Fluffy Apple Dip

I got this recipe from Real Mom Kitchen, who got it from Simple and Delicious, and I’ve made it twice since Halloween.  It’s yummy and different.
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (I used 1 full teaspoon)
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
Assorted apple wedges
In a small bowl, beat [...]

Avocado Salsa

I’d show you a picture, but when I opened the fridge this morning, the leftovers fell on the floor, scattered, and the dish broke, too.   Bummer, because this stuff is GOOD and was going to be lunch today.
2 cans diced tomatoes, mostly drained
1 can shoepeg corn (can substitute with any corn, but shoepeg is BEST), [...]

Blueberry Tart

from Real Simple, August 2009
This was really pretty, very simple, and good – not too sweet.
1 8-ounce sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 cups blueberries
Heat oven to 375° F. On a lightly floured surface, unfold [...]

PW’s Potato Bundles

Most excellent.  I didn’t follow her recipe,  but the idea is so easy and versatile you can substitute so many different spices and veggies.  We LOVED this and will be doing it again.  Often.
Russet potatoes, cut into chunks
Yellow or white onion, cut into chunks
Butter (regular, salted)
Heavy cream
Kosher salt
Paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Pile potatoes [...]

Potato Salad with Artichokes and Asparagus

We LOVED this.
makes 6 healthy salad-side servings
Can be made up to 4 hours ahead of time and chilled.  Stir in asparagus just before serving.
8 oz asparagus, ends trimmed, spears cut into 1″ pieces
2 lbs red potatoes, cut into 1″ thick chunks
2 strips bacon, chopped
2/3 cup chopped shallots
2 t fresh chopped fresh rosemary
5 t olive oil
1 [...]

Tomato Garbanzo Salad

2 tomatoes, chopped
1 – 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 to 1 cup chopped purple onion, chopped
small handful cilantro, chopped
2 hard boiled eggs, sliced or chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
Caesar Parmesean Vinegrette
Throw everything into a bowl and toss with as much or little of the salad dressing as you like.

canned apple pie filling

Peel and slice apples and pack tightly into bottles.
Bring to a boil: 10 c. water, 1 c. cornstarch, 5 c. sugar, 1/2 c. lemon juice, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Pour over sliced apples – process 20 minutes.
Makes 8 quarts.
Thank you Melanie H.!

Watermelon Popsicles

It’s raining today, but we have a big ol’ bucket of watermelon in the fridge that isn’t going to last much longer.  When Costco gives you a large watermelon, make watermelon popsicles.
Make a simple syrup with 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar, and cook on the stovetop just until the sugar is dissolved.  Put [...]

Loaded Baked Potatoes

I think we’ll do loaded baked potatoes for dinner tonight.  It’s still cold and snowy and something warm and low effort sounds perfect. I thought I’d make a list of toppings that we like and that sound good – did I miss your favorite?  Let me know!
broccoli
melted cheddar
bacon crumbles
tomatoes
green onions
chili
black beans
kidney beans
bleu cheese (with the [...]

Carmel Dipping Sauce

Perfect for apples
8 ounces softened cream cheese
1/4 CUP sugar
3/4 CUP brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Mix well and enjoy.  Halves easily.  Keep leftovers in the fridge.