Warm Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip

Superbowl XLIX is upon us and the Patriots are gearing up to take on the Seahawks out in Arizona on Sunday. When I think of Superbowl I consider it another food based holiday and a time to serve the best dips and finger foods you can. Nothing says Superbowl like wings, ribs or cheesy dips. Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing make this warm ooey gooey dip perfect to serve at your Superbowl party. I saw a version of this dip that was cold but warming it up makes it so much better. Put it out for the game with some chips, Frito's or crusty bread and you are all set.  

Ingredients:
16 oz Reduced Fat Sour Cream
8 oz 1/3 Fat Cream Cheese - Softened
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
6-8 Slices of Bacon - Crumbled
1 Packets (1oz) Ranch Dressing Mix

Adapted from allrecipes.com

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large serving bowl that is able to go into the oven combine the sour cream with the packet of ranch dressing. When you add the cream cheese to the dip make sure it is soft so it can easily mix with the other ingredients. Next mix almost all of the shredded cheese into the dip, leaving about a 1/2 cup for the top.

 Cook your bacon until crispy. I generally use the microwave but this time I roasted it in the oven for about 12 minutes on a baking tray. They were nice and crispy as soon as they were cool. Blot the grease off and crumble them up. Mix almost all of it into the dip making sure all the bits are spread out. Using the back of a spoon smooth the dip and spread it evenly out in the bowl. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the dip is bubbling and the cheese has melted completely. This dip is thick and creamy so I suggest you serve it with something that is strong and can scoop it up easily like Frito's or crusty bread

Enjoy!!

Linked at: http://www.thecountrycook.net/

Brie Dip with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Artichokes

Every year since I've been in high school, my girlfriends and I get together for a holiday party filled with lots of food and alcohol. We eat, drink and even do a gift exchange. This year I was the host and made this Brie dip as one of the appetizers. I was originally going to do the traditional baked Brie with raspberry preserves in a puff pastry but I wanted to try something savory instead. I'm so glad I served something new because everyone loved it!! I paired it with some toasted French bread which was perfect because it was crusty enough to scoop and hold the gooey cheese!! Give this Brie dip a try at your next holiday party, I promise it won't disappoint.

Ingredients:

16oz Brie 

1 Cup Sundried Tomatoes - Drained from oil & chopped

2 Tsp Garlic - Minced

4-5 Artichokes - Drained & Chopped

1 Tbsp Fresh Basil - Minced

Pam Spray

Loaf of French Bread - Sliced and Toasted

Adapted from: http://menumusings.blogspot.com

Start by preheating the oven to 350 F. Carefully cut the rind off of your Brie and slice it into chunks. Drain and cut up both your sundried tomatoes and artichokes. Mince up your garlic and dice up the basil. Mix everything together in a bowl until it's combined. Spray your baking dish with just a tiny bit of Pam so it doesn't stick and pour the mixture into the dish. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring it half way through. While it is melting and turning into obey gooey deliciousness you can slice snd toast the bread for about 8 minutes. Let the cheese sit for a few before serving to your guests.

Enjoy!!

Mango Fruit Dip

 This fruit dip is sweet and creamy with just a hint of tartness from the Greek yogurt.  Fresh fruit makes a healthy dessert or snack in the spring and summer but occasionally you need something more. This dip is so easy to make and can be done in any flavor of Greek yogurt. It will certainly be the perfect addition to any dessert platter and may even get your kids to eat some more fruit.

Ingredients:
6oz Mango Fat Free Greek Yogurt
6oz Reduced Fat Cream Cheese - Softened
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tsp Sugar

Possible Dippers:
Strawberries
Bananas
Blueberries
Pineapple
Apple Slices
Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

In you stand mixer bowl using the whisk attachment combine the Greek yogurt along with the softened cream cheese on a medium speed. Once it is creamy add the vanilla and sugar. Serve chilled with fresh fruit.

Enjoy!!

linked at: http://www.thecountrycook.net/

Roasted Eggplant Dip

Superbowl XLVIII is just 3 days away and here in NJ it's all anyone is talking about. If you're looking for a last minute recipe to serve at your party, this quick and easy vegetable dip is for you. Your guests will give you extra bonus points that you're serving at least one healthy option during the game to off set all the delicious yet fattening ribs, wings, potato skins etc.... I can't believe the weather is actually going to cooperate!! Although it obviously will still be a lot colder than if they hosted it in Miami at least it won't be snowing like they expected. I'm rooting for Peyton and the Bronco's since he was my Quarterback for Fantasy Football. He did amazing for my team all season long so it will be very exciting to watch him on Sunday.

