven to 450°F. 1.5 pounds petite potatoes 3 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil 2 ounces unsalted butter, softened 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced Dash of salt 3/4 cup sour cream About […]
How to Make Crackers How to Make Crackers Makes about twenty-four 2-inch crackers. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2 cups all-purpose flour or wheat flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 2 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil 3/4 cup water (plus a little more if needed) Spray two half-sheet pans with non-stick spray […]
How to Make a Focaccia Garden This bread isn’t only more delicious than regular focaccia, but it’s more fun to make and prettier too! How to Make a Focaccia Garden Makes about 10 servings. 1 1/2 cups warm water (no more than 110°F degrees) 2 tablespoons yeast 3/4 cup olive oil, divided 4 cups flour […]
Learning how to make pesto will make a huge impact on your dishes. It’s easy to make and goes great with almost everything! How to Make Pesto 6 garlic cloves, peeled 4-ounces pine nuts 4 ounces fresh basil 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan), grated 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 […]
This zesty Santa Fe Dip is easy to make, impressive, and can be served with tortilla chips of a fun appetizer. Santa Fe Dip 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 8 ounces sour cream 6 ounces pepper jack cheese, freshly grated 6 ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly grated 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 red, yellow, […]
This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is as beautiful as it is yummy. And it’s easy to make. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip 4 ounces fresh cranberries 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/8 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 2 eight-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 – 2 Jalapeños, minced Place cranberries in a saucepan with […]
How to Make Deviled Eggs. It feels wrong to have deviled eggs on Easter; and, yet, it feels wrong to not have deviled eggs on Easter. What’s a girl to do? I suppose a girl just has to make the most heavenly deviled eggs she can. And that is what she did. And everyone said, […]
Norwegian Potato Lefse. The pounding of the rolling pin onto the pastry-cloth-lined 25-foot long table was comforting. The eight grills all in a line warmed me yet scared me as I walked by. The “Lefse Ladies” as we lovingly referred to them were always there with the best gossip and glorious giggles as they flooded […]
These Loaded Potato Pancakes are made from mashed potatoes. This is the perfect day after Thanksgiving breakfast. It’s simple yet fancy. Plain yet flavorful. Loaded Potato Pancakes 2 cup mashed potatoes 2 eggs 1⁄2 cup flour (plus more for breading) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced garlic 2 green […]
Roasted Tomatillo Green Salsa Verde. Sure, you could buy it in the bottle at the grocery store, but it’s way more fun and satisfying to make your own. Plus, it is most impressive when your garden includes a tomatillo plant. I’m just gonna say it. Your friends are gonna see you as one bad hombre […]
Homemade Maple Nut Granola Recipe is just what the soul needs on a fallish day. It’s sweet and crunchy and oh so satisfying! Perfect for yogurt parfaits with fresh raspberries, as a trail mix snack, or place in cute little packaging for gifts! Maple Nut Granola Preheat oven to 250°F. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed […]
Oh, Betsy, this Red, White, and Blue Salsa is scrumptious! Flag down your neighbors and have them over for this perfect summer evening treat. Red, White, and Blue Salsa 2 bosc pears, fine diced Juice of one small lime 1 cup blueberries 1 1/2 cups strawberries, fine diced 1 or 2 jalapenos, minced 4-5 sprigs cilantro, minced […]
Garlic Duchess Potatoes are the sexiest potatoes in all the potato kingdom. Just gorgeous. How to Make Duchess Potatoes Garlic Duchess Potatoes 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes) 1 tablespoon sour cream 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced 2 ounces cream cheese 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons heavy cream 3 egg yolks 1/2 […]
The artichoke is one of the snobbiest and beautiful veggies in all the vegetable kingdom, especially after this recipe… Artichoke Dip. Isn’t she gorgeous? Artichoke Dip Serves 8 for appetizers or 4 for dinner. 4 large artichokes 1/4 cup fresh lemon, juiced (divided) 4 ounces cubetti pancetta or pre-cooked large bacon bits (leave out for […]
