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Hot Chocolate Krispie Treats

Filed under: Chocolate, Dessert!, Easy, Munchies Mind, Quick! — Leave a comment
May 12, 2013

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there!Hot Chocolate Krispie Treats

After making steak and a healthy vegetable slaw for dinner, I told The Pretty One I was going to make an unhealthy dessert. But these really aren’t all that bad, I don’t think. At least they’re not as bad as what I would have made if I had a ton of time and energy this weekend!

They sound like something you should eat in the winter (who wants hot chocolate when it’s 70 degrees outside?) but trust me – they make a great treat for spring days too!

These mix up in just a few minutes, and if you’re in a hurry to eat them (like me, believe it or not!) you can put them in the frig and they’ll set up even faster.

The chocolate flavor is “there” but not overwhelming. The mini chocolate chips on top add a little more chocolate goodness. The Pretty One declared these “delicious” and I have to agree. I’m having a hard time not eating the whole pan!

Quick, easy, and addicting. What more could you want??

Hot Chocolate Krispie Treats

from Crazy for Crust

Stuff you need:

3 Tablespoons butter
10 ounces marshmallows
2 packets powdered hot chocolate mix
6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
1/2 cup Mallow Bits (optional)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Now what?

Spray a 9×13” pan with cooking spray. Keep the cooking spray close by. Measure out cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
Place butter and marshmallows in a large, microwave safe bowl. Melt for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on HIGH power, stirring every 30 seconds until they are melted.
Stir in the hot chocolate packets, then immediately stir in the cereal and pour into prepared pan.
Working quickly, spray your hands with cooking spray so they won’t stick to the mixture, and carefully press the treats into the pan. (Be careful – the mixture will be hot.) Sprinkle immediately with Mallow Bits and mini chocolate chips and press lightly to secure them to the top of the krispie treats.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares. If you are impatient and want to speed cooking so you can eat them sooner, put pan in frig for a few minutes.  :)

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Snickerdoodles!

Filed under: Baking, Cookies, Munchies Mind — 2 Comments
May 4, 2013

SnickerdoodlesI love cinnamon and the warm smell when it bakes. It’s so comforting and homey!

Snickerdoodles are easy to make and even easier to eat! The cookies are vanilla-based with just a touch of salt to balance out the sugar. Rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked, the surface has a somewhat cracked appearance.

Because they’re not overly sweet, it’s easy to eat one after another. After another, after another. I can vouch for that. The last time I made Snickerdoodles for a birthday party, I had to send the leftovers back to school with The Pretty One so I didn’t eat them all. Well, I sent the leftovers that were left over AFTER I ate quite a few of them. They’re really “that” good.

This recipe comes from my friend, Jennifer’s, family cookbook. The Pretty One requested Snickerdoodles for Christmas dessert one year. I don’t think I’d ever made them, so I pulled out Jenn’s cookbook and tried this recipe. I’ve never tried another one since!Snickerdoodles

The size of the cookie is up to you, and you’ll need to adjust the baking temperature based on that. You can roll teaspoons of dough between your hands before rolling in the cinnamon sugar, or you can use a small cookie scoop (my preference) and roll in the cinnamon sugar.

Bake til the cookies are set and just starting to brown around the edges. Let them rest on the cookie sheet for 3 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on a rack.

I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Snickerdoodles

Stuff you need:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons sugar

3 teaspoons cinnamon

Now what?

Heat oven to 400F.

Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, margarine, shortening and eggs in large bowl.

Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.

Shape dough. Roll rounded teaspoons into balls between your hands or us a small cookie scoop.

Mix 3 Tablespoons sugar with 3 teaspoons cinnamon.

Roll balls in mixture.

Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. If making the cookie scoop size, dip a glass bottom in the cinnamon sugar and lightly press the cookie down. It’ll bake more evenly if you do that.

Bake until set, 8-10 minutes. Let set on cookie sheet for about 3 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Yield: About 30 cookies if using the cookie scoop.

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Banzai Birthdays: Carrot Cake for Sensei Phil

Filed under: Banzai Birthday!, Dessert!, Easy, Munchies Mind — Leave a comment
April 13, 2013

Carrots are good for your eyesight. Walnuts are good for your heart. Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties.

Banzai Carrot Cake

Banzai!

Translation: If you eat this carrot cake, you’re doing good things for your body! It’s health food!

If that doesn’t convince you and you need another reason to try this cake, I’ve got a very convincing one. Cream Cheese Frosting.

