Queso Dip

We love to entertain. Having friends and family around us is so important, for both my husband and I and our boys. Normally we just double or triple what we are making and have people over to eat. One of the favorite themes we like is Mexican. It is so easy to  make  a big batch of chicken or beef for tacos, nachos or enchiladas. If you prepare the fixin's (lettuce, cheese, guacamole, etc)  ahead of time it is a low stress way to entertain. I have been making this super easy slow cooker queso dip for awhile now and everyone raves about it. Super flavorful and creamy. And did I mention it is super easy ? :) Seriously just dump all the ingredients into a crock pot and in an hour you have queso perfection. You can find white American cheese in the deli at your local grocery store. Just ask for 1 lb and cube it . OR you could buy a package of individually wrapped white American cheese , but unwrapping all those pieces of cheese is a pain . And you can buy a can of hot rotel tomatoes for a spicier version. Or even add diced jalapeno. Lots of options. Serve with warm tortilla chips and be prepared for compliments and no leftovers :) 
* I have a smaller crockpot that I use for dips and sauces. I found it at Target and recommend having one on hand if you make lots of dips. It is the perfect size , and you don't have to lug out a big one.

Slow Cooker Queso Dip
Ingredients
1 8oz block cream cheese, cubed
1 lb white american  cheese, cubed
1 T salted butter
1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
4 T milk
2 T chopped , fresh cilantro

Directions
1. Combine cream cheese, American cheese, butter, and drained rotel tomatoes in a lightly greased slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low 1 hour. Stir until well combined and add the milk, 1 T at a time until you reach a desired consistency. I usually use all 4 T.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro right before serving.
4. Keep warm in slow cooker.

Candied Pecans

These candied pecans are a must have  for the holiday season. I end up making these about three or four times over November and December  because they get eaten before they make it into cookie trays for gifts. They are super easy to make. You can make them with half a cup of granulated sugar and half a cup of brown sugar as well . 

Candied Pecans

Ingredients

4 c (1 lb)  pecan halves

1 large egg white

1 T water

1 c white granulated sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Place the pecans in a mixing bowl and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix the egg white and water. Pour the egg mixture over the pecans and stir until all of the pecans are coated well.

3. In a bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon and salt. Pour the mixture over the pecans and mix well, until the sugar is all incorporated into the pecans.

4.Spread the pecans onto the baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes , stirring every 10 minutes or so. 

5. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely. 

Mediterranean Feta Dip

I am always looking for great appetizers to take to friends parties and get togethers. This feta dip is wonderful and is very easy to put together. I was a hit with everyone who tried it. I snapped the picture before I added the drizzled balsamic vinegar, which was right before serving.  I serve these with fresh warm pita bread that I cut into triangles for easy dipping.

Meditteranean Feta Dip

Ingredients

6 oz crumbled feta cheese

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 c plain greek yogurt

2 large garlic cloves

1 T fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 c diced tomato ( I use roma tomatoes)

3 T sliced green onion

fresh ground black pepper

balsamic vinegar

pita bread or crackers

Directions

1.In a food processor, blend together the feta cheese, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and oregano until smooth.

2. Transfer to a serving dish.

3. Top the dip with the tomato, green onion and black pepper. Right before serving , drizzle with a bit of balsamic vinegar .

4. Serve with pita bread or crackers

Fire and Ice Pickles

You guys!  have no idea why I haven't shared this recipe with you before. I have made these yummy pickles for years and every time I do, I fall in love with them all over again. These pickles are so easy to make . Just mix, let sit and refrigerate. No canning involved. I promise these things are addictive. They are sweet and crunchy when you first taste them. But then the hot kicks in from the Tabasco and red chili pepper flakes. And oh man! You just can't  eat just one.  These make great hostess gifts and Christmas gifts for teachers and neighbors.

* note * use hamburger chips , not kosher dill slices. The kosher dills leave a weird aftertaste. I find the 32oz jars of hamburger pickles at Aldi . They are perfect for this recipe.

Fire & Ice Pickles
Ingredients
32 oz jar sliced dill pickles ( I use hamburger chips)
2 c sugar
1 T Tabasco Sauce ( or other hot sauce)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes ( I use a bit more. I like the heat)
1 clove garlic, whole

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, add all ingredients and mix well.
2. Cover the pickles and let them stand for two hours.
3. Stir the pickles well and transfer all ( pickles and juice) to a jar.
4.Store in the refrigerator. Will keep for a few weeks .

Liz

Homemade Guacamole

Can you believe that I tried my first avocado just a few  short years ago? We never ate them growing up, and neither did my husband. A friend showed up for  a potluck with homemade guacamole  and we were hooked. We eat avocados almost every day now. this guacamole has become a staple for snacking and as a topping for tacos and enchiladas. It doubles easily, if you need a big batch.

Homemade Guacamole

ingredients
2 medium avocados
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 c chopped onion, diced small
1/4 c cilantro, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
juice of 1/2 lime

directions:
In a large bowl, scoop the avocados and add garlic, onion, jalapeno and cilantro.
Mash all together until smooth.
Add salt, pepper,paprika and lime juice.
Serve with chips or with tacos.