Velveeta Sausage Dip

 I have to have this dip at every get-together, party or event. It's the kids' favorite! This is a big batch that can be cut in half, but it never lasts. If I have any left over at all, someone wants to take it home! 

2 pounds Velveeta (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (undrained)
1 pound Pork Sausage (cooked, drained) *

1. Mix Velveeta, Ro-Tel, and cooked pork sausage together in a crock pot/slow cooker. Set on low and let the dip heat up, stirring occasionally. 

*If using medium heat sausage, you can use diced tomatoes instead of tomatoes and chilies. (unless you like the extra heat) 

Taco Cheese Dip

I made this dip today with what I had on hand for my son and his friend while they were working on his car! Nice treat for a job well done! 

2 cups prepared Taco Meat
8 oz Cream Cheese, room temp
1 cup Cheddar Cheese
10 oz can Rotel (Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles)

Combine and pour into a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until melted and bubbly! Serve with chips or crackers.

Trish's Caramel Apple Dip

My cousin, my best friend Trish and I finally got a chance to spend some time together yesterday. As teenagers, we spent as much time together as possible. She lived about 1 1/2 hours away. My Mama used to drive me down to spend some time and usually bring Trish back with us for the weekend. At least once or twice a year, her entire family would come to our house for a big whole hog BBQ/Pig Pickin. 

When I got my driver's license, I used to drive down and pick her up. When she and her twin brother graduated high school, I attended the ceremony, and took her back to her house for the celebration. As a present for graduating, her Dad gave her a bottle of Slow Gin and her brother a bottle of Jack Daniels. That sounds odd, but her father was a very unique man to say the least. She spilled Slow Gin all over her dress in my car, and we had to stop at a gas station for her to change her clothes. I brought her home with me, and we had an awesome party with friends that weekend! I caught her and my ex (Bud) kissing. I started to throw my drink at her, but she held her hand up and screamed, "NO Lynn! I'm wearing your blazer!" Bwahahahahaha!!! We both busted out laughing! Good times! 

Well, she came up yesterday and brought her grands... three month old baby, Karah and three and a half year old Brantley! The hubby was having a blast! He played ball with Brantley and even got rocker time with Karah.

Trish made us a dessert dip that was so good. The hubby said that it is dangerous! Every time I turned around he was in it! LOL

Trish's Caramel Apple Dip

2 - 8oz pkgs of Cream Cheese, softened
12oz container Caramel Ice Cream Topping
12oz bag Milk Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (she used pecans)
3 lb bag Granny Smith Apples

In an 8X8 dish, spread cream cheese. If needed, heat the caramel in the microwave just until pour-able. Pour over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle on chocolate chips and nuts. Core the apples and cut into wedges. Use the apples to scoop up the dip. Dip, eat and repeat! 

Me and Trish... and my photo bombing horse, Tilly!

Pizza Dip

My son loves all things pizza, so I made this dip. It was perfect for him. I served it with bread sticks, but you could serve it with crackers or chips. The full recipe is at the bottom of this post.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese until smooth.

Spread in the bottom of an oven proof dish.

I used a jarred spaghetti sauce and added hamburger.

Sprinkle with bacon and add mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with basil, salt and pepper.

Add pepperoni and a little Colby Jack cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 or 20 minutes.

I used canned biscuit dough and shaped them into bread sticks.

YUMMY!

Pizza Dip Recipe

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup finely shredded Colby Jack cheese blend, divided

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

12 slices pepperoni
Crumbled bacon (2 slices)

1/4 lb hamburger cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a bowl combine spaghetti sauce, garlic, onion, basil, salt and pepper. Set pizza sauce aside.

In another bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and 1/2 cup of Colby Jack cheese.  Mix well until combined.

Spread cream cheese mixture in an even layer in a baking dish. Pour blended pizza sauce over cream cheese mixture and evenly distribute with spatula. Add hamburger and bacon.

Sprinkle Mozzarella cheese over pizza sauce. Top pizza dip with pepperoni. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of Colby Jack cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is browned and bubbly.

Serve with Breadsticks.

Dilly Ranch Dip for Popcorn Chicken

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp dried dill weed
1 tsp lemon juice
1 envelope of Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix
1/4 tsp garlic juice*
Kosher salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste

Combine ingredients. Chill for 1 to 2 hours.

*You can substitute a little garlic powder. I just prefer not to have chunks and bits of raw garlic in the dressing.

You can follow the recipe for Oven Fried Chicken for the popcorn chicken. You just cut some skinless/boneless chicken into small bite-size pieces. It's your call to bake or fry the chicken! :-)

Paula Deen Signature Porcelain 12-In. Chicken Fryer (Google Affiliate Ad)

Spicy Cheese Dip

I decided to make Mitchell's favorite dip today. Mitchell is my 22 year old step-son who still responds, "Ooo! Ooo! Ooo! I could eat that whole pot by myself!", every time I make this. It is so easy and you can make it as spicy as you like. This is a medium grade heat for this dip. Rotel makes a mild and hot also. You can add your own peppers or hot sauce, if you like.