Sensei Phil didn’t have anything particular in mind for his Banzai Birthday treats. Knowing he’s not a chocolate person, I suggested one of my favorite cakes – Carrot Cake! I thought our karate group would enjoy it. The consensus was the cake is good and the frosting is Banzai-worthy!

Carrot CakeThis is a delicious AND nutritious cake, and you should try it. There are a couple things you should know:

  • I bought already-shredded carrots in the produce section. I’m too lazy to shred them myself.
  • You can use pecans instead of walnuts, or eliminate the nuts if there is a nut allergy. Personally, I’d add the nuts if you don’t have to leave them out.
  • This is a great way to sneak fruit and vegetables into your family’s bodies. The ingredient list can be your secret!  ;)
  • The frosting amount shown is 1 1/2 times the original recipe. What can I say? I like cream cheese frosting. If I hadn’t used it all on the cake, I would have eaten it right off the spoon. You can make 2/3 of the frosting if you want – it’ll give enough for the cakes. But why would you do that? The frosting is why we eat carrot cake, right?

Make this. Eat it. Feel healthier because you ate stuff that’s good for you. Then have another piece. Carrot cake is health food, and the cream cheese frosting is just plain awesome!

Carrot Cake

Slightly adapted from Food.com

Stuff you need:

CAKE
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

FROSTING (See TIP 2 for a lighter frosting.)
12 ounces cream cheese, softened — the blocks, not the whipped stuff
6 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups icing [powdered] sugar

Optional for decoration: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts

Now what?

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour two 9″ round cake pans or one 9×13 inch pan.
Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; make a well in the center and add sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Mix with wooden spoon until smooth.
Stir in carrots, coconut, walnuts and pineapple.
Pour into pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes for the rounds or 45 minutes for a 9×13. The cake will bake up fairly dark, and the centers will sink a little.
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting.
Cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth; add the vanilla then the icing sugar and beat until creamy.

To frost: If using the round cakes, no need to frost the sides. Plop half the frosting on one cake and spread. You’ll have a nice, thick layer of icing. It’s OK if a little goes over the edges. Place the second layer on top and frost with the remaining frosting.
Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and add a few chopped walnuts for decoration, if desired.

TIP: If you’re transporting the layered cake, put a dab of frosting on the plate before you put the first cake layer on it. It’ll act like a glue to hold the cake layer in place.
TIP 2: If you are one of the few people who don’t care for the thick cream cheese frosting, there’s a lighter version that’s also delish. Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese. Beat in 1 jar (7 oz.) of marshmallow fluff. Frost your cake then lick the spoon and bowl clean!

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Meatloaf? Yes, Meatloaf!

Filed under: Comfort Food, Dinner, Easy, Kitchen Kween, Munchies Mind — Leave a comment
April 2, 2013

Meatloaf.

Almost Classic MeatloafA couple of weeks back I decided I needed to make meatloaf. Not Mexican Meatloaf like I make for The Pretty One, but classic meatloaf.

It doesn’t sound so hard, yet so often meatloaf turns out dry or blah. I wanted mine to have the “Mmmm!” factor, so I asked friends & family for a good meatloaf recipe. This is a variation of the Kitchen Kween’s recipe.

Meatloaf is very forgiving, so if you don’t like or have one ingredient, you can leave it out or switch it up with something else. Except for the meat – without meat, it’s not meatloaf! I use 90 or 93% ground beef (low fat), so I didn’t use a lot of breadcrumbs. If you use a less lean meat, adjust the breadcrumbs to about 1 cup.

I used hot Italian sausage because that’s what I had on hand. Because I only used about 1/2 pound, the finished product wasn’t too spicy. But you can always use mild Italian sausage instead. The Kitchen Kween is right about the sausage: you don’t really taste it as Italian sausage, but it gives the meatloaf another level of flavor.

I used Tone’s Steak Dust Seasoning but you could use any steak seasoning you have. It’ll add a richness to the beef, so try to use something similar if you’ve got access to it.

Other than that, add what you like, eliminate what you don’t, and serve it up! I made mashed potatoes and brown gravy for ours; I don’t care for ketchup and mustard on meatloaf. If gravy isn’t your thing, top the meatloaf with BBQ sauce before baking. Or do like our dad did – top the meatloaf with ketchup, then write something in mustard over that.

