SPINACH DIP



INGREDIENTS
1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, cooked, cooled and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 cup Real Mayonnaise
1 package Knorr Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours.

(Makes 4 cups dip)

LOVE THIS!!

Microwave Stuffed Mushrooms







INGREDIENTS
1 pound large stuffing mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
4 ounces bulk italian sausage, cooked
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus two tablespoons
2 green onions

DIRECTIONS
Chop mushroom stems. In microwaveable pie plate using a fork, combine mushroom stems, sausage, Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup Mozzarella cheese and green onions. Cover with paper towel.
Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 1 minute. Arrange mushroom caps on paper towel lined microwaveable pie plate. Spoon about 1 tablespoon sausage mixture into each cap. Sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella over the stuffed mushrooms.


Microwave on HIGH (100% power) uncovered, until cheese melts, about 30 seconds.

Outback Steakhouse Coconut Shrimp

1 1/2 lb large raw shrimp
1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c cornstarch
1 T salt
1/2 T white pepper
2 T vegetable oil
1 c ice water
oil for deep frying
2 c short shredded coconut

Peel, devein & wash shrimp. Dry well on paper towels. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients for batter. Add 2T oil & ice water.
Stir to blend. To fry: heat oil to 350 in deep fryer or electric
skillet. Spread coconut on a flat pan a little at a time, adding
more as needed. Dip shrimp in batter, then roll in coconut.
Fry in hot oil until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

Bake at 300 5 minutes to finish cooking of the shrimp.

Serve with sweet & sour sauce or the following sauce: Combine
marmalade, Grey Poupon mustard, honey & Tabasco sauce to taste.
1/2 c orange marmalade
1/4 c Grey Poupon country mustard
1/4 c honey
3-4 drops Tabasco sauce

Frosty the Cheese Ball

Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 raisins for eyes, mouth, and buttons
1 piece of carrot for the nose
4 crackers for the hat (we used Ritz and Dare water crackers)
1 thyme sprig for the hat (optional)
Strips of carrot for the scarf
2 broken pretzels for the arms
1 (1/2-inch) piece of a canned baby corn for the pipe
Toothpick for the pipe

Instructions
In a large bowl, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Stir in the garlic salt and the onion powder, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2
hours.
Make the snowman by rolling two thirds of the cheese into a ball for his body and the other third into a ball for his head.
Stack the balls, then add the facial features, clothing, arms, and pipe as shown.
Serve with crackers or mini bagels.

Christmas Package Cheese Snack

Ingredients
8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Scallion

Instructions
Mix the dried dill, garlic powder, and salt into the softened cream cheese.
Pack the mixture into a rectangular container lined with plastic wrap (you can reuse the cream cheese box).
Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Before serving time, set the unwrapped block of cheese on a platter and decorate it with a scallion bow and red pepper polka dots and gift tag.

Classic Savory Cheese Ball with Pecans

6 (3-ounces each) packages cream cheese, or 18 ounces, room temperature
8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 tsps grated onion2 tsps
Worcestershire sauce
2 tsps finely minced garlic
Finely chopped pecans

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Refrigerate until firm then shape into a ball. Roll cheese ball in chopped pecans until well coated. Wrap in plastic and let ripen in refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Take out of refrigerator at least 2 hours before serving. Serve cheese ball with assorted crisp crackers.

Cheese Ball with Pineapple and Pecans

2 pkgs (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (various colors are pretty)
3 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
2 tsps seasoned salt, or to taste
2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Combine cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onion, seasoned salt, and 1 cup chopped pecans.
Chill in refrigerator until firm then shape into a ball and roll in remaining chopped pecans. Serve with crisp crackers.

Italian Cheese Ball

16 oz cream cheese
1 jar shredded, dried beef or 1 lb deli beef shredded
1/3 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Mix cream cheese, shredded beef and salad dressing with 1 cup of the pecans and chill. When chilled shape into ball and roll in remaining pecans. Serve with assorted crisp crackers.

