I <3 dips. Like, really love them. I love making them, I love dunking veggies into them, I love the crunchy-creamy combo of a snack like this! Dips make for great appetizers...and even a simple dinner on a hot summer evening. A 'dip bar' is a great way to do an easy, no-cook dinner. Just serve a dip like this with some veggies, along with a dip like this with some Naan … [Read more...]
Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Bruschetta
You want to wow your friends and family this holiday?? Here is a super simple and ridiculously flavorful appetizer to serve. Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Bruschetta. Take two powerful and complementary flavors and put them together on a tiny piece of warm bread... Whether you're a guest at your family gathering, or hosting it...my Holiday Entertaining Guide … [Read more...]
Texas Caviar Party Dip
More football food, friends. Dare I admit that I've lived back in TX for more than 3 years and I'm FINALLY sharing my Texas Caviar recipe. This stuff is like 'healthy dip crack' - because it's not super high in fat or calories and it's super colorful. And full of fiber. And good for you. But it's addicting.addicting.addicting. You've been warned … [Read more...]
Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Oh, I've had baked jalapeno poppers a thousand times. (Well, maybe not a thousand, but a LOT.) They are a popular, spicy appetizer here in San Antonio and I love them dearly. I decided to do a grilled version for our 31 Days of Grilled Recipes series. I discovered that the best way to make them on the grill without making a ginormous gooey-mess with the melty cheese, was to … [Read more...]
Best White Mexican Cheese or Queso Blanco Dip
Queso Blanco Dip... This is the part where I'm going to embarrass myself. But in the process, I think I'll find a new tribe of queso-lovers. This goes back 2 months, let me tell the story... Back in early February, I met some girlfriends for dinner at a new restaurant in San Antonio called Tacos and Tequila. It's a joint out of Austin and they are expanding into other … [Read more...]
Turkey and Pepper Pinwheels
Here's a delicious appetizer or lunch idea that is also perfect for football season! These pinwheels are fabulous because you can change up the color of the peppers to match those of your favorite team. Those pictured above would work perfectly for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Use all red peppers if you are rooting for the Arizona Cardinals or orange peppers if you are a … [Read more...]
Cinco Layer Dip Recipe
Seven Layer Dip just got a little skinnier and a little cheaper for Cinco de Mayo! As tradition dictates, parties for Cinco de Mayo happen all over the country to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. This year at our house, we'll be celebrating with cinco layers and not seven. Overall, it's the traditional Seven Layer Dip, minus the olives and tomatoes. I've removed … [Read more...]
Easy Appetizer: Roll Ups Two Ways
Party food! Both frugal and easy to make in large quantities with just three to four ingredients. This recipe I learned from my Aunt Patti, is one of the most requested. And today I’m sharing two ways to make it! Whip up roll ups with cream cheese, chopped black olives and salsa, as pictured above. Or tuck some of pimento cheese into a tortilla. I offered this as a … [Read more...]
Mango Avocado Salsa with Sweet Lime Vinaigrette
When I was in Texas over the holidays, I went rummaging through my mom's refrigerator trying to come up with a fun appetizer for a family dinner we were having. I found a mango that I was going to use in a fruit salad, but when I cut into it and discovered it was tangy and not-so-sweet, I decided we needed to add more bold flavors, to help hide the tangy mango! I ended up … [Read more...]
Spicy Guaca-Dillas
This post brought to you by TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine. Years ago I remember being in New Orleans and visiting a store that had rows, and rows. And rows. Of TABASCO® Original Red hot sauce on the shelves. The reason: it was the headquarters store for the sauce. The McIlhenny family introduced the Mexican chile to the plantations of … [Read more...]