FIGGY PHYLLO TRIANGLES

1 pkg (8-oz) dried figs, chopped

1 cup orange juice

3/4 cup walnuts, chopped

2 tbsp honey

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 (1 lb) pkg frozen phyllo dough, thawed 

Butter-flavored spray

Heat oven to 400-degree. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.

In a skillet, combine figs and juice; cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until juice is reduced to 2 tablespoons. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Place the fig mixture and walnuts in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. Add the honey and salt; pulse. On a clean, dry, surface, unroll the phyllo. Cut into thirds lengthwise. Cover the phyllo with a damp cloth.

Stack 3 phyllo strips, coating strips with the spray. Place 1 heaping tablespoon filling on one end of stacked strips. Fold 1 corner of short edge over, leaving 1-inch border; continue folding to end of strip, forming a triangle. Repeat with the remaining phyllo, spray and filling. Place triangles, seam side down, on the lined baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 12 servings

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TATER TOT NACHOS

Note: This is a recipe from Pillsbury thus their product names. Feel free to substitute your favorite brands.

2

bags (16 oz each) Cascadian Farm™ Spud Puppies™ organic frozen potatoes

 

1/2

lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

 

1/2

package Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (about 2 tablespoons)

 

3

tablespoons water

 

1 1/2

cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (6 oz)

 

1

cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa

 

Shredded lettuce

Sour cream and guacamole, if desired

Heat oven to 425°F. Line cookie sheet with sides with foil or cooking parchment paper. Place frozen potatoes on cookie sheet. Bake as directed on bag.

Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Cook about 2 minutes or until hot.

Sprinkle potatoes with beef mixture and cheese. Bake 3 to 5 minutes longer or just until cheese is melted. Top with remaining ingredients.

Note: 

Swap out the ground beef for a can of drained, rinsed black beans for a vegetarian twist. Personally, I use both since I am diabetic and need the protein.

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RANCH OYSTER CRACKERS

3/4 cup salad oil

1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 pkg (12-16 oz) oyster crackers

Whisk together the first 5 ingredients.  Pour over the crackers, stirring to coat well.  Place on baking sheets and bake at 275 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Store in airtight container.

Recipe from my late cousin Jeannie who has always served the best food at parties.

BACON CHEDDAR PULL-APART BREAD

I got this recipe from a friend in Oklahoma several years ago.

Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread

8 oz of your favorite shredded cheddar cheese blend.

1 large round loaf of soft bread (like a French or Italian round)
8 oz. diced sliced bacon, cooked crisp
1/2 cup melted butter
1 Tablespoon dry Ranch dressing mix from packet

Cut bread in 3/4-inch intervals, being careful to not cut all the way through. Cut again, crosswise, not cutting all the way through. Place cheese in between all cuts: sprinkle with bacon. Blend melted butter and Ranch mix and drizzle over top of bread evenly. Wrap in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes more. Serve hot and pull apart pieces from loaf to eat!

CHRISSY'S TANGY SEAFOOD DIP

I have no idea who Chrissy is, (Teigen probably) but I got this recipe from allrecipes a couple years ago. It is supposedly reminiscent of a dip served at Olive Garden several years ago. I don't eat seafood, so I wouldn't know. I do know, however, that many of you love seafood so perhaps you will enjoy this recipe.

1 cup marinara sauce

1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened

4-oz (1 cup) white cheddar cheese, shredded

3/4 cup frozen cooked, peeled, deveined, tail-off shrimp (61-70 count), thawed and coarsely chopped

1 can (6-oz) crabmeat, drained and flaked

2 tsp Old Bay seasoning

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp black pepper

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Desired dippers. such as crostini, crackers, and/or mini bell pepper halves

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. 

Spread marinara in an even layer in bottom of an 8 or 9-inch baking dish.

In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, shrimp, crabmeat, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire and pepper. Spoon the mixture over the marinara and spread into an even layer.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes until the top is a golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with the parsley and serve with the desired dippers.

Yield: 8 servings

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HERBY TAHINI DIP

1/2 cup tahini

1 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, including tender stems, roughly chopped

1/2 oz chives, roughly chopped

1/2 tsp grated lemon zest, + 3 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp pure maple syrup

Kosher salt

Black pepper

Fresh veggies and baguette slices for dipping

In a food processor, combine tahini, herbs, lemon zest and juice, oil, maple syrup, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/4 cup water. Process, scraping down bowl as needed, until smooth. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving with the veggies and baguette slices.

the file photo GH 2024

MINI BROCCOLI FRITTATAS

1 small bunch broccoli (about 1/2 lb)

10 large eggs
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cups grated low-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Very lightly spray 24 mini muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.