Bacon Cheese Ball

16 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1/2 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
8 slices bacon -- cooked and crumbled
1 Clove garlic -- minced
1 tablespoons pimiento -- minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Form into a ball; cover with plastic film. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend.

Chicken Cheese Balls with Pecans
2 can chunk chicken -- (5 oz) drained
2 pkgs. cream cheese -- (8 oz) softened
1 Ranch-Style salad dressing mix -- (0.4 oz)
1 cup pecans -- chopped & toasted

Combine first three ingredients well with mixer. Shape into a ball and roll in pecans. Cover with Plastic film and refrigerate until needed. Serve with assorted crisp crackers.

Crab Cheese Ball

1 lb. crabmeat
2 8oz. pkgs creamcheese
6 green onions chopped
3Tbsp powdered sugar

Combine all ingredients and form into a ball. Chill until ready to serve.

Ham Cheese Ball with Walnuts

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham, chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and ham. Form the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped walnuts until heavily coated. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving

Crab Cheese Ball 2

1 pound crabmeat (imitation is fine)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 jar cocktail sauce

Mix together crab, cream cheese, onion, celery, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into a ball, place on a plate, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. When serving surround the cheese ball with assorted crisp crackers and drizzle cocktail sauce over the cheese ball. Very good!

Spicy Chili Cheese Ball

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded colby cheese
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
1/4 tsp salt

In bowl, combine all ingredients. Blend well. Place mixture on wax paper or plastic wrap. Wrap and form into ball. Chill for several hours. Serve with assorted crisp crackers.

Jalapeno Cheese Ball

Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese
1/4 pound margarine
2 ounces blue cheese
1 Tbsp diced onion
1 Tbsp powdered onion
6 jalapeno peppers (remove all seeds), finely diced
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 Tbsp Miracle Whip salad dressing
dash salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Thoroughly combine all ingredients (except pecans) together. Shape into ball and roll in crushed pecans. Refrigerate a few hours. Serve with assorted crisp crackers

3-Cheese Cheese Ball

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 Tbsps soy sauce
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsps minced onions

Soften cream cheese. Add cheeses and seasonings. Blend well. Chill.Before serving roll into chopped walnuts. One ball serves approx 20.

Shrimp Cheese Ball

1 pound tiny shrimp cooked and chopped
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 jar cocktail sauce

Mix together shrimp, cream cheese, onion, celery, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into a ball, place on a plate, and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. When serving surround the cheese ball with assorted crisp crackers and drizzle cocktail sauce over the cheese ball. Very good!

Dessert Cheese Balls

Sweet Chocolate Chip Cheee Ball with Pecans
2 package cream cheese -- (8 ounces) softened
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes) -- softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extrac
t1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
2 cup finely chopped pecans
Graham crackers (plain and/or chocolate) or Gingersnaps

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Then place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 more hour. Just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans. Serve with graham crackers.
Makes 2 cheese balls

Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe

24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 Jar fudge ice cream topping1 cup pecans, chopped
1 box gingersnaps or graham crackers

Combine cream cheese, chips and sugar, mixing well. Line desired mold with plastic wrap and press mixture into pan. Chill overnight. When ready to serve turn onto serving plate, heat chocolate slightly and drizzle over cheese ball. Sprinkle with pecans and serve with gingersnaps or graham crackers.

Meatball Recipe

1 1/2 -2 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tsp. worchest. sauce
1/2 tsp. salt/pepper
1 c. filler - bread crumbs or approx. 28 crushed saltines
1 Tbl. grey poupon or mustard

Combine all and roll into balls (use cookie scoop).
Then bake at 350 for 30 min.

