Mexican Appetizer Cups

This is a great little snack or hors d'oeuvre for your next party, as they are a huge hit every time I serve them!

Ingredients:

1 box (9 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)
40 to 45 nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips
2 cans (12 oz each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (20 biscuits)
1 cup finely shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 30 mini muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix spinach, tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning mix; set aside.
2. Place about 20 of the tortilla chips in gallon-size resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Using rolling pin, finely crush to measure 1/2 cup. Stir crushed chips into spinach mixture.
3. Separate 1 can of dough into 10 biscuits; separate each biscuit into 3 layers. Place 1 layer in each of 30 muffin cups; using floured fingers, press dough on bottom and up side of each cup.
4. Fill each cup with about 1 tablespoon spinach mixture. Refrigerate remaining spinach mixture. Sprinkle filling in each cup with about 1 teaspoon cheese. Bake 9 to 14 minutes or until edges of biscuits are golden brown. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes longer. Repeat with remaining biscuits, filling and cheese, cooling pans between batches.
.5 To serve, break each of the remaining 20 to 25 tortilla chips into 3 triangular pieces. Insert 1 triangle into each cup. Serve warm.

Doughless Pizza

An old family favorite that comes out perfect everytime! If you love pizza, you’ll want to try this!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:
8 oz package of full fat cream cheese
2 eggs
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Toppings:
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Suggested Toppings – pepperoni, ham, sausage, peppers, onion, jalapeno, olives, tomatoes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
3. With a hand mixer, mix cream cheese, eggs, pepper, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
4. Spread into baking dish.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
7. Serve

Beef Empanadas

I love these delicious little pies. This is a taste treat that not only makes a great meal, but also serves well at parties!

Ingredients:

Filling:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, minced
1/2 cup sofrito (garlic, cilantro, sweet peppers)
1 red bell pepper, minced
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons adobo (salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Dominican oregano)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 pounds ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Empanada Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salt
4 ounces butter
2 ounces white vinegar
2 ounces water
1 egg

Guava Sauce:
1 pound guava paste
1/4 cup white vinegar
8 ounces water
1/4 cup rum
Olive oil or neutral tasting oil, for frying

Step 1 - For the filling: Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, sofrito, and peppers, stirring occasionally until soft. Add the tomato paste, adobo, and cilantro, stirring occasionally until combined. Add the ground beef, season, and stir until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from the heat, strain, and allow the mixture to cool.

Step 2 - For the empanada dough: Sift the flour, sugar, and salt onto parchment paper. Place the sifted dry ingredients into a food processor. Add the remainder of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the dough looks like a ball. Remove the ball from the food processor and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 3 - Transfer the pastry onto a lightly floured board and roll out until it is 1/16-inch thick. Cut into segments with a 4-inch dough cutter. Each cut will create a dough round. Put 1 tablespoon of the filling onto the upper half of each round, and then fold the bottom pastry up into a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges closed with your finger to fold the upper and bottom halves together. Repeat this step until all the edges are closed.

Step 4 - For the guava sauce: Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture is silky and smooth. Pour the sauce in a separate dish or bowl for dipping.

Step 5 - Put about 2 inches of oil into a heavy, deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 350 degrees F. Add the empanadas, a few at a time, and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.

Serve with guava sauce.

Sweet Bacon Wrapped Tator Tots

These are exactly what their name implies... crispy baked tator tots wrapped up in yummy spicy bacon! You have never tasted anything so divine!

Mix brown sugar and chili powder together in a bowl. Wrap the tator tots in bacon and then roll them around in the mixture. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees and then at 400 degrees for an additional 5 minutes to crisp em’ up.

Cinnamon Sugar Coffee Cake Muffins

These are a family favorite that are truly hard to beat!

Ingredients:

For the Muffin:
1-¾ cup flour
1-½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅓ cup oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
¾ cup milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
2. In a separate, large bowl, combine oil, sugar, egg and milk.
3. Add dry ingredients and stir only to combine.
4. Coat your muffin pan well with nonstick cooking spray and divide the batter evenly among the cups.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
6. Run a knife around the sides of the muffin and shake them out of the pan while still hot.
7. Melt the butter in a bowl.
8. Combine the white sugar with the cinnamon in another bowl.
9. Dip muffins in butter, then into the sugar/cinnamon mix.