Start with one 10 ounce can of Rotel with it's juice

and 16 ounces of Velveeta Cheese.

This all you need for the meatless dip.

The hamburger I used was still frozen. So I put it in this dish

and put it in the oven at 350 degrees. (Or use sausage)

When the juices started to run out,

I removed it from the oven and 

broke it apart with a wooden spoon.

I put it back in the oven until all the meat was browned.

I cubed the cheese and added it to the meat.

Add the Rotel and place the dish back in the oven

until the dip is melted.

Serve with your favorite chips!

Elliott's Favorite Bean Dip

A while back, all the kids came over, and I was looking for something for them to munch on late in the afternoon. I didn't have much in the pantry. I spied a can of refried beans, and I figured I could scrap together some kind of bean dip and chips... Well, they loved it, and since then my son Elliott has been begging me to make it again. Only problem is, I didn't write it down and can't remember what I put in it. So, yesterday I fiddled around with it and finally made the dip that he requested (while jumping up and down in my kitchen, yelling, "Please! Please! Please! Make that dip I like!!!") LOL
Here's what I came up with...

1 can refried beans (or Bush's Chili Beans, drained and mashed)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 sour cream
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
2 T Taco sauce
8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

1 bag Tortilla chips, Corn Chips or crackers

In a large bowl, mix beans, cream cheese, sour cream, seasoning and taco sauce until well blended, then stir in cheese. Pour into a casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking pray. Bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is melted. Or spoon into individual serving bowls and microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time until warm and bubbly. Garnish with tomatoes, avocado, green onions and black olives if you like... Serve immediately.

Dill Dressing/Sauce

This dressing is so good and so versatile! You can use it on salads, as a dip for veggies, on roasted vegetables even as a sauce on fish or seafood.

Dill Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp dried dill weed
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup milk
1/4 tsp garlic juice*
Kosher salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste

Combine ingredients. Chill for 1 to 2 hours.

*You can substitute a little garlic powder. I just prefer not to have chunks and bits of raw garlic in the dressing.

Do you throw away the heels off your loaves of bread? Why not use them for home-made croutons? It's easy and only takes minutes!




Home-made Croutons 


Cube leftover or day old bread and arrange on a cookie sheet. Spray with olive oil or vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and dried basil. Bake at 275 degrees until dried and lightly browned.

Strawberries are in!!!

At this time of the year, I'm looking for things to do with fresh fruit and produce. Here are a few recipes from my Mama using strawberries... her favorite!

Strawberry Butter

2 sticks Butter, softened
1 cup 10X Sugar
16 oz fresh Strawberries*

Blend in a blender or processor until very smooth. Store in refrigerator.
*Remember to always taste your berries for sweetness. Some may need more sugar than others.


Fresh Strawberry Dressing

¾ cup sliced ripe Strawberries
2 T light corn syrup
½ cup Sour Cream

Add ingredients to small blender. Mix til smooth. Chill about 1 hour.

Serve over fruit salad. Make about 1 ¼ cups.

French Strawberry Pie (Pictured Above)

1 quart Strawberries, cleaned & stemmed

6 oz Cream Cheese

1 ¼ cups Sugar

3 T Cornstarch

1 T Lemon Juice

1 Pie Crust (9 inch) baked and cooled

Spread cream cheese over the bottom of the pie crust. Select half of the best strawberries and press firmly into the cheese with tips up. Mash remaining berries and strain. Add enough water to make 1 1/2 cups liquid. Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Gradually stir in berries and juice. Cook over low heat until thick and clear (5 to 6 minutes). Add a little red food coloring. Cool and pour over berries. Chill about 3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.

Strawberry Ice Cream Pie

This is a super easy dessert that only takes minutes to throw together, but taste heavenly! Everyone will think you spent all day making this tasty dessert!

Graham Cracker pie crust

No-Bake Cheesecake Mix
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup strawberry jam
2 cups strawberries ice cream, softened

Combine the cheesecake mix and milk. Blend until thickened slightly. Add ice cram and jam. Combine until smooth. Pour into crust and freeze until set. Set out 15 minutes and cut with a knife dipped in hot water. Serve immediately.



Tutti-Frutti Blush

1 8oz can fruit cocktail
1/2 cup grenadine syrup
2 cups strawberry ice cream
2 cups milk

Combine in a blender and blend until smooth.