Ingredients:

1 Large Eggplant

2-3 Cloves of Garlic

1/4 Cup Tahini (Ground Sesame Seeds)

1 Lemon - Juiced

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

S&P

Cucumbers

Red Peppers

Carrots

Pita Bread and / or Pita Chips

Adapted from: www.sheknows.com

Start by preheating your oven to 400 F. Wash your eggplant and prick a bunch of holes in it using a fork. Place it on a baking tray and roast for about 60 minutes. You want it to become super soft, wrinkly and shrunken down. Every 20 minutes or so while it's cooking turn it onto another side to it roasts evenly. When it is cool enough to handle peel off the skin, dice it up and place it in a food processor bowl.

Give it a couple of quick pulses to puree until it looks smooth. Then it's time to add the garlic, tahini paste, lemon juice, salt & pepper.

Puree again and as it is blending slowly add the olive oil. Let it puree until it becomes creamy. Allow it to sit for at least an hour in the fridge before serving so they flavors can come together. Serve it with an assortment of veggies, pita bread and/ or pita chips.

Enjoy!!

linked at: http://www.thecountrycook.net/

Spinach & Sun Dried Tomato Dip

The summer is speeding along as it always does. Our adorable almost 4 month old grandson will be baptized this Sunday and our family will be coming from all over so we will be having a very fun weekend.  This recipe was adapted from Chef In Training.  It was very easy to make and so delicious.  This is perfect for any picnic or BBQ.   We enjoyed this at our Father's Day party.

Ingredients:
1 block 8 oz softened cream cheese
1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach thawed
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes chopped plus more for garnish
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped garlic

Dippers:
2 red peppers sliced
2 carrots sliced
2 stalks celery sliced
1/2 loaf french bread sliced

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in bowl.

Place in serving dish.

Garnish with additional chopped sun dried tomatoes and serve with dippers like peppers, carrots, bread,
celery, etc.

Enjoy!!


This is linked to www.4littlefergsons.wordpress.com, http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.ca, http://www.sweetsav.blogspot.com/, http://www.flourmewithlove.com/, http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/, http://www.nap-timecreations.com/, http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/, http://insidebrucrewlife.com/, http://www.momstestkitchen.com/, http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com, http://thenymelrosefamily.com/,
http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com/, http://www.ducksnarow.com/, http://www.housewivesofriverton.com/,
http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/, http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/, http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/, http://www.momontimeout.com/, http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/, http://djssugarshack.com/

Reuben Dip

It is finally March!!! Not only will there be both St. Patrick's Day & Easter holidays to celebrate but we will also be welcoming my son into the world this month :) If that isn't exciting enough, it's my birthday next week as well as two of my sister's birthdays at the end of the month.As you can see we will have a lot of excitement in the next 31 days!! I made this Reuben Dip to get into the Irish spirit, I thought it would be the perfect snack as I took down all of the red and pink hearts and replaced them with lots of green shamrocks. I love Reuben's, it has been always been my go to meal out at an Irish pub and this dip certainly didn't disappoint. It was even better the 2nd day since the flavors got to mold together more.

Ingredients:

1/2 - 3/4lb Thickly Sliced Deli Corn Beef - Diced

1 Cup Shredded Swiss Cheese

1 Cup Sauerkraut - Squeeze Drained

8 oz Fat Free Cream Cheese - Softened

1/2 Cup Light Sour Cream

2 Tbsp Whole Grain Mustard

2 Tbsp Ketchup

1 Loaf  Small Pumpernickel Bread 

Adapted from: www.noblepig.com

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl combine the softened cream cheese, squeeze drained sauerkraut, sour cream, shredded cheese, ketchup and mustard.

I got 4 thick slices of corned beef from the deli counter at our local supermarket which ended up being between 1/2lb - 3/4lb. Dice up your corn beef, if you want you can trim a little bit of the fat around the edges before you dice.. Add the meat into the bowl and mix everything well with a wooden spoon or spatula until it is completely combined.