Bacon Cheese Fries

This is an easy alternative to just plain ol' fries that your family is going to love!

Ingredients:

½ package frozen french fries
½ cup grated Pepper Jack cheese
½ cup grated Colby Jack cheese
2 strips bacon
Green onions, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook bacon strips in a frying pan until crispy. Allow to drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cook french fries according to the package instructions. Scoop fries onto an oven-safe plate.
3. Layer grated cheese and bacon bits over the top of fries.
4. Set oven to low broil.
5. Put plate in the oven for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is completely melted.
6. Garnish with some chopped green onion.
7. Serve with ketchup and/or blue cheese dressing.

Potato Pancakes

What's not to love about hot, crispy potato pancakes topped with a dollop of tangy sour cream? They are absolutely delicious and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients:

1 cup cold water
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dry potato flakes
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped chives, divided

Directions:

1.  Whisk together water, egg and salt, until salt has dissolved.

2.  Stir in dry potato flakes until incorporated.

3.  Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped chives; season with black pepper and cayenne pepper.
4.  Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to mix.
5.  Divide potato mixture into four equal portions and shape into pancakes.

6.  Place the pancakes in the pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook until a well-browned crust has formed onto the bottom of the pancakes, about 10 minutes. Flip each pancake and flatten slightly. Cook until other sides are browned, 7 to 8 more minutes.
7.  Transfer to plate; top each pancake with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle each with 3/4 teaspoon chives.

Chex Party Mix

I don't care what anyone says, when it comes to Chex Party Mix, homemade versions beats the pre-packaged stuff by a mile and this recipe is an old family favorite that comes out perfect every time!

Ingredients:

1 cup pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups corn Chex cereal
3 cups rice Chex cereal
3 cups wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mixed nuts

Directions:

1.  Heat oven to 250 degrees.

2.  Melt butter in a large roasting pan in oven.

3.  Stir in seasonings.

4.  Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.

5.  Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

6.  Spread on paper towels to cool.

7.  Store in airtight container.

Buffalo Chicken Bites

Football season is officially upon us, and what goes better with a football game than buffalo chicken bites? These are easy to make and with a spicy kick! Plus, you can make these ahead of time and then pop in the oven just before company comes over!

Ingredients:

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 hot sauce
3 1/2 ounces softened cream cheese
1 3/4 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups crushed corn flakes cereal

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350˚F.

2.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3.  In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese and hot sauce, cheddar cheese and green onions.

4.  Roll a heaping tablespoon of mixture into a 1½-inch ball and place onto a plate or separate baking sheet.

5.  Repeat with the remaining mixture.
6.  Place flour in a shallow dish.
7.  In a second shallow dish, place eggs.
8.  In a third shallow dish, place the cornflakes.
9.  Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg and ending with the corn flakes.

10. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

11. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Zucchini Chips

Zucchini chips are an incredibly yummy and healthy treat for when you are craving something salty and crunchy! My family absolutely loves this nutritious snack!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons milk
2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini
Cooking spray

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425°.
2.  Combine first five ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.

3.  Place milk in a shallow bowl and dip zucchini slices in the milk

4.  Sprinkle zucchini  with breadcrumb mixture and place coated slices on an ovenproof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet.

5.  Bake at 425° for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp.

6.  Serve immediately.

Granola Bark

I love this easy to make no-bake recipe that the entire family will love as a breakfast on the go or an afternoon treat!

Ingredients:

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup granola
1/4 cup dried fruit of your choice
1/4 cup slivered almonds (lightly toasted)

Directions:

1.  Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with foil.
2.  Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water; do not let water boil or allow bowl to touch water.

3.  Cook, stirring often, until chocolate has melted, about 5 minutes.
4.  Spread chocolate in an even layer in pan (use an offset spatula or tilt pan).

5.  Quickly sprinkle with granola, fruit and almonds.

6.  Refrigerate until solid, (about 1 1/2 hours).
7.  Break bark into pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Potato Skin Poppers

One of the easiest quick-fix foods I've ever made and so very tasty, too!