Cuisinart Smart Stick Stainless Steel Hand Blender & Chopper (Google Affiliate Ad)

Crab Rangoon Dip

Have you ever eaten Crab Rangoon at a Chinese Restaurant and wondered what's inside those wonderful little golden brown packages? Well, that's what this dip tastes like... This filling for Crab Rangoon! In the picture, it's in the metal round chafer dish and it is oh so yummy!

2 cups Crab meat
1 8oz cream cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2 T Mayo
2 1/2 T Sour Cream
2 T green onion, chopped
1/2 t basil
dill (just a sprinkle... optional)


In a crock pot, mix ingredients well. Heat until warm. Serve in a chafer or your crock pot to keep warm.
Serve with crackers, toast points or chips!

Fried Mushrooms

These are so yummy! I could make a meal of them. Try one or both of the sauces with them too! Mmmmmmm!

1 to 1 1/2 lb fresh Mushrooms
2 cups Bisquick Mix
2/3 can of beer (or 8 oz Club Soda)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili powder


Clean mushrooms with a dry paper towel. Mix together dry ingredients with a whisk. Add beer (or soda) until batter is about the consistency of pancake batter. It should be just thick enough for dipping. Dip dry mushrooms in the batter and fry in a deep fryer or electric skillet until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a 170 degree oven until ready to serve.

Dill Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt & Pepper, to taste

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings; mix well. Chill for 1 hour. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Spicy Cocktail Sauce

1 cup ketsup

1 T hot sauce, or to taste

1 T Worcestershire sauce

2 T Horseradish sauce

splash of lemon juice

salt and pepper, to taste

In a small bowl combine ingredients; mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

BLT Dip... for the Superbowl Weekend

This weekend is sure to be filled with parties, Bar-B-Ques and Tailgaters! This recipe can be used in a lot of different ways. Use it as a dip for crackers, chips or toast points. Use it as an appetizer mixing everything together except the tomato and stuff the tomato with the dip, or use it as a spread on subs, sandwiches and even burgers. There are all kinds of ideas for this tasty recipe! Enjoy and have a safe weekend!

BLT Dip

6 slices cooked Bacon, crumbled

1 cup Sour Cream

1 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup chopped & seeded plum Tomatoes
Salt and Pepper to taste
Lettuce
Crackers for dipping

Mix bacon, sour cream, mayo, and tomatoes. Cover and put in frig for about an hour. Hollow out a tomato and spoon dip into it. Place on the lettuce leaves and surround with Crackers.
Note: You can substitute a 3 oz jar of real bacon bits for sliced Bacon.

Philly Cheese Steak Dip

I just love making a meal out of appetizers! That's why I love it when I'm doing a wedding reception and the bride asks about finger foods. It's the best way to get your guests moving, talking and enjoying themselves. Without having to sit down to a big formal dinner, guests have more freedom to mingle and have fun. There is always seating for those who like to observe and be wallflowers. (More like be inconspicuous and take pictures! LOL)

With the big game just around the corner, I thought I'd post some appetizer recipes. I love the recipes that take the big flavor of a meal or sandwich and compound that into a dip or mini app. This dip takes the flavors of one of my favorite sandwiches... the Philly Cheese Steak!

Philly Cheese Steak Dip

1 package (17 oz.) refrigerated beef roast au jus
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped onion
1 cup chopped bell pepper
1 jar (15 oz.) process cheese dip
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Crackers
Chips

In a large skillet, saute onion and peppers and beef. Cook until onions and peppers are soft. (Or if you prefer, you can microwave the mixture for 2 1/2 minutes on high.) Drain beef mixture, reserving juices. Use two forks to shred beef.

Add beef mixture to 2- to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Stir in 1/3 cup of the reserved juices (If you don't have enough juice, add beef broth to equal 1/3 cup... more if needed), cheese dip, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours.

Serve immediately with crackers or chips. (Or, keep warm in slow cooker on low setting for up to 2 hours.

Cyndi's Artichoke Dip

A big thanks goes out to my friends, Cyndi McIntosh and her boys! They were sweet enough to take up the challenge I gave them to create a tasty dip recipe. I asked them to send me a picture and the recipe so I could share it with everyone here. I wish I could dig in right now! Yummy! Thanks again "Miss Cyndi", Cortland, Dawson and Walker!!!

Click on the picture to zoom in and prepare to drool! :-)

1 can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 oz. Cream cheese
1 cup Breakstone's zesty blends roasted garlic & herb sour cream

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.


As a lot of you know, I've been absent for a while due to surgery and a long recovery. I'm trying to get back to my recipes. So, if you'll bare with me for a little while longer, I should be up and back to normal soon! Thanks to Cyndi and all my friends for sticking with me through this, and thanks for participating by passing along recipes to share!!!

Beat the Heat Recipes

With the heat index this past few weeks reaching triple digits, I've been looking for things to make that won't heat up the kitchen. It's already too hot as it is... Here are a few refreshing recipes that WON'T make you break a sweat!