How to Make Bacon Jam. Your life is about to get much better. You’re welcome. Bacon Jam Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 pound thick-cut bacon 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium sweet onion, fine diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon maple extract 3 tablespoons molasses 1 1/3 cup brown sugar […]
My dear friend introduced me to this Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Corn a few years ago. It came in an adorable container and cost more than I could afford to maintain the habit. This was a good thing because had I been able to go back for more, I would’ve lost control. But I just had to […]
Hot Cheesy Crab Dip is everything. Need a snack? Feeling crabby? Sorry. Cheesy puns, I know. Moving on. Here’s a party favorite… for your next shindig, game day, or, if you’re feeling especially worthy, just because. Cheesy Crab Dip Makes about 6 servings. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 pound crab (or imitation crab meat for […]
You will never disappoint with these Sweet Pepper & Tomato Balsamic Bruschetta Appetizers. It will make everyone happy. Sweet Pepper & Tomato Balsamic Bruschetta Appetizers 1 large sweet yellow onion, fine-diced 1 each of red, yellow & orange peppers, fine-diced 1 medium tomato, fine-diced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons of olive oil 8 ounces […]
Crab Cakes With Garlic Aioli is the perfect recipe to go with the tailgate parties that have started. It is officially time to work on your appetizer game. These appys are the coziest in all the appetizer kingdom. Crab Cakes With Garlic Aioli Makes about one dozen crab cakes. Crab Cakes Preheat oven to 350°F. 2/3 cup […]
Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers Recipe. Zip! Zap! They are like an exciting comic book on a plate. You enjoy the bacon and cheeses then suddenly. Zowie! You have found an adventure. You have found a stuffed jalapeño popper. Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers Makes 24 poppers. Preheat oven to 350°Ï. 12 fresh jalapeno peppers, cut in half and […]
Is there anything that brings Americans and Mexicans together like Queso Cheese Sauce Recipe? And our love of siestas. And fiestas. Well, and margaritas. Yeah, margaritas trump them all. But I have to say, queso sauce has to be runner-up. Just start with a couple bricks of cheese and build from there… Queso Cheese Sauce 3/4 cup […]
Here’s the answer to your prayers… Fresh Roasted Restaurant Salsa. I haven’t met a soul yet who can resist Mexican restaurant salsa and chips. We get full before our meal comes. Amirite? How spiffy would it be to make your own salsa at home and have the power of making your salsa as mild or […]
Crispy Fried Sweet Onions. If you only thought they came in a can or at a restaurant, please allow me to change your life. These are perfect as a side treat, on a barbecue pork sandwich, on burgers, or if you enjoy tricking yourself to eat healthier… upon salads. Crispy Fried Onion Strips 2-3 cups […]
The thing that’s cool about garlic hummus, is that you can add yummy stuff to the garbanzos when you put them in the food processor… … red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cilantro, pesto, cheese, sauteed mushrooms, or jalapenos. Well, you get the idea. Garlic Hummus 4 cloves garlic (or more) 20 ounces drained & rinsed […]
Dotter’s owl-themed birthday party was such fun. It seems like just yesterday we celebrated Dotter’s 16th birthday. I told her and son they must never grow up but neither one of them listened to me. Son now towers over me and Dotter celebrated her 20th birthday this weekend. Cheese Fondue – Click here for the […]
Pressed Dill Potato Slices & Dill Dip. I admit it. I love to have fun with my food. This is especially true when I’m getting ready for a dinner party. What could make potatoes more fun? Well, I suppose almost anything would make basic spuds more exciting but I promise you that these pressed potato […]
White Cheddar Cheese Ball. The best hors d’oeuvres are gorgeous, filled with flavor, easy to make, and able to be prepared ahead of your dinner parties. This cheese ball has it all. She is gorgeous, gourmet, and practical to prepare. Party on, my friends, party on in style. White Cheddar Cheese Ball 8 ounces cream […]
Meet Smoked Salmon Flatbread. She’s light, refreshing, and a little smokey. Smoked Salmon Flatbread You can use two 12-inch Boboli pizza crusts or make this easy homemade flatbread. Preheat oven to 425°F. Flatbread 3/4 cup warm water (no hotter than 110°F degrees) 2 teaspoons yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt […]