Ingredients:

3 cups diced potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups sour cream
3/4 cup cooked bacon pieces
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1 dash salt & pepper to taste
14 8-inch flour tortillas
2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook the potatoes in a skillet according to the package directions.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cooked potatoes, cheddar cheese, 1 cup sour cream, bacon, green onions, and salt and pepper.
4. Warm the tortillas according to the package directions.
5. Spoon equal amounts of the mixture in the center of the 14 tortillas.
6. Fold in two sides of each tortilla to meet in the middle, and then roll burrito-style.
7. Brush the outside of each rolled tortilla with melted butter and place on baking pan with seam down.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes then cut diagonally into halves.
10. Serve with the remaining sour cream.

BLT Dip

This is a quick and easy dip recipe that is perfect for any party or get-together!

Ingredients:

1-1/2 pound bacon, cooked, drained, crumbled, and divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) or to taste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
1 tablespoons mustard
2 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
1-1/2 cup shredded Iceberg lettuce
pepper an salt to taste

Directions:

1.  reheat oven to 350˚. Spray a 11⁄2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2.  Set aside 3/4 cup crumbled bacon.
3.  In a large bowl, combine remaining bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheeses, sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mustard.
4.  Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly hot.
5.  Sprinkle chopped tomatoes, remaining 3/4 cup crumbled bacon and lettuce over hot dip.
6.  Serve with your choice of toasted bread rounds, crackers, or pita chips.

Great Balls of Pizza!

These make a wonderful snack or hors d'oeuvres and are so very easy to make!

Ingredients:

3 cans dinner biscuits (10 per can)
60 pepperoni slices
1 Bag shredded cheese
1 Egg
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
1 jar pizza sauce

Directions:

1.  Cut the block of cheese into 30 cubes.
2.  Flatten a biscuit out and layer pepperoni, cheese, and pepperoni.
3.  Gather up the edges of the biscuit to form balls.
4.  Line up the balls in a greased (9x13 in. or larger) pan, pinched edge down.
5.  Brush with beaten egg.
6.  Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese, Italian seasoning and Garlic Powder.
7.  Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes.

Serve with Pizza Sauce for dipping.

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Bites

When I was young, my favorite food in the world was macaroni and cheese and when I grew up, I thought what better way to relive childhood memories than to take my old favorite and deep fry it? Trust me, these are easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup half and half
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 packed cup leftover mac & cheese

1/2 cup flour
1 beaten egg
1 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1.  Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the flour and stir vigorously until the mixture is bubbling. Remove the pan from the heat, then slowly whisk in the half and half until it is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Return the pan to a medium-low heat stove and use a silicone spatula to continuously scrape the bottom of the pan to keep the sauce from burning. When the sauce is thick and bubbly, remove the pan from the heat and add the mac & cheese. Stir to combine, then taste for salt and adjust as needed. Cool to room temperature, then place the mixture into the fridge to harden.

2.  Once the macaroni mixture has cooled, it will be very firm. Use a spoon to scoop out a 1 1/2″ ball, then roll it between your hands to make it round, pressing down a bit to remove any air pockets. You should be able to make about 8 balls.

3.  Add about 2 inches of oil into a heavy bottomed pot. Turn the heat onto medium high, and watch for the temperature to reach about 320 degrees F. In the mean time, get 3 shallow bowls out, and put the flour in one, the egg in another and the bread crumbs in the third. Roll each ball in the flour to coat evenly, then in the egg (make sure it’s well coated with egg or the bread crumbs won’t stick). Lastly, drop the balls in the bread crumbs and roll around to coat evenly.

4.  Line a wire rack with paper towels to place the balls on once they’re fried. Fry each ball, rolling them around so they brown evenly until they are golden brown and crisp. Transfer the fried mac and cheese bals to a paper towel lined rack and let them drain. Let them cool for a minute before serving, then top with plenty of grated cheese.

Bubble Bath Bears

Ingredients:

1/4 ounce box chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
24 Rolo chocolates, unwrapped (optional)
2 cups miniature marshmallows
48 Teddy Grahams graham cracker snacks (any flavor)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, melted butter and egg together, creating a soft dough. Take a spoonful of batter and roll it into a small ball. Push dough ball into a mini-muffin tin. Take a Rolo chocolate and push it into the center of the batter. Fill up the muffin tin and bake for 10 minutes. Take the muffin tin out and add 3-4 mini-marshmallows on the top of each treat. Push two Teddy Graham bears into the side of each treat. Bake for 2 more minutes to melt the slightly the marshmallows. Cool and enjoy!