Southwest Wrap

3/4 cup corn

1/4 cup chopped red onions

3 Tbsp. Chipotle Flavored Mayonnaise
4 tortillas (8 inch)
4 lettuce leaves
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
16 slices Ham
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

Combine first 3 ingredients. Top tortillas with lettuce, cheese, ham, corn mixture and tomatoes. Fold up bottom edge of each tortilla, then roll up starting at 1 side.


Fresh Tomato Salsa

3 tomatoes (1 lb.), chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup Italian Dressing

Combine ingredients. Serve salsa with tortilla chips, crackers or assorted fresh vegetables.
 

 

Watermelon Cooler

4 cups chopped watermelon
1/3 cup Strawberry Sugar-Sweetened Drink Mix

Blend ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve over ice.
Add a splash of 7up or Sprite, if it needs more liquid.
It will depend on how juicy the watermelon is...

Shrimp Dip

I love this dip! I eat it on crackers, toast points, chips... It's good on anything as far as I'm concerned!
It is quick and easy too! (My favorite kind :-)

2 cans sm Shrimp, drained
    or 12 oz fresh shrimp, chopped
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1 sm Onion, minced
½ t Salt
Cayenne Pepper, dash
Lemon Juice

Mix and Chill.

BLT Dip

This is a wonderful dip that you can be really creative with. You can turn it into wraps, or use it as a special sauce for burgers and sandwiches. You can also make it a stuffing for hollowed out cherry tomatoes. If you don't use it with tomatoes as in stuffed or using as dippers, chop the tomato and add it to the dip. Try it and see which way you like it.

BLT Dip

6 slices cooked Bacon, crumbled
1 cup Sour Cream
1 cup Mayonnaise
Salt and Pepper to taste
Lettuce
Roma Tomatoes, seeded and sliced lengthwise, for dipping

Mix bacon, sour cream, mayo, and S & P, to taste. Cover and put in frig for about an hour. Plate by placing a bowl of dip on lettuce leaves and surround with Tomato slices.

Note: You can substitute a 3 oz jar of real bacon bits for sliced Bacon.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Thanks to everyone for your patience these past two weeks. The wedding was fabulous, and the food went over well! This recipe is one that two of the groomsmen came over and asked me about. They were calling it a cookie dough ball because of the taste. I hope you enjoy it!

2 - 8oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
4 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 c mini chocolate chips

Combine. Roll into a ball. Chill. Roll in more chocolate chips or in ground nuts. Serve with graham crackers.

Sauces and Marinades

I made this teriyaki sauce to go with the pork tenderloin eggrolls I made the other day! Delicious!

Teriyaki Sauce

1/3 cup soy sauce
1 cup water
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

Mix all but the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water, in a sauce pan over medium heat. Mix cornstarch and water. Stir til dissolved. Add to sauce pan. Heat until thickened.


Steak Marinade

1 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons A1 steak sauce 

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons Dijon-style prepared mustard

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Mix together well, and use to marinate your favorite meat.

Baja Sauce

1/4 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, sliced

2 tablespoons diced onion

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon vinegar

1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin

Place jalapeno pepper, and onion in the bowl of a food processor; puree until smooth. Stir together 4 teaspoons of this puree with the mayonnaise, and vinegar in a small bowl. Season with pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to develop.

Dill Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt & Pepper, to taste

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings; mix well. Chill for 1 hour.

Great on burgers and sandwiches.

Strawberries!

At this time of the year, I'm looking for things to do with fresh fruit and produce. Hopefully with no cooking or heat involved. Here are a few recipes from my Mama using strawberries... her favorite!

Strawberry Butter

2 sticks Butter, softened
1 cup 10X Sugar
16 oz fresh Strawberries*

Blend in a blender or processor until very smooth. Store in refrigerator.
*Remember to always taste your berries for sweetness. Some may need more sugar than others.


Fresh Strawberry Dressing

¾ cup sliced ripe Strawberries
2 T light corn syrup
½ cup Sour Cream

Add ingredients to small blender. Mix til smooth. Chill about 1 hour.

Serve over fruit salad. Make about 1 ¼ cups.

 

French Strawberry Pie

1 quart Strawberries, cleaned & stemmed

6 oz Cream Cheese

1 ¼ cups Sugar

3 T Cornstarch

1 T Lemon Juice

1 Pie Crust (9 inch) baked and cooled

Spread cream cheese over the bottom of the pie crust. Select half of the best strawberries and press firmly into the cheese with tips up. Mash remaining berries and strain. Add enough water to make 1 1/2 cups liquid. Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Gradually stir in berries and juice. Cook over low heat until thick and clear (5 to 6 minutes). Add a little red food coloring. Cool and pour over berries. Chill about 3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.