Coconut Shrimp in Orange Sauce. Fresh. Fried. Sweet. Savory. The gang’s all here to please you. Although this recipe takes a little effort, it brings a big payoff with delicious flavors. Coconut Shrimp in Orange Sauce Coconut Shrimp & Salad Canola oil or vegetable oil One pound shrimp 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon coarse […]
Meatballs with Red Wine Mushroom Gravy. What does one do after a television appearance? I suppose one writes about meatballs. One can never go wrong with meatballs. Well, unless, you know, one is feeding vegans or something like that. Gruyère Filled Meatballs with Red Wine Mushroom Gravy Preheat oven to 350°F. Gruyère Filled Meatballs 3/4 […]
How to Make Bacon and Potato Roses. Every once in a while, I stop moving and look into the nothingness with a sparkle in my eye. My family and others who know me well know this means something is about to happen. The only unknown is how crazy the results will be. I like to […]
A couple of my favorite things in the world are bruschetta and olives so it is only natural that I would enjoy olive tapenade placed upon sourdough bruschetta. First, a quick history of olives and me. Black olives and I go way back to the days when I placed them on every finger while waiting […]
What’s not to love about hot cheese dip? Cheese Dip Preheat 350°F. 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened 8 oz sour cream 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced 4 tablespoons grated yellow onion 3/4 teaspoon oregano 3/4 teaspoon basil Mix ingredients together well and bake until hot & bubbly. […]
These Easy Party Meatballs are one of the simplest and yummy treats you can make for a gathering. With party season upon us once again, let us be prepared. This recipe is very forgiving and tastes a little different depending on what kinds of jelly you use and what brand of sauce you choose. You […]
Meet the dinner that knocked Joey Fatone off his feet… saucy balls. Once upon a time, a food writer ordered a burger at a restaurant. She fell in love. She had to go home and recreate the burger. But then she was too busy. And then the restaurant closed. And she was sad. So sad […]
Cheesy Asparagus Dip. What is a Labor Day BBQ without a dip? What is a three-day weekend party without an appetizer? Here’s a great way to use the woody ends of asparagus that you might normally throw away and make sure you have that yummy dip for friends & family while they wait for the […]
Easy Fried Chicken and a Graduation. This week was Dotter’s graduation. I am excited to see the professional’s shot of this one. Finding the kids we know in my copy is like playing Where’s Waldo. Besides the graduates tossing their caps in the air to celebrate, there were grad parties throughout the town. Parents went […]
Fresh and Zesty Guacamole. If eating a rainbow of colors is a healthy way to fill your plate, Fresh and Zesty Guacamole and homemade pico de gallo salsa are two foods we should eat every day. I could do that. If I must. Let’s make some guacamole that will knock your socks off, flop you […]
If you love freshly grilled Mexican food, you’ve surely enjoyed pico de gallo salsa on your favorite dish. While many peeps focus on trying to get a grilled chicken or beef recipe down to a science, it is actually the pico de gallo that brings the fresh & sassy flavor to the fiesta. One of […]
Mini Corn Dogs. Hello, my name is Deanna and I own a deep fryer. There, I said it. Truth be told, I try not to get too carried away with grease dipped goods but football season is the time. Let’s make some cutie mini corn dogs! Mini Corn Dogs Makes 70 mini corn dogs. Preheat […]
I present thee with glorious Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes. The queen bee of hors d’ oeuvres. The most delicious and easiest of recipes that ever hit a smörgåsbord table. I am almost ashamed that I have teased about this being a secret recipe for 30 years. Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Preheat oven to 350°F. Makes […]
Move over, traditional pumpkin seeds… here come sugared pumpkin seeds and they’re sweeter than you could ever be. For a unique spin on pumpkin seeds, try these yummy treats. This recipe also works awesome for sugared pecans, walnuts, almonds. Sugared Pumpkin Seeds Preheat oven to 250°F. Pumpkin seeds from two sugar pumpkins (or pie pumpkins) 2 egg […]
Homecoming Dinner Party With Cheese Fondue. Dotter has dinner parties every year before all of the big high school shindigs. Homecoming Dinner Party With Cheese Fondue This weekend we celebrated homecoming with a fondue party. Fondue is such a fun way to have dinner together since it takes longer to eat than most meals due […]