Cut down broccoli into small florets. (You can save the stems to add to soups and/or casseroles if you don't want to waste them. Do not use them in this recipe.)

Place broccoli in a large saucepan and cover with water; bring to a rolling boil. Cook until broccoli is bright green but is still crisp. Drain in a colander, rinse and drain again. Be sure broccoli is drained well.

Whisk the eggs with the salt, pepper, red pepper flakes until combined. Give one last good whisk and pour into a pitcher with a good pouring spout.

Into each muffin cup place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cheese and a little broccoli. Gently pour the egg mixture into the muffin cups but do not fill to the brim as the frittatas will puff up during baking.

Place on the middle oven rack and bake 12 to 15 minutes until set.

Remove from oven and allow to cool a few minutes then remove from pan. Use a thin knife to loosen if needed. Place mini frittatas on a plate and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and the parsley.

This recipe is great for appetizers or as a brunch item.

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CHEESY JALAPENO PARTY DIP

1 block (8-oz) Neufchatel cheese, softened

1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped fine (wash hands after handling!)
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 tbsp butter, melted
1 green onion, sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, beat the Neufchatel cheese and the mayonnaise until well blended.  Stir in the Velveeta and the jalapeno peppers; spread into a 9-inch pie plate.  Mix the crushed crackers with the butter and sprinkle over the dip. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with the green onions.

Serve with a selection of whole-grain crackers.

Serves: 12 to 18

Kraft Foods Recipe Idea

SAVORY HAM AND MUSHROOM PASTRIES

2 tsp olive oil

1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from 17.3-oz pkg), thawed

4 slices deli ham

4 slices Swiss cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 400-degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme to mushrooms during the last 30 seconds of cooking.

Roll puff pastry sheet into a 10-inch square. Top with ham and cheese. Sprinkle with mushroom mixture and cut into 16 squares (2 1/2" each). Fold corners to center and pinch dough to secure. Brush with egg. Bake about 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Yield: 16 pastries. 

First for women 2024

CHICKEN-BACON RANCH CRESCENT ROLLS

1/2 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread

2 tbsp milk

1 1/2 tsp ranch salad dressing & seasoning mix

1 cup shredded deli rotisserie chicken

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon

2 tbsp sliced green onions

1 can (8-oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 count)

Heat oven to 375-degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium microwavable bowl, mix cream cheese, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Microwave, uncovered, on high 20-40 seconds or until heated slightly. Beat with a whisk until smooth. Stir in the chicken, cheese, bacon and green onions. 

Unroll the dough and separate into 8 triangles. Top each triangle with about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Carefully roll up each triangle ending at the tip. Place with tips down on the prepared cookie sheet.

Bale 13 to 16 minutes or until deep golden brown and baked through. Serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings of 2 each

Pillsbury recipe and photo

 

SMOKED SALMON CHEESECAKE

2 cups soft breadcrumbs

2 tbsp butter (no substitution), melted

3 eggs

1 15-oz carton ricotta cheese

6-oz Swiss cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk

4-oz smoked salmon, finely flaked, with skin and bones removed

1 tsp dried dillweed

1/8 tsp white pepper

1/8 tsp salt

Dairy sour cream, optional

Fresh dill, optional

For Crust: Combine crumbs and melted butter in a small mixing bowl. Press the crumb mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch quiche dish. Set aside.

For Filling: Beat eggs slightly in a large mixing bowl. Stir in ricotta cheese and Swiss cheese. Stir in evaporated milk, salmon, dillweed, pepper and salt.

Pour filling into the quiche dish and bake at 350-degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is nearly set when shaken. Remove and cool slightly in pan on a wire rack. Serve warm.

To serve, cut into wedges. Top with sour cream and fresh dill, if desired.

Yield: 16 servings

old BH&G

CHEESY BACON STUFFED MUSHROOMS

12 large (about 1 lb) fresh mushrooms, cleaned

1/2 pkg (8-oz size) cream cheese, softened
4 slices bacon, cooked, drained on paper towels & crumbled
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Set out a shallow baking dish large enough to hold mushrooms in a single layer.

Remove and discard mushroom stems (or save for another use if desired).

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese, bacon, garlic, cheese, and parsley; spoon into the mushroom caps.  Place mushrooms with the filled sides up into the shallow baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melting.

file photo for reference

WHITE QUESO

• 8-oz white American cheese
• 8-oz pepperjack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 block (8-oz) cream cheese (low-fat not recommended)
• 1 can (10-oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• up to 3/4 cup milk, if needed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder, optional

Combine white American cheese, pepperjack cheese, sour cream, crean cheese, and Rotel in a medium saucepan over low heat.  Cook over low heat, stirring often, until cheeses melt and mixture is smooth. Add milk, a little at a time, if needed. Stir in the spices.

file photo for reference only, not this exact photo

BAKED TEX-MEX CHEESE DIP

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 jar (12-oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 block (8-oz) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 block (8-oz) pepper Jack cheese, shredded
fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional
french bread cubes for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly spray or grease a 2-quart baking dish; set aside.