The Pretty One and I really enjoyed this meatloaf. It hit the spot! I’d love to hear how you like to eat your meatloaf!

Almost Classic Meatloaf

Stuff you need:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild, about 2 links), casing removed
1/2 onion, chopped
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs [Use 1 cup bread crumbs if you use meat that is less than 90% lean.]
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
3 teaspoons Tone’s Steak Dust Seasoning or other steak seasoning

Now what?

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Use your hands or put everything in a large zip bag and smoosh it together.
Shape into a loaf and put the meatloaf in a loaf pan. [Press into loaf shape but don't compress too tightly.]
Bake in 350F oven for about 50 minutes. Check for doneness and bake until the center is no longer pink.
Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Crock Pot Jambalaya

Filed under: Dinner, Easy, Crock Pot, Munchies Mind — 2 Comments
March 29, 2013

Crock Pot JambalayaLike a little zip in your food? Then this just might be the thing for you!

I’d bought some andouille sausage and threw it in the freezer because I didn’t use it right away. When I found this recipe, I remembered that spicy sausage in my freezer and knew I had to try it!

This was a crazy-easy recipe! The hardest part was chopping the onion and green pepper. Other than that, everything is just tossed into the crock pot and then you wait. I even stuck the chicken in the crock pot when it was still frozen!

Easy enough, right?

And I’m sure you want to know if it was good. Well, here’s what The Pretty One had to say (excuse the texting language):

“What the [whoops!] did you put in this soup my mouth catches on fire every bite i love it

i couldn’t taste anything for a week [he'd been sick] then I ate this and flavor exploded in my mouth!”

How do you like that endorsement? I had to agree with him – it was really good!

Crock Pot JambalayaNow I’ve got to say if you aren’t a fan of spicy food, you can cut back the heat but still keep the flavor profile. You can reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper, and cut back the Cajun seasoning. I’d still use 1 teaspoon Cajun / blackened seasoning for the flavor.

And you can always start mild and add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne later. Or pass those and everyone can add more spice if they like more of a bite.

Andouille sausage is a bit spicy, but I wouldn’t call it “hot.” It’s got great flavor so if you can handle some spice, I’d use it. If not, you can swap it out for regular smoked sausage.

This recipe is definitely a winner — great flavor with minimum effort. That’s how I like to cook!!

 

SLOW COOKER JAMBALAYA

Slightly adapted from Cats and Casseroles

Stuff you need:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast [I used frozen chicken breasts and stuck them in the pot still frozen.]
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced [I used Eckrich or Johnsonville.]
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons Cajun (blackened) seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 c instant rice

Now what?
Place all ingredients except rice in slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Remove chicken and shred. Return to crock pot.

Cook rice according to package instructions. Add rice, as desired, into each individual serving of jambalaya. Store rice separately from rest of stew.

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Storm Prep: Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies!

Filed under: Baking, Chocolate, Chocolate Madness!, Cookies, Dessert!, Easy — Leave a comment
March 24, 2013

We were getting ready for another big storm to hit KC. Like most people, I’m sick of the snow but what are you gonna do, right?

Well, with nasty weather coming in, I did what most normal women would do to get ready. First, I got a pedi. Everything’s better with fresh nails, right? And then, I baked cookies!Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

With fresh nails, warm cookies, books on my Kindle and plenty of movies, I don’t mind being snowed in!

We “lucked out” and this last round wasn’t as bad as it might have been. Still, I’m home waiting for the snowplow. We live on a cul-de-sac and are the last ones to be plowed out. It’s usually a combination of a bobcat and a snowplow. So far I haven’t seen either, but that’s OK with me. I’ve got cookies!

This recipe is simple and tasty. It doesn’t use any weird ingredients, so if you’re snowed in you might have everything in your pantry to make these now. I used peanut butter chips and no nuts, but you could use any combo of chips and nuts you like.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Slightly adapted from She Makes and Bakes

Stuff you need:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups oats (quick or regular – both work)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts [use any combination of chips and nuts that equals 1 cup]

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips [use any combination of chips and nuts that equals 1 cup]

Now what?

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the butter and sugars until soft and mixed.

Add in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add in the vanilla, baking soda, and salt, and mix on low until combined.

Mix the cocoa powder and flour together and add gradually with mixer at low speed.

Once combined, add in the oats and mix.

Stir in the nuts and chips and mix until just incorporated.

Form the dough into one-inch balls or use a cookie scoop and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet about 1-2 inches apart. Bake for 11-12 minutes until set, but don’t overbake.