Sauce:
1 1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
2 Tbl. vinegar
4 Tbl. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt/pepper
2 Tbl. onion or onion salt/powder
1 Tbl. worchest. sauce

Combine in crockpot.
Add meatballs & simmer on high for 2 hours

GARY & KATHY's HOMEMADE SALSA

Small l qt. Salsa Recipe

l can crushed toms. (28 oz)
3 med. Roma Toms (boil to slip skins)
l Tbsp Sea Salt
6 small grn onions or l/2 med. onion)
l head cilantro
l lime
l Serrano pepper
l Jalapeno peppers

BIG BIG SALSA RECIPE - it's about 4 X the small recipe

l - l06 oz can crushed tomatoes
12 Roma Tomatoes (slip skins) - maybe need more (depending on size) and desires flavor
3 l/2 to 4 Tbsp salt
24 small grn onions or 2 -3 large chopped onions
4 heads of cilantro
4 limes
4 Serrano Peppers
4 Jalapeno Peppers

THE BEST!

Halloween Appetizers

cheese finger food

Mozzarella string cheese
Green bell pepper
Cream cheese
Wearing plastic gloves or sandwich bags over your hands to keep the cheese as smudge-free as possible, use a paring knife (parents only) to cut each string in half and then carve a shallow area for a fingernail just below the rounded end of each half.
Mark the joint right below the nail as well as the knuckle joint by carving out tiny horizontal wedges of cheese, as pictured.
For the fingernails, slice a green bell pepper into 3/8-inch-wide strips. Set the strips skin side down on your work surface and trim the pulp so that it's about half as thick. Then cut the strips into ragged-topped nail shapes and stick them in place at the ends of the fingers with dabs of cream cheese.

apple bites

Ingredients
Apples
Slivered almonds

Instructions
Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth.
Tips:
If you're not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.

carrot finger food

vegetable dip
4 long carrots
1 medium carrot
softened cream cheese
sliced-almond
baby carrots

To prepare them, just fill a serving bowl with your favorite vegetable dip. Wash and peel 4 long carrots for fingers and 1 medium carrot for a thumb.
With a paring knife (a parent's job), cut a flat, shallow notch in the tip of each carrot. Then use a dab of dip or softened cream cheese to glue a sliced-almond fingernail atop each notch.
Stick the fingers in the dip, as shown, and serve with plenty of peeled baby carrots for dipping.

Edible Eyeballs

Carrots
Cream cheese
Pitted black olives

Instructions
Simply slice carrots into 1-inch-thick chunks, top each with a blob of cream cheese and one half of a pitted black olive, and serve

Recipes

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Wow! APPETIZERS, BEVERAGES, BREADS, CAKE & FROSTING, COOKIES & DESSERTS, COOKING FOR A CROWD, CROCK POT, BREAKFAST, FISH & MEAT & GAME, JAMS!! "GIFTS IN A JAR", so much more! Its a cool site! A lot of hard work!!

Buffalo Hot Wings

Perfect For Superbowl!!

These taste just like Pizza Hut's traditional hot wings. So, instead of forking out $20.00 for 20 hot wings, just whip up your own in 15 minutes flat and they only cost about $5.00.

Chicken wings, thawed
white vinegar
Franks Hot Sauce
butter, melted
cayenne (depends on how hot you want it)
Vegetable Oil

Defrost your chicken wings and pat them dry (you don't want to drop "wet" wings into hot oil). Heat oil to 400 degrees in a deep fryer or deep pan, and cook wings for about 12 to 15 minutes. While wings are cooking, make your sauce, which is the vinegar, Franks hot sauce, and butter. You can add cayenne if Franks hot sauce isn't hot enough for you. I didn't really use any measurements. I just through ingredients together and kept "finger-licking" taste testing it until I thought it was perfect.

Remove wings from oil and smother in sauce. Let them cool for a few minutes....that oil was HOT! Grab some napkins, because these babies get really messy, and they are finger lickin' good!

Cheesy spinach and bacon dip

*1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
*1 lb. (16 oz.) pasteurized prepared cheese product (like velveeta), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
*4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cubed
*1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
*8 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled

1. Microwave all ingredients in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 5 min. or until cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 min.
2. Serve with tortilla chips and cut-up fresh vegetables.


I found this at http://www.kraftfoods.com It was pretty easy to make and tasted really good.