Spray a 1 Qt baking dish with Pam spray and transfer the dip into the baking pan. Smoothing it out and packing it down evenly. Bake in the over for 30-40 minutes, until the top is brown and bubbling. Let sit at least 5 minutes and then serve. I used Pumpernickel bread but Rye would be good as well. Another idea would be to toast your bread or use Melba Toasts which would give it a nice crunch instead of the soft bread.

Linked at: http://www.thecountrycook.net/, http://www.foodiefriendsfriday.com/, http://www.notyourordinaryrecipes.com/, http://www.michellestastycreations.com/, http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/, http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/, http://www.whatscookingwithruthie.com/, http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.ca/, http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/, http://www.flourmewithlove.com/, http://www.chef-in-training.com/, http://www.nap-timecreations.com/, http://insidebrucrewlife.com/, http://djssugarshack.com/, http://thenymelrosefamily.com/, http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/, http://www.momstestkitchen.com/, http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com/, http://www.housewivesofriverton.com/, http://www.semihomemademom.com/, http://www.bunsinmyoven.com, 

http://www.mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://www.momontimeout.com/, http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/, http://www.thebusybhive.blogspot.com/

Beer Bread and Creamy Herb Dip

This is two recipes for the price of one! Although you obviously don't have to make them together I highly suggest it. The warm buttery beer bread with the fresh cool creamy dip is a great combination. The dip also pairs well with veggies if you want to use it for crudite. I was introduced to both of these delicious treats by two of my closest friends, Erika & Kerri, thank you ladies :)

Ingredients for Beer Bread:

3 Cups Flour

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Salt

2 Tbsp Honey

12 oz Bottle of Beer

1 Stick of I Can't Believe it's Not Butter - Melted

Pam Spray

Adapted from: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com

Ingredients for Herb Dip:

8 oz Fat Free Cream Cheese - Softened
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Cup Mayo
Dill
Parsley
Chives

Adapted from: http://www.foodnetwork.com

Start by preheating the oven to 350 F and spray a 9 x 5in bread pan with Pam spray. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.

Pour in the bottle of beer, I used Sam Adams Winter Lager because that's what John had in the house but I'm sure anything will do. Using a wooden spoon mix the beer and the honey into the dry ingredients. If you keep your honey in the fridge you may want to bring it to room temp before trying to add it to the dough.

Continue mixing until you have a sticky batter. Place it in the bottom of the greased bread pan. Melt the margarine in the microwave on a low setting and pour it over the top of the dough. You can use a pastry brush to spread it out over top of the bread.

Bake the bread 60 minutes until the top becomes crusty and golden brown.A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean. 

While the bread is baking you can make the dip. In your mixer bowl with the paddle attachment combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream and mayo. I left the amounts of herbs out of the ingredients section because it will depend on if you are using fresh or dried. I used dried and I had to add a lot more than I was expecting to get it to taste like anything but if you use fresh herbs you will only need to use a small amount. Blend in between additions and taste as you go until you get what you want.

Allow the bread to cool for about 5 minutes and then you can slice it up and serve immediately. The warm buttery bread with the cool creamy dip is a great combination but you'll get the same effect if you bread isn't right out of the oven as well.

Linked at: http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/, http://thenymelrosefamily.com/, http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com, http://www.semihomemademom.com/, http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com, http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/, http://www.momontimeout.com/, http://www.mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/, http://www.thebusybhive.blogspot.com/, http://www.thecountrycook.net/, www.sixsistersstuff.com, http://www.notyourordinaryrecipes.com, http://www.foodiefriendsfriday.com/, http://www.lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/, http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/, http://www.michellestastycreations.com/, http://www.whatscookingwithruthie.com, http://www.flourmewithlove.com/, http://www.sweetsav.blogspot.com/, http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.ca, http://www.chef-in-training.com/, http://www.nap-timecreations.com/, http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/, http://insidebrucrewlife.com/, http://www.callmepmc.com/

Cheesy Artichoke Garlic Dip

I made this dip for the New Years Eve party we went to and it was a big hit. I wish I had a picture of how cheesy it really was but I didn't want to be the guest who brought food that had already been eaten to a party haha. The pita chips hold the warm creamy cheesy dip really well giving it a nice crunch. With only two weekends left before Superbowl Sunday, if you're looking for a new dip to serve I highly suggest you give this one a try.