Let them cool for one minute on the sheet and then remove to a cooling rack.

Store in an airtight container or bag.

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Kitchen Kween ~ Two-Step Barbecue Sauce

Filed under: Easy, Kitchen Kween, Quick! — Leave a comment
March 23, 2013

Spring is soon approaching (fingers crossed!), and my thoughts are turning to grilling! Here is a recipe that gets more requests from friends than almost any other -  Two Step BBQ Sauce. Sounds easy, IS easy, and is SOooooo much better than anything you can buy at the store!Two Step BBQ Sauce

My kids’ school even asked me to provide a half gallon of this sauce to auction off with a Pig Roast (Pastor favorite!)  Not to brag (much!) but when the auctioneer mentioned it came with Alicia’s Special BBQ sauce, the bidding went up and they got TWICE what they normally do for the pig alone!!

Two Step BBQ SauceIf I could eat it with a spoon (NOT that I ever HAVE….ahem), this would be the sauce I’d want to eat!!   You can adjust the seasonings to taste.  One note: The amount of cayenne shown does NOT make it hot. Just gives it a nice “twang.” And this amount of sugar is needed to offset the dark flavors of the malt vinegar, soy and Worcestershire.

This sauce is red gold!! Great on chicken, ribs, burgers, and well….. even a spoon! J

Two Step Barbecue Sauce

Adapted from The New Basics Cookbook by Julie Rosso and Sheila Lukins

Stuff you need:

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

2 Tablespoons minced or pressed garlic

4 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste – make the sauce, simmer and then add more if you like)

60 oz. Ketchup (1 40-oz bottle, and 1 20-oz bottle)

1/2 cup Malt Vinegar

1/4 cup Soy Sauce

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (natural liquid smoke flavoring)

Now what?

Heat oil in a dutch oven.  Add the onion, garlic, cumin and cayenne. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened (about 10 minutes).

Put in large Ball jars (about 3 will do), or another container, and refrigerate. Keeps in fridge pretty much forever (due to ketchup and amount of sugar).

Sit back and wait for the compliments (and requests) to start rolling in!

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Sweet Potato Hummus

Filed under: Easy, Healthy, Munchies Mind, Quick!, Snacks, Veggies — Leave a comment
February 22, 2013

Sweet Potato Hummus? I couldn’t decide if that sounded good to me or not. I only like sweet potatoes once in a while, and only in small quantities. And I’m picky about my hummus. So I’m not sure why I had to try this recipe.

Sweet Potato HummusIn fact, when I tried it the first time, I wasn’t sure I liked it and I gave away probably 2/3 of it. And then a couple of weeks later I had to make it again. But this time, I only gave away a little bit and kept the rest for myself. I think my body was screaming for beta carotene, and this was a good way to get it.

The recipe calls for using a food processor but since I killed mine last year making peanut butter balls for Sensei Peterbilt and haven’t replaced it yet, I used my mixer. The second time I made it, I put the chick peas in a zipperbag and smooshed them with my hands before I put them in the mixer with the rest of the ingredients. This method doesn’t produce the super-silky, smooth version but I didn’t mind!

You can use your choice of oils for this. I used walnut oil and I think it adds a slightly nutty flavor. The original blogger suggests replacing the oil with OJ or a splash of soy milk if you want to reduce the fat.

In terms of spices, I used a couple teaspoons of blackened Cajun spice and maybe 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. I like sweet & spicy combinations, and I think the combination of these spices plus the sweet potato and maple syrup work well together. Adjust the spice if you like more or less seasoning.

Spiced Sweet Potato Hummus

Slightly adapted from Lunchboxbunch.com

Makes about 3 cups

Stuff you need:

1 cup oven-baked sweet potato, skin removed [I won't tell if you microwave your potato!]
1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons tahini
4 Tablespoons oil (olive oil, walnut oil, etc.)
1/3 cup nutritional yeast (optional)
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup or 1-2 tsp agave [I used maple syrup -pure, not the fake stuff]
Optional: 1/4 cup orange juice – for a zesty sweet accent of flavor!
Salt and spice to taste*

* I used about 2 teaspoons blackened Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt
* Add more oil/vinegar for silkier hummus – if desired.
Now what?

1. Add all the ingredients to a Vitamix or Food Processor.
2. Pulse or blend until smooth. For chunkier hummus – pulse the mixture and keep a few of the beans half-chopped instead of pureed. I went with a full on puree for creamier hummus.

