Spinach Artichoke Dip!

Ingredients:

1 jar of artichoke harts
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon Wor. sauce
1 10 oz package of frozen spinach
1 cup Mayo
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. :) Then, grease a baking dish (one used for casseroles). Then, cut the artichoke hearts into small pieces.

 Drain the spinach, then in a large bowl mix together the artichoke hearts, drained spinach, mayo, parmesan cheese, garlic, sauce, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Then, transfer this mixture to the greased baking dish. Then, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top. Let it bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted on top. :) ENJOY!

Crab Dip

Are you going to a party in 5 minutes? Do you need something fantastic to bring, but don't have a lot of time? Do you like seafood? If you answered "yes" to anyone of these questions, then I have the recipe for you. :)

Ingredients:

1 can of crab meat

Cocktail sauce

1 package of 8 oz Cream Cheese

First, get out a pyrex pie dish or something else of similar size and volume. Spread the cream cheese in the dish to form the bottom layer. Then, take the Cocktail sauce and form the second layer. You may need a spatula to help you spread it around. Lastly, open the can of shredded crab meat and sprinkle it on top to form the last layer. When you are finished remember refrigerate. :) Serve with Wheat Thins or any other yummy crackers or chips. :) Enjoy!

TOFFEE

I have never made candy before this, and it is something that everyone can do. I helped my mom make it over Christmas break and we gave it out for gifts. People would think we slaved on it for hours, but it did not take that long at all. :)

Ingredients: 

2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 bag)

2 cups Baker's sugar (this is finer than regular sugar)

2 cups butter (4 sticks)

1 cup chopped pecans

First, you melt the butter on the stove in a saucepan. Then, you gradually add the sugar. Continue stirring this mixture until the mixture turns an auburn color (kind of the color of carmel).

Then, pour this mixture on a cookie sheet and spread out. Place the chocolate chips on top of the butter/sugar. Let it sit for 2 minutes. Make sure to put wax paper down on the pan, so it does not stick to the pan. :)

Next, use a rubber spatula and spread out the chocolate. It is will easy to spread because it will be melted from the heat of the sugar/butter.

Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. Put it in the freezer until everything is hardened together. Lastly, break into little pieces. :) 

Now, wrap some up and give it to your best friend, or just a friend. They will be your BEST friend after he/she eats your delicious toffee.

Buffalo Chicken Dip!

I may have stated that "Cheesy Potato Casserole" is my favorite, but "Buffalo Chicken Dip" is right up there with it! :) First, I have a confession to make! I am a BUFFALO LOVER No, I do not live home home on the range, but I love buffalo flavored dishes. I love buffalo sauce, buffalo wild wings, and of course the new "Blazin' Buffalo Pringles." If you haven't tried them, they taste like BWW in a chip! It is actually kind of impressive.

There are so many ways to make this recipe. You could use real chicken, put it in the oven and all that jazz. However, this is simple (great for parties) and you can use the stove or crock pot. 

Ingredients:

3 cans of chicken (10 oz)

2 boxes of cream cheese (8 oz)

3/4 cup buffalo sauce (Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce is the best)

1/4 cup ranch dressing (some may prefer Blue Cheese)

1 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 bag)
Seasoning (I shake a little in here and there) 

First, open all the cans of chicken and put them in a pot/skillet on the stove or the crock pot. Then, add the Frank's Buffalo Sauce. Cover all the chicken with the sauce. Then, add the softened cream cheese. You may want to microwave some of the cream cheese in another bowl before hand to make it easier to stir in. (Do not put the cream cheese in the microwave in the foil... you may see sparks and your garbage disposal may start going off if connected to the same outlet... hmmm maybe I know from experience). Then add the shredded cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted, then add the ranch dressing. You may want to add more/less ranch and buffalo sauce depending on how hot your want your dip. The ratios given are for a little zest, but not too blazin'. Remove from the stove and enjoy! :)

You can eat it with tortilla chips or Fritos. Again, I think these are great with Frito Scoops! You can also eat with with celery sticks. I dare you to make some for your next holiday party. 

Cheesy Potato Casserole!

This is my favorite ever! :) I got this recipe from the lovely Mrs. Julie Edwards. If you make this, I can guarantee it will be a favorite wherever you take it. If you want leftovers, don't take it to a potluck.

Ingredients: 
1 package of hash-browns (shredded or cubed)
1 stick of butter
16 oz. sour cream (1 tub)
4 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is my favorite)
1 can cream of chicken soup.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, melt the butter in the microwave. Combine the melted butter, sour cream, soup, and cheese in a big bowl. Then, combine the frozen hash-browns to the mixture.

 
Spray a 9 by 13 pan and spread the mixture in the pan. You can top with cornflakes or anything else for a little crunch if you prefer. :) Sometimes I do half with cornflakes and half without. Put it in the oven for 1 hour! ENJOY!

Chili Chippy Dip!

This is a recipe that is soo easy and so delicious! It is great for any occasion. I personally like to make it when I am studying because it is quick, filling, and a great finger food. I can not take credit for this creation though! My boss gave it to me! It is so easy even kids can do it. :)


Ingredients:
1 box of cream cheese (8 oz)
1 can of chili (with beans)
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (half the bag)

First, you just need a plate. I use a Pyrex, glass, pie bowl (I am not quite sure what you call it.) Then, you spread the cream cheese on the plate, to make a nice bottom layer. Then, open the chili and spread it over the cream cheese and this will be the second layer. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Then, pop it in the microwave until all the cheese is melted! You are done! :) You can eat it with tortilla chips or Fritos. I personally feel like "Frito Scoops" are the best.

This is what it looks like before the cheese is melted. :)

ENJOY!

Green Bean Casserole

I have always wanted to make green bean casserole, but I wanted it to be unlike the ordinary green bean casserole that everyone makes. Everyone makes the kind with the soup and the "French Onions" on top. This casserole is delicious! However, I wanted to try something slightly different and it was a success. I would alter a few things if I made it again. However, I think it is definitely worth sharing.

Ingredients:

1 lb. bag of frozen green beans (I got mine at Aldis!)
1 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (The healthy alternative to sour cream is "Greek Yogurt" if you are looking for a substitute. It is better than plain yogurt because it is much thicker and helps keep a similar texture.)
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups box stuffing

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees before you get started. Then, put the green beans in a 9 by 13 pan. I use Pyrex glass pans and they work great. Before you put the green beans in the pan, you may want to rinse them off and make sure they are thawed.

Then, in a large skillet/pot you will start to sauté the onions in some melter butter. You will continue to do this until the onions are nice and soft! Then, add the flour in with the onions and butter. Then add the milk, and bring this mixture to a boil. Once it is brought to a boil add the cheese, sour cream, sugar, and salt. Continue to stir it until it is a nice thick cheese sauce. Then, pour the mixture over the green beans in the pan.


Then, you will top it with a layer of the stuffing. I tried the stuffing because I had never done it before. You can also top it with the "French Onions," corn flakes, or nothing. I personally like a little crunch with my green beans.

Then, you will just stick it in the oven for 25-30 minutes and take it out. ENJOY! you never thought you could make casserole from scratch! Now you can! :)

*I forgot to take a picture when it was done... but it was delicious looking with all crunchy brown stuffing on top.