Stir the mayonnaise, bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno pepper together in a large bowl; stir in the cheeses.  Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake dip at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.  Garnish with the cilantro leaves, if desired.

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PIMENTO CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS

1 lb bulk sausage
12 oz. pimento cheese

2 1/4 cup baking mix (such as Bisquick)

Dash of paprika and/or red pepper, optional

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage and pimento cheese until thoroughly well combined.

When sausage and cheese are combined add the baking mix and the paprika or red pepper, if using.

Using your hands, mix all together well, kneading if necessary, until mixture forms a large ball.

Make balls, about 1-inch in size and place on a parchment paper lined (or lightly greased) baking sheet with sides.

Bake at 350 degrees 15 to 18 minutes or until browned.

If not serving immediately, cool then place in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat before serving.

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BLACKBERRY-ALMOND BRUSCHETTA

How about this bruschetta when you want a healthier alternative for appetizers, snacks, parties, etc? This recipe was a finalist in the 2006 Pillsbury Bake-Off. You will notice the recipe calls for Pillsbury products; however, I am sure other brands will work just as well. 

1 can (11-oz) Pillsbury refrigerated crusty French loaf

Butter-flavor cooking spray

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 pkg (8-oz) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), softened

1 to 2 tsp almond extract

1 bag (10-oz) Cascadian Farm frozen organic blackberries, thawed, well drained

1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped

3 tbsp powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350-degrees. Bake French loaf as directed on can. Cool 5 minutes.

Cut ends off loaf; cut loaf crosswise into 24 slices, about 1/2-inch thick. On ungreased cookie sheet, arrange slices. Spray each slice with cooking spray until lightly coated; sprinkle with the granulated sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until lightly toasted.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese, almond extract and 1/4 cup powdered sugar with an electric mixer on low speed. Spread mixture evenly of the toasted bread slices. Top each with 3 or 4 blackberries; sprinkle with almonds. With a small strainer, sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of the powdered sugar over the bruschetta.

Yield: 24 appetizers  Per appetizer: 90 calories, total fat 3.5g (Sat 1.5g), Sodium 115mg, Carbs 11g, Protein 2g

Pillsbury photo

MINI MEAT PIE APPETIZERS

1/2 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained

2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp instant beef-flavored bouillon
1 pkg (11-oz) pie crust mix (I'm all about convenience. Use a pkg of refrigerated pie dough.)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the pie crust mix; mix well.

Prepare the pie crust mix as directed on package (or buy refrigerated ready-made pie crust).  Divide dough in half and roll out half on a floured surface to form a 10 x 13-inch rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick.  Cut the rectangle into 20, 2 1/2-inch squares.

Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of the meat mixture onto each square.  Fold as desired; I like triangles.  Repeat with the remaining dough and meat mixture.  Place pies 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve hot as appetizers.

Any leftovers should be refrigerated.

the file photo

LUCKY LEAF'S BAKED CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE DIP

 

• 28-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2cup granulated sugar
• 1/2cup sour cream
• 1teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1can LUCKY LEAF® Premium Caramel Apple Fruit Filling & Topping
• TOPPING:
• • 1/2cup flour
  • 3Tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4cup brown sugar
  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
    3. Spread mixture evenly into bottom of a 10-inch pie plate.
    4. Top with caramel apple filling.
    5. In separate small bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and brown sugar to create streusel topping. Sprinkle over fruit filling.
    6. Bake for 25 minutes.
    7. Serve warm with graham crackers, vanilla wafers or any of your favorite dippers!
    8. 
    9. Lucky Leaf Photo
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IRRESISTIBLE HOT CHEESE DIP

2 cups (8-oz) shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese

1 cup mayonnaise
1 small onion, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all three ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring to blend well.

Place the cheese mixture in an ungreased 1-quart baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with an assortment of whole-grain crackers.

Yield: 2 1/2 cups dip.

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GREEN CHILI SAUCE DIP

4 medium-size tomatoes, quartered

1 medium-size onion, coarsely chopped
1 can (4-oz) chopped green chilies
2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Tortilla chips for serving

In a blender container, process 2 of the tomatoes on blend 15 to 20 seconds.  Add the remaining tomatoes, onion, green chilies, garlic salt, and pepper; process on chop for about 5 seconds until tomatoes are coarsely chopped.  Chill.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Yield: 2 1/2 cups

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