Mixer Method:

If you don’t have a food processor, smoosh the beans in a zipperbag, then beat them with an electric mixer until they’re fairly smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.

Scoop up with sliced apples, carrots, bagel chips, jicama, or whatever appeals to you.

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Classic Chicken & Biscuits

Filed under: Comfort Food, Dinner, Munchies Mind, Veggies — Leave a comment
February 15, 2013

Classic Chicken & Biscuits“This chicken thing is amazing”

Does it need any endorsement besides that? This was my first try at chicken and biscuits, and based on that text, The Pretty One liked it as much as I did!

I had a chicken pot pie last weekend that was pretty tasty and thought about making one at home. But somehow my mind switched over to chicken and biscuits. Why? I have no idea because I don’t think I’ve had the dish before. Anyway, I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I was off on a search for a good recipe that didn’t require canned condensed soup.

I found this recipe on the Taste of Home website. I admit I cheated because I didn’t make homemade biscuits. I was lazy.  :) But I made the sauce from scratch, so instead of an A for effort, I’d say I get a B for effort – and an A for flavor!

This isn’t a difficult recipe, and the from-scratch sauce is definitely worth the effort! You can cook the chicken in advance or purchase a rotisserie chicken. I baked my chicken the night before and seasoned it fairly well with garlic powder and a spicy chicken blend. Be sure to use spices that compliment the basil and thyme in the sauce. And speaking of the sauce, it’s mild and creamy and allows the flavor of the chicken, vegetables, and basil to shine through.

This is family-friendly comfort food I think you’ll enjoy. I know we did!

Chicken and Biscuits

Adapted from Taste of Home

Stuff you need:

1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 can biscuits OR recipe below

BISCUITS:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup fat-free milk
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Now what?

In a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender.
Stir in the flour, basil, thyme and pepper until blended.
Gradually stir in milk and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and STIR [so it doesn't scorch] for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in the vegetables, chicken and cheese; reduce heat to low. [If using canned biscuits, cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.]

If using canned biscuits, cut 5 or 6 biscuits in half. You won’t need the full package, so bake up the rest separately following package directions.

OR

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, combine the milk, oil and parsley; stir into dry ingredients just until combined.

Transfer hot chicken mixture to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish.
Top with biscuit halves or drop biscuit batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto chicken mixture.
Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-40 minutes or until biscuits are lightly browned. Yield: 6 servings.

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Kitchen Kween ~ Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Filed under: Easy, Kitchen Kween, Munchies Mind, Snacks, Uncategorized — Leave a comment
January 28, 2013
The Super Bowl is coming!  Need a last minute appetizer that everyone will RAVE about?? Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Try this winning recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Dip. We make this often. It is so wonderful and tasty! Hard to describe – lots of flavor and so versatile.

Use as a tortilla chip or veggie dip. We use this in chicken wraps with lettuce and rice. Delicious!! We also use it as a sauce (cold) when we serve grilled steak.

And, honestly, what’s not to love? Put everything in the blender or food processor and blend it up. So easy!

You can use the jarred red peppers, but it is so easy (and more flavorful) to make your own! (Instructions for this appear in the recipe.)

One of our most requested party recipes – try it and you’ll see why.

Hope you enjoy!
~ Kitchen Kween (Munchie’s Sis)

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Stuff you need:
1  7-oz jar roasted red sweet peppers, well drained (or 3 home-roasted red peppers, skinned, seeded, and sliced)
1  8-oz pkg cream cheese, softened to room temp
2 Tablespoons real mayonnaise [can omit this if you want – don’t sub Miracle Whip]
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1 Tablespoon lime (or lemon) juice
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 1-1/2 Tablespoons fresh, snipped parsley)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoon cumin
Now what?
In food processor or blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste for seasoning. (Wait to add more cayenne – when the flavors blend it may sneak up on you!)
Yield:  2 cups.**To roast your own red peppers, place whole peppers directly onto stovetop flame. Once one side is nice and charred BLACK, turn and continue charring until all sides are black.
Place in plastic or paper bag, cover with a cloth. Let sit for 15 minutes to loosen skin.
Peel black skin off, cut open, take out seeds and veins, and dab with a paper towel to dry a bit.
Don’t worry about getting ALL of the black specks, it adds mucho flavor! This is messy, but soooooo good!!
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