Ingredients:

14 oz Can of Artichoke Hearts - Drained and Chopped

4 Cloves of Garlic - Diced

3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1/4 Cup Light Mayonnaise

3/4 Cup Greek Yogurt

S&P

1/2 Cup Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs

Pam Spray

Pita Chips

Adapted from: www.skinnytaste.com

Start by preheating the oven to 400 F. Take a small baking dish one that is about a quart in size, spray it with Pam and set it aside. Be sure to buy a can or jar of artichoke hearts that haven't been marinated. Drain the artichokes, pat them dry, chop them up and put them in a medium sized bowl. Dice up the garlic and add that into the bowl as well.

Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix everything together well, season with salt & pepper. Spoon the dip into the sprayed baking dish.

Top the mixture with the shredded mozzarella cheese and then sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese making sure to cover the entire dish. Spray the top of the breadcrumbs with some more of the Pam spray. Bake for 25 minutes until the top has browned and the cheese has melted. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so it's not too hot, serve with Pita chips.

Enjoy!! - Nicole

Linked at: http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.ca, http://www.pandpkitchen.com/, http://www.flourmewithlove.com/, http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/, http://www.sweetsav.blogspot.com/, http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/, http://www.nap-timecreations.com/, http://insidebrucrewlife.com/, http://www.chef-in-training.com/, http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/, http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com/, http://thenymelrosefamily.com, http://djssugarshack.com/, http://www.momontimeout.com/, http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://www.michellestastycreations.com/, http://www.thecountrycook.net/, http://www.foodiefriendsfriday.com/, http://www.notyourordinaryrecipes.com/

www.sixsistersstuff.com, http://swtboutique.com/

Beer Cheese Dip

This recipe actually belongs to my friend Caitlin. She has brought it to numerous parties for the past couple of years before I decided to ask her for the recipe, which actually belongs to her mom. I made this for the Superbowl last year and waited this entire time to share it with you. Since it is weekend #2 for the NFL and you may be getting ready to watch the Jets or Giants tomorrow, I felt that this would perfectly appropriate. I will certainly be making it again soon!!

Ingredients:

1/2 Small White Onion - Finely Diced

1 Tsp Vegetable Oil

2 8oz Containers WisPride Sharp Cheddar Cheese

3/4 Cup of your favorite beer

1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 Tsp Nutmeg

1 Large Pumpernickel Bread Bowl

In a medium sized pot over medium heat pour in the oil, once it is hot add the onion. Saute 1-2 minutes until it softens. Add the containers of WisPride Spreadable Cheese. Allow the cheese to slowly melt, stirring occasionally.

Once it has melted about half way which will take about 5 minutes, pour in the beer. John likes Miller Lite so that is what I used but Caitlin uses Blue Moon. I'm sure any mild flavor beer that you have in your house will do just fine. Give it a few good stirs to mix all of the ingredients together.

While the cheese is slowly melting, and you are stirring it occasionally you can prep the bread bowl. Cut off the top of the bread bowl and pull all of the bread out of the inside so it is hallow. Leave a little more than just the crust so it can hold the cheese without leaking. Rip or cut the bread and the top of the bread bowl into chunks, set aside.

Once the cheese has completed melted sprinkle in the nutmeg and add the Worcestershire sauce. Do not allow the cheese to boil although it may simmer a little bit. If you feel like it's too thick add a little more beer. Pour the dip into the hallowed out bread bowl, surround it with the bread chunks and serve it immediately.

Enjoy!! - Nicole

Linked at: http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.ca, http://www.sweetsav.blogspot.com/

http://www.flourmewithlove.com, http://momstestkitchen.blogspot.com/, www.insidebrucrewlife.com, www.mandysrecipebox.com, http://www.nap-timecreations.com/, http://www.chef-in-training.com/, http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com, http://djssugarshack.com, http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/, http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com, http://thenymelrosefamily.com/, www.mizhelenscountrycottage,  http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com , www.somethingswanky.com, www.momontimeout.com, http://www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com/, http://www.thecountrycook.net, http://www.foodiefriendsfriday.com, http://www.notyourordinaryrecipes.com/, http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/